Just as learning how to ride a bike is one of the most memorable milestones in any child’s life, it is also seen as a parental rite of passage. And while one of the most important aspects of teaching a child to ride a bike is imparting the importance of bicycle safety, some accidents cannot be avoided.In fact, Maryland bicycle accidents injure, on average, about 67,000 riders per year and result in over 700 fatalities annually. Studies have shown that child riders account for a significant number of both the fatal and the non-fatal bicycle accidents. Most of these accidents occur close to the child’s home, often on their own street.
Motorists have a duty to avoid causing a bicycle accident. This includes following all traffic laws, paying attention to the road in front of them, and yielding to bicyclists when appropriate. When a motorist causes a bicycle accident, they may be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result of their negligence.
It is important for Maryland accident victims to keep in mind, however, that under the state’s strict contributory negligence laws, an accident victim who is determined to have been even the slightest bit at fault for the accident may be precluded from recovering damages for their injuries. This makes the involvement of an experienced personal injury attorney very important to a claim’s success.
Child Killed in Bicycle Accident While Crossing the Road
Last month, a young boy was killed as he was crossing the road on his bike after he was struck by an oncoming motorist. According to a local news report covering the tragic accident, the collision occurred in the afternoon hours at an intersection where a public bike path crossed the road.
Evidently, the boy was riding his bike across the street as the motorist approached the intersection. The motorist did not have sufficient time to come to a stop and collided with the young rider. The boy was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Residents who live near where the fatal accident occurred told reporters that the intersection is a dangerous one, due to the trees that obscure the view of both motorists and riders. Residents also claim that the intersection is not properly marked and that there should be a sign to warn both crossing bicyclists as well as approaching cars of the intersection.
Police have begun an investigation into the fatal bicycle accident but have not yet filed any criminal charges against the driver.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Bicycle Accident?
If you or your child has recently been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. There is nothing more devastating than when an innocent child loses their life due to a preventable accident. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC, we have been handling Maryland personal injury cases for decades, and we understand not just the legal landscape but also the pain that families face in the wake of a serious accident. We take every precaution to ensure the process is as smooth for our clients as possible, and we are available to answer any questions along the way. To learn more, call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation with an attorney from Lebowitz & Mzhen today.
More Blog Posts:
George Clooney Injured in a Serious Scooter Accident, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published July 19, 2018.
Maryland Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Improper Passing and Lane Changes, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published August 7, 2018.