Earlier last month in North Baltimore, an accident between a bike and a Subaru left one man dead. According to a report by one local news source, the accident occurred around the 5700 block of Roland Avenue, around 2:45 in the afternoon.
Evidently, when police responded to report of a bicycle accident, they found the 41-year-old victim but no other driver. It wasn’t until a little bit later that the driver of the car that had hit the bicyclist returned to the scene of the accident. The victim was transported to Sinai Hospital in critical condition, but he was not able to overcome his injuries. He died a short time later.
As it turns out, the driver of the Subaru was given probation in a 2010 case involving drunk driving. According to court documents, her blood-alcohol level back then was over three times the legal limit.
Police are currently conducting an investigation into what happened prior to the fatal accident and whether charges should be filed against the driver. A spokesperson for the police department released the following statement regarding its investigation:
These investigations are complex and intricate, of[ten] requiring detailed reconstruction and forensic examination. This is still a very active investigation that is being handled by our C.R.A.S.H. Team. In order not to jeopardize any potential prosecution, specific evidentiary details will not be released at this time.
Baltimore’s Mayor used this as an opportunity to push his Bicycle Master Plan, which would increase the total number of bike lanes and bike paths in the city, allowing for safer travel.
Bicycle Accidents in Maryland
Anyone who uses the road has an obligation to safely operate their vehicles in order to ensure the safety of other motorists. When a driver has a lapse in judgment or inattentively causes an accident, he or she may be held liable for any injuries caused as a result of his or her negligence.
As the article noted, a police investigation is critically important to not just the criminal prosecution of the potential offender but also to an accident victim’s negligence lawsuit. Often, a civil plaintiff’s job is made much easier by the fact that the person who is claimed to be responsible for the accident has already been convicted of a crime for causing that same accident.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Bicycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured by another motorist while on a bike, you may be entitled to monetary compensation to help you cover the cost of your past and future medical expenses, missed work, future lost wages, and pain and suffering. To learn more about how you may be able to recover for your injuries, call one of the dedicated Maryland personal injury attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers. The skilled team of lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen have decades of experience litigating all kinds of Maryland personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents. Call 410-654-3600 to set up a free initial consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Questionable Police Chase Results in Several Serious Injuries, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published December 4, 2014.
Hit-and-Run Accident Victim Struck While on Bike, Lucky To be Alive, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published November 12, 2014.