Every year in Baltimore, Annapolis and other cities and towns across Maryland, dozens of bicycle riders are injured or killed by inattentive motorists on city boulevards, suburban streets and country roads. As Maryland bicycle accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys, our firm is aware of the dangers present on our public roadways.
Cyclists have next to no protection when it comes to a collision with an automobile, sport utility vehicle or pickup truck. Commercial vehicles pose even greater threats to bike riders; accidents involving semi tractor-trailers or urban delivery vehicles can many times be fatal. Minor cuts and bruises are nothing compared to broken bones, deep lacerations and other life-threatening injuries such as spine and brain trauma.
Avoiding injury on a bicycle is one of the key jobs of a cyclist, yet there are many other ways to protect oneself while peddling around town. It is important to remember that under Maryland law bicycles are considered road-going vehicles, which means bicycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of cars and trucks.