Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
Riding a bicycle has always been a preferred mode of transportation in urban environments. It’s free, fast, and provides the rider with physical exercise as well. However, it can also be more dangerous given the speed at which the riders are traveling and the exposure they have to vehicle traffic.
In fact, since 1987 over 100 bicyclists have lost their lives in bike accidents in the Washington DC area. This led GreaterGreaterWashington.org to conduct a study about where the accidents were occurring, hoping to establish a pattern where the most dangerous intersections were located. The study took data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System as well as from media reports in local sources.
According to the study, Prince George’s had the most fatal accidents of the jurisdictions studied. The breakdown of where the fatal bicycle accidents occurred is as follows:
- Prince George’s: 36
- District of Columbia: 25
- Montgomery: 21
- Fairfax: 19
- Alexandria: 2
- Falls Church: 2
- Arlington: 2
Interestingly, the study also took a look at where the fatal bike accidents were occurring, discovering the following breakdown:
- In an Intersection: 37
- On the Road: 36
- Crosswalk: 20
- On the Road’s Shoulder: 7
- In a Bike Lane: 3
- On the Sidewalk: 2
- Unknown: 1
Bike Accidents in the DC Area
As you can see from reading, bicycle accidents happen everywhere; in metropolitan areas and on small rural roads. While many of the accidents happen at an intersection, there is also a large number of accidents that occur on the road, shoulder, and even in the bike lane. All this is to say that, while a bicyclist can certainly take precautions, he or she can never guarantee his or her own safety while on the road.
Thankfully, there is a remedy for bicyclists who are injured while on the road by negligent or distracted drivers. These accident victims can bring a negligence lawsuit against the at-fault driver seeking compensation for their injuries, as well as for any pain and suffering they sustained as a result of the accident. To learn more about how to recover for a serious bicycle accident, contact a dedicated personal injury attorney today.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland or DC Bicycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a serious bicycle accident in or around the DC area, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for the injuries you sustained. However, keep in mind that insurance companies are generally loath to pay out, even on the most meritorious claims, and will often fight tooth-and-nail to prevent you from recovering. Therefore, it is advised that you speak to one of the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers, a dedicated Maryland and DC personal injury firm, before proceeding with your case. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free initial consultation with an attorney.
More Blog Posts:
Minibike Rider Killed in Lexington Park, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published October 8, 2014.
Fourth-Year GW Medical Student Killed in Motorcycle Accident, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published September 4, 2014.