Baltimore Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Serving Baltimore & All of Maryland

Baltimore is a thriving metropolis in Maryland, boasting the title of the 30th most populous city in the nation. The city has a complex system of bicycle routes and paths, many of which cross through the main downtown area. Unfortunately, bicycle lanes and trail systems can’t prevent collisions 100% of the time. In 2016, there were 238 bicycle accidents in Baltimore City. This was the highest number in a five-year period. Of these Baltimore bicycle accidents, 185 caused injuries and one was fatal.

Murphy, Falcon & Murphy is proud to represent bicycle accident victims and their loved ones in Baltimore personal injury claims. The Murphy family has practiced law for more than 70 years and has earned a reputation within the community for providing powerful legal services and aggressive representation. Our long history of success both in and out of the courtroom is a testament to how hard we work for our clients. If you’ve had a bicycle accident in Baltimore, then please contact us for a free consultation. You might be able to become a part of our unparalleled record of success.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Bicyclist

Maryland is a pure contributory negligence state. This can be bad news for vehicle accident victims, as it means that even just 1% of fault can bar them from receiving monetary compensation. One of the most common defenses in bicycle accident claims is that the bicyclist contributed to the crash by breaking a roadway rule or disobeying a city-specific statute. Knowing the laws in Baltimore can help you protect your rights after an accident.

Bicycles must obey the rules of the road in Baltimore. Bikes are considered vehicles in Maryland, which means that bike riders must obey the same rules as automobiles. When a bicycle is on a regular road, drivers cannot pass a bicycle that is closer than three feet away. Drivers must pass at a safe distance and always leave bikers plenty of space. If they pass a bicyclist, drivers must make sure the bicyclist is a safe distance away before making a turn.

When a vehicle is making a turn, the bicycle has the right-of-way. Motorists must yield the right-of-way to cyclists when trying to make turns. Motorists must also yield the right-of-way to bicyclists operating in bike lanes and on shoulders when drivers are entering or crossing these areas. Bicyclists also get right-of-way when lawfully riding on the sidewalk and using a crosswalk. All bicyclists under the age of 16 must wear helmets in Maryland.

Driver Negligence and Bicycle Accidents

In a collision between an automobile and a bicycle, the automobile always wins. Bicyclists and other pedal cyclists do not have the same protections in a crash and generally sustain more serious injuries than the driver of the vehicle. Bicycle helmets and pads aren’t always enough to prevent injuries such as broken bones, cuts and scrapes, muscle injuries, and skull and brain injuries. No matter how careful you are as a cyclist in Baltimore, you could end up as the victim of an accident. Drivers can cause bike accidents through acts of negligence such as:

  • Texting and driving
  • Fiddling with the radio or GPS
  • Chatting with passengers
  • Driving while intoxicated
  • Driving while drowsy
  • Failing to yield the right-of-way
  • Driving through stop signs or red lights
  • Speeding or reckless driving

What Should I Do If I’m In A Bicycle Accident?

As a cyclist, one faces many dangerous obstacles on the road, but none are as deadly as moving automobiles. If you are involved in a bicycle/auto accident, in most cases, there may not have been a lot you could have done to prevent it. However, after one occurs, there are a few things you should do immediately to protect yourself.

  1. Report the accident to law enforcement — This is prudent for a number of reasons. First, because it ensures a mediator at the site of the accident. Second, they will collect the necessary information, including insurance coverage. Lastly, the information they gather may be a crucial factor in recovering damages from any personal injuries or losses that you have incurred.
  2. Get medical attention for your injuries — If you are not taken to the hospital, it is still important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The adrenaline may be making you feel like you have not been injured, but then the pain comes later. Let a physician check you over and take any pictures of your injuries (as well as your damaged bicycle). These records may be very helpful if and when you seek damages.
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Maryland Bicycle Accident Statistics

  • On average, 12 people are killed and 700 bicycle riders are injured out of the 830 average accidents that occur in Maryland every year.
  • Baltimore County and Baltimore City comprise nearly 40% of all bicycle collisions in Maryland.
  • Almost 50% of bicycle fatalities occur on weekends.
  • There is almost an 80% rate of injury/fatality for bicyclists involved in an automobile/bicycle accident.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

While not every bicycle accident comes down to the driver’s fault, many do. Some of Baltimore’s most dangerous intersections have seen horrific bicycle and pedestrian accidents, all because impatient or reckless drivers failed to obey their duty of care while on the road.

If what we’ve described sounds like your situation, then please talk to one of our Baltimore accident lawyers about your rights to bring a claim against the driver. A personal injury claim could result in payment for all of your accident-related damages, including medical costs, property damage, and pain and suffering. Call (410) 951-8744 to schedule a consultation today.