Lutherville Bicycle Accident Attorney
Crashes between cars and bikes often do not end well for the individual on the bike. Safe cycling requires wearing a helmet and clothing that is more likely to be seen by others on the road. Unfortunately, no matter how cautious a cyclist may be, sharing the road with automobiles comes with some inevitable risks. Many of the dangers presented are the result of careless or irresponsible drivers. Distracted driving and speeding are common on Maryland’s roadways, and drunk drivers still pose risks throughout the United States.
Despite the risks of cycling on the road, many Americans use bikes because they are an inexpensive and environmentally friendly way to get around. Others choose to use them for recreational purposes. Although some cities have made their roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians, there are still many places in Maryland and across the country where little has been done to protect these vulnerable road users. When riding a bike on the road, things can go wrong in an instant, and while the crash might occur in the blink of an eye, the consequences can last a lifetime.
If you were injured while riding a bicycle because a driver struck you, you might be eligible to recover compensation for the harm done to you. At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, we have more than 30 years of experience representing injured individuals in Lutherville, Maryland, and throughout the state. Call us today at 410-769-5400 to speak with one of our dedicated personal injury attorneys about your claim.
How to Recover Following a Bike Crash in Lutherville, Maryland
Cyclists injured on the road because of a negligent driver’s actions can recover from the person who caused those injuries. To prove negligence, the plaintiff must indicate that another person owed him or her a duty of care and that the other person failed to meet that duty of care and caused the plaintiff’s injuries. To be legally negligent, a driver must have failed to behave as a reasonably prudent person.
In Maryland, cyclists will not recover for their injuries if they were in part liable for the cause of the crash. Still, many injured cyclists can prove that the driver who caused the collision was entirely at fault for the incident.
If a negligent driver injured you, your attorney might first try to negotiate a settlement. If that does not work, they will file a complaint and initiate a lawsuit against the driver who injured you. Both parties will have the opportunity to collect evidence from one another in a process referred to as “discovery.” You, the driver, witnesses, medical providers, and others may provide information in a deposition. Most cases settle before trial, but your attorney should be ready to take your claim to trial if necessary. Our firm has extensive litigation experience, including obtaining successful jury verdicts for injured persons.
Damages Available in a Lutherville, Maryland Bicycle Accident
If you were injured in a bike crash in Lutherville, Maryland, you may recover damages for your losses. Damages can include compensation for your medical bills, lost time at work, property damage, and pain and suffering. Following fatal cyclist crashes, families can recover compensation from a negligent driver who caused the accident. The damages available to you will vary depending on the facts of your case and the type of harm you suffered. In most cases, your non-economic damages, including your pain and suffering, will be greater than the total amount of economic damages.
Speak to a Lutherville, Maryland bicycle accident attorney to learn more about the damages that might be available in your case.
How Do Drivers Cause Bike Crashes in Lutherville, Maryland
Drivers are often involved in bicycle collisions at intersections. Turning motorists may fail to notice smaller road users and therefore cut into their path or strike them. Drivers should be looking for bikes approaching from behind them before they make a right turn. Left turns also frequently cause risks to cyclists and others on the road. Additionally, drivers should give cyclists plenty of space when they pass them. Failing to provide space to a cyclist will put that person at risk.
Cyclists can reduce their risk of being injured in a collision by following the laws and by wearing appropriate protective gear and highly visible clothing. Behaving in unexpected ways or biking in the dark can make a cyclist more likely to face harm.
Call Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP for Help After a Lutherville Bicycle Accident
The dedicated personal injury attorneys at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP understand how important it is for personal injury victims to recover for their losses. Sustaining an injury caused by another person can lead to serious financial stress, pain, and other negative consequences for the victim. Recovering compensation is often vital to the healing process for the injured individual and his or her loved ones. Call us at 410-769-5400 for a consultation with an experienced Lutherville, Maryland bicycle accident attorney.
