Bicycle Accidents

With the increasing popularity of biking in Prince George's County, more cyclists are sharing the road with cars, trucks, and buses. Because of this, bicycle accidents are unfortunately common. When accidents occur, cyclists are particularly vulnerable due to the lack of physical protection compared to drivers in cars, SUVs and trucks. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, understanding your rights—including the right to file a legal claim against the at-fault driver—is crucial. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our Prince George’s bicycle accident lawyers are committed to helping you pursue the compensation you need to ensure you are not left paying for another’s negligence.

In Maryland, specific bike lane laws are designed to protect cyclists and promote safe road-sharing between cyclists and drivers. By law, bicycles are considered vehicles, and cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. When there are designated bike lanes, cyclists are required to use them unless the conditions make it unsafe. For example, cyclists may leave the bike lane if they need to avoid debris, parked cars, or pedestrians.

Motorists, on the other hand, must respect bike lanes and not use them for parking, driving, or blocking the path of cyclists. Drivers are also required to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing them on the road. Unfortunately, not all drivers adhere to these rules, and motorists’ failure to do so can lead to dangerous—and sometimes fatal—accidents. If a motorist violates Maryland’s bike lane laws and causes an accident, they may be held financially liable for any resulting injuries.

Bicyclists in Prince George's County face several hazards when sharing the road with motor vehicles. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted may not notice a cyclist until it’s too late, leading to dangerous collisions.
• Speeding: Motorists traveling at high speeds may be unable to stop in time to avoid a cyclist, especially in areas with poor visibility.
• Dooring accidents: When a driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist’s path, it can cause the cyclist to collide with the door, leading to serious injuries.
• Failing to yield: Many bicycle accidents happen when drivers fail to yield the right of way at intersections, particularly when turning left or right across a cyclist’s path.
• Weather conditions: Poor weather, such as rain or fog, can make it difficult for drivers to see cyclists, increasing the risk of accidents.

These hazards present serious risks to cyclists, and when drivers fail to exercise caution around bicycles, the results can be catastrophic. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, it's important to consult with an experienced Prince George’s bicycle accident attorney to ensure that you understand your rights as well as how to pursue a claim for compensation from the at-fault party.

Just as drivers have rules they must obey, Maryland cyclists must follow specific laws to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. Some of the rules for cyclists include:

• Ride in the same direction as traffic: Cyclists must ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as other vehicles.
• Use hand signals: Bicyclists are required to use hand signals when turning or stopping to alert drivers of their intentions.
• Obey traffic signals and signs: Cyclists must stop at red lights and stop signs and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Helmet use: While Maryland law requires helmets for cyclists under the age of 16, wearing a helmet is highly recommended for cyclists of all ages to reduce the risk of head injuries in the event of an accident.
• Lights and reflectors: When riding at night, cyclists must have a white front light and a red rear reflector or light to make themselves visible to other drivers.

Failing to follow these rules not only puts cyclists at risk but can also affect their ability to recover compensation in the event of an accident. This is because Maryland’s strict contributory negligence law prevents cyclists from recovering damages if they are found to be even partially at fault for the accident.

If you’ve been injured in a bike accident involving a motor vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Pursuing a personal injury claim can help cover these costs, but proving fault in bicycle accidents is not always straightforward. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our team of Prince George’s motor vehicle accident lawyers understands the challenges bicycle accident cases raise, and how to overcome them. We will thoroughly investigate the details of your accident, gather the necessary evidence, and advocate for your rights in settlement negotiations and, if necessary, at court. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation, contact us today by calling 301-441-2022 or through our secure online contact form. We also represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville and the surrounding areas.