At the personal injury law firm of Howie Law Firm LLC, we are strong advocates for the rights of bicycle riders who have been injured because of the negligent or reckless behavior of the driver of a car, bus, motorcycle or truck. We have put together a list of answers to frequently asked questions about bicycle accidents. We hope you find these answers to be helpful as you prepare to discuss your own needs and concerns with Mr. Howie during your free consultation for personal injury cases:
Contact our experienced Annapolis bike accident lawyers
To schedule a free consultation for personal injury cases with an attorney at Howie Law Firm LLC to discuss your case, please call us at (410) 793-2400 or contact us online. We are available 24/7 to assist you. Our office is conveniently located in Annapolis and serves clients throughout the region.
Q. What rules are bike riders expected to follow?
A. Just as drivers must follow rules of the road, bicyclists are also required to follow traffic laws:
Also remember that in Maryland, helmets are required for anybody under 16.
Q. If the accident was partially my fault, can I still file a lawsuit?
A. Unfortunately, under Maryland’s contributory negligence law, if you failed to exercise the proper care and your failure to do so contributed in any way to the accident, you are barred from seeking recovery. Your accident lawyer can help determine if you have a valid claim or not.
Q. What should I tell the insurance company?
A. You should not discuss the accident with the insurance company – and you should definitely not sign anything! Let your lawyer handle the adjuster and any other insurance representative to help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve, and not the lesser amount that the insurance company will want you to sign off on.
Q. What are common types of bike injuries?
A. Most of us remember the skinned knees we often got as children. So-called “road rash,” the abrasions caused by pavement or gravel can be more serious than we think. Infections, especially the staph infection called MRSA, can be dangerous and even life-threatening if not treated. Other common injuries include sprains and broken bones. Because cyclists have little protection even when wearing a helmet, they are susceptible to catastrophic injuries — including severe head and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord damage leading to quadriplegia or paraplegia — as well as fatal injuries.