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The Experience You Need After A Bicycle Accident

Bicycle accidents in Baltimore can be far more dangerous than other motor vehicle accidents. Much of the reason for this is that cyclists just lack the protection people enjoy in cars and trucks. A bicycle helmet helps, for instance, but a helmet is no replacement for an airbag and a seatbelt. The driver may be the one who makes a mistake and causes the crash – improper turning, overtaking too closely and not checking the mirrors  – but it is the cyclist who faces the greatest injury risk.

At Peter Angelos Law, we’re proud to have more than 500 years of combined experience, tracing our founding back to 1961. Our team of attorneys can help you consider all of your options to seek compensation after an accident. You could face high medical bills, lost wages and more. Lean on our experience to help you maximize your claim and seek the financial compensation you deserve. Our firm has the knowledge and resources to take on even the largest and most complex personal injury cases.

Common Cyclist Injuries After A Bike Accident

Maryland does have some protections for cyclists, such as the use of dedicated “bikeways” and bike lanes on the side of the road. And bikes are considered vehicles with the same rights-of-way as any other. But accidents can and do still happen, and they may lead to injuries such as:

  • Bone fractures
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Internal injuries
  • Road rash

Why do these serious accidents happen? Some of the most frequent causes of bike accidents include drivers not checking blind spots, opening doors into the bike lane, passing when they don’t have enough space or failing to yield the right of way. Drivers are supposed to share the road, but not everyone does so safely.

How Common Are Bicycle Crashes in Baltimore?

In Baltimore, there are over 200 bicycle accidents annually, or more than one every other day. If you look at Maryland as a whole, more than 85% of these accidents take place either in Washington, D.C., or in Baltimore. Urban riding clearly carries serious risks. However, there are more than 800 annual bike accidents across the state, so it’s certainly possible to be involved in a serious wreck outside of the city.

The summer months tend to lead to a spike in accidents, with 39% of bicycle crashes taking place from July through September. It’s also important to note that more than 80% of these accidents lead to injuries. This is largely due to the lack of protection cyclists have against injury, as injury rates are much lower for accidents involving other vehicle types.

What To Do After A Bike Accident

As an injured cyclist, the first step is to attend to any medical needs by contacting first responders. Calling the authorities also helps you get a police report, which can help later as you seek compensation. If possible, try to get the other driver’s contact information and insurance information. Taking pictures of the crash scene can also help demonstrate why the accident happened and who was at fault. Finally, you may want to talk to witnesses who can corroborate your story.

When you meet with your legal team, it’s important to carefully consider all the costs you have incurred as a result of the accident. Immediate medical bills, like an ER trip, may pale in comparison to the long-term medical costs of rehabilitation. Lost wages from the day of the crash may just be a drop in the bucket compared to your lost earning capacity with long-term injuries.

This is why Baltimore bike accident lawyers usually advise that you do not take a settlement offer until you know that it is going to cover everything – as taking an insurance settlement may close your case forever.

What Makes Peter Angelos Law Different?

Our 500-plus years of combined experience sets us apart from other firms in Maryland. We have spent decades representing people in Baltimore through some of the most challenging and distressing situations imaginable. We understand how these cases work, we can help you consider the full costs of your injuries and damages, and we are dedicated to holding the right people accountable.

You can’t always avoid an accident when another driver makes a mistake, but you can hire the right bike accident attorney afterward. To set up your free consultation, just contact us online or call 410-216-0009 today.