After being injured in a bike crash, you deserve to know your rights, what laws apply, and what steps to take to recover just compensation. At Burnett Injury Group, our dedicated personal injury attorneys bring clear communication and personalized attention to every case. If you need legal guidance throughout the claims process, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an Annapolis bicycle accident lawyer.
The losses involved in a bicycle accident are often significant. You may be facing overwhelming medical expenses. If your collision resulted from another individual’s negligence, you have legal rights to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages may include:
Non-economic damages may cover pain and suffering, inconvenience, loss of mobility, loss of enjoyment of life, and more. Our lawyers will work to ensure all of the losses you have suffered as a result of your Annapolis bike crash are accounted for in your compensation claim.
In Maryland, bicycles are treated as vehicles. Cyclists must obey traffic signals and stop signs, use hand signals, and stay to the right except when overtaking or turning. State law also requires a white front light and red rear reflector or light when riding after dark. For riders under the age of 16, a helmet is mandatory.
Additionally, the state’s three‑foot rule requires motor vehicles to maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist. If the driver who injured you violated this rule, an Annapolis-based bike wreck lawyer can help you collect and present evidence to demonstrate negligence.
Recovering compensation for your injuries requires proving that the individual responsible for your accident acted negligently. Evidence may include photos of the accident scene and your injuries, nearby traffic camera or security footage, and eyewitness accounts of the wreck. In addition, police reports from the scene may be used to gather information about the circumstances leading up to and following your crash. Our Annapolis attorneys help bicycle accident victims organize and present evidence to prove liability and collect just compensation for their injuries.
The Police Department uses the standard Maryland Police Accident Report form for collisions, including those involving bicycles. This form was primarily designed for motor vehicle crashes and lacks specific data fields to capture crucial details about a bicycle accident.
For example, the form does not provide space to record the presence or condition of bicycle-specific infrastructure, such as bike lanes. This incomplete data makes it difficult to track accidents in areas where poor infrastructure acts as a contributing factor and to get a complete description of what happened.
While police reports are not a replacement for an investigation, the lack of specific fields can lead to separate officers reporting details differently. Because of this, it is essential to collect as much evidence as possible to paint an accurate picture of your accident and resulting injuries.
Under Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5‑101, personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years of the date of injury. If you were a minor at the time of your crash, the statute of limitations is paused until your 18th birthday.
Failing to file your claim within the statute of limitations will result in you losing your right to pursue compensation for your injuries. The lawyers at Burnett Injury Group handle all aspects of the legal process, ensuring claims are filed within the correct time frames and with all of the required documentation.
The attorneys at Burnett Injury Group have recovered millions for bicycle and motor vehicle crash victims. Compassion is at the heart of everything we do, and we believe that injured individuals should not have to fight for fair treatment. Our seasoned legal team provides clear communication and personalized attention so you can focus on recovery.
Contact us now to schedule a free legal consultation with an Annapolis bicycle accident lawyer. We look forward to helping you.