Frederick Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Even if you pay attention to your surroundings and follow every traffic law to the letter, you still may be at significant risk of injury while riding a bike in Frederick. A momentary lapse of concentration or single reckless act from another driver on the road with you could result in a collision that leaves you severely injured—and without a settlement or civil court verdict in your favor, you could end up paying for every ensuring expense and loss yourself.
Fortunately, a Frederick bicycle accident lawyer could help you file suit against the party responsible for your bike crash and pursue compensation for all your resulting damages. With assistance from a qualified personal injury attorney, you could greatly improve your odds of proving liability and securing a favorable resolution to your claim.
Establishing Liable Parties Following a Serious Bike Crash
Typically, a bicyclist injured in a collision involving a motor vehicle must prove that the driver of that vehicle was legally negligent in order to recover compensation. This often means showing that the driver violated at least one rule of the road in way that directly caused the accident in question. For example, a driver who fails to yield properly to a bicyclist and strikes them as a result could be held responsible for the bicyclist’s damages.
However, there are many traffic rules and regulations that apply to bicycle riders as much as motor vehicle operators, as well as some that apply specifically to bicyclists. For instance, bicycles cannot be used on expressways, interstates, or any other road where the maximum speed limit exceeds 50 miles per hour, and all riders under the age of 16 must wear a safety helmet at all times.
Any indication whatsoever that an injured bicyclist violated the law as well prior to their accident may be construed as partial fault—and since Maryland is unfortunately one of only a few states that still follows a pure contributory negligence system, this could leave a plaintiff ineligible to recover any compensation for their damages at all. Working with a Frederick bike crash attorney is often crucial to effectively fighting allegations of contributory fault while also proving fault on someone else’s part.
Recoverable Damages and Filing Limitations
Assuming they can prove another party was to blame for their injuries while they themselves were not in any way, a plaintiff injured in a bike wreck may be able to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Depending on the circumstances, a bicycle accident lawyer in Frederick could pursue compensation on a plaintiff’s behalf for, among other things:
- Medical expenses for all accident-related injuries and services
- Any loss of income or future earning potential the plaintiff suffered from being out of work recovering from their injuries
- Costs of bicycle repair or replacement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- The lifelong impact of a permanent disability or disfigurement
In addition to contributory fault, though, another legal hurdle that could potentially prevent recovery is the statute of limitations. According to Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings §5-101, all civil cases for personal injuries must be filed within three years of the date the injury occurred, or the case may be time-barred, and the plaintiff subsequently unable to recover.
Speak with a Frederick Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
Despite the devastating injuries and losses they can cause, bicycle accidents in Frederick can often be tricky to recover civil compensation for. Even if another party bears the vast majority of the total fault for your accident, you could be left without any compensation at all if you wait too long to file or are found even one percent at fault.
For these reasons and many others, it is almost always a good idea to seek counsel from a Frederick bicycle accident lawyer before trying to pursue litigation for a bike wreck on your own. To schedule a consultation and see how an attorney could help with your claim, call today.
