Upper Marlboro Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Fighting Tirelessly for Your Recovery

If you were involved in a bicycle accident that left you dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and other damages, turn to the aggressive legal team at the Farmer & Klopfer. Our experienced Upper Marlboro bicycle accident attorneys understand the severe consequences these accidents have on cyclists and their families, and we are prepared to fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed.

All too often, bicycle accidents result from the carelessness or recklessness of motorists, pedestrians, and even other cyclists; when this is the case, you have the right to take legal action. Trust your case to our team, and put your faith in our proven record of results and hard-earned reputation for success.

Maryland Bicycle Laws

Bicycles are considered vehicles in Maryland, so cyclists must follow the same traffic laws as motorists. This includes obeying traffic signals, stopping at stop signs, and yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks.

All cyclists under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle in Maryland.

Cyclists are generally required to ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable, except when passing another vehicle, preparing to turn left, or avoiding hazards. However, cyclists are permitted to ride in the center of a lane when necessary for safety, such as to avoid being doored by parked cars or to avoid debris on the shoulder.

Cyclists are encouraged to use designated bike lanes when available. When riding on shared-use paths or multi-use trails, cyclists must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal when passing.

Cyclists are required to use hand signals to indicate turns and stops. Making a left turn involves extending the left arm straight out, a right turn by extending the left arm upward or the right arm straight out, and a stop or slowing down by extending the left arm downward.

Maryland law requires motorists to pass cyclists at a safe distance, which is defined as at least three feet of clearance when passing at speeds less than 30 mph, and at least four feet when passing at speeds of 30 mph or higher.

What Are the Main Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

As previously mentioned, bicycle accidents are often caused by another person or party’s careless, reckless, or even wrongful behavior. In these cases, injured cyclists and/or the family members of those wrongfully killed in bicycle accidents can work to hold the negligent person or party accountable.

Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Inattention: A driver who is texting or a pedestrian who is distracted can cause a serious bicycle collision. Sadly, inattention and carelessness are some of the leading causes of bicycle accidents. All too often, distracted driving leads to devastating bicycle accidents—often with fatal consequences.
• Illegal Conduct: Violating traffic laws, driving while drunk, and ignoring stop signs and signals are all unlawful—and they are all common causes of bicycle accidents in Upper Marlboro and throughout Southern Maryland. When motorists and others act wrongfully, they can be held legally liable for any damages they cause.
• Defective Products: An accident can be caused by a defective product, such as a faulty bicycle brake, or the effects of an accident can be exacerbated by one, such as a bicycle helmet with a defective design. In either case, the entity that designed, manufactured, or sold the product in question could be liable.
• Unsafe Roadways: Defective road design and/or construction can also lead to bicycle accidents. When this is the case, the public or private entity responsible for designing and/or constructing the roadway could be legally liable for ensuing damages.

Whether a motorist opened their car door into a bike lane, a driver failed to pass with enough room, or another cyclist acted negligently, causing a crash, our Upper Marlboro bicycle accident lawyers can help you uncover supporting evidence to build your claim. Our goal is to seek the maximum possible recovery for our clients, and we have successfully secured millions of dollars on behalf of injured individuals and their families throughout our years in practice.

Call Farmer & Klopfer at (240) 245-2229 or contact us online to get started with a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.