Baltimore Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Baltimore

Riding a bike is cost-effective, good for the environment, and beneficial for your health. Simultaneously, bicyclists must share the roadway with cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles. These other motorists can all pose a serious threat to a bicyclist’s health and safety. There is an average of 816 bicycle accidents per year in Maryland, a large percentage of which occur in busy metropolitan areas like Baltimore City. While this statistic is worrisome on its own, so is the fact that over 80% of Maryland bicycle accidents result in injury or death. The severity of these injuries calls for professional representation from a Baltimore bicycle accident lawyer.

Fortunately, the amount of Maryland bicycle accidents continues to decrease each year. The decrease in bike accidents is partially due to the State’s effort to provide more protective measures, such as bike lanes. Despite this, bicycle accidents in Baltimore will inevitably occur, and bicyclists will continue to face a high risk for serious, possibly life-changing injuries.

The Law Office of Hyatt & Goldbloom has spent decades handling personal injury claims, including many claims of cyclists injured in Baltimore bicycle accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, call Hyatt & Goldbloom today to speak with an experienced Baltimore bike accident lawyer. With our help, you can feel confident that your claim is in the hands of an experienced personal injury lawyer. 

Bicycle Traffic Laws In Maryland

One of the best ways for bicyclists and motorists to lower the likelihood of accidents is to know Maryland’s traffic laws that apply to bicycles. Under Maryland law, bicycles are considered vehicles. Bicyclists are authorized users of the roadway and must obey the same traffic signals as any other motorist. Nonetheless, bicycles are smaller, quieter, and less visible than other motor vehicles. Many bike accidents are caused by inattentive or careless drivers that do not pay proper attention to the roadway. As a bicyclist, the most effective way to anticipate such negligent behavior, and avoid potential injuries, is to know the safeguards Maryland law provides for those very circumstances.

Maryland Bicycle Traffic Laws For Motorists

Here are some of Maryland’s traffic laws all motorists should know when sharing the roadway with a bicyclist:

• The driver of a vehicle passing another vehicle, including a bicycle, must do so at a safe distance, leaving plenty of space. When passing, the driver should be able to see past the bicyclist, or another vehicle, before returning to their original lane. 
• The driver of a vehicle cannot pass closer than three feet when passing a bicycle or motor scooter, so long as the bicycle is being operated in a lawful manner. It is against the law for a bicycle to ride against traffic.
• The bicyclist has the right-of-way when a motor vehicle is making a turn. In these circumstances, motorists must yield to bicycles. 
• Motorists are required to yield the right-of-way to a bicyclist lawfully operating on a crosswalk. 
• A motorist that fails to yield to the right-of-way of a bicycle, that results in an accident causing serious injuries to cyclists, can face up to a $1,000 fine and three points on their driving record (IN ADDITION TO potential liability for a personal injury claim). 
• Drivers of motor vehicles are required to exercise due caution to avoid colliding with any person riding a bicycle or motor scooter.

Maryland Traffic Laws For Bicyclists

Maryland bicyclists must know the applicable traffic laws for riding on public roadways. Knowing these laws can help cyclists avoid dangerous situations where they are at increased risk of injury. Here are some of the critical Maryland bicycle traffic laws:

• Maryland’s traffic laws apply to both bicycles and motor scooters.
• Bicycles are not permitted to travel on any roadway with a speed limit higher than 50 miles per hour.
• A bicycle may not carry a passenger unless it is specifically designed to do so and has a seat equipped for each passenger.
• A bicyclist cannot carry anything that prevents them from keeping both hands on the handlebars or that interferes with their view or balance of the bicycle.
• A bicyclist may not ride while wearing a headset or earplugs that cover both ears. 

Bicyclists should always ride as close to the right side of the street as is practically safe, except when:

• Making or attempting to make a left turn
• Riding on a one-way street
• Passing a stopped/slower moving vehicle
• Avoiding pedestrians or other road hazards
• The right lane is a right to the only lane
• Operating in a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle to safely travel side-by-side within it. 

If a bike lane is available, a bicyclist must use the bike lane and is not permitted to ride in the roadway, except: 

• If passing safely cannot be done within the bike lane or shoulder
• When preparing to make a left turn
• To avoid hazards
• When the bike lane is also a right turn or merges lane. 

Maryland Traffic Laws For Bicycle Helmets And Safety Equipment

Besides being legally required, bicyclists should always observe Maryland’s bicycle helmet law and safety equipment traffic laws as a matter of general safety. Any measures that a bicyclist can take to help reduce their risk of injury should be consistently followed. Not to mention, if you’ve been in a bicycle accident while not wearing a helmet, insurance companies will attempt to use this to their advantage. Luckily, a Baltimore bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and create the best legal action plan for your specific bike accident injury claim. Here are some of Maryland’s traffic laws that serve to protect the safety of bicyclists:

• Helmets are required to be worn by all persons under the age of 16, including passengers, who ride their bicycle on a roadway, bike path, or any public property.
• A lamp is required on the front of a bicycle when operated on a highway where people and other vehicles are not clearly visible at 1000 feet. Generally, this means during times of limited visibility, such as when the sun is setting or at night. 
• A red reflector is required on the rear of a bicycle when operated on a highway where people and other vehicles are not clearly visible at 1000 feet.
• A bicycle must be equipped with a brake.