Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Frederick, MD

Here to Help You Fight for Your Right to Fair Compensation

If you or a loved one has suffered a bicycle accident, then you are likely facing several difficult questions. How will my medical bills be paid? Who is responsible for the damage to my bike? Will I get compensated for my injuries and loss of wages?

At Metzger Wickersham, we understand that recovering from such an accident and trying to figure out your legal options can be difficult. Our Frederick bicycle accident lawyers are here and equipped to help.

For over 135 years, Metzger Wickersham has been a tireless advocate for our clients. Drawing from decades of experience and utilizing one of the largest support staffs in the region, we are dedicated to providing formidable legal representation and fighting for maximum compensation on each individual case.

Injured in a bicycle accident? Contact the bicycle accident attorneys at Metzger Wickersham via phone at (240) 222-5299  and schedule your initial consultation today.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents present a real and dangerous risk, especially in urban areas where cars and cyclists share the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 930 cyclists were killed (nationwide) in bicycle accidents in 2020. There are many common causes of bicycle accidents that can put cyclists at risk.

One of the most common causes is distracted driving. When drivers are not paying close attention to the road, they may fail to notice a cyclist on the side of the road and cause an accident. This is particularly true when cyclists don't take precautions such as wearing reflective clothing or using lights while riding at night. It is also important to note that other cyclists or pedestrians can engage in distractions that lead to a serious accident.

Poor bike maintenance can also cause an accident. If a bike has not been properly maintained, it can affect its performance and increase the chances of an accident. Before riding, take time to check your tires, brakes, handlebars, and other bicycle parts, and throughout the year, make sure you take time complete routine maintenance.

Alcohol is also a frequent contributor to bicycle accidents, as both drivers and cyclists may be impaired during their respective activities. Cyclists should always remain sober while riding bikes and drivers should be aware of riders who may have consumed alcohol prior to getting on their bikes.

Bad weather can also contribute to (or cause) cycling accidents. Even experienced riders can face challenges because of rain, wind, snow, etc.

Rain or fog can reduce visibility on roads, making it difficult for both cyclists and drivers to spot one another before it’s too late. Additionally, windy conditions can affect aerodynamics and cause control issues, while changing temperatures can make roads slippery or icy during certain times of the year.

What Are the Most Common Bicycle Injuries?

Bicycle accidents can cause a variety of serious injuries, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the most common bike-related injuries include:

• Broken bones. A person riding a bike who is involved in an accident may suffer broken arms, legs, wrists, or ankles due to the impact of the collision.
• Head and neck trauma. In some cases, the force of the impact as well as the force of hitting nearby objects or the road can cause head and neck injuries such as concussions, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Road rash. Skin abrasions are also known as road rash; these injuries occur when riders come into direct contact with the pavement during an accident.
• Internal organ damage. The body’s internal organs may be vulnerable to harm in a bicycle accident if not protected by proper safety gear. Possible types include lacerations or bruising to the lungs, liver, or kidneys.
• Psychological distress. Victims of bike crashes may also suffer from psychological distress due to physical pain and discomfort from their injury or their ordeal afterward.

Bicycle Safety Tips

Bicycle safety is of the utmost importance. Here are some important tips for avoiding bicycle-related accidents and injuries:

Wear a proper helmet. This can protect your head from injury in an accident. Legally, anyone under the age of 16 is required to wear a helmet while riding on public properties (i.e. trails, sidewalks, etc.).

Stay visible. Wear bright clothing and use reflective tape or lights when riding at night.

Obey traffic laws. Bicycles are considered vehicles, and cyclists have similar responsibilities as drivers. A few key laws to remember are that you must ride in bike lanes when available; you should yield the right of way to pedestrians; you cannot ride on any road that has a posted speed limit of 50 miles per hour or higher. Since May 2022, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office has also been taking action to remind cyclists about the rules of the road they must follow and to enforce those rules.

Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid distracted riding and always be on the lookout for other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists on the road.

Maintain good bike condition. Make sure tires are properly inflated, brakes are functioning properly, and handlebars are in good shape prior to riding.

Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This increases your chances of having an accident or suffering from other related injuries; you can also face criminal consequences.

Discuss Your Case with Our Frederick Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bicycle accidents can have devastating consequences on your well-being and financial security. Our team of experienced legal professionals is here to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for any medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages incurred as a result of an accident.

To learn more about your legal options or get started on your case, you should contact our firm to schedule an initial consultation. Call (240) 222-5299  or complete our online contact form.