Riding a bike should never put your safety at risk, but careless drivers make the road dangerous for cyclists every day. A split-second mistake—failing to yield, drifting into a bike lane, or looking at a phone instead of the road—can cause devastating injuries. Recovering from a crash takes time, money, and the proper support. If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you shouldn’t have to bear the burden alone. At McGowan & Cecil, LLC, we stand up for injured cyclists and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that an average of 883 people died in bicycle accidents each year from 2017 to 2021. In 2021 alone, an estimated 41,615 bicyclists suffered injuries. Many of these crashes were caused by driver negligence.
Common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Failure to yield – Drivers often fail to give cyclists the right of way at intersections.
- Distracted driving – Looking at a phone, adjusting the radio, or eating can prevent drivers from noticing cyclists.
- Dooring accidents – A driver opens their car door into a bike lane, giving the cyclist no time to react.
- Speeding and aggressive driving – Driving too fast or passing too closely increases the risk of collisions.
- Ignoring traffic signals – Running red lights or stop signs puts cyclists in immediate danger.
Poor road conditions and defective bike parts also contribute to crashes. Identifying the cause of your accident is the first step in seeking compensation.
Injuries Resulting from Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists have little protection in a crash, making serious injuries common. Even with a helmet, their bodies absorb most of the impact, often leading to painful and long-lasting injuries.
Common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Head injuries – Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can have lasting effects.
- Broken bones – Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone often require surgery or extended recovery.
- Road rash and deep lacerations – Skin injuries from sliding on pavement can lead to infections and scarring.
- Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spine may result in chronic pain or even paralysis.
- Internal injuries – Organ damage and internal bleeding can be life-threatening without immediate medical care.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident, seeking prompt medical attention is essential for both your health and any potential injury claim.
How Bicycle Accident Claims Work
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, understanding the claims process can help you protect your rights. Here’s what you need to know:
- Filing a bicycle accident claim – The first step is to contact an attorney with experience handling bicycle accident cases. A lawyer can guide you through the process.
- Statute of limitations in Maryland – You have up to three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long can put your claim at risk, so seeking legal help as soon as possible is important.
- Gathering evidence – Strong evidence helps build a solid case. Take photos of the accident scene, collect witness contact information, and obtain a copy of the police report. Medical records and repair estimates for your bike can also support your claim.
Who Is Liable for a Bicycle Accident?
Determining liability in a bicycle accident depends on the circumstances of the crash. In many cases, a negligent driver is responsible. If a motorist was speeding, distracted, or failed to yield, they may be held accountable for your injuries.
Other potentially liable parties include:
- Local governments – If poor road conditions, such as potholes or missing signs, contributed to the crash.
- Bike manufacturers – If a defective bicycle part, such as faulty brakes, caused the accident.
Maryland follows contributory negligence laws, meaning that if you are found even partially at fault, you may not be able to recover damages. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto cyclists to avoid paying. We will fight to protect your rights and work to hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries.
Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims
If you were injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Medical bills and lost wages add up quickly, and the pain from your injuries can affect every part of your life.
Damages in a bicycle accident claim may include:
- Medical expenses – Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future treatment
- Lost wages – Income lost due to missed work and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage – Repairs or replacement of your bike and gear
Insurance companies often try to undervalue claims. We will fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Insurance Issues in Bicycle Accident Claims
Understanding how insurance works can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
- Dealing with your own auto insurance (PIP): If you have personal injury protection (PIP) through your car insurance, it may cover medical expenses or lost wages, even if you weren’t in a car at the time.
- How insurance companies evaluate claims: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. They may argue that you were partly at fault, so it’s essential to have legal representation to protect your rights.
- What to do if the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient: If the driver who caused the accident doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your expenses, you may need to file a claim with your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: If the at-fault driver has no insurance or inadequate coverage, your own insurance policy may help cover your medical bills, repair costs, and lost wages.
By understanding the injury types and claim processes, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges of a bicycle accident claim.
How We Can Help You After a Bicycle Accident
Recovering from a bicycle accident can be overwhelming. At McGowan & Cecil, we take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing. Our team investigates the crash, gathers evidence, and consults medical professionals to build a strong case. We handle negotiations with insurance companies and won’t back down if they try to minimize your claim. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our goal is to secure the compensation you need to move forward.
Contact Our Experienced Maryland Bicycle Accident Attorneys
A bicycle accident can change your life, but you don’t have to face the challenges alone. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact McGowan & Cecil, LLC today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
McGowan & Cecil, LLC is based in Laurel, Maryland, and proudly serves clients throughout Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, and Montgomery County.