Fighting for Injured Cyclists Throughout Prince George’s County
Cyclists face serious dangers on Maryland roads, and when a negligent driver causes an accident, the injuries are often severe. If you or a loved one was hurt in a bicycle crash in Prince George’s County, McGowan & Cecil, LLC can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our Prince George’s County personal injury lawyers understand Maryland’s strict contributory negligence laws and know how to build strong cases that protect cyclists’ rights. With decades of experience and a track record of significant recoveries, we handle your claim while you focus on healing.
Why Choose McGowan & Cecil, LLC for Your Bicycle Accident Case?
At McGowan & Cecil, LLC, we have built a reputation for fighting aggressively on behalf of injured clients throughout Maryland. When you choose our firm to handle your bicycle accident case, you benefit from:
- A Proven Track Record of Results. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients, including numerous seven-figure settlements and verdicts in serious injury cases.
- Over 120 Years of Combined Experience. Our attorneys have successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases across Maryland, giving us the knowledge and skill to take on complex bicycle accident claims.
- Direct Attorney Access. You won’t be passed off to a case manager. Your attorney handles your case personally and keeps you informed every step of the way.
- We Cover Upfront Costs. From accident reconstruction experts to medical consultants, we invest in the resources needed to build the strongest possible case. You pay nothing unless we win.
- Full Service Legal Representation. Our legal team handles all aspects of your case from conducting thorough investigations to preparing cases for trial. Our attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers and skilled negotiators.
Our lawyers at McGowan & Cecil, LLC, have received recognition from national legal organizations, including Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. We are dedicated to protecting our clients’ rights and best interests.
What Are Cyclists’ Rights Under Maryland Law?
Under Maryland law, bicycles are classified as vehicles, which means cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. Cyclists may legally use full travel lanes when necessary for their safety, including when the lane is too narrow to share with a car or when avoiding hazards. The state’s safe passing law requires drivers to maintain at least three feet of clearance when overtaking a cyclist. Violating this law can be used as evidence of negligence in a personal injury case.
While Maryland requires riders under 16 to wear helmets, adult cyclists are not legally required to do so. If you were not wearing a helmet when a driver struck you, this should not affect your right to compensation. Insurance companies may try to use helmet non-use against you, but our attorneys know how to counter these arguments and focus liability on the negligent driver.
What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents in Maryland?
The majority of bicycle accidents in Maryland result from driver negligence. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving, including texting, phone use, or adjusting GPS while behind the wheel
- Right hook accidents, where a driver turns right across a cyclist’s path
- Left cross collisions, where a driver making a left turn fails to yield to an oncoming cyclist
- Dooring accidents, when a parked driver opens their door into a cyclist’s path
- Failure to check blind spots before changing lanes or merging
- Drunk driving, speeding, and running red lights or stop signs
Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to identify exactly what caused your accident and who should be held responsible.
What Injuries Are Common in Bicycle Accidents?
Without the protection of a vehicle frame, seatbelt, or airbags, cyclists sustain more severe injuries when struck by cars. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, which can occur even when the cyclist is wearing a helmet
- Spinal cord injuries that may result in partial or complete paralysis
- Broken bones requiring surgery, hardware, and extended rehabilitation
- Road rash and soft tissue injuries that can lead to permanent scarring and infection
- Internal organ damage that may not be immediately apparent after the collision
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, ongoing rehabilitation, and may result in permanent disability. Our firm works with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and calculate the lifetime cost of your care. Learn more about how we handle catastrophic injury claims.
How Does Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Law Affect My Case?
Maryland is one of only a few states and the District of Columbia that follows the strict contributory negligence rule. Under this doctrine, if you are found to be even 1% at fault for your accident, you may be completely barred from recovering any compensation. Insurance companies aggressively use this rule to deny claims by arguing that cyclists were partially responsible for their injuries, whether by failing to signal, riding against traffic, or other alleged violations.
Because the stakes are so high under Maryland law, it is critical to have an experienced attorney who knows how to defend against contributory negligence claims. At McGowan & Cecil, LLC, we gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts to prove that the driver, not you, was solely responsible for the crash.
What If the Driver Left the Scene?
Hit-and-run accidents add significant complexity to bicycle injury claims, but you may still have options for compensation even if the driver cannot be identified. Your own auto insurance policy’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage typically applies to bicycle accidents, not just car crashes. If you don’t have auto insurance, a household member’s policy may provide coverage.
Our attorneys thoroughly review all available insurance sources to identify every possible avenue for recovery. We handle negotiations with UM carriers and fight to maximize your compensation even when the at-fault driver cannot be found.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Bicycle Accident?
Bicycle accident victims in Maryland may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages:
Economic damages include medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and future treatment), lost wages and reduced earning capacity, costs for assistive devices and home modifications, and property damage to your bicycle and equipment.
Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress and mental anguish, disfigurement and permanent scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Our attorneys work with medical professionals and life care planners to calculate the full value of your claim, including long-term costs that may not be immediately apparent.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim?
In Maryland, you generally have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. While this may seem like plenty of time, evidence can disappear quickly. Witnesses’ memories fade, surveillance footage gets deleted, and physical evidence at the scene changes. Additionally, building a strong case, especially one that can withstand contributory negligence attacks, takes time.
Contacting an attorney as soon as possible after your accident gives us the best opportunity to preserve evidence, document your injuries, and build the strongest possible case.
What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident?
The steps you take immediately after a bicycle accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. If possible, you should call 911 and wait for police to arrive, as an official accident report creates valuable documentation. Seek medical attention promptly, even if you feel okay, because some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
Document the scene with photos of the vehicles involved, road conditions, your injuries, and any visible damage to your bicycle. Get contact information from witnesses and avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney.
Most importantly, don’t admit fault or apologize at the scene. Under Maryland’s contributory negligence law, any admission, even a polite “I’m sorry,” can be used against you to deny your claim entirely.
Contact a Prince George’s County Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t wait to get the legal help you deserve. The attorneys at McGowan & Cecil, LLC are ready to fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you need to move forward. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. Contact us today to discuss your case with an experienced Prince George’s County bicycle accident lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will not wearing a helmet affect my bicycle accident case?
Not wearing a helmet does not prevent an adult cyclist from filing a claim. However, insurance companies may argue that your injuries were more severe due to lack of helmet protection, which could affect settlement negotiations or damage awards.Our attorneys know how to counter these arguments and keep the focus on the driver’s negligence.
Can I recover compensation if I was riding on the sidewalk?
Maryland state law recently changed to allow sidewalk riding unless prohibited by local ordinance. Riding on the sidewalk when a car strikes you does not automatically make you at fault. However, cyclists must still yield to pedestrians and exercise care at driveways and intersections. An experienced attorney can evaluate the specific facts of your case.
How much does it cost to hire a bicycle accident lawyer?
At McGowan & Cecil, LLC, we handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs or hourly fees. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This allows accident victims to access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.