Bicycles can be fun to ride in Maryland. They are great for getting around Baltimore and other large cities. Plus, riding a bike is a great form of exercise.
However, riding a bicycle is also dangerous. Bikes are much smaller than passenger vehicles, so motorists do not always see them. Getting hit by a car can be traumatic for a bicyclist. It can even be deadly.
If you have been involved in a bike crash, you are likely dealing with various damages. Get the help you need from Furman | Honick Law. Our Baltimore bicycle accident lawyer can help you get full and fair recovery.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Most bicycle crashes are caused by getting hit by a car. Here are some reasons why:
- Low visibility. Bicycles are not always easily seen because they are small. This makes them prone to being involved in crashes.
- Distracted driving. Distracted driving is a serious issue. People are often distracted with phones. When a driver is not paying attention to the road, they can hit a bicyclist or other object.
- Many motorists drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This can cause decreased judgment and coordination, making accidents more likely.
- Failure to yield. When a motorist does not yield as required, the vehicle can hit a bicycle and cause a deadly crash.
Accidents can also be caused by things such as:
- A rider with little experience being around motor vehicles can easily make a mistake. They can get into a crash and get injured.
- Dangerous roads. Potholes, loose gravel, uneven roads, and debris are all dangerous for bicycles. They can cause loss of control.
- A bike rider traveling at high speeds can lose control and crash into a vehicle or fixed object such as a tree.
- Mechanical failure. When a bike sustains a flat tire, experiences brake failure, or has some other sort of mechanical defect, the rider can lose control.
Common Injuries
Bicycle injuries may occur in the following areas of the body:
- Skull fracture, intracranial hemorrhage, concussion, traumatic brain injury
- Face/eye. Facial fractures, dental fractures, contusions, foreign bodies in the eyes
- Fractures, strains, dislocations
- Ruptured spleen, hepatic laceration, pancreatic trauma, renal contusion, bowel contusion, traumatic hernia
- Rib fractures, lung injury
- Road rash, lacerations, contusions
It’s always important to wear a helmet while riding a bike, even if it is not required. Helmet use can reduce the risk of many injuries.
Contact Furman | Honick Law Today
If you have suffered moderate to severe injuries in a bicycle accident, make sure you have experienced legal help on your side. You don’t have to suffer alone.
The team at Furman | Honick Law can help negotiate a fair settlement so you can get your bills paid and move on with life. Schedule a free consultation with a Baltimore bicycle accident lawyer today by calling (410) 844-6000 or filling out the online form.