Legal Advocacy You Need From An Experienced Towson, MD Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Cyclists in Maryland have the same rights and privileges to use most of the roads in the state (except highways and interstates), but just because you are permitted to ride on the road doesn’t mean that all drivers will take the proper precautions for your safety. Most bicycle accidents are the result of driver negligence. Someone who is speeding or otherwise not following traffic laws may not see a cyclist or have enough time to slow down or move to avoid hitting them. Or, a distracted driver looking at their phone may not see a small figure on a bike until it’s too late. Many cyclists suffer debilitating injuries and need costly medical care to recuperate. Our Towson, MD bicycle accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.

At Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC, we focus on the rights of people like you who have been harmed by another person’s negligence. Our firm has a solid history of successfully litigating cycling accident claims, and we know what it takes to win. Call us today for a free consultation.

How Our Firm Can Help You After  Bike Crash

As professional personal injury attorneys, we have a thorough knowledge of the relevant Maryland laws protecting your right to compensation if you were harmed because of someone else’s negligence. We have extensive resources to help us build our case. We start by investigating the cause of the bike crash, which often reveals the at-fault party. While many bicycle accident injuries are because of driver negligence, others may be due to negligence on the part of the city or country responsible for maintaining the roads. Potholes and damaged pavement that would not faze a car could easily cause cyclists to crash.

Once we identify the liable party, we gather evidence to prove their negligence, such as cell phone records (proving they were illegally using their phone at the time of the crash), witness statements, and photos or videos (like dashcam footage) of the crash. We use this evidence in our case-building and demand that the at-fault party pays full compensation for your losses.

Our attorneys handle all the legal aspects of your case, from communicating with the other party to filing the case and negotiating with the insurance company.

Compensation Available To You After A Bicycle Accident 

Plaintiffs in cyclist accident claims have the right to the full value of their out-of-pocket expenses, including medical bills, lost wages from time missed at work, and any modifications to their home or vehicle they may need because of the crash. You can also claim compensation for property damage (like replacing your bike and helmet).

You’re also entitled to non-economic damages, which include pain and suffering, emotional trauma, scarring and disability, and diminished quality of life. Our firm uses vocational and economic experts to help us properly value the extent of these losses, so we ask for a fair amount.

You don’t have to fight alone for compensation after a bicycle accident claim. The attorneys at Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC, are on your side. Contact us today for a free consultation.

bicycle accident lawyer in Towson, MD

How Do Bicycle Accidents Happen?

Bicycle accidents are common and can range from minor injuries to serious, life-threatening situations. While cyclists are more vulnerable than drivers in traffic, many accidents can be prevented if vehicle drivers are more aware of the dangers they pose to cyclists. The majority of bike accidents that a Towson, MD bicycle accident lawyer handles are caused by negligent vehicle drivers. If you have been injured, call Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC to find out the damages you may be entitled to

Failure To Yield The Right Of Way

One of the leading causes of bicycle accidents is drivers or cyclists failing to yield the right of way. Cyclists are often at the mercy of drivers who may not notice or understand when they have the right to proceed.

  • Motorist Errors: Many accidents occur at intersections when a motorist fails to yield to a cyclist. For example, a driver making a left or right turn may not check their blind spots properly or fail to notice a cyclist approaching, resulting in a collision. Drivers may also fail to stop at stop signs or red lights, thereby not giving cyclists the right of way, leading to accidents.
  • Lack of Visibility: Cyclists are smaller and less visible than cars, which means drivers may overlook them at busy intersections or in low visibility conditions (such as fog or at night). This lack of visibility makes it even more important for cyclists to be extra cautious and for drivers to be attentive and aware of cyclists on the road.

Distracted Driving And Riding

Distracted driving and riding are major causes of bicycle accidents. Whether the distraction involves a motorist or a cyclist, it often leads to impaired attention and judgment, which increases the likelihood of an accident.

  • Driver Distractions: One of the primary causes of bike accidents is when motorists fail to see cyclists due to distractions. Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or eating can cause drivers to take their attention off the road. Drivers distracted by their phones, for example, may fail to notice a cyclist in the lane or when attempting to merge into a lane where a cyclist is present.
  • Visual Distractions: Cyclists and drivers may be distracted by their surroundings differently. For instance, a driver might be distracted by an accident on the other side of the road, while a cyclist could be distracted by pedestrians, other cyclists, or street vendors. In either case, this loss of focus can be dangerous, leading to collisions and injuries.

Speeding And Reckless Behavior

Speeding, whether on the part of a driver or a cyclist, is a leading cause of accidents. Excessive speed reduces reaction times, impairs judgment, and increases the likelihood of accidents occurring when quick reflexes are necessary.

Drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for the road conditions pose a serious risk to cyclists. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic, pedestrians, or cyclists. For instance, a driver who is speeding may not be able to brake in time to avoid a cyclist who suddenly appears in front of them, or the collision may be more severe because of the higher speed.

Poor Road Conditions

The condition of the road plays a significant role in bicycle accidents. Roads poorly maintained or containing hazardous obstacles can increase the likelihood of accidents, particularly for cyclists, who are more vulnerable to road conditions than motor vehicles.

  • Potholes and Debris: Potholes, loose gravel, debris, and other road hazards are particularly dangerous for cyclists. Unlike cars with four wheels and less affected by road irregularities, bicycles are highly sensitive to road conditions. A pothole or patch of debris can cause cyclists to lose control or fall off their bikes, leading to serious injury. In addition, when cyclists are forced to swerve to avoid these hazards, they may end up in the path of moving vehicles.
  • Uneven Surfaces: Roads with uneven or cracked pavement pose a significant risk for cyclists. For example, a cyclist may struggle to maintain balance or control when riding on a road with raised or sunken pavement, especially at high speeds or while turning. These conditions make cycling hazardous and are a frequent cause of accidents.
  • Lack of Dedicated Bike Lanes: In cities or areas without dedicated bike lanes, cyclists must often share the road with vehicles, which can lead to accidents. Without clear lanes for cyclists, drivers may not know how to navigate around cyclists, leading to dangerous situations where a cyclist may be struck by a vehicle. Cities with poorly marked bike lanes or inadequate infrastructure for cyclists increase the risk of accidents.

Call Our Office If You Have Been Injured

If you have suffered an injury due to the negligence of another party, call our office to schedule a free case evaluation with a Towson bicycle accident lawyer. At Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC, we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. 

Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC.

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"I had an amazing experience with Parker, Pallett, Slezak and Russell. My lawyer was Carmen Slezak she was amazing her and her team worked with me every step of the way. Amazing staff always an amazing atmosphere, friendly, and if you like dogs they have one or two at the office. I'm so thankful and greatful to have met the staff and feel almost like family. Thank you again Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell law office."
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Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC

11450 Pulaski Hwy
White Marsh, MD 21162
Toll free: (410) 779-3590