Although bicyclists enjoy the same right to the road as motor vehicle operators in Maryland, the effects of a traffic collision can be far more severe for cyclists. When a driver hits a bike, the rider may wind up with serious injuries, face time away from work while they recover, and feel overwhelmed by the prospect of seeking justice.
This is where Trollinger Law LLC comes in. Our team of experienced bicycle accident lawyers in La Plata can manage your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.
Reasons to Hire Our La Plata Bicycle Accident Lawyers
In the chaos that follows a bike accident, many injured riders struggle to find any shred of comfort they can cling to. Hiring a cyclist accident lawyer in La Plata to manage the insurance claims and legal process allows you to focus on your recovery without added stress.
At Trollinger Law LLC, we put you and your needs first. Since 2017, our firm has supported Southern Maryland accident victims who have suffered harm due to othersā carelessness. Our case results include millions recovered in verdicts and settlements for injured clients in a broad range of personal injury claims. While past outcomes do not guarantee future results, they do highlight the depth of our experience and advocacy in each case.
Our dedication has earned our legal team prestigious honors from clients and peers. Our personal injury attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and the Multi-Million-Dollar Advocates Forum, and our firm has also been named one of Inc. 5000ās fastest-growing private law firms in Maryland.
Past clients can attest to our commitment to compassionate and reliable legal representation:
āPost my accident, I was almost gripped by the memory and trauma of it. The team at Trollinger Law that included Mr. Trollinger, Laura, and Darra was very supportive in pursuing our case. Regular conversations with them kept me satisfied that the situation was being taken care of and I could keep my focus on healing while everything on the legal side was being taken care of. I would like to thank the team at Trolinger Law for being one of the strong pillars of support in the journey after the accident.ā
ā Shikha Arya
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in La Plata
Poor road conditions, defective bike parts, and pedestrian errors can lead to serious crashes, but negligent drivers remain the leading cause of bike accidents in La Plata.
Many bicycle accidents happen because motorists fail to respect cyclistsā rights on the road. Even a momentary lapse in judgment by a driver can result in catastrophic injuries for a cyclist.
Some driver-related causes of bicycle accidents in La Plata include:
- Failing to yield at intersections or crosswalks
- Turning without checking for cyclists
- Distracted driving, including phone use
- Speeding in residential or high-traffic areas
- Passing too closely
- Opening a car door in a bicyclistās path (ādooringā)
- Failing to check blind spots
When someone elseās negligence causes harm, a bike accident attorney in La Plata can help accident victims determine their legal right to compensation.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Even the safest cyclists have minimal physical protection in a collision, which means they can suffer severe injuries ā even when wearing a helmet or if the accident occurred at low speeds.
Some of the most common injuries resulting from bicycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Facial fractures
- Dental injuries
- Severe cuts and bruises
- Soft-tissue injuries
Bicycle accident victims may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation after a crash. An experienced attorney can help pursue full and fair compensation to recover past and future accident-related expenses.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bicycle Accident?
Every bicycle accident case hinges on successfully showing that someone else is liable, or legally responsible, for the resulting injuries. Numerous parties could be liable for a bicycle accident, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Negligent drivers
- Property owners
- Companies
- Bicycle manufacturers
- Government agencies
- Other individuals, such as pedestrians
Bike accidents are rarely the cyclistās fault, but they can happen ā which is why securing legal counsel in Maryland is so critical. Under the stateās contributory negligence law, a bicyclist can be barred from recovering compensation if found even one percent at fault for their injury. If an insurance company unfairly tries to assign blame and jeopardize your financial recovery, a La Plata bicycle accident lawyer can gather evidence to challenge their claims and fight back.
Maryland Bicycle Laws and Cyclistsā Rights
Maryland law gives bicyclists the right to share the road with motor vehicles, but it also imposes rules to promote safety and prevent accidents. Both cyclists and drivers must understand and follow these laws.
Some of the key Maryland laws that apply to cyclists include:
- Cyclists must ride as far to the right as practicable, except when turning or avoiding hazards.
- Riders must use bike lanes where available, but may leave the lane to avoid hazards or prepare for a turn.
- Bicycles must be equipped with front and rear lights when used at night.
- Helmets are required for riders under age 16.
Drivers also have specific legal duties meant to protect cyclists. When motorists ignore these rules, they put cyclists at serious risk of injury or death. Drivers must:
- Pass cyclists at a safe distance of at least three feet
- Yield to bicycles when turning
- Check mirrors and blind spots for cyclists before changing lanes or opening doors
Compensation Available for Bicycle Accident Victims
The compensation available to you after a bike accident will depend on the specific facts of your case. Generally, more severe injuries will entitle an injured rider to more compensation.
Common types of bicycle accident compensation include:
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Physical therapy and other rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Lost future earning capacity
- Accident-related expenses, such as medical equipment, nursing care, or home renovations to accommodate a permanent disability
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost quality of life
- Lost enjoyment of life
Your attorney can review the facts and help you understand what your case might be worth.
Contact a La Plata Bicycle Accident Lawyer For a Free Case Review
If you suffered injuries in a La Plata bike crash, you deserve the full support of a trusted attorney whoās dedicated to pursuing fair compensation and protecting your well-being. Let Trollinger Law LLC help. With years of experience representing clients in personal injury matters, our legal team is standing by to listen to your story and start preparing your claim. Call or contact our office today to arrange a free initial consultation with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer.
