Towson Bicycle & Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Bicycle and pedestrian accidents are a significant concern in Towson and throughout Maryland. Despite efforts to create safer environments for pedestrians and cyclists, accidents still occur, often resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. At Hardball Law, we are committed to providing victims of pedestrian and bicycle accidents and their families with compassionate and effective legal representation to help them secure the compensation they need and deserve. Don’t suffer needlessly or try to settle your claim alone. Contact our experienced and dedicated Towson bicycle & pedestrian accident lawyer today.
Maryland Bicycle Laws
In Maryland, cyclists are road users and are required to obey all the traffic laws that apply to other drivers, plus additional rules that apply specifically to bicycles. For instance, cyclists should ride as far to the right as practicable, occupying the travel lane only when necessary for safety. Cyclists should ride single file with both hands controlling the bike, come to a complete stop, and signal stops, turns and lane changes in advance. Cyclists are required to use bike lanes whenever they are available. In Towson, this includes the Towson Bike Beltway, offering full bicycle lanes on several major streets encircling downtown.
Motor vehicle drivers, for their part, must be conscientious in sharing the road with cyclists. This includes staying out of bike lanes and paying attention to signage alerting motorists about bicycle traffic where bicycle lanes are not provided. Motorists are required to pass bicycles in a safe manner, providing at least three feet of space when passing and waiting until they can see the bicycle in their rearview mirror before returning to the original lane.
Maryland Pedestrian Safety Laws
On average, traffic crashes take the lives of 129 pedestrians and injure 2,786 people in Maryland every year. Pedestrians are the most vulnerable of all road users, and injury or death occurs in approximately 92% of all pedestrian accidents. Maryland law requires drivers to come to a full and complete stop and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are crossing the street in a crosswalk. This duty applies whether the pedestrian is on the driver’s side of the roadway or approaching from an adjacent lane on the opposite side of the road. Drivers must also yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk when the driver is turning right or left, including making a right turn on red.
Drivers should not stop inside the crosswalk, which puts the pedestrian in danger by forcing them to cross outside the crosswalk. It is also illegal for drivers to pass a vehicle that has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the street, either at a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Drivers attempting to pass a stopped vehicle can strike a crossing pedestrian and are a leading cause of serious injury or death for pedestrians.
Pedestrians should use sidewalks whenever available. If forced to use the road, pedestrians should walk facing traffic and use the left shoulder or left side of the road. If crossing the street outside of a crosswalk or intersection, pedestrians should yield the right-of-way to motorists and take care to cross safely.
Common Causes of Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents
Bicycle and pedestrian accidents can happen for various reasons, many of which are due to the negligence of motor vehicle drivers. Some of these causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Motorists who are texting, eating, or otherwise distracted are a major hazard to cyclists and pedestrians who can go unnoticed until it is too late to avoid a collision.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers often fail to yield the right of way to bicyclists and pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks.
- Dooring Incidents: Cyclists can be seriously injured when a parked car door is suddenly opened in their path.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react quickly to cyclists on the road or pedestrians crossing the street, increasing the likelihood of accidents as well as the severity of injury.
- Driving Under the Influence: Intoxicated drivers pose a severe risk to all road users, including pedestrians and bicyclists, by impairing their ability to make sound decisions and react promptly and appropriately.
Why Choose Hardball Law After a Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident in Towson or Baltimore County?
Choosing the right attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Hardball Law, we offer experience and expertise you can count on with a proven record of success in a wide range of personal injury cases. We treat each client with the respect and attention they deserve, forming personal relationships and tailoring our approach to meet your specific needs. You’ll receive compassionate and empathetic support throughout the process, as we fight tirelessly and aggressively on your behalf, whether in or out of the courtroom. There are no fees unless and until we win compensation for you.
Contact Hardball Law Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle or pedestrian accident in Towson, Baltimore, or throughout Maryland, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Hardball Law today for a free consultation. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us at 410-494-7400 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your appointment. At Hardball Law, our Towson bike & pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to helping accident victims get the medical care and financial compensation they need to move forward after a serious injury. Call or visit us today to learn more about how we can help you in your time of need.