Frederick Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Attorney Roger Gelb handles each of our accident cases in Frederick. Having over 30 years of experience handling thousands of cases, our Frederick bicycle accident lawyers are equipped to handle any issues you may have. Avoiding a bicycle accident, as the bicyclist, is often tricky. More often than not, bicyclists are at the mercy of drivers and whether or not they pay attention. Much of sharing the road with other drivers, whether in a motor vehicle or not, involves relying on the ability and focus of other drivers. But for bicyclists, the potential consequences are exponentially more extreme.
Avoiding Bicycle Accidents
The most frustrating part of practicing personal injury law is it is entirely reactive. There needs to be more we do that is proactive. However, we can offer guidance to avoid being struck by minimizing the likelihood. While none of these things will necessarily save you against a negligent or reckless driver, it is worth getting into the practice of doing.
- Ride only in marked lanes.
- Make sure drivers see you before turning
- Obey traffic signals and signs
- Be aware of your surroundings. Do not wear headphones or earbuds.
- Use turn signals when applicable
- Be aware of your surroundings, including other bicyclists on the sidewalk.
- Be extra careful at night while it is dark and use a light
How a Frederick Bicycle Accident Lawyer can help
Following an accident, your life can be in disarray. You likely do not have your usual mode of transportation, you can be in constant pain, and you have sky-high medical expenses. We understand that this can be a stressful and frightening time. Fortunately, our legal team has handled thousands of these cases. Since 1954, while the process has evolved, we have developed with it. We have an answer to practically any problem you are facing because, most likely, we have seen it thousands of times before. For example, let’s say your bicycle is your typical mode of getting to work.
Damages
In general, you may be compensated for lost wages. As a plaintiff in a bicycle accident case, you must mitigate damages. Further, your lost wages must be reasonable. This means you should choose the most reasonable method to get to work. We advise our clients to begin repairs on their bicycles immediately or look for a replacement. In the meantime, if you cannot carpool with someone and taking an Uber or Lyft is the only reasonable way to get to work, you can receive compensation for these costs because they are reasonable and associated with your bicycle accident.
The issue a lot of clients run into when they hear this is thinking they can get away with doing what the law would call “unreasonable” charges to the defendant. When proving the damages element of your claim, we must provide receipts for each Uber or Lyft you take to continue the example. This means you will not receive compensation if you try to go to the movies but want to charge the defendant for the ride. To remind you, you must mitigate damages. So, you do not necessarily have a pass to spend as much as you want.
Common Injuries from a Bicycle Accident
Given the lack of safety equipment on a bicycle and the weight of cars, trucks, or motorcycles you share on the road, the potential for injury is near limitless. Below is a list of the most common injuries we encounter practicing in Frederick. In a bicycle accident case, assuming you can prove liability, you should receive compensation for the pain and suffering of each injury.
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Head and neck injuries
- Lacerations
- Dislocations
- Whiplash
- Facial injuries
- Scarring
- Burns
- Nerve damage
- Bruising
- Psychological trauma
Contact a Frederick Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you have a viable claim or questions about the information above, please contact a Frederick bicycle accident lawyer today. Our consultations are always free, with no strings attached. Our phones are available 24/7 at (202) 331-7227.