What To Do After a Bicycle Accident With Injuries in Maryland

Maryland is a state with a growing cycling community, as people increasingly turn to bicycles for both recreational, and commuting purposes. Riding a bicycle in Baltimore is a convenient option for inexpensive transportation, and the use of bicycles is steadily growing over the years with the cost of living on the rise. Obviously, bicycling allows you to get some fresh air and exercise too. While cycling can be a fun and eco-friendly means of transportation, accidents can and do happen. In the unfortunate event of a bicycle crash, knowing what to do is crucial to protect your rights and ensure your safety.

Despite all safety precautions you may take, at the time you take off to the streets there is always a chance an accident occurs while you are pedaling your bike. A skilled bike attorney can advise you on what to do after a bicycle accident in Baltimore. If you have been injured in a bicycle car crash due to no fault of your own, you may be eligible for compensation by filing a personal injury claim. To learn more about the steps to take following a bicycle accident and to file a successful personal injury claim, continue reading and reach out to our experienced personal injury accident law firm. This step-by-step guide will help you navigate the aftermath of a bicycle accident in Maryland.

Here Is Our Bicycle Accident Checklist:

• Move to safety/remain calm
• Call 911/contact law enforcement
• Exchange information
• Do not talk about fault
• Take photographs & videos
• Look around for witnesses
• Seek medical attention
• Go off the grid with social media
• File a claim with the at-fault insurance company
• Call an Attorney

10 Steps To Take After a Bicycle Accident

This is our bicycle accident checklist in detail, even though you cannot predict when and where you are going to have a bicycle accident, being prepared, and knowing what to do after can have a huge impact on whether you get the compensation you are entitled to when you file a claim.

After a Bicycle Accident, You Should:

1. Keep calm and assess the situation – if anyone has been injured and needs immediate medical attention, call 911 right away to request an ambulance. Otherwise, you should move your bicycle out of harm’s way so that you do not impede traffic or have another collision. Turn your bicycle lights on to alert other drivers there has been a wreck, and place down flares or safety triangles if you have them.
2. Call the Police – Let the dispatcher know you were in a bicycle wreck and where you are located. When the investigating officer arrives, tell the truth about what happened and just stick to the facts. You should be able to obtain a copy of the police report from the police department for a fee within a few days. This is an important step to take, as police accident reports are often critical pieces of evidence that can make or break your claim.
3. Get information from the at fault driver – You will want to get the name, address, phone number, license plate number, driver’s license number, insurance company name, and insurance policy number from everyone involved in the accident. If you were involved in a bicycle accident involving a commercial vehicle, be sure to get the name and contact information of the driver’s employer.
4. Do not talk about fault – The last thing you should be doing at the scene of your bicycle wreck is arguing with other drivers about who is at fault. You are better off not saying anything. Remember, even saying something that seems harmless like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” can be interpreted as admitting fault.
5. Take pictures and video – If you can, take detailed pictures and/or video of your bicycle crash. Make sure to show all the damage, skid marks, streets signs, traffic lights, road markings, construction, hazards, and any visible injuries. Do your best to paint a clear picture of the accident scene. Bonus tip: Take notes about your bicycle accident while it is all still fresh in your mind. Write down then and where the bicycle accident took place and any important details that could be useful down the road when filing a claim.
6. Seek out witnesses – If anyone saw your bicycle collision happen, ask them to stay to give a statement to police. Before they leave, see if you can get their name and contact information. Eyewitness testimony is often a difference-maker when trying to prove fault.
7. Get examined by a medical professional – Even if you do not have visible injuries or symptoms, you should get checked out by a licensed medical doctor within 24 hours of your bicycle wreck. Some injuries have delayed onset symptoms and are not immediately noticeable. Make sure to document your doctor visits and attend all follow-up appointments.
8. Go off the grid – Do not post anything online about your bicycle accident. This includes talking about your bicycle crash on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and all other social media platforms. Anything you post online about your bicycle collision could potentially be used against you to challenge or deny your claim. You are simply better off not discussing the details of your bicycle accident online or with your family and friends.
9. Notify your insurance company – You are required to notify your insurance company that you have been in a bicycle crash, so call them to let them know you were in a bicycle wreck. Give the facts of what happened but do not go into too much detail. If an insurance adjuster pressures you for more information or wants you to give a recorded statement, politely decline and refer them to your lawyer. Do not speak with the at-fault driver’s insurance company without speaking to an attorney first.
10. Call a car accident lawyer – An experienced bicycle accident lawyer will be able to meet with you, learn the details of your bicycle wreck, discuss your legal options, answer your questions, and help you figure out the best way to maximize the value of your claim. Since most bicycle personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and will represent you on a contingency fee basis, it probably will not cost you any upfront money to have a bicycle accident lawyer tackle your claim.

How Can the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt Help You if You Have Been in a Bicycle Accident in Maryland?

Many injured victims are apprehensive about hiring personal injury lawyers. They do not know if they have a claim, and they are worried that they might somehow be doing something wrong by hiring a bicycle accident attorney to help them stand up for their legal rights.

But the reality is this: if you have been seriously injured, your losses are likely far greater than you realize. Not only that, but without the help of an experienced bicycle accident lawyer, you will almost certainly settle too early and for less than you deserve. As a result, hiring an experienced bicycle personal injury lawyer is the only way you can make sure that the insurance companies do not take advantage of you when you suffer an injury or loss.

You may be frustrated dealing with insurance companies and a wall of defense attorneys. We will take that burden off your shoulders. Our legal team can assist with the repair or replacement of your bicycle, as well as coordinate with the insurance company. We obtain for you proper compensation for your lost wages, your pain and suffering, any scarring you have, as well as your medical bills.

Our Baltimore bicycle accident attorneys offer free case evaluations, which is an opportunity to determine the best legal course of action under Maryland law given the facts of your case. In most cases the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt can obtain an out of court settlement.

Personal injury bicycle attorneys allow you to focus on recovering, working, and being with your family. You will avoid stressful phone calls from the insurers as they will be dealt with by your bicycle accident attorney.

We know that injuries cause problems that last far longer than insurance companies say they do. Missed wages, psychological distress, future medical costs, and more are all often overlooked. We are aware of this and will factor it into your claim.

• We ensure all evidence is preserved correctly. Evidence can get lost quickly; we will work to make sure it is safe.
• We know which evidence can sway your case. Under Maryland law, recovering compensation is only possible if another person’s negligence caused the accident.
• Insurance companies will exploit your lack of knowledge, often manipulating you into making a mistake. They want to pay you as little as possible. Our experience will avoid these pitfalls so we can get you the money you deserve.
• A bicycle lawyer can get to work immediately. Acting fast will give you the upper hand even if the at-fault driver turns out to change his/her story.
• The longer you wait without a lawyer, the more time the insurers gain to devalue your claim.
• Evidence proves that vastly greater compensation is paid out when using a bicycle lawyer compared to taking on the case alone.
• We will be your advocates from start to finish and handle all legal work and procedures for the optimal outcome.

Contacting a Maryland Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

In a bicycle accident case, time is of the essence, and having the right legal representation can make all the difference. The Law Offices of Larry B. Litt is committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Our skilled bicycle attorneys can advise you on what to do after a bicycle accident with injuries in Baltimore, Maryland. At the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt we will get you the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. If you have been in a bicycle accident in Maryland, do not hesitate to contact us. Call us anytime day or night at 443-844-1528. We are here to help you every step of the way.