Were you injured in a bicycle accident in Charles County, Maryland? At Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers, our Charles County bicycle accident lawyers are committed to protecting your rights, maximizing your recovery, and helping you get back on the road to physical, emotional, and financial stability. Contact us today at (301) 932-9997 for a free consultation.
A bicycle accident can change your life in an instant, leaving you with painful injuries, costly medical bills, and time away from work. When a crash happens, you need a legal advocate who understands Maryland’s traffic laws, the unique challenges bicycle accident victims face, and how to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Why Choose Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers for Help After a Bicycle Accident in Charles County, MD?
When your life is disrupted by a serious bicycle accident, you need a law firm with the experience, resources, and results to fight for you. At Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers, our attorneys have 125 years of combined experience advocating for injured clients and have recovered over $100,000,000 in verdicts and settlements.
We know the challenges cyclists face after a crash, from severe injuries and mounting medical bills to insurance companies working to minimize your claim. Our team is dedicated to protecting your rights and securing the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case review with an experienced Charles County personal injury lawyer.
What Is My Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
The value of a bicycle accident case depends on the unique facts of your situation. Factors such as the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, your lost income, and the long-term impact on your ability to work and enjoy life all play a role in determining your compensation.
A thorough evaluation by an experienced attorney can help ensure every aspect of your losses is accounted for, giving you the best chance to recover the maximum compensation possible.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Bicycle Accident Victims?
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, Maryland law allows you to pursue compensation for a variety of losses. These losses, called damages, generally fall into three categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and, in rare cases, punitive damages. Understanding each type ensures you seek the full value of your claim.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the measurable financial losses you’ve suffered because of the accident. These are typically supported by medical bills, receipts, and employment records.
Examples include:
- Medical expenses – Emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and anticipated future care.
- Lost income – Wages lost while recovering from your injuries.
- Reduced earning capacity – If your injuries limit your ability to work in the future.
- Property damage – Repair or replacement of your bicycle, helmet, and other damaged personal property.
Properly documenting these expenses helps ensure you are compensated for the full financial impact of your injuries.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the intangible effects of the accident that don’t come with receipts but still have a profound impact on your life.
Examples include:
- Pain and suffering – Chronic pain, physical limitations, and ongoing discomfort.
- Emotional distress – Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other psychological effects.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – The inability to participate in hobbies, sports, or activities you once enjoyed.
Although harder to calculate, these damages are just as significant as your financial losses and should be fully considered in your claim.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not meant to compensate you for your losses but to punish the wrongdoer for extreme misconduct and deter similar behavior in the future. They are awarded only in exceptional cases—such as when a driver acts with malice, intent to harm, or gross negligence, like driving under the influence or deliberately ignoring known safety risks.
While rare, punitive damages can significantly increase the value of your case and send a strong message that reckless behavior will not be tolerated.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
At Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront for legal representation. Instead, the attorney’s fee is a set percentage of the compensation they recover for you—whether through a settlement or a court verdict.
If we don’t win your case, you owe no attorney’s fees. This arrangement allows injured cyclists to access skilled legal help without worrying about out-of-pocket costs. This structure ensures your lawyer is motivated to fight for the maximum compensation possible because their success is directly tied to yours.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Bicycle Accident in Maryland?
Maryland follows one of the strictest rules in the country when it comes to shared fault—contributory negligence. Under this rule, if you are found even 1% at fault for causing the accident, you are barred from recovering any compensation. This means that insurance companies will often try to shift some portion of blame onto you to avoid paying your claim.
Because the standard is so unforgiving, it’s critical to have strong evidence showing that the other party was entirely at fault. This may include accident scene photos, witness statements, police reports, traffic camera footage, and expert testimony.
An experienced Maryland bicycle accident lawyer can investigate the crash, protect you from unfair blame, and fight to preserve your right to full compensation.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Bicycle Accident Injuries in Charles County, MD
Bicycle accidents often result in severe, life-changing injuries because riders have little protection against the force of a motor vehicle. These injuries can lead to long recovery times, permanent disabilities, and significant financial and emotional strain.
Our legal team is committed to pursuing full compensation for every injury you’ve sustained—whether it’s visible and immediate or one that develops over time.
Common bicycle accident injuries we handle include:
- Head and brain injuries – Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- Spinal cord injuries – Herniated discs, nerve damage, or paralysis.
- Fractures and broken bones – Including collarbone, arm, wrist, hip, or leg fractures.
- Soft tissue injuries – Sprains, strains, torn ligaments, and severe bruising.
- Internal injuries – Organ damage or internal bleeding.
- Road rash and lacerations – Painful skin abrasions and deep cuts that may require surgery.
We work with medical experts to understand the full extent of your injuries, project your future care needs, and calculate the financial impact these injuries will have over your lifetime. Our goal is to ensure you recover the maximum compensation available so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents in Maryland?
Bicycle accidents in Maryland can happen for many reasons, but most are the result of driver negligence or unsafe road conditions. Understanding the common causes can help establish liability and strengthen your claim for compensation.
Frequent causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Driver inattention or distraction – Texting, talking on the phone, or other distractions that take a driver’s focus off the road.
- Failure to yield – Motorists turning or entering intersections without yielding to cyclists who have the right of way.
- Speeding – Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of collisions.
- Unsafe lane changes or passing – Drivers failing to provide a safe distance when overtaking a bicycle.
- Dooring accidents – When a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an approaching cyclist.
- Poor road conditions – Potholes, debris, and inadequate signage that create hazards for cyclists.
- Driving under the influence – Impaired drivers are more likely to misjudge distances, speeds, and traffic situations.
Each of these causes presents unique challenges when proving fault. A thorough investigation—often involving accident reconstruction, witness interviews, and review of traffic camera footage—can help identify exactly what went wrong and who should be held accountable.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Bicycle Accident in Maryland?
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents, is three years from the date of the accident. This means you must file your lawsuit within that time frame or you will lose your right to seek compensation in court.
However, certain situations may have shorter deadlines. For example, if your claim involves a government entity—such as a crash caused by a municipal vehicle or poor road maintenance—you may be required to provide formal notice within one year and follow specific procedural rules. Missing these deadlines can result in your claim being dismissed entirely.
Because evidence can be lost and witness memories fade over time, it’s important to speak with a Maryland bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after your crash. Acting quickly helps preserve your legal rights and gives your attorney the best chance to build a strong case for full compensation.
Contact Our Charles County Bicycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A bicycle accident can leave you facing painful injuries, costly medical bills, and weeks—or even months—away from work. You shouldn’t have to navigate the legal process alone while trying to recover.
At Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers, Charles County bicycle accident attorneys have the experience, resources, and dedication to investigate your case, prove liability, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Call today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and learn how we can help you get the justice and financial recovery you need to move forward.
