Have you been hurt in a bicycle crash in St. Mary’s County, Maryland? If a careless driver caused your crash, you may have the right to seek compensation. Call Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers at (301) 932-9997 for a free consultation with our St. Mary’s County bicycle accident lawyers.
Bicycle accidents can cause serious injuries, but navigating the legal process to recover compensation can be challenging on your own. We are here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out to our team when you are ready to get started and learn more about how we can help.
Why Choose Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers for Help After a Bicycle Accident in St. Mary’s County, MD?
After a bicycle accident, you may be dealing with pain, medical bills, and time away from work. Insurance companies often try to limit what they pay. Having an experienced St. Mary’s County personal injury lawyer on your side can make a difference.
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers brings 125 years of combined experience to every case. We have recovered over $100,000,000 for injured clients in St. Mary’s County, MD, and across the state. Our firm prepares every case as if it may go to trial, which often leads to stronger settlement offers.
For their experience, skill, and dedication to serving clients, our attorneys have been recognized by many professional organizations, including Super Lawyers, Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. The firm’s lawyers are also very involved in the local community and serve in roles on various boards and committees.
Our goal is to protect your rights while you focus on healing. Contact our St. Mary’s County bicycle accident attorneys today for a complimentary case review.
What Is My St. Mary’s County Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
Every bicycle accident case is different. The value of your claim depends on several factors.
These may include:
- The severity of your injuries
- The extent of the medical care you need, both now and in the future
- Whether you missed work or lost earning ability
- The amount of available insurance coverage
- Whether you share any fault for the crash
Our St. Mary’s County personal injury attorneys work hard to gather strong evidence and push back against unfair claims of fault. We will carefully review your case and explain what factors might affect the value of your specific claim.
What Damages Are Available to St. Mary’s County Bicycle Accident Victims?
If another person caused your bicycle wreck, you may be entitled to compensatory damages from them. These are meant to help you recover financially and personally (to make you “whole” again, or as close to it as possible).
Economic damages cover your financial losses, which can include:
- Emergency room visits and hospital stays
- Surgeries and follow-up care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications and medical devices
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage, including your bicycle
These losses are usually somewhat easy to prove through documentation, such as bills, receipts, invoices, and employment records.
Non-economic damages compensate you for the subjective, personal impact of your injuries, which may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
In rare cases involving extreme misconduct, punitive damages may also be available under Maryland law. However, these are not common and require specific evidence. Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Our firm will work to document and prove all of your losses so your claim reflects the true cost of the accident.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in St. Mary’s County?
At Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees, and we are paid only if we recover compensation for you. In that case, our fees will be deducted from your award as an agreed-upon percentage. If we do not win your case, you do not owe us attorney’s fees.
Many injured cyclists worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer. This arrangement allows you to pursue justice without added financial stress.
During your free consultation, we will explain our fee structure clearly and answer any questions you have.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Bicycle Accident in Maryland?
Maryland’s contributory negligence rule makes these cases especially challenging. If you are found even slightly at fault for your accident, you may not be able to recover any damages. Insurance companies try to use this rule to limit their liability and reduce their payout to accident victims.
For example, the other side might argue that:
- You were not riding in a designated bike lane.
- You failed to obey a traffic signal.
- You were not wearing reflective gear at night.
Because contributory negligence can prevent recovery, it is critical to have strong legal representation. Our bicycle accident attorneys in St. Mary’s County will investigate the crash, review traffic laws, and fight to show that the driver’s negligence caused your injuries.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in St. Mary’s County, Maryland
Bicycle accidents often lead to serious and life-changing injuries. Cyclists have far less protection than drivers in passenger vehicles.
Common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash and severe lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Facial injuries and dental damage
Some victims require surgery, long-term therapy, or ongoing medical care. Others may never fully recover.
Our attorneys work closely with medical professionals and experts to understand the full extent of your injuries. We seek compensation not only for your current expenses but also for future care and long-term effects.
What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents in St. Mary’s County?
Bicycle accidents are often caused by driver negligence. Careless or reckless drivers may fail to notice a cyclist before turning or changing lanes. Road and weather conditions can also affect visibility and cause crashes.
In St. Mary’s County, common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Unsafe lane changes
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Dooring accidents, when a driver opens a car door into a cyclist’s path
- Poor road conditions and limited bike infrastructure can also contribute to crashes.
Our legal team will examine police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness statements to determine the cause of your accident and who should be held responsible.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Maryland?
Under Maryland law, most personal injury lawsuits usually must be filed within three years of the date of the accident. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
There are limited exceptions that may apply in certain cases, such as claims involving minors. However, it is best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
How Can a St. Mary’s County Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle crash can quickly become overwhelming. Instead of dealing with insurance companies and legal deadlines, you should be able to focus on healing from your injuries.
When you work with our bicycle accident lawyers in St. Mary’s County, we will:
- Investigate how the crash happened
- Gather police reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Work with accident reconstruction experts when needed
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Negotiate for a full and fair settlement
- Take your case to court if necessary
Let us handle the legal side of your accident while you take care of your health.
Contact Our St. Mary’s County Bicycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A serious bicycle accident can change your life in seconds. You should not have to face medical bills, lost income, and insurance disputes on your own.
The St. Mary’s County bicycle accident attorneys at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers are ready to stand up for you and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call our office today to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you move forward with confidence.