In today’s society, our busy roads are shared with a wide range of vehicles, in addition to pedestrians. It’s important for every road user to be mindful of others who we share the road with. This includes large semi-trucks sharing the road with bicyclists, which can be dangerous considering the big gap in size between the two vehicles. Truck drivers may have a harder time seeing smaller vehicles like bicycles, and should take great precaution to ensure that their line of vision is clear before proceeding. Bicyclists must ensure that they are also very diligent and aware of their surroundings. Accidents happen everyday, so it’s important that we are all actively paying attention to those around us who we share the road with.
In a recent news report from a Brooklyn accident, a 44-year-old bicyclist was tragically killed in a collision with a tractor-trailer. According to the article, the driver of the tractor-trailer was turning when the bicyclist, who was in a crosswalk, was struck by the tractor-trailer, and dragged under the truck. The bicyclist suffered severe head trauma and later died at a local hospital. The tractor-trailer driver did not immediately face charges.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IHS), the most serious injuries involving Bicyclists are to the head, highlighting the importance of wearing properly fitted helmets. IHS reported that a total of 932 bicyclists were killed in crashes involving motor vehicles in 2020. Further, IHS reported that 57 percent of bicyclists killed in 2020 were not wearing helmets, and that 79 percent of bicyclists were killed in urban areas.
What Happens When a Bicyclist is Injured in a Maryland Accident with a Truck Driver
You may be wondering what happens in the situation where a bicyclist is injured in an accident involving a truck driver in the state of Maryland. Because every case is different, and every state also has different laws in place regarding negligence, it is important to first connect with an experienced attorney who handles personal injury suits in the state. But there are also some things you may want to consider when dealing with such an accident in Maryland.
Because Maryland is a contributory negligence state, and one of five states in the country that still follows the contributory negligence doctrine, it’ll be important to consider who was at fault for the accident and if the injured party is at all responsible for the accident. Contributory negligence means that if the plaintiff (the party bringing the lawsuit) contributed to the accident and injuries even in the slightest, then this bars the plaintiff from recovering any damages for their injuries. If the jury finds that a bicyclist was not negligent and did not contribute to the cause of the accident and injuries, then the bicyclist or their loved ones may be able to recover damages.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Truck Accident
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident in Maryland, contact the lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC today. With decades of experience in personal injury suits, our attorneys are skilled at navigating the complex laws in Maryland and are ready to help you win your case. We want to help you as you navigate your personal injury claim. To schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our team, contact us at 800-654-1949.