The warm weather brings out people who love riding their bicycles, but there’s a downside. Maryland has seen its fair share of bicycle accidents this year, many of which were fatal. It’s a sad situation that no family should have to endure. Still, when these accidents happen, it’s important that they – at the very least – schedule a no-obligation consultation with a Maryland attorney who has experience in claims that involve bicycle accidents.
The process can be very nuanced, and the right questions must be asked, proper legal guidance must be provided, and all information needed is gathered to support the claim process.
In this article, we’re sharing three of the fatal bicycle accidents that occurred this year.
Frederick County Crash Injures 4 – Including Cyclist
According to WUSA 9, the crash occurred in late May, and four people were sent to the hospital.
“According to a spokesperson for Frederick County Fire and Rescue, crews were called to the 4700 block of Ballenger Creek Pike around 5 p.m. Responding crews found a two-vehicle crash involving a cyclist. Details about the extent of the crash were not publicly released. Firefighters said four people in total were taken to hospitals. Two of the injured people were taken to a local trauma center. One person was taken to an area hospital, and a fourth was taken to a pediatric hospital.”
At press time, the crash was still under investigation.
Local High School Student Killed in Bicycle Accident
WBAL reported on a tragic story in mid-May, about an 11th-grade student in 11th grader who was attending Towson High School who passed away following injuries from a bicycle accident.
“According to Baltimore County Police, on May 5, around 5:30 p.m., a bicyclist was traveling along West Joppa Road and attempting to make a left onto Abell Ridge Drive when a crash occurred with a vehicle. The victim was taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries, and on the evening of May 7, the 16-year-old was pronounced dead. Police identified the victim as Alex Norenberg.”
Police and investigators determine whether the driver, the teen on the bicycle, or possibly another factor contributed to the crash. If the investigation ultimately finds that the driver was at fault, the bicyclist’s family would be well advised to consult with a Maryland bicycle accident injury attorney to better understand their legal rights and options.
Bus Driver Cited For Negligence in Fatal Bicycle Accident That Killed an 11-Year-Old
According to WJLA, Summer Lim was an 11-year-old student at Earle B. Wood Middle School. They determined she was responsible for the accident that caused her death, according to the Montgomery County Department of Police. However, the bus driver, 55-year-old Ivan Rivas, made decisions following the accident that police found questionable.
WJLA wrote, “After hitting Lim, Rivas stopped. Then he moved forward 27 feet before coming to a complete stop, according to MCPD. Detectives said Rivas was negligent for moving the bus forward after stopping. Rivas was cited with one count of negligent driving, contributing to a fatal accident, according to MCPD.
This is yet another very unique situation where the family would be well advised to contact a personal injury attorney for legal guidance – ideally, one that understands complex claims involving multiple charges and possibly navigating through the public school system, the company that oversees the bus and its drivers, and the complexities of working with their lawyers.
Attorney for Bicycle Accident Claims in Maryland and Washington, DC
If a loved one was killed or seriously injured while riding a bicycle and a vehicle was involved, it can be very stressful to navigate everything that follows. Add to that, working through feelings of sadness, loss, and grief, or supporting someone with a disabling injury. Plus, there are medical bills, possible funeral expenses, insurance claims, and many legal questions. The attorneys at The Lapidus Law Firm can help reduce your stress levels by answering those questions and handling most, if not all, of the details involved in developing and presenting your claim to an adjuster or a court.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, call The Lapidus Law Firm at (301) 852-7500 or (202) 785-5111 for a free consultation. We are here to help. And always remember: We will fight to make things right!
Written by Senior Attorney Lawrence S. Lapidus
NOTICE: This blog article is for educational purposes ONLY and is not to be construed as legal advice, which will vary depending on the facts and circumstances involved in any specific case.