WHEATON BICYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

Put Over 25 Years of Experience on Your Side

In recent years, Montgomery County has been adding bicycle lanes to local roadways for environmental reasons and to make the area more friendly to bicycle riders. Sadly, this has turned bicycle riders into prime targets for automobile drivers. This is because many bicycle collisions are caused by distracted drivers, drivers who pass too closely to cyclists, and drivers who fail to observe their surroundings before leaving a parking lot.

If you were injured or your loved one was killed in a bicycle accident in Montgomery County, reach out to our Wheaton bicycle accident attorneys to learn how we can help. At Portner & Shure, P.A., we understand how devastating these types of collisions can be, as well as the immense impact they have on victims and their loved ones. Our attorneys’ goal is to fight tirelessly for the justice you deserve and the compensation you are owed.

Give us a call at (240) 233-2801 or contact us online today to request a free initial consultation.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

The most common cause of bicycle accidents is negligence. All too often, this negligence is on the part of other motorists who fail to provide cyclists with the level of care and respect they deserve by driving recklessly or simply by not paying attention. For cyclists, who are relatively unprotected, the consequences can be devastating.

Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Texting while driving/distracted driving
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol/drugs
• Fatigued driving or falling asleep at the wheel
• Speeding
• Driving in designated bicycle lanes
• Failing to provide cyclists with adequate space
• Unsafe lane changes and turns
• Violating traffic laws, including running red lights/stop signs
• Aggressive driving
• Opening parked car doors into bicycle lanes/cyclists’ paths
• Failing to check blind spots
• Failing to yield the right-of-way

Sadly, bicycle accidents can lead to severe, catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, fractures, serious abrasions, “road rash” burns, soft tissue and internal organ damage, and more.

What Damages Are Available After a Bicycle Accident?

The specific damages you will be able to recover after the accident will depend on a variety of
factors, such as the nature of your injuries, whether or not you are forced to take off work to
heal, whether you are permanently disabled, if your bike was damaged, and more.

That being said, many bicycle accident victims are able to recover the following
damages:

• Medical bills
• Ongoing medical costs (rehabilitative therapy, medications, etc.)
• Lost wages/income
• Lost future earnings
• Pain and suffering (including emotional distress)
• Property damage

In rare cases, when you can prove that another person acted with egregious negligence and that this caused your injuries/damages, you may be able to recover punitive damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish negligent parties for their wrongful actions.

Why Hire a Bicycle Accident Attorney?

The liable insurance company is not on your side; never speak to an insurance adjuster from the other insurance company before first hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent your best interests. Often, these insurance companies will employ tactics to devalue, dispute, or even deny your claim outright. They may argue that you contributed to the accident through your own negligence, thereby barring you from recovering damages. They may argue that they are otherwise not liable for the accident and/or your injuries. Having an experienced attorney on your side, like those at Portner & Shure, P.A., allows you to fight back against these tactics and work to recover the rightful compensation you are owed.

Our Wheaton bicycle accident lawyers are ready to put over two decades of legal experience to work for you. We understand the law and the processes involved. Most importantly, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the process as easily and smoothly as possible in order to minimize your stress and allow you the time you need to heal. At Portner & Shure, P.A., we put our clients first. Read our many five-star reviews from past clients to learn more.

To schedule a free initial consultation, please call us at (240) 233-2801 or contact us online today.