Learning that your child has been hit by a car while riding their bicycle is every parent’s nightmare. Unfortunately, this devastating scenario happens frequently in Baltimore and throughout Maryland.
Bicycle accidents involving children often lead to serious injuries or even fatalities, leaving families facing emotional trauma, significant medical expenses, and uncertainty about the future. At Holzman & Dickriede, our experienced Baltimore bicycle accident lawyers are dedicated to helping families navigate these traumatic situations.
In this guide, we’ll explore Maryland bicycle safety statistics, common factors contributing to child bicycle accidents, and how to protect your child’s legal rights after an accident.
Maryland Bicycle Safety Statistics
Understanding Maryland bicycle safety statistics highlights the importance of proactive measures and illustrates the severity of the problem:
- According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, hundreds of bicycle accidents occur annually statewide, with a significant portion involving children and young adults.
- Over half of all child bicycle accidents result from collisions with motor vehicles, often leading to serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, fractures, or internal damage.
- Baltimore consistently ranks among Maryland cities with the highest rates of bicycle accidents involving child injuries.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data reveal that children aged 10-14 represent one of the highest-risk age groups for bicycle-related injuries and fatalities.
These alarming statistics emphasize the need for continued public awareness, increased safety initiatives, and legal action when negligence occurs.
Common Causes of Baltimore Child Bicycle Accidents
Identifying common causes of bicycle accidents involving children in Baltimore helps determine accountability and prevent future tragedies:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains a leading cause of bicycle accidents involving children. When drivers text, make phone calls, eat, or adjust GPS devices, their attention shifts away from the road, drastically increasing the risk of striking young cyclists.
Failure to Yield
Drivers frequently fail to yield the right-of-way to child bicyclists at intersections, crosswalks, and school zones, leading to dangerous collisions.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Excessive speed reduces reaction time, making it challenging for drivers to stop in time to avoid a collision. Speed-related accidents significantly heighten the severity of injuries sustained by child bicyclists.
Poor Visibility
Limited visibility due to weather conditions, poor street lighting, or obstructions can impair a driver’s ability to see bicyclists, especially smaller and less visible children.
Injuries Commonly Sustained by Children in Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents involving children can lead to severe and long-lasting injuries:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head injuries, even with helmets, are common and can result in permanent cognitive impairments or developmental delays.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Arms, legs, wrists, and collarbones are frequently fractured, requiring surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation periods.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe impacts may result in partial or total paralysis, dramatically altering a child’s life.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs, such as lungs, kidneys, or spleen, can occur, necessitating emergency medical care and extended hospitalization.
- Emotional Trauma: Psychological effects like PTSD, anxiety, and fear of riding again often accompany physical injuries.
Seeking immediate medical care and legal assistance is crucial to addressing these injuries effectively.
Legal Rights After a Baltimore Child Bicycle Accident
When a child is involved in a bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, Maryland law allows families to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. Engaging a skilled Baltimore bicycle accident lawyer is essential to protecting your child’s rights.
How a Baltimore Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Experienced attorneys provide crucial assistance by:
- Conducting detailed investigations to determine liability, including examining police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction.
- Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation, preventing insurers from undervaluing your child’s injuries.
- Representing your family in court if a settlement cannot be reached, advocating for maximum compensation.
Steps to Take Immediately After Your Child’s Bicycle Accident
If your child has been hit by a car, taking immediate action can significantly strengthen your case:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prompt medical treatment ensures your child’s injuries are documented and treated.
- Report the Accident: Always involve law enforcement to document the incident.
- Gather Evidence: Collect names, contact information, photographs of the accident scene, the vehicle involved, and injuries sustained.
- Preserve Medical Records: Maintain comprehensive records of all medical treatments, diagnoses, and associated costs.
- Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney: Consult a Baltimore bicycle accident lawyer promptly to protect your child’s legal interests.
Bicycle Safety Tips for Maryland Families
- Helmet Use: Maryland law requires children under 16 to wear helmets, significantly reducing head injury risk.
- Visibility and Reflective Gear: Equip bicycles and clothing with reflective materials and lights to increase visibility.
- Supervised Riding: Younger children should always ride supervised, especially in areas with vehicle traffic.
- Traffic Safety Education: Teach your child traffic rules, proper signaling, and awareness of vehicles around them.
Implementing these proactive safety measures can significantly enhance your child’s safety.
Why Choose Holzman & Dickriede?
Choosing Holzman & Dickriede for your Baltimore child bicycle accident case means choosing experienced, compassionate legal advocates:
- Experienced Representation: Our attorneys have extensive experience securing substantial settlements and verdicts for child bicycle accident victims.
- Comprehensive Legal Support: We manage all aspects of your case, providing clarity, guidance, and assertive representation.
- Personalized Attention: We treat each case with sensitivity, recognizing families’ emotional challenges after traumatic accidents.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We aggressively pursue justice, ensuring responsible parties are held fully accountable for your child’s injuries.
Contact Holzman & Dickriede Today
If your child has been injured in a bicycle accident in Baltimore or surrounding Maryland communities, you deserve dedicated, skilled legal support. At Holzman & Dickriede, our Baltimore bicycle accident lawyers are committed to protecting your child’s rights and guiding your family through every step of the legal process.
Don’t wait to seek justice. Contact our experienced bicycle accident attorneys today for a free consultation. Together, we can secure the compensation your family deserves and help your child on their path to recovery.
