Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog

Every year in Baltimore, Annapolis and other cities and towns across Maryland, dozens of bicycle riders are injured or killed by inattentive motorists on city boulevards, suburban streets and country roads. As Maryland bicycle accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys, our firm is aware of the dangers present on our public roadways.

Cyclists have next to no protection when it comes to a collision with an automobile, sport utility vehicle or pickup truck. Commercial vehicles pose even greater threats to bike riders; accidents involving semi tractor-trailers or urban delivery vehicles can many times be fatal. Minor cuts and bruises are nothing compared to broken bones, deep lacerations and other life-threatening injuries such as spine and brain trauma.

Avoiding injury on a bicycle is one of the key jobs of a cyclist, yet there are many other ways to protect oneself while peddling around town. It is important to remember that under Maryland law bicycles are considered road-going vehicles, which means bicycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of cars and trucks.

The biggest drawbacks to riding a bicycle in traffic is that riders are less visible and much quieter than cars, not to mention having no protective sheetmetal surrounding the operator. Sadly, this mean that even the slightest mistake by a cyclist can mean the difference between living another day or dying from a fatal traffic accident.

Hear are a few suggestions (and laws) for every rider to remember the next time he or she takes to the street on that shiny two-wheeler:

-- Bicyclists fare best when they act like and are treated as drivers of vehicles
-- Most crashes occur during daylight hours; May through September
-- A helmet must be worn by anyone under the age of 16 who rides a bicycle on public roads, bicycle paths, or other public property
-- A bicycle may not carry an additional passenger unless specifically designed for the task
-- A rider must not wear a headset or earplugs that cover both ears
-- Bicycles must obey the same traffic laws as cars
-- Cyclists should ride in the same direction as automobile traffic
- -Wear reflective gear after dark and have a working light on your bike

For more information visit http://www.choosesafetyforlife.com/bicycle.htm

It may be hard for most riders to swallow, but summer is over. The recent blizzard that hit the East Coast made that abundantly clear. Still, when the snow melts and roads dry out for a day or so, there is always at least one diehard motorcycle enthusiast who cannot let a a single sunny day pass without firing up his Harley, Honda or Ducati -- even with temperatures hovering just above freezing.

As a Maryland motorcycle accident lawyer, I have met some dyed-in-the-wool bikers and for them I suggest extreme caution when riding during what many consider the “off season” for motorcycles. But it isn’t just the weather that should concern motorcycle riders. I’ll pose the question here: Could fewer bikes on the road result in car, SUV and pickup truck drivers becoming less conscious of a motorcycle in their blind spot?

It is understood that automobile-motorcycle collisions can be one of the more deadly traffic accidents. Because of this, every rider should be watchful no matter what the season, but especially on those unusually pleasant winter days, not to mention when springtime comes to our state.

Right now there may be fewer motorcycle riders out on Maryland roads, but that doesn’t mean that there will be fewer accidents, at least on a percentage basis. My main concern here is for the safety of cyclists wherever they may be. As a rule, it is always important to share the road with all vehicles. If car and truck drivers took more responsibility and drove more attentively, motorcycle accidents could be reduced dramatically all year round.

If you or someone you know has been injured on a motorcycle as a result of the car or truck crash, it is vital that you act quickly to secure professional legal representation before agreeing to any insurance settlement.

Maryland State Police last month charged a Hollywood woman with negligent driving in a fatal traffic accident that left a local bicycle rider dead. Police state that 20-year-old Kathy May Lee contributed to the October 5 accident that killed Curtis Andrew Leymeister, a 47-year-old resident of St. Mary's County.

As a Maryland personal injury lawyer, I and my colleagues understand the extent of possible injuries that a bicycle rider can receive in a car-bike crash. More often than not, the result is fatal for the cyclist. In this particular case, the cyclist was struck and killed on Clarke's Landing Road and was apparently riding in the middle of his lane.

According to police, Leymeister was riding his bike west in the westbound lane of the roadway just before 8am when he was struck from behind by a Honda Accord driven by Lee. Every driver is obliged to be aware of the situation around them, and this is especially important when bicycles or pedestrians are present. Reports indicate that the local prosecutor recommended that the motorist be charged with negligent driving, which includes fine of $280.

Based on the police investigation, Lee was apparently distracted from her driving, as well as having morning dew still on her windshield when police arrived. Police reports show that the woman had a partially obstructed windshield and that she was preoccupied as she was reaching for a cigarette lighter.

The prosecutor’s office said there were no indications that Lee was texting or otherwise using a cell phone when the collision occurred, and that there were no contributing circumstances amounting to gross negligence, which is defined as a wanton and reckless disregard for human life. Authorities say that there was no alcohol and no indication of speeding, nor any indication of other conditions that would constitute reckless driving.

Motorist cited in bicycle fatality, SoMDNews.com, November 4, 2009

The dangers of biking in an urban setting were brought home again recently during a memorial ride held in honor of a local Baltimore bicycle enthusiast who was killed in a traffic accident last August. Sixty-seven-year-old John Yates was killed in a truck-bicycle accident by a hit-and-run trucker while he was riding near the intersection of West Lafayette and Maryland Avenues.

At the time of the accident, police investigators said that a truck struck Yates as it was turning left onto West Lafayette. Witnesses at the scene reportedly told police that Yates became entangled beneath the rear wheels of the tanker truck. The cyclist suffered fatal injuries, including severe trauma to his left leg and abdomen. As a Maryland personal injury lawyer, I can tell you that accidents between trucks and bicycles rarely come out well for the cyclist, which is why riders must be especially watchful whenever they mix with other vehicles on the road.

According to police reports, the man’s widow said that he had been running errands on his bike that day before the deadly truck-bike crash occurred. Yates reportedly headed to the University of Baltimore to make certain his registration was in order as he prepared to begin work toward his third master's degree -- he planned to become an alcohol and substance abuse counselor.

About 80 cyclists participated in the memorial ride through North Baltimore in early November. The second annual Tour De Greater Homewood was also known this year as the Jack Yates Memorial Ride.

According to news reports, the Greater Homewood Community Corporation organized the ride; Yates was one of the group's board members. Organizers had hoped the event would raise awareness about bicycle safety. Seven people have died in bicycle accidents every year in Maryland from 2005 through 2008, according to State Highway Administration figures.

At the time of the ride police had still not identified the truck driver who killed Yates. However, police also believe that the drive may not have been aware that the collision occurred and therefore left the scene. In fact, law enforcement authorities have said that a surveillance video camera recorded the event and showed that Yates was apparently at fault. A lawyer representing the Yates family stated that the video also shows that the truck driver did not signal he was making the turn.

Cycling community rides to honor one of its own, BaltimoreSun.com, November 9, 2009