Due to the nice weather last Monday, a Montgomery County resident went for a bike ride but was tragically killed after being struck by a water utility truck. Police said the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission truck was driving on Darnestown Road, near Quince Orchard Road when he began to turn left on a green light. At the same time, the bicyclist, who was wearing a helmet, was riding in the far right lane when he too started to turn on a green light. The truck collided with the bicycle at the entrance of a shopping center, and the bicyclist could not save his life at the scene. All indications are that this was an accident. It is unfortunate that these kinds of accidents are occurring more often, and drivers must remain aware of their surroundings and be cautious of bicyclists on the road.
There are several important factors in a Maryland bicycle accident suit. If your case makes it to trial, a jury will consider the following factors:
Damage to the bicycle and any vehicles involved in the crash
The party or parties at fault in the bike accident
What arguments can the defendant’s attorney make for the defendant not being liable
The presence of drugs or alcohol
Injuries suffered by all parties, including wrongful death damages
Severity and permanency of injuries
Pain and suffering resulting from the accident
Witnesses of the accident and their credibility
Juries offer larger awards to victims when there are serious permanent injuries and all evidence points to the defendant being at fault. However, it is up to your attorney to present evidence in a manner that clearly explains wrongful death damages and/or the extent and nature of the injuries. Bicycle accident victims must choose an experienced personal injury attorney with abundant litigation skills in order to receive the compensation they deserve.
If you or a family member has been injured by a driver while riding a bicycle, contact Portner & Shure for a free legal consultation or if you would like more information on drivers hitting pedestrians at (410) 995-1515 or visit us on our website.
