How Can I Avoid a Bicycle Accident?

By Peter DePaolis
Attorney

Unfortunately, there are times when cyclists do everything they can to prevent an accident from occurring, but a negligent driver still strikes him or her. cycling

Bicycle accidents can have devastating consequences, including death and catastrophic injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones and amputations. All of these injuries require extensive healthcare, including prolonged physical therapy and rehabilitation.

While a negligent driver can strike a cyclist at any time, there are safety precautions riders can take to protect themselves. These include:

  • Wearing a helmet
  • Wearing protective clothing like gloves and pads
  • Wearing reflective clothing
  • Having a front and back light
  • Having repair kits on hand for flats or other mechanical issues
  • Occupying bike lanes
  • Staying alert and adhering to the local laws
  • Following all traffic signals and signs

Again, sadly, no matter how many precautions a bicyclist takes, an accident can happen. On November 24, a Gaithersburg, Maryland bicyclist was killed when he collided with a truck in front of the entrance to a shopping center.

According to the Associated Press, 60-year-old Andrew Gerard Malizio was traveling down the road when a Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission truck driven by 52-year-old John Phillip Kline of Hagerstown attempted to make a left turn into the shopping center on a green signal, striking him.

Malizio was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which remains under investigation.

Who Should I Speak to If My Loved One Is Killed in a Bicycle Accident?

If you have been hurt in a bicycle accident or your loved one has been killed, it is important to know how civil laws apply to your situation. An attorney could potentially file a claim on your or your family members’ behalf. As we have reported previously, Maryland has contributory negligence laws that affect bicycle accident victims, so it is important to speak to our experienced injury attorneys.

If you have been harmed in a bicycle accident, you can visit our Facebook and Twitter pages for more information.

Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.

Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia Injury Attorneys

Did You Know: Many bicycle shops offer rear blinking lights that can be used at night for less than $15.

Source: http://www.wtop.com/41/3749777/Bicyclist-killed-in-crash-with-truck-in-Maryland

About the Author
Peter DePaolis joined the firm in 1980 and has since represented a large number of individuals involved in automobile collisions, truck accidents, bus crashes, defective products, and medical malpractice cases. A significant portion of Mr. DePaolis’ practice is devoted to working on behalf of people suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related cancers. He has led his firm’s fight against the asbestos industry and has recovered over $30 million in damages for asbestos victims and their families.