If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Greenbelt, you deserve compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A Greenbelt bicycle accident lawyer from CHASENBOSCOLO helps injured cyclists recover the damages they’re entitled to under Maryland law. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why Choose CHASENBOSCOLO for Your Bicycle Accident Claim
CHASENBOSCOLO has represented injured cyclists throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. for nearly 40 years. Our team includes more than 20 attorneys with extensive trial experience. Multiple lawyers at our firm have received Super Lawyers recognition. We’ve recovered over $750 million for our clients since 1986, and we bring that same dedication to every bicycle accident case we handle.
We understand the unique challenges cyclists face after an accident. Unlike motorists, cyclists have no protective shell around them, which means injuries tend to be more severe. Our attorneys know how to investigate these cases thoroughly. We identify all liable parties and build strong claims that insurance companies take seriously. We handle every aspect of your case—from initial investigation through settlement negotiation or trial—so you can focus on healing.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Greenbelt
Motorist negligence causes most bicycle accidents in Greenbelt rather than cyclist error. Understanding what caused your accident is crucial for building a strong legal claim. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Motorists texting, using phones, or eating while driving fail to notice cyclists
- Failure to yield: Drivers turning left or right without checking for cyclists in their path
- Dooring accidents: Parked car doors opening into cyclists’ paths without warning
- Unsafe passing: Drivers passing too closely or without adequate clearance
- Running red lights or stop signs: Motorists violating traffic laws and hitting cyclists in intersections
Road hazards and poor infrastructure also contribute to bicycle accidents. Potholes, debris, inadequate bike lanes, and poor lighting create dangerous conditions that motorists should anticipate and avoid.
Types of Injuries from Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accident injuries range from minor to catastrophic. Because cyclists lack the protection that vehicles provide, even low-speed collisions can cause serious harm. Common injuries we see include:
- Head and brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and skull fractures
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage resulting in partial or complete paralysis
- Fractures and broken bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis fractures
- Road rash and soft tissue damage: Severe abrasions, lacerations, and muscle damage
- Internal injuries: Organ damage, internal bleeding, and chest trauma
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. The costs add up quickly, and you shouldn’t bear them alone if someone else’s negligence caused your accident.
Determining Fault in Greenbelt Bicycle Accident Cases
Maryland law holds motorists responsible for operating their vehicles safely and watching for cyclists on the road. To establish negligence, we must prove that the motorist owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries as a result.
Motorists have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely and watch for cyclists on the road. When they fail to do so—by driving distracted, speeding, or ignoring traffic laws—they breach that duty. If that breach causes your accident and injuries, they’re liable for your damages.
Establishing Fault
We establish fault through police reports, witness statements, accident scene evidence, and expert analysis. We may also use traffic camera footage, vehicle data recorders, and accident reconstruction experts to prove exactly what happened. In some cases, multiple parties share fault—the motorist, a vehicle manufacturer, or even the city if poor road conditions contributed to your accident.
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTE: Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule. This means you cannot recover damages if you bear any responsibility for the accident.
However, Maryland’s 2025 vulnerable road user law provides an important exception for cyclists. Under this law, cyclists can recover damages even if they are less than 51% at fault. This exception does not apply to other accident victims. We evaluate your case to determine whether this exception applies to your bicycle accident case.
Damages You Can Recover
Maryland law allows bicycle accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover your actual financial losses:
- Medical bills and hospital expenses
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Property damage to your bicycle and gear
Non-economic damages compensate you for the impact the accident has on your life:
- Pain and suffering from your injuries
- Emotional distress and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life and activities you loved
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of companionship (in wrongful death cases)
In rare cases involving gross negligence or intentional conduct, Maryland allows punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. Our attorneys evaluate your case to determine what damages apply and fight to maximize your recovery.
How CHASENBOSCOLO Handles Your Bicycle Accident Case
We follow a proven process to build strong bicycle accident claims.
Investigation
First, we conduct a thorough investigation. Our team visits the accident scene, interviews witnesses, obtains police reports, and gathers medical records. We work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary to establish exactly what happened.
Case Evaluation
Next, we evaluate your case and determine the value of your claim based on your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other factors. We identify all potentially liable parties—the motorist, their employer if they were working, vehicle manufacturers, or government entities responsible for road maintenance.
Communication With Opposing Parties
We then handle all communication with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize claims or deny liability altogether. We negotiate aggressively on your behalf, presenting evidence that supports your claim and counters the insurer’s arguments. Many cases settle at this stage when insurers realize we’re prepared to take the case to trial.
Preparing Your Case for Trial
If settlement negotiations don’t produce fair compensation, we prepare your case for trial. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and aren’t afraid to present your case to a jury. We handle all discovery, depositions, expert witness coordination, and courtroom advocacy so you don’t have to.
Throughout the process, we keep you informed and answer your questions. You’ll know what’s happening with your case and understand your options at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Maryland?
Maryland’s statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is strict—if you miss it, you lose your right to sue. However, you should contact an attorney much sooner. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and early investigation is crucial to building a strong case.
Do I need a lawyer for my bicycle accident case?
While you’re not required to hire an attorney, doing so significantly improves your outcome. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize what they pay. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer levels the playing field, handles negotiations, and ensures you receive fair compensation. Most people recover far more with an attorney than they would on their own.
How much does it cost to hire CHASENBOSCOLO?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and no attorney fees unless we win your case. If we recover compensation through a settlement or a trial verdict, we take a percentage of what you receive. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours—we only make money when you do.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Maryland’s strict contributory negligence rule means you cannot recover damages if you bear any responsibility for the accident. However, the 2025 vulnerable road user law provides an exception for cyclists. If you’re a cyclist and were less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages. We evaluate your case to determine whether this exception applies and what your recovery options are.
How long does a bicycle accident case typically take?
Timeline varies based on case complexity and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Many cases settle within 6 to 12 months once we’ve completed the investigation and presented our demand to the insurance company. Cases that go to trial may take 1 to 2 years or longer, depending on court schedules and discovery disputes. We’ll give you a realistic timeline based on your specific situation.
What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident?
First, seek medical attention even if you feel okay. Some injuries don’t appear immediately. Second, document the scene—take photos of your injuries, the accident location, vehicle damage, and road conditions. Get contact information from witnesses. Call the police and request a report. Don’t admit fault or discuss the accident with the motorist’s insurance company. Finally, contact CHASENBOSCOLO for a free consultation as soon as possible.
Contact CHASENBOSCOLO for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Greenbelt, Maryland, don’t wait to get legal help. Call CHASENBOSCOLO at (301) 220-0050 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our legal team will review your case, answer your questions, and explain your options. We’re available 24/7 to help injured cyclists recover the compensation they deserve.
