Young Bicyclist Critically Injured in Crofton

Riding a bike is a rite of passage for children. From training wheels to graduating to a two-wheeler, kids enjoy a certain sense of freedom when riding their bicycles. However, these fun times can quickly turn tragic in the event of an accident.

The Baltimore Sun reported a car accident in which a 12-year-old boy was critically injured while riding his bike at the intersection of Johns Hopkins Road and Nantucket Drive. Per the Sun:

Upon investigating, police said two children on bicycles were crossing Johns Hopkins Road from Nantucket Drive when one of them was hit by a 59-year-old Odenton man driving a 1992 F-150 pickup truck.

The 12-year-old was taken to Johns Hopkins Pediatric Trauma Center in Baltimore for treatment. The other child and driver, who remained on the scene, were not injured, police said.

The crash remains under investigation.

Recent fatal bike accidents in Maryland

Just over the past few months, Maryland experienced multiple fatal bicycle collisions:

• In August, a cyclist was struck and killed on MD 355 in Germantown.
• A man was struck and killed in an intersection bicycle accident in early September.
• In late August, a woman on her bike was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver.
• In July, a Hyattsville man riding his bike died after he was struck in a hit-and-run accident.

Bike accidents in Maryland: The statistics

Bicycle accidents like these happen a lot here in Maryland. Zero Deaths Maryland reports the following statistics:

The 2021 incidence [rates] of bicycle-involved crashes in Maryland increased by 2 percent when compared to 2020. However, bicycle-involved fatalities decreased from 16 in 2020 to 6 in 2021. From 2017-2021, an average of approximately 782 bicycle-involved crashes occurred on Maryland roadways each year. During the same period, bicycles were involved in an annual average of fewer than one in 100 (0.7 percent) of all statewide traffic crashes, 2 percent of statewide injury crashes, and 1.9 percent of statewide fatal crashes. Bicycle-involved crashes accounted for 1.5 percent of statewide injuries and 1.8 percent of statewide fatalities during the same period.

Further, bike crashes are more likely to involve younger riders – 27% of crashes in 2021 involved children aged 17 and under.

What should I do after a bicycle accident in Maryland?

If you've been involved in a bicycle accident in Maryland, it's essential to take several steps to protect your health, well-being, and legal rights. Here's a checklist of what you should do after a bicycle accident in Maryland:

• Check for injuries. First, check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately for medical assistance. Even if injuries seem minor, it's crucial to seek medical evaluation. Attend all follow-up medical appointments and follow your healthcare provider's treatment plan. This not only ensures your well-being but also provides a record of your injuries and recovery. Make sure to save any medical bills you receive, as well as receipts for costs associated with your care, such as transportation costs and co-pays.
• Move to a safe location. If possible and safe to do so, move yourself and your bicycle out of the road or away from traffic to avoid further accidents or hazards.
• Contact the police. Call the police to report the bicycle accident. A police report can provide essential documentation of the incident, which can be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
• Exchange information. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other party involved in the accident, if applicable. Obtain their name, phone number, address, and insurance details.
• Document the scene and its effects. If you can, take pictures and videos of the accident scene, including any damage to your bicycle, the location of the accident, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be valuable evidence later. Make sure to keep any receipts for costs associated with your property damage, including the cost of repairs or replacement of your bicycle and helmet.
• Consult an attorney. If you've suffered injuries, especially significant ones, consider consulting a personal injury attorney at Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. We can help you understand your rights, assess liability, and navigate the legal process to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

You should report the accident to your insurance company, but be careful about what you say to insurance adjusters and others involved in the case. Do not admit fault or provide detailed statements without consulting an attorney. Note that personal injury protection (PIP) coverage can help cover some of your medical costs (and potentially other losses as well).

At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., we help people who have been injured in accidents. We will work to secure you compensation for all your damages and losses, holding the party that caused you harm responsible. To schedule a free consultation about your bicycle accident, please call us or complete our contact form. We maintain offices throughout Maryland for your convenience.