Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
Earlier this month, the driver of an SUV got out of his car and intentionally assaulted a bicyclist after the two had been involved in a collision. According to one local news report, the man also picked up one of the bike’s tires and threw it into the woods before leaving the scene of the accident.
Evidently, the bicyclist was in front of the SUV, and both were heading south on St. George Barber Road. As the cyclist saw the SUV approach, he waved for the vehicle to pass him. However, the SUV failed to pass immediately, and the two vehicles approached a natural curve in the road. As he approached the curve, the bicyclist got in the middle of his lane of traffic in order to allow oncoming traffic to see him, and also to prevent the SUV from passing around a blind corner.
However, it was at this time that the SUV attempted to pass the cyclist on the left, and the two collided. Witnesses told reporters that the driver of the SUV then got out of his vehicle and assaulted the bicyclist before leaving the scene. Once emergency responders arrived at the scene, the bicyclist was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for a broken leg, arm, and rib. He is expected to make a full recovery.
The driver of the SUV was not injured in the accident, but he was later arrested by police and charged with negligent driving, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident. In addition, the driver was charged with second-degree assault.
Road-Rage Accidents on Maryland Roads
Road rage is a term used to describe a wide variety of aggressive driving behavior that has been a growing problem in Maryland. Most often, incidents of road rage arise after one driver mistakenly (or correctly) believes that another driver wronged them in some way. However, even if the motorist who acts out was initially wronged, they may still be found at fault for intentionally creating a dangerous situation. The following are common road-rage situations:
- Tailgating, or following too closely;
- Repeated or extended use of the horn;
- Flashing the headlights;
- Changing lanes quickly, without signaling, or in an aggressive or threatening manner; and
- Gesturing to other drivers.
The best way to avoid a road-rage situation is to remain calm and avoid a confrontation, even when another driver violates a traffic rule.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Road-Rage Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been the victim of another driver’s road rage, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for any injuries that you sustained as a result of the incident. In some cases, you may also be compensated for the pain and suffering that you endured as a result of the incident. To learn more about these accidents, and how Maryland motorists can recover for road-rage accidents, call 410-654-3600 to set up a free consultation with an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney. Calling is free, and our services result in no cost to you unless we are able to recover for you in your case.
More Blog Posts:
22-Year-Old Dies in Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident in Timonium, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published August 12, 2015.
Former Navy Seal Killed in Bethesda Bicycle Accident, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published September 18, 2015.