Bicycle Accident Claims in Maryland
Bicycle rules in Maryland (passing distance, helmets, riding rules), how fault is shared after a bike crash, and the deadline to sue.
Short answer: A bicyclist generally has the rights and duties of a vehicle driver. Drivers must use due care to avoid bicyclists and pass at least 3 feet away, with exceptions such as when the road is too narrow to do so lawfully, and must yield to a bicyclist in a bike lane or shoulder before… Md. Code, Transp. §§21-1202, 21-1209, 21-1103(b), 21-1207.1
| Bicycle laws | A bicyclist generally has the rights and duties of a vehicle driver. Drivers must use due care to avoid bicyclists and pass at least 3 feet away, with exceptions such as when the road is too narrow to do so lawfully, and must yield to a bicyclist in a bike lane or shoulder before crossing it. Unless a local ordinance prohibits it, people may ride bicycles on sidewalks, where they have pedestrians' rights and must yield to pedestrians. Riders and passengers under 16 must wear an approved helmet (enforced by warning). §21-1202: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gtr§ion=21-1202&enactments=false ; §21-1103: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gtr§ion=21-1103&enactments=false ; §21-1207.1: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gtr§ion=21-1207.1&enactments=false |
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| Fault rule (comparative negligence) | Contributory negligence. Maryland is one of the few states that keeps the common-law rule: an injured person whose own negligence contributed to the injury generally cannot recover. Maryland's highest court declined to replace this rule with comparative negligence in 1983 and again in 2013, saying any change is for the General Assembly. |
| Minimum car insurance | Personal injury protection (PIP) is part of required coverage unless waived. Required security must cover at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury or death and $15,000 for property damage, plus PIP benefits of at least $2,500 (medical expenses, 85% of lost income and household services) unless the PIP coverage is waived, and required uninsured motorist coverage. PIP: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?enactments=false&article=gin§ion=19-505 |
| Deadline to sue for an injury | Three years from the date the claim accrues. This is Maryland's general deadline for civil actions unless another law sets a different period. |
More Maryland personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Maryland
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Maryland
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Maryland
- Car Accident Claims in Maryland
- Dog Bite Liability in Maryland
- Motorcycle Accident Claims in Maryland
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Maryland
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Maryland
- Truck Accident Claims in Maryland
- Construction Site Injuries in Maryland
- All Maryland personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
What are the bicycle laws in Maryland?
A bicyclist generally has the rights and duties of a vehicle driver. Drivers must use due care to avoid bicyclists and pass at least 3 feet away, with exceptions such as when the road is too narrow to do so lawfully, and must yield to a bicyclist in a bike lane or shoulder before crossing it. Unless a local ordinance prohibits it, people may ride bicycles on sidewalks, where they have pedestrians' rights and must yield to pedestrians. Riders and passengers under 16 must wear an approved helmet (enforced by warning).
Can you recover damages if you were partly at fault in Maryland?
Contributory negligence. Maryland is one of the few states that keeps the common-law rule: an injured person whose own negligence contributed to the injury generally cannot recover. Maryland's highest court declined to replace this rule with comparative negligence in 1983 and again in 2013, saying any change is for the General Assembly.
What is the minimum car insurance required in Maryland?
Personal injury protection (PIP) is part of required coverage unless waived. Required security must cover at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury or death and $15,000 for property damage, plus PIP benefits of at least $2,500 (medical expenses, 85% of lost income and household services) unless the PIP coverage is waived, and required uninsured motorist coverage.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Maryland?
Three years from the date the claim accrues. This is Maryland's general deadline for civil actions unless another law sets a different period.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.