Virginia Injury Lawyers Blog
Tourist season in Ocean City transforms the town into a hub of activity. Popular events, such as Bike Week, draw visitors from across the region, filling the streets with motorcycles, vehicles, and pedestrians. While these gatherings bring energy and economic benefits, they also raise serious safety concerns. Increased traffic, unfamiliar drivers, and crowded roadways create a perfect storm for accidents, particularly those involving pedestrians.
One incident during the 2024 Bike Week illustrated how quickly a celebration can turn tragic. A teenager crossing Philadelphia Avenue in a marked crosswalk was struck by a fast-moving motorcycle. The rider fled, and the teen was left with life-threatening injuries. Although the driver was later located and sentenced, the lasting impact of that night lingers far beyond the courtroom. For families affected by similar incidents, consulting with an attorney can be a crucial step toward understanding your options and holding the responsible party accountable. Events like this raise important questions about road safety during peak travel weekends and what victims can do when accidents happen.
Why Tourist Events Increase the Risk of Serious Crashes
Ocean City is built for visitors, but during large-scale events, the standard rules of the road often fall apart. Roads that typically handle steady traffic become challenging to navigate. Drivers unfamiliar with the area may ignore signage or fail to see crosswalks in time to stop. Crowds move unpredictably, and drivers often feel pressure to keep moving through intersections, even when pedestrians have the right of way.
During events like Bike Week, alcohol use and distractions are also more common. Motorcyclists may weave between cars, accelerate without warning, or take turns too quickly. These patterns make it difficult for pedestrians to anticipate danger, even when crossing legally and cautiously.
Tourist Season Collisions and Drivers Who Leave the Scene
Ocean City’s busiest weekends bring more than just traffic congestion. The influx of pedestrians, distracted drivers, and event-related alcohol use increases the risk of collisions. When a crash occurs and the driver fails to stop, the situation shifts from a traffic accident to a criminal act.
Maryland law requires drivers involved in any accident that causes injury to remain at the scene, provide help if needed, and share their information with authorities. Fleeing violates these rules and can lead to criminal charges, including jail time.
From a civil standpoint, leaving the scene also has serious implications. A jury may interpret that decision as evidence of extreme carelessness. In some cases, the victim’s family may seek punitive damages, especially if the driver knew someone was seriously hurt and chose to escape responsibility.
Tourist Foot Traffic Increases Risk
During major Ocean City events like Bike Week, tourists pack boardwalks, crosswalks, and beachside streets. These conditions create a perfect storm for pedestrian injuries. Drivers unfamiliar with the area may miss traffic signs or struggle to spot walkers crossing legally. When alcohol and speed are involved, the risk multiplies. A driver who injures someone during these high-traffic weekends and fails to stop creates even more harm.
Pedestrians struck during these events often face serious injuries that require long recovery periods. In some cases, families must coordinate emergency care, transportation, and follow-up treatment while still out of state. These situations often include medical bills, missed work, and the emotional weight of an event gone wrong.
When the driver is eventually identified, as happened in the recent Ocean City case, victims have the right to pursue civil claims in addition to any criminal proceedings. A personal injury lawsuit can help cover the actual costs of recovery, including future therapy, ongoing treatment, and long-term loss of mobility or income. Civil liability is not erased just because the driver served time or took a plea in court.
Work With a Law Firm That Knows What’s at Stake
If your family was impacted by a bike or pedestrian accident during a Maryland tourist event, you should not have to handle the fallout alone. The Schupak Law Firm is here to help you understand your rights and options after a crash, especially when the driver fled the scene. Our team can act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your claim.
Call the Schupak Law Firm today at 240-833-3914 to schedule your free consultation. We are committed to helping victims and families rebuild after serious injuries, no matter where you call home. During major events, victims are often tourists unfamiliar with local hospitals, procedures, or insurance rules. The added stress of being far from home makes legal support even more important. A personal injury attorney can help secure evidence early and explain what options exist for recovering medical costs and other losses.