Washington DC Bicycle Accidents

Serious injuries deserve experienced attorneys

Washington DC Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Because of an increase in bicycle accidents and injuries in the DC and surrounding areas there has been an increase in the need for top rated Washington DC bicycle accident lawyers.

Bicycle accidents and injuries have become an escalated issue in the Washington, DC area over the past few years. A reason for this is that bicycles have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation, in direct correlation with the surge of interest in fitness, environmental awareness and charity events – especially in the Washington, DC area. In 2012, Bicycling.com named Washington, DC and Arlington, VA two of the nation’s top 50 bike-friendly cities; Washington, DC ranked #4 and Arlington ranked #23. The cities are involved in a bike share system called Capital Bikeshare that now has over 20 thousand members throughout Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Montgomery County, Maryland.

The increased number of bicycle riders on the streets also means that there is a greater risk of a bicycle accident occurring than ever before. Although the area has taken precautions such as designated bike lanes and an increased number of bike trails to ensure the safety of bike riders, hundreds of people are injured every year as the result of a bicycle accident. Bicycle riders are subject to some of the same traffic rules as motor vehicle operators, but the risk of injury or death in the event of an accident is greater, and the injuries themselves are often more severe. As Washington DC bicycle accident lawyers and car accident lawyers can attest, although helmets can provide protection to the brain, there is little else about a bicycle that can offer protection to the rider if he or she is involved in an accident. Some additional measures can be taken to prevent bicycle accidents. These measures include:

• Wearing a light on your helmet
• Wearing visible, reflective clothing
• Placing reflectors on both front and rear tires
• Riding with, not against, traffic
• Avoiding swerving
• Keeping a safe distance between yourself and other moving AND parked traffic
• Using hand signals to alert motorists of your intentions
• Follow the rules of the road
• Never assume that a driver sees you because you see them. Even if you have the right of way when coming up to an intersection or other places where cars are stopping and starting, make eye contact with drivers and pay attention to their movement before proceeding to ride in front of their vehicles.

Although taking these precautions can help prevent a bicycle accident, bicycle accidents are still likely to occur for a number of reasons including, collision with another motor vehicle, being struck by a car door of a parked vehicle, defective bicycle parts, and unsafe road or sidewalk conditions.

If you or someone you know was involved in a bicycle or car accident in Washington, DC, contact the car accident lawyer DC trusts to speak with one of our bicycle accident attorneys right away. Our bicycle attorneys will work to investigate your rights as a bicycle rider and fight for you to receive the compensation you need and deserve to cover the costs of your damages and injuries. If you are looking for reputable Washington DC bicycle accident lawyers who can give you a free case evaluation, call Cohen & Cohen today.

Common Types of Bike Accident Injuries

Anytime a bicycle rider is in an accident there is a greater risk of getting injured than if they were in an automobile or truck when the accident occurred because bicycle riders do not have a protective structure around them the way people in a car or truck do. No matter how a bicycle rider is injured, he or she may be entitled to compensation. Common types of bike accident injuries in DC include but are not limited to:

• Cuts, scrapes and lacerations
• Sprained and torn muscles, ligaments and tendons
• Soft tissue damage
• Damage to internal organs
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Loss of limbs
• Disfigurement

While the above are common types of bicycle accident injuries it is not a comprehensive list nor is it intended to be legal advice.

Exploring Fault In Bicycle Accidents

In the wake of a bicycle accident, our Washington D.C. bike accident lawyer knows that it can be difficult to contend with taking legal action when recovering from injuries. However, it’s key through this process to understand liability in cases of this nature. As seasoned personal injury lawyers here at Cohen & Cohen, we’ve seen numerous cases where determining fault plays a pivotal role in seeking compensation for our clients. Let’s delve into this complex yet essential aspect of bike accident law.

Understanding Comparative Fault

In the realm of bike accidents, determining fault isn’t always straightforward. Many factors come into play, including traffic laws, road conditions, and the actions of both cyclists and drivers. In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for the accident.

To further complicate matters, different jurisdictions employ various approaches to determining fault. Some states adhere to pure comparative fault principles, where each party’s percentage of fault determines their share of liability. Others follow modified comparative fault rules, which may bar recovery if the injured party is deemed equally or more responsible than the defendant.

Evaluating Negligence

Negligence is a key concept in personal injury law, including bike accidents. To establish liability, it must be shown that the at-fault party breached their duty of care, resulting in harm to the cyclist. This breach could involve actions like speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield.

When it comes to cyclists, negligence may also come into play. For instance, if a cyclist fails to obey traffic signals or rides recklessly, they may be partially responsible for the accident. However, even in cases where a cyclist shares some blame, they may still be entitled to compensation under comparative fault principles.

Proving Liability

Proving liability is a critical component when taking legal action and pursuing compensation for bike accident injuries. This often involves gathering evidence such as witness statements, police reports, and surveillance footage. Expert analysis may also be utilized to reconstruct the accident and demonstrate fault.

Furthermore, documenting the extent of the cyclist’s injuries and the impact on their life is crucial for establishing the full scope of damages. Medical records, testimony from healthcare providers, and economic assessments of lost wages and future medical expenses can strengthen the case for compensation.

Consideration Of No-Fault Laws

In some jurisdictions, no-fault laws may impact bike accident claims. These laws typically limit the ability to sue for damages unless certain thresholds for injury severity are met. However, exceptions may exist, and consulting with a DC bicycle accident lawyer is advisable to understand your rights fully.

Advocating For Our Clients

Our team of professionals understand the challenges that bike accident victims face. Our team is dedicated to advocating for your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve. With our experience in personal injury law, we stand ready to help you navigate the legal process and achieve a favorable outcome.

Seeking Justice For You

It’s important not to hesitate to reach out to a legal professional for help if you have been injured in a bike accident. Our compassionate and dedicated legal team is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

Determining liability in bike accidents requires a thorough understanding of the law and diligent investigation. With the guidance of a knowledgeable DC bicycle accident lawyer from Cohen & Cohen, you can rest assured that your rights will be protected and advocated for effectively.

Why do people ride bicycles?

People of all ages ride bicycles for a variety of reasons that include:

• commuting to work and school
• running errands
• getting places
• pleasure
• sightseeing
• environmentally sound way to travel
• exercise
• competition

A bicycle is much less expensive to own and use than an automobile; it is even less expensive than most modes of public transportation. Typically, bicycles do not need to pay to be parked. Un-renewable fossil fuels are not used up when someone rides a bike. For most people, when feasible, riding a bicycle is a much healthier way to get from one place to another compared to being sedentary in a car, train, bus, etc.

Even though Washington, DC has bike lanes to accommodate cyclists, cyclists still face many hazards that result in the need for a law firm that is experienced with successfully defending the rights of bicycle riders.

Is there a branch of law for bicycle riders?

The kind of law an issue with a bicycle or bicycle rider falls under depends upon factors other than it simply involving a bicycle rider. There is no specific branch of law that covers all matters involving all bicycle riders but very often, the reasons why bicycle riders seek compensation is when they are injured because of someone else’s negligence. This is typically filed as a personal injury claim.

Many Washington, DC bicycle accident victims and their families find this is easy to do with the help of a personal injury law firm that is knowledgeable about how to successfully defend the rights of bicycle accident victims.

Why do people seek compensation for bicycle accidents?

While bicycles are a great way to get around for many different reasons, in the event of an accident, bicycle riders do not have anything to protect themselves except their helmets, clothing and any other protective wear they might have. When a bicycle rider is injured their injuries can be anywhere from mild to severe, or even deadly.

Reasons bicycle accident victims and their families may seek compensation from the negligent parties that caused their accident include:

• Medical expenses
• Loss of income
• Loss of childcare and/or household management
• Loss of benefits
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral and burial or cremation costs
• Loss of consortium (spousal support)
• Loss of parental guidance
• Pain and grieving

If you or someone you love is suffering from a bicycle accident or if someone you love has died because of this, it may be time to call a personal injury law firm that knows how to protect the rights of injured people and their families. For a bicycle accident law firm Washington, DC accident victims and their families can rely on, contact Cohen & Cohen for a free case consultation and evaluation.