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 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.
