Washington DC Bicycle Accident Lawyer

At Cohen & Cohen, we represent injured cyclists across the region who have been hit by cars, injured by unsafe road conditions, or involved in collisions caused by negligence. As a firm that handles a wide range of personal injury claims, we understand that bicycle accidents can leave people overwhelmed by medical bills, lost wages, and long recovery periods. Our team works closely with clients to help them hold the responsible parties accountable and move forward.

Bicycle Accident Lawyer Washington DC

Cyclists are some of the most vulnerable people on the road. They share space with fast-moving vehicles, often without the protection of dedicated bike lanes or barriers. Even minor collisions can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, concussions, spinal injuries, and long-term trauma. Victims are left dealing with the physical pain and financial stress that follow an unexpected crash.

Our Washington DC bicycle accident lawyer can help when a crash is caused by:

• A driver failing to yield, turning without checking, or opening a car door into a bike lane
• Road conditions like potholes, debris, or poorly marked construction zones
• Inadequate bike infrastructure or missing signage
• Faulty equipment or poorly maintained rental bikes

What most people want after an accident is accountability and a path toward recovery. We investigate the details of the incident, determine who is liable, and help clients pursue compensation for medical treatment, lost income, and other damages. Whether it’s dealing with an insurance company or filing a lawsuit, we focus on building a case that reflects what our clients have gone through.

Our Approach to Protecting Injured Cyclists

We’ve handled bicycle injury claims involving city streets, suburban neighborhoods, and shared-use paths. Many of our clients were doing everything right—riding with traffic, wearing helmets, and following local laws—only to be injured by someone else’s carelessness.

One recent case involved a cyclist struck in a crosswalk by a driver who ran a red light. Our team was able to secure a settlement that covered surgery, rehabilitation, and months of lost income.

We use a detailed approach that includes:

• Collecting police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage
• Working with medical providers to document the impact of injuries
• Calculating full damages, including long-term care needs and income loss

Our goal is to represent our clients’ needs clearly and fight for outcomes that help them move forward with confidence.

Talk With Our Attorneys About Your Bike Injury

If you’ve been hit while riding your bike or hurt because of unsafe road conditions, you may have a legal claim. The team at Cohen & Cohen is ready to review your case and help you understand your next steps. Contact our Washington DC bicycle accident lawyer today for a free consultation and let us help you protect your rights.

Types of Bicycle Accident Cases We Handle

Cyclists in busy cities and suburban areas alike face real dangers every time they ride. One careless driver, a poorly marked street, or a neglected crosswalk can lead to serious injuries with long-term consequences. At Cohen & Cohen, we represent injured riders and their families after a wide range of bike-related crashes. Each case we handle reflects the reality that cyclists are vulnerable—and they deserve protection and legal support when others act carelessly.

Crashes Involving Motor Vehicles

One of the most common scenarios we deal with is a collision between a cyclist and a motor vehicle. These crashes can happen at intersections, along bike lanes, or when a driver pulls out of a parking spot without looking. In many cases, the cyclist is obeying the law while the driver fails to yield, turns improperly, or drives too closely.

We look closely at traffic signals, right-of-way rules, and whether the driver was distracted, speeding, or under the influence. Even at lower speeds, these incidents can lead to broken bones, concussions, and serious road rash.

Dooring Accidents

A dooring incident happens when a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door into the path of a cyclist. These crashes are especially common in city settings, where bike lanes often run alongside parked cars. Cyclists often have little time to react, and the impact can send them into traffic or onto the pavement.

Drivers and passengers are responsible for checking their surroundings before opening a door. We help injured riders hold them accountable when this simple step is ignored.

Unsafe Roadway or Sidewalk Conditions

Many bike accidents involve no other vehicle, but that doesn’t mean no one is at fault. Poorly maintained streets, uneven pavement, loose gravel, missing signage, or unsafe construction areas can all cause crashes. Riders may hit a hidden hazard and fall—or be forced into traffic while trying to avoid an obstacle.

In these situations, we evaluate whether a government agency, property owner, or contractor failed to maintain safe conditions for public use. If so, we pursue legal action on behalf of the injured cyclist.

Bike Lane and Crosswalk Incidents

Marked bike lanes and crosswalks are designed to provide riders with safe routes—but they only work when drivers respect them. We handle many cases where a cyclist is hit by a vehicle turning across a bike lane or driving through a crosswalk without stopping.

These claims often include:

• Right-turn or left-turn collisions at intersections
• Drivers stopping in or blocking bike lanes
• Failure to yield to cyclists in shared zones

We collect street camera footage, police reports, and witness statements to show exactly how the crash occurred and who was at fault.

Rental and E-Bike Collisions

The rise of shared bikes and e-bikes has made cycling more accessible, but it’s also added new risks. Some injuries occur because the equipment provided is damaged or poorly maintained. Others involve riders unfamiliar with the speed or braking power of e-bikes.

When a crash involves a shared bike, we investigate the condition of the equipment and whether the operating company took the right steps to protect users.

Talk With Our Lawyer Who Knows Bike Cases

If you’ve been injured while riding your bike, you deserve clear answers and legal support. A Washington DC bicycle accident lawyer at Cohen & Cohen can review your case, explain your options, and help you pursue fair compensation. Call us today for a free consultation—we’re ready to help.

6 Common Causes Our Lawyer May Address

Cycling is a popular way to commute, stay active, or simply enjoy the outdoors. But when others on the road act carelessly, a bike ride can quickly turn into a serious accident. At Cohen & Cohen, we work with injured cyclists who are left with physical pain, financial strain, and uncertainty after being hit or forced off the road. Many of these crashes are preventable, and identifying the root causes helps us build strong legal claims on behalf of our clients.

Drivers Failing to Yield

One of the leading causes of bike accidents is a driver who fails to yield the right of way. This often happens at intersections, during turns, or when pulling out of driveways and side streets. In many cases, the cyclist is clearly visible and has the legal right to continue through the intersection, but the driver either doesn’t see them or chooses not to wait.

We’ve handled cases involving left-turn crashes, right-hook accidents (when a driver turns right across a bike lane), and roll-through stops at signed intersections. These types of collisions often lead to serious injuries because the cyclist has little time or space to avoid impact.

Unsafe Lane Changes and Passing

Drivers who pass too closely or change lanes without checking for cyclists pose a major risk. Even with marked bike lanes, some drivers drift over the line or fail to leave enough room. A sudden swerve or fast-moving vehicle can cause a cyclist to lose control or get sideswiped.

Laws require drivers to provide a safe buffer when passing bikes, but those rules are often ignored. We gather dashcam footage, surveillance video, and witness statements to show how a vehicle’s position and movement led directly to the crash.

Dooring Incidents

Dooring is a common hazard in urban areas where bike lanes run alongside parked cars. A driver or passenger opens a door without checking for an oncoming cyclist, creating a sudden and unavoidable obstacle. Riders can be thrown off their bikes, into traffic, or into fixed objects like poles or barriers.

These incidents may seem minor, but they often result in fractured bones, shoulder injuries, or concussions. Liability typically falls on the person who opened the door, and we work to hold them accountable for failing to check for cyclists.

Hazardous Road Conditions

Sometimes a crash happens not because of a vehicle, but because of the road itself. Potholes, cracked pavement, loose gravel, or unmarked construction zones can all send a cyclist off balance. When cities or property owners don’t maintain safe conditions, they may be held responsible for resulting injuries.

In these cases, we examine maintenance records, city complaints, and photographs of the scene to determine if a known hazard was ignored or left unmarked.

Distracted or Impaired Drivers

Texting while driving, adjusting a GPS, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol significantly increases the chance of a crash. Cyclists are especially vulnerable to drivers who aren’t paying attention. These drivers may drift into bike lanes, run red lights, or miss stop signs altogether.

We often use phone records, police reports, and toxicology tests to prove that a driver was distracted or impaired at the time of the crash.

Poor Visibility or Lack of Lighting

Low-light conditions, especially at dawn or dusk, make it harder for drivers to see cyclists. However, that doesn’t excuse unsafe behavior. Even when a cyclist is using proper lights and reflectors, drivers may fail to slow down or give them space. These accidents often happen on quiet streets or poorly lit roadways where drivers assume no one else is nearby.

We examine whether the cyclist took proper safety precautions and whether the driver had adequate time and visibility to avoid the crash.

Washington Bicycle Accident Infographic

Washington DC Bicycle Accident

Bicycle riding is a popular way to commute, stay active, and enjoy city life—but when a bicycle accident happens, the consequences can be serious. Riders have little protection when compared to vehicles, which often leads to significant injuries in a collision. Whether the crash involves a car, a poorly maintained road, or a defective bike part, the aftermath often raises a lot of questions. If you’ve been involved in a serious incident or are supporting someone who has, it’s important to know your legal options and understand your rights from the beginning.

Who is usually at fault in a bicycle crash?

Fault in a bicycle crash depends on how the accident occurred. If a motorist failed to yield, opened a door into the rider’s path, or ran a red light, they may be considered legally responsible. Sometimes, a government agency could be at fault for failing to maintain safe road conditions. There are also cases where a defective bicycle part contributes to the crash. Identifying fault requires an investigation that includes traffic camera footage, witness statements, and official police reports.

What injuries are common in bicycle-related accidents?

Bicycle crashes can result in a wide range of injuries. Some of the most common include broken bones, road rash, head trauma, and spinal cord injuries. Even at low speeds, a collision between a bike and a vehicle can cause significant harm due to the rider’s exposed position. Many cyclists also suffer from emotional trauma following a crash, particularly if the accident was severe. Proper medical care and recovery time are often necessary before returning to daily activities or work.

Why is legal action important after a bike crash?

After a serious bicycle collision, medical expenses and lost income can pile up quickly. Legal action may be necessary to recover those costs. A personal injury claim can also address long-term needs like physical therapy or pain and suffering. If someone else was responsible for the accident, holding them accountable helps support your recovery and may also help prevent similar incidents from happening to others. Without legal support, many injured riders face financial stress on top of physical pain.

How can legal support help after a crash?

Working with a personal injury law firm can give injured cyclists the support they need to deal with insurance claims, liability questions, and documentation. A good legal team can help gather photos, medical records, and accident reports to build a clear case. At Cohen & Cohen, we help clients pursue fair results, especially in serious injury cases like a Washington DC bicycle accident. Our goal is to make sure injured riders understand their rights and get the support they need during recovery.

Who has the right to file a claim after a bike accident?

In most cases, the injured cyclist can file a claim for damages. If a minor was injured, a parent or guardian can take legal action on their behalf. If the crash led to a fatality, surviving family members may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim. In all situations, it’s important to act quickly due to legal time limits that may apply. Whether the injury was mild or severe, a claim may be possible if someone else was at fault.

Speak With a Legal Advocate After a Crash

If you or someone you care about was injured in a bike accident, it’s important to understand your options. A Washington DC bicycle accident lawyer at Cohen & Cohen can help investigate the cause, build a strong case, and pursue fair compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’re ready to help you move forward.