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Drivers are told to share the road and watch for bicyclists, but it doesn’t always happen. If you were injured in an accident by a motorist while riding your bike, a leading Washington, DC bicycle accident lawyer at Regan Zambri Long will protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. We help victims of bike crashes claim damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Whether you’re ready to pursue legal action or unsure if a legal claim is the best path for you, one of our DC bike accident lawyers is prepared to discuss your accident case.
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Bicycle accidents can leave victims severely injured, even fatally. Bike riders who have been hit by a car or a truck may recover accident damages through a personal injury lawsuit, as the laws and regulations in Washington, DC, protect them. Accident victims can first submit an accident claim with their car or health insurance. However, many bicycle accidents result in catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Often, your insurance will pay only the limits of your policy, and then it will be up to you to pay out of pocket. That’s when you turn to a DC bike accident lawyer at Regan Zambri Long to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party to recover accident damages.
Under DC law, bicyclists have all the same duties and privileges as those driving motor vehicles. As with car accidents, bicycle accidents should be reported to the police. The police will come to the scene to investigate the accident, including interviewing the involved parties and witnesses and gathering evidence to decide the fault of the accident. A cyclist hit by a car should gather evidence, if they are able, including pictures or videos, and get basic contact information from the driver and witnesses.
To claim compensation for accident damages after a bike crash in Washington, DC, you must prove the negligence or wrongful act of the at-fault party. An injured cyclist should receive medical care immediately after the accident and document injuries, medical conditions, or treatments necessitated by the accident.
Insurance policies often cover bike accident damages, but accident insurance settlements outside of court often won’t fully cover the total costs of the medical expenses, suffering, or death directly caused by the accident.
When a bicycle accident causes a serious injury, long-term suffering, life-altering conditions, or death, a Washington, DC bicycle accident lawyer can help a victim or a decedent’s family pursue a legal claim. The claim aims to collect compensation for damages due to the at-fault driver’s negligence or wrongful act.
Our firm has a deep history of success in helping claim the maximum compensation for our clients who’ve been greatly affected by a bicycle crash. Typical bicycle accident damages that we help recover for our clients include:
No matter the claim you’re considering, we’re here to help. During your free case evaluation, we can answer any questions you have about your case. There is no fee unless we win your case.
The driver of a motor vehicle is not always the only one at fault for a bicycle accident. In some cases, multiple parties can be held responsible for your bicycle accident, such as:
To discover who is responsible for your injuries, you must speak with a Washington, DC, bicycle accident lawyer to start the investigation.
To prove who is responsible for your injuries, your Washington, DC, bicycle accident lawyer will need to show the following:
Washington, DC, is one of five jurisdictions (including Virginia and Maryland) that follow the contributory negligence doctrine. This law means that if someone is found even 1 percent at fault for a bicycle accident, they cannot recover damages for their injuries.
DC passed a new code that excludes this rule for “vulnerable users.” According to the law, a vulnerable user is defined as “using an all-terrain vehicle, bicycle, dirt bike, electric mobility device, motorcycle, motorized bicycle, motor-driven cycle, non-motorized scooter, personal mobility device, skateboard or other similar devices.” Thanks to the change in the law, pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter riders now have the opportunity to sue for damages even if they share some fault in the bicycle accident.
According to the District of Columbia statute of limitations, personal injury claims must be brought to the local court within three years.
We advise you to file a claim as soon as possible if you want to pursue a legal claim to recover significant damages from a bicycle accident. Evidence can quickly disappear the longer you wait, and memories fade. Contact a personal injury lawyer at Regan Zambri Long today to protect your claims. With decades of experience in bicycle accidents, we understand the complexities of the laws and will help you get the compensation you deserve.
Insurance companies often attempt to dismiss bike accident claims or propose inadequate settlements. They might search for a reason to reject your claim, such as alleged negligence before the accident. To ensure you receive a comprehensive and fair offer, consult one of our specialized bicycle accident lawyers in Washington, DC. At Regan Zambri Long, we have a proven track record of successfully handling such cases.
A bike accident can occur in virtually any circumstance, especially if a negligent or distracted motorist fails to notice a bicyclist. While cyclists cannot always avoid crashes caused by negligent drivers, you may be able to lower your risk of serious personal injuries by being familiar with common types of bicycle accidents, such as:
Like crashes involving pedestrians, since the bike rider has little to no protection from the force of the vehicle, serious injuries can occur. Some of the most common cyclist injuries include:
A bicycle injury as the result of an accident may require extensive treatment and rehabilitation. Additionally, you may be unable to return to cycling, work, or your previous quality of life. You may be entitled to substantial compensation in these situations, which should cover the cost of your medical bills, bike repair or replacement, and other damages.
Like any type of car accident, what you do following a Washington, DC bicycle accident is important to your accident claim. If you get into an accident, your first step is to get to safety and call 911. Wait for the police to arrive so you can file a police report.
While waiting for the police at the accident scene, ensure you get the contact information of everyone involved in the accident. It’s also an excellent time to get photos and videos of the accident scene, including damage to your bicycle, the car involved, and your injuries.
Once the emergency services arrive and you give your statement to the police officer, get checked by medical professionals, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Unfortunately, bicyclists may not feel the effects of the accident until hours later, and what seemed like a minor bump on the head could quickly become a brain injury.
Preserve any evidence you have of the accident. That means leaving your bike, clothing, and any other damaged property in the same state after the accident. Take photos of the equipment. You’ll also want to keep a record of any medical treatment or time away from work due to the accident.
Finally, speak to a Washington, DC, bicycle accident law firm as soon as possible. Bicycling accidents are very complex, and you’ll need legal advice on your next steps, such as negotiating with the insurance company or whether your case will end up in the courtroom.
Schedule a free consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer at Regan Zambri Long PLLC today to speak about your bicycle accident case. We also handle bicycle accident claims in Maryland and Virginia.
