Washington, DC Bicycle Accident Lawyer

A leading Washington, DC bicycle accident lawyer at Regan Zambri Long will fight for the compensation you deserve if you were injured in a bike accident. We help victims of bike crashes claim damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our bicycle accident attorneys have won millions in verdicts and settlements for our clients, including a $3 million settlement for a bicyclist who was struck by a bus.

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. Contact a DC personal injury attorney at Regan Zambri Long to schedule a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case.

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Why You Need a
DC Bicycle Accident Attorney

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 hire 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 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.

Available Compensation
For a Bicycle Accident in DC

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:

  • Medical bills and expenses
  • Lost wages and future wages
  • Mental and physical pain and suffering

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.

Determining Fault in a Washington, DC Biking Accident

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:

  • The bike designer and/or manufacturer: For example, the brake fails on your bicycle, causing you to flip the bike. You receive a head injury. You later learn that the manufacturer knew about the faulty brake but was in a rush to put the bike on the market and didn’t fix the issue. In this case, you have a product liability claim against the manufacturer for your injuries.
  • Another bicyclist: Since bicyclists must follow the same laws as other vehicles on the road, there can be a chance a cyclist caused your accident. This means cyclists must avoid sudden lane changes, yield to pedestrians, and obey all traffic signals. But if they break the law, they can be liable for a bicycle accident.
  • Other drivers: The fault does not always lie on the driver who hit you. If you were involved in a multi-vehicle accident, several drivers could be at fault for your accident.
  • The city or state government: Rough roadways and poorly designed intersections may have caused your bike crash.

To prove who is responsible for your injuries, your Washington, DC, bicycle accident lawyer will need to show the following:

  • Duty of care was breached: Every driver on the road must protect everyone from harm. This is considered the duty of care the individual is responsible for protecting others when participating in a dangerous task, such as operating a vehicle. However, if the driver acts negligently, they breach that duty of care. An example of this would be a drunk driver hitting a bicyclist when trying to pass them on the road.
  • The breach caused injuries: When the duty of care is breached, it can often cause injuries. Using the drunk driver scenario from above, the bicyclist had suffered broken ribs and a concussion.
  • Damages are now owed: Not only do there need to be injuries, but the injury victim also suffered a loss. This can include, but is not limited to, medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

 

A bicycle lies toppled next to a silver vehicle on a city street, with a bright blue helmet resting on the pavement, signaling a recent crash in or near a bike lane. This image illustrates the risks cyclists face from vehicle proximity, poor bike lane design, and driver inattention.

Does the Contributory Negligence Doctrine Apply to Bike Riders in DC?

Washington, DC, is one of five jurisdictions (including Virginia and Maryland) that follow the contributory negligence doctrine for bike crashes. 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 recently passed a 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.

Contact Regan Zambri Long today for a free consultation on your bicycle accident case.

The Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accidents in Washington, DC

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.

The Common Types of Bicycle Accidents

A bike accident can occur in virtually any circumstance, including road conditions. 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:

  • Accidents due to failure to yield the right of way. One of the most common causes of bicycle accidents is negligence or ignorance concerning the right of way. At stop signs and lights, cyclists have the same rights and privileges as vehicles. Therefore, motorists must yield when the cyclist has the right of way, although they often fail.
  • Left-cross accidents happen when a bicyclist approaches an intersection simultaneously with a motorist who enters the intersection from the other direction. When the motorist turns left at the intersection, they cross before the bicyclist or hit them.
  • Right-hook accidents. These accidents occur when a motorist turns right, striking a cyclist traveling in the same direction. This accident may happen at an intersection, where the cyclist has the right of way, or at other turns, such as parking lot entrances and driveways.
  • Dooring accidents. If a cyclist is riding along a line of parallel-parked cars or in a bike lane near parked cars and a motorist suddenly opens a car door, the cyclist may be unable to avoid striking it. The cyclist may be thrown over the open door, sustaining serious dooring accident injuries.
  • Sideswipe accidents. When motorists misjudge the amount of space between the motor vehicle and a cyclist riding to the right, a sideswipe may result.
  • Rear-end collisions. A rear-end collision may occur if a negligent motorist fails to stop behind a cyclist or travels too closely. The resulting accident can cause severe injuries to the cyclist, especially if he or she falls under the vehicle.

Contact Our DC Bike Accident Attorneys Today

Common Injuries in
DC Bicycle Accidents

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:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury: Traumatic brain injuries may have long-term symptoms and effects, including permanent impairment. Wearing a bike helmet can help decrease your risk of brain trauma, although if you are over 16, you are not legally required to wear a helmet. However, insurance companies may try to reduce your settlement if you were not wearing a helmet during the crash.
  • Spinal Cord Injury: The force of impact on a vehicle or surrounding objects may cause neck and spinal cord injuries. Depending on the extent of the damage, permanent paralysis below the site of the injury may occur.
  • Bone Fractures: Broken bones and multiple fractures may require surgical intervention, extensive healing times, and serious permanent disability.
  • Nerve, Muscle, and Tissue Damage: In some cases, a cyclist may suffer extensive and potentially disfiguring lacerations and degloving injuries. If nerves and muscles are damaged, this may cause permanent impairment.
  • Wrongful Death: All too often, cycling injuries may be severe and widespread enough to cause wrongful death. This is especially true if the accident occurs at high speeds. In the case of a bicyclist losing their life, the family has the option to file a personal injury lawsuit on their behalf to collect damages, including funeral and burial costs.

A bicycle injury resulting from 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.

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Contact our personal injury attorney Regan Zambri Long today for a free initial consultation, and let our team of dedicated car accident lawyers handle your case.

What to Do Following a Bicycle Crash in Washington, DC

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.

Get the Legal Support
You Deserve After Your Bicycle Accident in DC

Being injured in a bicycle accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. Between mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the physical pain of recovery, you shouldn’t have to navigate the complex legal system alone. Our experienced bicycle accident attorneys in Washington, D.C. understand cyclists’ challenges on our streets and are committed to fighting for the full compensation you deserve.

Every day you wait to seek legal representation is another day insurance companies can use to minimize your claim or shift blame onto you. Bicycle accident cases involve specific laws, regulations, and evidence that require immediate attention and specialized knowledge. Our legal team knows how to investigate these cases thoroughly, work with accident reconstruction experts, and build the strongest possible case for your recovery.
Don’t let a bicycle accident derail your future. Your focus should be on healing, not battling insurance companies or worrying about how you’ll pay your bills. Contact our experienced D.C. bicycle accident lawyers today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call now to protect your rights and take the first step toward getting your life back on track.

Schedule a free consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer at Regan Zambri Long today to speak about your bicycle accident case. There is no fee unless we win.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.

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