Are You Aware of DC's Hazardous Bike Intersections?

Injured in a Dangerous Bike Intersection in DC?

New York Avenue and Florida Avenue, 14th Street and U Street, Pennsylvania Avenue and 15th Street are some of the most dangerous places for cyclists. The award-winning Washington, DC bicycle accident lawyers at Regan Zambri Long have spent more than 30 years standing up for riders hurt in these high-traffic zones. Our team of board-certified attorneys know how easily a single moment of driver inattention or poor design can turn a daily ride into a life-changing injury.

We front all case costs and retain roadway engineers, medical specialists, and accident reconstruction experts to build strong, evidence-based claims. That commitment has led to $6.9 million and $3 million settlements for DC cyclists. With over 100 5-star Google reviews, our reputation reflects the trust we’ve earned on and off the road.

Have you been involved in a bicycle accident in Washington, DC? We understand how quickly an ordinary intersection can become a scene of chaos and uncertainty. Contact Regan Zambri Long today, and one of our attorneys will call you back. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you don’t pay unless we win your case.

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Cycling in DC: Practical or Problematic?

Cycling in Washington, DC, can be like riding between two worlds: on the one hand, it’s celebrated for its bike-friendly infrastructure and enthusiastic cycling community, but on the other, it presents riders with many risks every day as the city is filled with tourists and locals creating a challenging landscape for cyclists to negotiate.

Recent data for the district paints an alarming picture of biking in Washington, DC. The District Department of Transportation reports an average of 334 bicyclist accidents annually. DC’s Vision Zero yearly crash data reported 312 injured cyclists and two bike-related deaths as of November 2023. Across the metropolitan region, 110 pedestrians and cyclists lost their lives in 2024, accounting for more than 30% of total traffic fatalities, according to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

Daily, as a cyclist, you face many risks, including dooring incidents in narrow lanes and collisions at busy intersections. According to the CDC, 29% of bicyclist deaths nationwide occur at intersections, showing how dangerous these locations can be even for experienced riders. While you can remain proactive about safety measures and strategies, you cannot control other motorists’ actions on the roads. This is why you must know where to turn in the event of an accident. An experienced DC personal injury lawyer will guide you through your legal options and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections for Cyclists in Washington, DC?

Like most urban cities, Washington, DC, has its share of dangerous intersections. While no intersection can be safe for all users, some intersections are more risky for the city’s cyclists. These include:

  • New York Avenue and Florida Avenue, long recognized for its heavy traffic flow and confusing signaling systems. 
  • 14th Street and U Street.  14th Street has experienced upward of a dozen bike accidents throughout the year.
  • Pennsylvania Avenue and 15th Street.

Recent improvements at the intersection of New York Avenue and Florida Avenue NE have started to make an impact. Between 2015 and 2020, the site saw 224 crashes, including five involving cyclists. A redesign completed in 2025 introduced protected bike lanes and safer crossings, and early data show a 40% drop in crash numbers during the first five months of the year.

 

It’s impossible to avoid all the dangerous intersections in DC, and many other intersections throughout the city experience bike accidents annually. However, knowing some of the city’s hotspots can prepare you for legal action in an intersection accident.

What Causes Most Bike Intersection Accidents in Washington, DC?

Bike intersection accidents have many different causes, including: 

  • Driver inattention: drivers frequently overlook cyclists, especially in areas with heavy traffic.
  • Traffic violations: cyclists and drivers can be at fault for violating traffic laws, including running red lights or failing to signal turns.
  • Complex intersections: multiple lanes and signal phases at intersections can confuse both cyclists and drivers.
  • Poor visibility: bicyclists are at increased risk at intersections with poor lighting or obstructed views.
  • Road conditions: potholes, uneven surfaces, and road construction are dangerous to cyclists, especially when they force riders and drivers to share the road more closely.

Cyclists and motorists need to understand these factors, as they will play an essential role in determining liability in the event of an accident. A DC bike intersection accident lawyer will review your case and help determine who is liable for your bike accident injuries.

Legal Protections for DC Cyclists

In Washington, DC, cyclists are protected under the law. Road use rights laws recognize cyclists as vehicles, granting them equal treatment with motor vehicles when it comes to road use. This includes being given full lanes when needed to ensure safety. DC also requires drivers to maintain at least a three-foot safe passing distance from cyclists.

Unfortunately, accidents still happen, and bicyclists should seek legal guidance from an experienced bike accident lawyer. Specializing in cases involving bicycle-related collisions at intersections, these lawyers possess expertise in representing cyclists before insurance companies and courts, helping ensure fair compensation and justice for cyclists involved are received as soon as possible.

Regan Zambri Long Can Help with Your DC Bike Intersection Accident

When facing the aftermath of a bike intersection accident in Washington, DC, Regan Zambri Long can provide hope and guidance. We have nearly 200 years of combined experience in advocating for injury victims throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia.  Our attorneys bring decades of experience and a track record of success into every case they handle. Our attorneys have secured dozens of multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for clients, including $6.9 million for a cyclist struck by a garbage truck and $3 million for a rider who suffered a leg injury in a collision with a DC bus.

 

All six of our firm’s partners have been named to the 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list, and three have been recognized as Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers. Senior partner Victor Long also serves as Chair of the Washington, DC Court of Appeals Client Security Fund, reflecting the firm’s integrity and dedication to client protection. Partners Patrick Regan and Salvatore Zambri are also members of the International Society of Barristers, a distinction that reflects their standing among the nation’s most respected trial lawyers.

Regan Zambri Long’s commitment to personal injury law extends far beyond legal representation; we pride ourselves on developing close relationships with each client and understanding how an accident affects them and their loved ones. Our resources, knowledge, and skills ensure every case receives our complete attention and consideration.

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a bike accident in DC, contact Regan Zambri Long today for a complimentary case evaluation. Let us lead the way through this difficult period and secure the fair compensation and justice you deserve

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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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