Law Office of Jeffrey Downey:  SERVING MARYLAND, WASHINGTON DC, AND  VIRGINIA

Bicycle riding in the DC metro area can be challenging to both bikers and motorists explains personal injury attorney Jeffrey J. Downey.  In a metropolitan area such as Washington D.C., bicycles have become an increasingly popular method of transportation. In fact, approximately 5% of DC residents, or 18,000 people, choose to commute to work via bicycle. Although this method of transportation is beneficial for both the environment and the overall health of an individual, it is certainly not without risk. In fact, according to the District Department of Transportation, there were a total of 404 bicyclist-related accidents in just six months (spanning from March to August of 2019).

The problem with bicyclist-related accidents is that the person on the bike has virtually no protection other than a helmet. Therefore, it is very likely that the bicyclist will suffer from serious injuries or even death. The Law Office of Jeffrey J. Downey handles personal injury cases that arise because of bicycle crashes.

Most Dangerous Areas in DC

Reporters researched some of the most dangerous areas to ride a bicycle and determined that the likelihood of serious injury was extremely common. This is explained in the YouTube video below:

Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

• Getting hit by a car
• Falling off a bicycle
• Hitting something on the road
• Poor Road conditions
• Striking a fixed object
• Swerving to avoid hitting a person or animal

The most common cause of bicycle accidents is getting hit by a car, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Other causes of a bicycle accident may include falling, hitting something in the road, poor roads, striking a fixed object, or swerving to avoid an animal.

What to Do Following a Cycling Crash

• Wait for the Police to Arrive
• Never Negotiate with the Motorist
• Obtain Driver Information
• Obtain Witness Contact Information
• Document What Happened
• Make Sure the Police Take Your Report
• Seek Immediate Medical Attention and Document Your Injuries
• Preserve Evidence, take photos of the scene and vehicles
• Never Negotiate Directly with Insurance Companies
• Contact a Personal Injury Attorney immediately

Don’t give a statement to an insurance company before talking to a personal injury attorney experienced in bicycle accident cases. Insurance companies may use anything you say against you later. An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, secure necessary insurance coverage, investigate the accident, and represent you in a lawsuit if necessary. Remember that as a bicyclist you have the same rights and responsibilities as the drivers of motor vehicles. Drivers need to respect the rights of bicyclists and be mindful of sharing the road and avoiding accidents, but it is also in your best interests to take the proper steps after an accident to make sure your rights are protected.

Most Common Injuries & How to Treat Them

Contact Our Law Firm To Discuss Your Claims

Regardless of the type of injury you face after a cycling accident, you deserve to be compensated for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact our personal injury law firm at 703-564-7318 to learn more about your legal rights. We handle cases in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. If you cannot come to us, we can come to you.

Free Initial Consultations | We Can Come To You | No Attorney’s Fees Unless We Win Your Case.  Licensed in Virginia, DC, and Maryland.

The Law Office of Jeffrey J. Downey

8270 Greensboro Drive, Suite 810

Mclean, VA  22102

Phone 703-564-7318

Email: jdowney@jeffdowney.com

On the web at Jeffdowney.com