Attorney
Several websites and blogs have been reporting on the frequency of pedestrian or cyclist accidents in the DC metro area. Some sites have created interactive maps that show the locations of the accidents. Washington, D.C. Fire and EMS maintain a Twitter site where they recently reported that there are 8-10 pedestrian accidents every single day. If unsafe driving has led to a pedestrian or cyclist accident that injured you or a loved one, a Washington, D.C. personal injury lawyer is available to assist you in obtaining compensation for your suffering.
Pedestrian and cyclist accidents are an increasing cause for concern in the DC metro area for good reason. Earlier in the month, a woman suffered severe injuries when a large dump truck hit her between 1st and 3rd Streets. Back in April, at the nearby intersection of First Street and M Street SE, a collision with an automobile killed a female DC resident.
As long as they are within a marked crosswalk or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, pedestrians have the right of way according to DC law. Drivers who fail to stop and yield to pedestrians who have begun crossing risk a $250 fine and 3 points on their driver’s license. For hitting a pedestrian, the penalties double to $500, 6 points, and possible criminal charges. Unfortunately, the fines and criminal penalties do not seem to deter everyone. Drivers should always use extra caution and drive more slowly in urban areas where many people are close to the streets.
If a Washington, D.C. pedestrian or cyclist accident has hurt you, contact Marc Fiedler, a Washington, D.C. personal injury attorney, at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P to learn what rights you have.