Attorney
Leading Bicycle Accident Attorneys Representing Hurt Cyclists in Washington, D.C.
Almost 40 million people in the United States ride bicycles, but what most do not know is that cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers. However, what cyclists do not have is the safety protections of a car, such as seatbelts, airbags, and other built-in features, when hit. More than 600 cyclists are involved in fatal accidents per year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
When victims of bicycle crashes need the legal support of a bike accident attorney, the team at Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP has the experience and skills necessary to achieve successful results because we believe gaining justice for our clients. Some of our legal achievements include six of our Washington, D.C. injury attorneys being designated as Super Lawyers and eight of our attorneys holding AV Preeminent Martindale-Hubbell ratings, which are peer-rated reviews for attorneys who demonstrate the highest standards of legal ability. More importantly, many of our cases have set legal precedence, which has bettered the law for others and has helped prevent the same negligent actions from hurting others.
Our goal is and always has been to improve our national and local communities through the justice system. Let us use our experience effectively navigating the law to your benefit after a bicycle crash.
Most Common Bicycle Injuries
People are commonly at risk for bicycle injuries, such as broken collarbones or fractured hips, when they attempt to brace themselves during falls. These injuries are very painful and can take a long time to heal completely.
However, head injuries are some of the most common and dangerous injuries that can result from a bike accident. While a car has a frame that can shield the occupants from some forms of damage, cyclists have very little protection from environmental dangers, such as pavement and streetlights, in collisions. Due to this, many cyclists end up with traumatic brain injuries that can permanently affect their lives or prove fatal.
Using a helmet can prevent or lessen some of these injuries, but not all of them. Car and truck drivers must be alert and vigilant while on the road to avoid accidents with bicyclists.
How Many Bicycle Accidents Per Year Are Fatal?
The NHTSA estimated that cyclist fatalities make up about two percent of all traffic deaths in a year. Though two percent is a small portion of the total number of traffic fatalities, this is still a substantial number of wrongful deaths. Many of these bike crashes are also preventable.
Cyclists ages 20-24 have particularly high fatality rates. The bicycle accident statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that those from ages 5 to 24 have the highest rates of nonfatal bike injuries and account for more than one third of all bike-related injuries handled by U.S. emergency departments.
Find Bike Accident Lawyers in Washington, D.C.
Drivers of motor vehicles must be aware of cyclists on the road at all times. Failing to observe bicycles can cause cyclists to suffer devastating injuries. If you are a cyclist who was hurt in an accident with a vehicle, or if your loved one has been seriously injured or suffered a wrongful death in a bike accident, an experienced bicycle accident attorney at our firm is here for you.
Call our bicycle injury lawyers in Washington, D.C. at (202) 794-6126 for free legal advice after a bicycle accident today.