--- description: The Alexandria bicycle accident lawyers of Chaikin and Sherman are dedicated to protecting the rights of bicycle accident victims. title: Bicycle Accident Lawyer Alexandria, VA --- Bicycle Accident Lawyer Alexandria, VA # Bicycle Accident Lawyer Alexandria, VA Last Updated: November 18, 2025 Reading Time: 7 minutes Trusted Content Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 7 months ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Washington DC Bicycle Accident Lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/) » Bicycle Accident Lawyer Alexandria, VA What's On This Page [Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/) $3.5 Million Bicycle Crash $ 1.8 Millon Bicycle Crash $1.5 Million Bicycle Crash $1 Million Bicycle Crash [View All Practice Areas](https://chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas/) [Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) They truly cared about me as a person. Tracy Koretsky Bicycle Accident Contact Us Today! "*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* Three of the firm’s attorneys discuss bicycle accident litigation in Washington, DC — including dooring, bike lane violations, and how the District’s Vulnerable User Recovery Act allows cyclists to recover damages even when partially at fault. The firm has secured over $3.5 million for a cyclist who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a dooring incident. Video Transcript **Speakers:** Joseph Cammarata, Stephen Ollar, Allan Siegel **Allan Siegel:** Being in the District of Columbia, which is a very bicycle friendly city, we get a lot of bicycle crashes. A lot of clients who are involved in bicycle crashes reach out to us and we’ve been handling them for years. Whether or not it’s somebody driving in a bike lane and somebody makes a turn and infringes upon the bike lane, whether it’s somebody who gets “doored” by another vehicle, in other words, a driver stops and opens his door while the bicyclist is driving with the right of way. That actually is against the law in the District of Columbia. You’re required to look before you open your door or whether or not it’s just a case where a bicycle’s riding on the roadway and with the right of way and a vehicle makes a turn or rear ends them. We get a lot of them, and we’ve been handling them for many, many years and very successfully. **Stephen Ollar:** Really, when you look at the law in DC what we talk about is vulnerable riders. So it’s not just bicyclists, it’s also motorcyclists. It’s people on e-scooters, even pedestrian, all of them who are, anybody who’s not inside a four wheeled vehicle, falls under that kind of category of a vulnerable user. And so the law in that area is consistent across the board. The law now in the District Columbia, is that if you fall into that kind of category, you could be up to 50% at fault and still be able to get a recovery. You can’t be more than 50% at fault, but as long as you’re 50% or less, you’re still eligible to get a recovery. So we do a lot of those cases and providing representation for people over hurt in those categories. **Joseph Cammarata:** So it’s important to reach out to a lawyer that knows what they’re talking about that’s going to be aggressive and going to be able to establish that your fault was slight, if any, and that you have a full opportunity to receive compensation for the harms and losses that you suffered. ## Alexandria Bicycle Accident Attorney Cycling through the streets of Alexandria, VA, is an exhilarating experience, but unfortunately, it can also be dangerous. A bicycle accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed, confused, and injured. These accidents can lead to serious injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. But you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our [bicycle accident lawyers](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/) are ready to guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights. We’ll help you get back on your feet and back on your bike in no time. ### Injury Victims Find a Strong Advocate in Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel P.C. As proud partners of [WABA](https://waba.org/) & the local cycling community, the respected law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel P.C. is dedicated to protecting and defending the rights of bicycle accident victims in Alexandria and throughout Northern Virginia. Our attorneys understand the risks that cyclists face when sharing the roads with careless drivers – and if you’ve been injured in a bike accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to full and fair financial compensation. Schedule a [free consultation](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) with our experienced Alexandria bicycle accident lawyers today. ## Do You Need an Attorney for a Bicycle Accident Injury? Under Virginia law, a driver who acts negligently and causes an accident with a bicyclist is responsible for the injuries sustained by the bicyclist. As a bicyclist, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries by bringing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. If you’ve been injured while riding a bicycle in Alexandria, VA, protect your rights by consulting with experienced bicycle accident lawyers who understand the complexities of this type of case. The attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., understand the issues that bicycle riders face and are experienced litigators who will aggressively fight for you in court if necessary. ## How Much Does it Cost to Hire An Alexandria Bicycle Accident Lawyer? At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., we represent clients on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no fees unless your case is successful and you recover compensation for your injuries. We believe that everyone injured in a bicycle accident should have the opportunity to seek justice without worrying about upfront costs or attorney’s fees. ## How to Protect Your Rights at the Scene of a Bicycle Accident If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, there are [several steps you should take](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/what-to-do-after-a-bike-accident-in-washington-dc/) to protect your rights and the potential of recovering monetary damages from the at-fault party. These include: ### Seek medical attention promptly Even if you don’t think your injuries are serious at first, seek medical care as soon as possible. ### Report the accident to the police Doing this will ensure that an official record is created and can be used if you decide to pursue a claim later on. ### Document the scene of the accident Take pictures, jot down notes about what happened, get contact information from witnesses, etc. ### Do not admit fault Anything you say can be used against you in court, so it is crucial that you avoid admitting fault or apologizing for the accident. ### Contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible A knowledgeable attorney can protect your right to compensation and help you through the claims process. ## Common Bicycle Accident Injuries Often, cyclists collide with motor vehicles, which is why there are many common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are the most common cause of death in bicycle accidents. According to the [Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute](https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/bicyclists), two-thirds of all bicycle-related deaths are caused by a traumatic brain injury. The actual number of bicycle-related TBIs may be much higher because [brain injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/) are not always readily apparent, and injuries from cycling accidents often seem too minor for emergency room treatment. Other common [bike accident injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/common-injuries-from-bicycle-accidents-in-washington-dc/) include: - Head injuries - Broken bones and fractures - Neck injury - Back injury - Knee injury - Spinal cord injuries/paralysis - Facial injuries - Severe road rash and scarring These types of severe injuries can have a devastating impact on your life, and you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. ## Recovering Damages in a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit The types of damages you may be eligible to pursue after a bicycle accident include: Medical expenses: including past and future costs associated with treatment, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, rehabilitative care, etc. Lost wages: if your injury prevents you from working or reduces your earning capacity. Pain and suffering: for the physical and emotional distress of an injury. Loss of consortium: if you cannot engage in activities or experiences with your spouse due to the injury. Punitive damages: designed to punish a wrongdoer, these are only awarded in cases involving malicious or grossly negligent behavior. ## Determining Fault and Liability in a Bicycle Accident Case In order to recover compensation for your injuries, you must be able to demonstrate that another party was at fault for the accident. To prove negligence, many pieces of evidence must be presented, including: • Evidence that demonstrates wrongful behavior or negligence; • Proof that the defendant was responsible for the plaintiff’s injuries and losses; and • Evidence that links any damages incurred directly to the accident. In some cases, both parties may be liable for contributing to the accident and resulting damages. For example, if a bicyclist is hit by a motor vehicle while not following traffic laws, both the driver and the bicyclist may be found partially at fault. It is vital to have a Virginia bicycle accident lawyer on your side to help assess fault and establish liability in a personal injury case. ### Contributory Negligence in Virginia In Virginia, a legal doctrine known as [contributory negligence](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/personal-injury-lawyer/what-is-contributory-negligence/) can bar an injured person from recovering any compensation for their losses, even if they are only 1% at fault. This means that if a judge or a jury finds that the plaintiff contributed in any way to their injury or loss, they may not be able to obtain damages. This law makes it imperative that you seek the help of an attorney to build a strong case against the defendant. ### Statute of Limitations In Virginia, personal injury cases ordinarily must be filed [within two years](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/washington-dc-statute-of-limitations-for-personal-injury/) of the incident. Usually, if a lawsuit is not brought within this timeframe, bicycle accident victims may be barred from recovering any monetary damages associated with the accident. Speak with an attorney as soon as possible following an accident or injury to ensure that your rights are protected. ## Dealing With Insurance Companies Following A Personal Injury Claim Insurance companies can be difficult to deal with following a personal injury claim. Remember that their primary goal is not to help you recover compensation but rather to protect their own interests and limit the amount of money they must pay out on your claim. It is essential that you work with an experienced attorney who can negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company. An attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the claims process and fight to maximize your recovery. Your attorney will also be able to review any offers made by the insurance company and advise you on whether they are fair and sufficient for your losses. In addition, they can help determine if other parties may be liable and accountable for your damages. An attorney can also help ensure that you do not fall victim to any of the insurance company’s schemes or tactics, such as offering a quick settlement before you have had an opportunity to fully understand the extent of your losses. You are not required to accept any settlement offered by an insurance company. The help of an experienced attorney can be invaluable in helping you navigate the insurance claims process and seek a fair settlement for your losses. Contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer today to get started on your case. ## We Get You Results For more than 50 years, the lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have successfully represented individuals and families who have been injured or lost loved ones as the result of someone else’s negligence. Here is a small sample of some of our successful verdicts and settlements: - $3.5 million for a man who suffered a brain injury when a District of Columbia police officer opened his door into traffic and “doored” him. - $6 million on behalf of a man who suffered a brain injury as a result of a rear-end collision. - $5 million medical malpractice settlement on behalf of a 14-year-old client who suffered a severe brain injury as a result of a doctor’s inappropriate use of a chemical product. - $4.8 million on behalf of a severely injured man when his motorcycle struck a trailer being pulled by a minivan. - $4.5 million for a woman who was seriously injured in a pedestrian accident after being struck from behind by a transit bus in a crosswalk. See additional examples of our case victories and settlements on our “[Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/)” page. ## Contact an Alexandria Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected. The attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have extensive experience representing victims of bicycle accidents and will fight to maximize the compensation you receive for your losses. Contact us today for a [free consultation](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help. You can depend on our call center being available 24/7 for prompt, reliable assistance. [Watch Our Video Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. Speak to a Specialist Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The bicycle accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. represent injured cyclists across the Washington, D.C. metro area, including Virginia ([Arlington bike accident cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/arlington-va/), [Alexandria](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/alexandria/), and [Fairfax County bicycle injury claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/fairfax-va/)) and Maryland ([Silver Spring cyclist injury cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/silver-spring/)), and we also handle [Capital Bikeshare claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/washington-dc-capital-bikeshare-accident-attorney/) and [e-bike injury matters](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/electric-bicycles/) throughout the District. Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. READ OUR E-BOOK Meet Our Team Learn More About Us Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. Ira Sherman's Bio Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. Joe Cammarata's Bio Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. Allan Siegel's Bio Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. Stephen Ollar's Bio ## Related Articles Read More Blog Articles E-Bike Injuries How Is An E-Bike Different From a Bicycle? Washington, DC, E-Bike Accident Lawyer DC Bike Accident Attorneys Do Bicycles Have To Obey Traffic Laws In Maryland? Do Bicycles Have To Obey Traffic Laws In Virginia? Bicycle Safety Tips Silver Spring Bicycle Accident Lawyer Bicycle Accident Attorney Fairfax, VA Dangers Of Riding a Bicycle at Night Biking at Night Imagine you’re pedaling down a quiet, tree-lined street as the sun sets. 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