--- description: Common Injuries From Bicycle Accidents In Washington DC - Learn How You Can Not Only Protect Yourself But Defend Against Injuries. Learn More title: Common Injuries From Bicycle Accidents In Washington DC - Chaikin & Sherman --- Common Injuries From Bicycle Accidents In Washington DC - Chaikin & Sherman # Common Injuries From Bicycle Accidents In Washington DC Last Updated: June 18, 2025 Reading Time: 6 minutes Trusted Content Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 12 months ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Washington DC Bicycle Accident Lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/) » Common Injuries From Bicycle Accidents In Washington DC 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. Bicycling is a great way to get around Washington DC, and it’s becoming increasingly popular every year. However, with the increase in popularity comes an [increase in bike accidents.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/washington-dc-statistics/) If you are injured in a bicycle accident, it’s important to [know your rights](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2019/07/protect-your-rights-after-a-bike-accident/) and how to seek compensation for your injuries. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., we have years of experience helping cyclists get the compensation they need and deserve. We understand the [complex laws](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/washington-dc-bike-laws/) that apply to [bicycle accidents](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/), and we are here to help you get the justice you deserve. ## Causes of Bicycle Injuries There are many different ways that a bicycle accident can occur. However, some of the most [common causes of bicycle accidents](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/common-causes-of-bicycle-accidents/) include: - [Distracted drivers](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/distracted-driving/) – Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted can easily hit a cyclist. - [Drunk drivers](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/drunk-driving-accidents/) – When drivers are impaired by alcohol or drugs, they can’t safely operate a vehicle and are more likely to hit a cyclist. - [Defective bike components](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/personal-injury/personal-injury/product-liability/) – Bike manufacturers sometimes make defective products that can cause accidents. - [Road hazards](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/roadway-defects/) – Potholes, debris, and other road hazards can cause cyclists to lose control and be injured. Cyclists themselves can also cause accidents. For example, a cyclist who is not paying attention to traffic or who is [riding recklessly](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/how-to-claim-insurance-after-bike-accident-in-washington-dc/) may cause an accident. ## Are Bicycle Accidents Dangerous? Bicycle accidents can be very serious and even [fatal](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/killed-in-a-bicycle-accident/). These accidents can cause severe injuries for various reasons. [Cyclists are more vulnerable](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/bike-safety/) to being hit by a car because they are less visible. Even if cyclists [wear helmets](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/washington-dc-bike-helmet-law/), they can still sustain serious [head injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/head-injuries/) in an accident. Third, because bicycles don’t have seat belts or airbags, cyclists can be ejected from their bikes and sustain serious injuries as a result. ## Common Injuries After a Bicycle Accident There are many different types of injuries bicycle accident victims can suffer from. However, some of the [most common injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/bike-crash-causes/) include: ### Internal Injuries There are many ways that a bicycle accident can cause internal injuries. For example, a cyclist who is hit by a car can suffer from broken ribs, a punctured lung, or internal bleeding. A fall from a bike can also cause internal injuries. ### Traumatic Brain Injury Bicycle accidents often result in head injuries, including [concussions](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/concussions/) and[ traumatic brain injuries.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/treatment-for-traumatic-brain-injury/) Traumatic Brain Injuries are caused when a significant force is exerted on the brain. As a result of such force, your brain can strike the inside of your skull, causing a brain injury. Common symptoms of a [traumatic brain injury](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/brain-injuries/), such as a concussion, include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and cognitive problems, such as memory problems and difficulty concentrating and focusing. It can also cause changes in mood or behavior. ### Neck Injuries Neck injuries are also common in bicycle accidents. [Whiplash](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/) is a common neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward or backward. [Neck injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/neck-injuries/) can be very painful and may require extensive medical treatment. ### Spinal Cord Injuries A spinal cord injury can result in paralysis or other serious impairments. [Spinal cord injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/spine-injuries/) often require lifelong medical care and may prevent a person from ever being able to return to work. ### Soft Tissue Injuries You may suffer from soft tissue injuries if you are injured in a bicycle accident. Soft tissue injuries include injuries to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries can be very painful and take weeks or even months to heal. ### Broken Bones A fall from a bicycle in a bike accident can cause a hard impact on the road, leading to broken bones in several places on the body. Broken bones can cause difficulties with mobility, work duties, and daily tasks. They can also cause great pain and require prolonged medical care. ## What to Do After a Bicycle Accident? [After a bike accident,](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/what-to-do-after-a-bike-accident-in-washington-dc/) injured bicyclists should: - Get medical help – If you are injured, it’s important to get medical help right away. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s always best to take caution and seek medical attention. - File a police report – You should always file a police report after an accident. This will create a record of the accident and may be helpful if you decide to [file an insurance claim.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/how-to-claim-insurance-after-bike-accident-in-washington-dc/) - Gather evidence – If possible, you should try to gather evidence at the scene of the accident. This may include taking photos of the scene or getting the contact information of witnesses. - Contact an experienced attorney – An experienced bicycle accident attorney can help you understand your rights and options and can help you get the compensation you deserve. ## File a Personal Injury Claim for Injuries After a Bike Accident If you are a bicycle accident victim, you may be able to [file a personal injury claim](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/filing-a-personal-injury-claim/) to recover damages. These damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Filing a [personal injury claim](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/personal-injury-claims-process-in-washington-dc/) can be complex, so it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our team of experienced [personal injury lawyers](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) can help you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation. ## What We Can Do For You The Washington, D.C. bicycle accident lawyers with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have a proven track record of success in helping clients obtain the maximum compensation possible for injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of others. Our firm has consistently demonstrated we have the expertise needed to help our clients see that justice is served. We have the resources needed to conduct thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to a bicycle accident, gathering the evidence needed to establish liability and negligence. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has achieved more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements, and our attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience. Two of our partners are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our firm has also earned the highest AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, one of the most respected attorney-ranking service organizations in the United States. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. attorneys work passionately on behalf of our clients to help them secure fair compensation – there is no type of case that is too complex for us to litigate. ## Recovering Damages in a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit Many factors go into determining the value of your bike accident claim. These include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys have experience evaluating cases just like yours to determine what they may be worth and will work hard to get you fair compensation for your injuries. ### We Get You Results For more than 50 years, the Washington DC lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have successfully represented individuals and families who have been injured or lost loved ones due to 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 due to a rear-end collision. - $5 million medical malpractice settlement on behalf of a 14-year-old client who suffered a severe brain injury due to a doctor’s inappropriate chemical product use. - $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 a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today If you are looking for the highest level of representation available for your bicycle accident claim, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or[ contact us online](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) to get the proven legal representation you deserve. [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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