--- description: If you have been injured in a bike-share accident you may wonder what to do next. Get an experienced bike-share accident lawyer on your side. title: Washington DC Capital Bikeshare Accident Attorney - Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. --- Washington DC Capital Bikeshare Accident Attorney - Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. # Washington DC Capital Bikeshare Accident Attorney Last Updated: November 18, 2025 Reading Time: 8 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/) » Washington DC Capital Bikeshare Accident Attorney 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. At our law firm, we have years of experience helping people who have been injured in [bike accidents](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/) get the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation! We will work tirelessly to ensure you get the best possible outcome for your case. ## How Does Capital Bikeshare Work? [Capital Bikeshare](https://capitalbikeshare.com/how-it-works/ebike) is a bike-sharing system in Washington, D.C. The system consists of over 600 docking stations and 5,000 bikes. Cyclists can purchase a single trip, 24-hour pass, or annual membership to rent bikes using this system. Riders can use the Capital Bikeshare app to find available bikes and docks throughout DC, Virginia, and Maryland. Since its inception, Capital Bikeshare has been a popular mode of transportation for residents and visitors alike. However, as the system has grown, so has the number of accidents involving Capital Bikeshare bikes. ## Common Causes of BikeShare Accidents Many different factors can contribute to a bike-share accident. Two of the most common causes of accidents include: ### Collisions With Cars One of the most common causes of bike-share accidents is collisions with cars. About one-third of [bicycle accidents](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/washington-dc-statistics/) involve a [collision with a motor vehicle.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) According to the [Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute,](https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/bicyclists) 843 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles in 2019. These accidents often occur when a car makes a turn and doesn’t see the cyclist or when a vehicle rear-ends a cyclist who is stopped at a light. ### Bicycle Defects and Other Causes Bicycle defects are another common cause of bike-share accidents. In some cases, the accident is caused by a problem with the bike itself. For example, [if the brakes fail](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/personal-injury/personal-injury/product-liability/), the cyclist may not be able to stop in time to avoid an accident. Other times, the accident is caused by something else entirely, such as a [pothole](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/?s=roadway+defects) in the road or poor weather conditions. ## Types of Bicycle Accidents Some of the most [common bicycle accidents](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/common-bike-accidents-in-washington-dc/) include: - **Dooring Accidents** – A dooring accident occurs when a cyclist rides next to a parked car, and the driver opens their door, hitting the cyclist. - **Left-Cross Accident** – These accidents occur when a car [turns left](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/what-makes-left-turns-dangerous/) into the path of an oncoming cyclist. [Distracted drivers](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/distracted-driving/) often cause this type of accident. - **Sideswipe Accident** – Sideswipe accidents often occur when a car veers out of their lane into the bike lane, causing them to hit a cyclist riding in the same direction. - **Right-Hook Accident** – Right-hook accidents occur when a car makes a right turn and hits a cyclist who is going straight. This often happens at [intersections](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/intersections/) or when drivers leave parking lots or driveways. ## Injuries from Bikesharing Accidents There are a [variety of injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/common-injuries-from-bicycle-accidents-in-washington-dc/) that can occur in a bike accident, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more severe injuries like broken bones and head trauma. Some of the most [common injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/bike-crash-causes/) we see at our law firm include: ### 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. ### Traumatic Brain Injuries [Traumatic Brain Injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2019/11/types-of-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. ### Spinal Cord Injuries [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. ### Internal Injuries A cyclist 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. ## Practice DC Bicycle Safety to Prevent an Accident There are several things cyclists can do to prevent an accident. Here are some [safety tips:](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/bike-safety/) - [Wear a helmet](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/washington-dc-bike-helmet-law/) – Wearing a properly fitted bicycle helmet is the best way to prevent a head injury in the event of an accident. - Be aware of your surroundings – Cyclists should always be mindful of their surroundings, including upcoming traffic, obstacles in the road, and pedestrians. - Obey traffic signals and signs – Cyclists should always obey traffic signals and signs, even if they believe they have the right of way. - Use caution when passing – When passing another cyclist or vehicle, use caution and make sure there is enough space to do so safely. - Respect other cyclists – Cyclists should always respect other cyclists on the road and give them plenty of space. Bicycling can be a great way to get around Washington D.C., but it is important to practice safety at all times to prevent an accident. If you or someone you love has been [injured in a Capital Bikeshare accident](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/what-to-do-after-a-bike-accident-in-washington-dc/), contact our law firm today for a free consultation. ### What Are the Rules of the Road for Bikeshare Riders? Bikeshare riders are subject to the same[ rules and regulations](https://ddot.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/ddot/publication/attachments/DC-Bike-Law-Pocket-Guide-Oct2012.pdf) as other cyclists on the road. This includes: - Riding Between Lanes – Cyclists are allowed to ride between lanes in Washington D.C., as long as they are not impeding traffic. - Bike Lanes – Bicycle lanes are designed to keep cyclists safe. However, when provided, bike riders are not required to use designated bike lanes. - Sidewalk Riding – Though not recommended, [D.C. law](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/washington-dc-bike-laws/) states that cyclists can ride on the sidewalk as long as they are outside the central business district. Sidewalk riding is also prohibited in Prince George’s County, on King Street in Old Town Alexandria, and within the memorials on the National Mall. - Stay Visible to Crossing Traffic – A cyclist should maintain no less than 2 feet of clearance from the edge of the usable pavement in wide lanes. ## What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Bikeshare Accident We know that not every bicycle accident can be prevented. If you or someone you love has been i[njured in a Capital Bikeshare accident](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/10-things-to-do-after-bicycle-crash/), it is important to [seek legal help as soon as possible.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/when-to-hire-a-personal-injury-lawyer/) We have years of experience handling bike-share accident cases at our law firm. We will work tirelessly to ensure you get the best possible outcome for your case. When you contact our law firm, we will: - Conduct a thorough investigation of your accident - Gather evidence to support your claim - Handle all communication with the [other driver’s insurance company](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/what-insurance-companies-dont-want-you-to-know-in-personal-injury-cases/) - [Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/?s=rights+after+a+bike+accident) ## How Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help 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 evidence to establish liability and negligence. [Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) 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. ## The Washington DC Vulnerable User Recovery Act for Bicycle Accident Cases [](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Ffc33BY6C-lDlgEVK0RuWCArCwPcTk4vXtqSf2UkcRwAMmqTceGwl4tS8uUh05RJH8Nh_zglNj79ZKWEijWb12HNzhOErdTC-nysL4ROko3fFwdSvW56SIn6fTRNkOQUnfMcbzgoYywyHqdc) In 2020, Washington D.C. passed the [Washington DC Vulnerable User Recovery Act](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/washington-dc-vulnerable-user-recovery-act-of-2020/) to protect those most vulnerable on the road. Cyclists and pedestrians are most likely to suffer severe injuries when involved in a motor vehicle accident. Under the Vulnerable User Recovery Act, the plaintiff’s negligence is not a bar to recovery if the Plaintiff’s negligence is 50% or less. This means that pedestrians, cyclists, and users of other non-motorized devices like skateboards can recover up to 100% of their losses. These losses include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage so long as the pedestrian, cyclist, or another vulnerable user was no more than 50% at fault for a collision. This law uses comparative negligence rather than contributory negligence. Comparative negligence compares the amount of fault by each party rather than [contributory negligence](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/what-is-contributory-negligence/), which bars recovery even if you are even 1% negligent. However, the 2016 law did not include motorized devices, like motorized scooters, electric bikes, motorcycles, or electric mobility devices. The amendment of 2020 added these vulnerable users. ## Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Crashes In Washington D.C., the [statute of limitations](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/washington-dc-statute-of-limitations-for-personal-injury/) for most personal injury claims is three years from the accident date. You have three years to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. However, this rule has some exceptions, so it is important to speak with an experienced bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident. For example, [wrongful death](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wrongful-death/) claims in Washington, DC, have a statute of limitations of 2 years. ## We Will Get You the Compensation You Deserve 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 Our DC Bicycle Accident Attorneys 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. Our dedicated call center runs 24 hours, 7 days a week, ensuring consistent, accessible support. [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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