DC Head-On Bicycle Accident Lawyer
A DC head-on bicycle accident lawyer can help you sort through the complexities of the legal process. Unfortunately, a bicycle accident is already one of the most severe accidents you can get in. Unlike a car with airbags, seatbelts, and a steel frame protecting you, a bicycle offers nearly no protection in the event of an accident. Undoubtedly, everything is made worse if it is a head-on collision. This makes a head-on wreck even worse than a pedestrian accident, as the pedestrian is not moving at a fast clip in the opposite direction of the car or truck. Accordingly, we take head-on bicycle accidents exceptionally seriously. We leave no stone unturned in getting you or your loved one the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Understanding your rights and knowing how to pursue compensation is critical in the aftermath of a head-on bicycle accident. Our attorneys do everything from help you investigate the claim, ensure you get proper medical treatment, document your lost wages, take steps to maximize your compensation, and more. One issue you run into in a head-on bike accident is proving liability. While the property damage to the car or truck that hits you tells part of the story, what if they flee the scene? What if they claim that you ran a red light? Some jurors may think negatively of bicyclists, believing they often run red lights and that this time is no different. Speaking to an experienced personal injury attorney can put you on the path towards financial compensation.
Common Causes of Head-On Bicycle Accidents
The common causes of a head-on bicycle accident can be due to the fault of a biker or a driver. Sometimes, bikers act as though the rules that apply to cars do not apply to bicyclists. However, this is not the case. Despite the acknowledgment that bikers can cause head-on bicycle accidents, the majority of accidents are caused by negligent drivers. Below, we discuss the most common causes our DC head-on bicycle accident lawyers observe.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving takes many forms. These negligent drivers may be fiddling with the radio, adjusting their navigation on their phone, in a heated phone conversation, or even texting. Unfortunately, all of these examples demand the driver’s attention. This catastrophic recipe can lead to disastrous results for anyone else on the road. Not only is a distracted driver less able to respond to emergencies, but one might drift slightly over the yellow line into oncoming traffic. A head-on collision can ensue if a biker is on the other side, perhaps getting ready to make a left turn.
Poor Infrastructure
Many aspects of road infrastructure can lead to needing help from a DC head-on bicycle accident lawyer. A lack of dedicated bike lanes is far and away the biggest issue DC bikers face. In parts of DC, bikers can share a lane with buses. While this is safer than sharing a lane with regular drivers, it is still not as secure as it should be. Without dedicated bicycle lanes, a head-on collision is more likely to occur.
Additionally, confusing or inadequate signage can lead to a head-on collision. Without clear signage, a biker or driver may be misdirected, heading towards oncoming traffic. There is often confusion and panic, especially at intersections or when a biker’s right-sided bike lane goes from the right side to a left turn. These attempts to maneuver safely to the left side of the road to make a left turn can also lead to a rear-end wreck as well as a head-on collision.
Inadequate lighting is yet another issue we sometimes see in Washington, DC. While this is not true on all roads and is only a significant issue at night, many bicycles lack the powerful headlights of cars and trucks. This makes it difficult to detect bicyclists, especially when a driver is older. Tack this onto when a driver is tired at night or just distracted, and a head-on collision can happen.
Improper Passing

Improper passing is another frequent cause of head-on bicycle accidents, as it involves drivers making unsafe maneuvers when attempting to pass cyclists or other vehicles. Thus, there are two times an improper passing affects a bicyclist. Most often, it occurs when a faster car or truck is looking to pass the slower bicycle. There is not always enough time when this happens, given that the vehicle competes in the other direction. When all parties realize there is not enough time or space, panic can ensue, and head-on collisions can occur. These are devastating accidents and some of the most dangerous accidents we handle.
The second scenario, less common but just as dangerous, is when one vehicle passes another. This can happen for any number of reasons. For one, a car may be parked on the side of the road. This happens consistently in the District, as a car may pick someone or something up or drop off. When this vehicle is passed, they may have to cross the yellow line to get around it. This can spell trouble for the biker going the other direction, who the driver may not see until it is too late.
Legal Rights of Bicyclists in Head-On Accidents
The legal rights of bicyclists in head-on accidents can be explained best by an experienced DC head-on bicycle accident lawyer. The set of laws that apply to you for a DC accident are unique only in their minor details. But the rules of tort law and liability remain fairly consistent when applied to bicyclists or drivers. If you are in an accident, and we can prove that the other driver caused the head-on collision, we can make a claim against the adverse driver through their auto insurance. When efforts to settle your case are unsuccessful, we can file a lawsuit against the adverse driver. If the driver has auto insurance, his insurer will provide a defense as they are on the hook for at least some of the damages arising from the head-on accident.
Your right to compensation remains the same if you ride a bike in a head-on collision or are rear-ended while driving your children home from school. The core questions remain the same. Can we prove negligence? Is there insurance to cover our judgment? Call today for a free consultation with a DC head-on bicycle accident lawyer to learn the answers to these questions as they apply to your unique case.
How a DC Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
A DC head-on bicycle accident lawyer from Gelb & Gelb will help lead you through every step of the legal process. Below is a brief list of what our legal team does throughout your case.
- Investigate the accident
- Proving liability
- Negotiate a settlement with insurance companies
- Handling legal paperwork
- Assessing damages
- Litigating in court
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Head-On Bicycle Accident Case?
You should choose Gelb & Gelb for your legal needs regarding head-on bicycle accidents for several reasons. Ultimately, you should choose the law firm and lawyer you trust to get the job done.
- Experience in bicycle accident cases
- Proven track record of over 10,000 personal injury cases
- Personalized attention
- Commitment to client advocacy
- There is no fee unless we win
Call our office today for a free case consultation at (202) 331-7227!
