Riding a bike at nighttime can be as exciting as it is dangerous. A nighttime bike ride can be a fantastic experience when the weather is cooler during the summer. However, the night introduces new dangers to bikers that do not exist during the day. While many bikers in DC are prudent enough to take steps to protect themselves, the unfortunate reality is you depend on the carefulness of drivers when you are riding your bicycle. While you can take steps to reduce the likelihood of an accident and protect yourself, some accidents are out of your control. Here, we will discuss what specific risks you face at night so you may take steps to protect yourself. Then, we will discuss what steps to take after a nighttime bike accident, including speaking to a nighttime DC bike accident lawyer.
As negligence attorneys, we understand the dangers you face as bicyclists in an urban environment. While these collisions are classified as accidents, they are due to carelessness by drivers. They may be texting and driving, changing the radio station, or speaking on the phone. Whatever the distraction is, you are far more vulnerable in a collision than the driver is. Why should you have to suffer for their negligence? The nighttime DC bike accident lawyers at Gelb & Gelb, P.C. are here to fight for your deserved compensation.
If you are in a nighttime bike accident in DC, contact our office immediately for a free consultation.
Bikers face countless risks at night in Washington, D.C. The consequences of the accidents stemming from these risks can be catastrophic. Thus, a thorough understanding of the risks and how to avoid them is critical.
Decreased visibility is the first risk that comes to mind for nighttime bikers. While a prudent biker may attach strobe lights to their bicycles, visibility will still not be as good as during the day. This problem is compounded on poorly lit streets. While many streets like those in Georgetown, Downtown, Dupont, Capitol Hill, and Northeast, DC are well-lit, many still need to be. If you are a biker on a poorly lit street at night, you risk being nearly invisible to drivers. While some drivers may see you, particularly if you have a strobe light, not every driver has excellent vision. They may be on a short drive and neglected to put their contacts in. That is all it takes to find yourself in a perilous situation. Accordingly, our nighttime DC bike accident lawyers have some recommendations.
We recommend the following steps to visibility and reduce your chances of being struck by a negligent driver.
The increased likelihood of encountering impaired drivers is a factor in any city, state, or town. However, Washington, D.C., has a vibrant nightlife. Unfortunately, while there are several excellent options to get around without driving drunk, people still do it all the time. And it is that much more common at night. Unfortunately, when drivers are intoxicated, they tend to swerve into other lanes. If they are to swerve into any lane, it is more likely to be a bike lane. They understand that they may be struck if they veer into a lane with cars. Accordingly, they realize they are less likely to veer into a bike lane. Unfortunately, that spells trouble for any nighttime bikers. This is true regardless of whether they see you.
If an impaired driver strikes you, speaking to a nighttime DC bike accident lawyer is critical. We can help you investigate the accident. We will communicate with the Metropolitan Police Department and get the information they have collected if they come to the scene.
On a lighter note than the reckless behavior of drunk driving, fatigued driving is still a threat to nighttime bike riders. Our nighttime DC bike accident lawyers handle accidents involving exhausted drivers regularly. Unfortunately, tired drivers tend to have slower reaction times. A quick reaction time is critical in avoiding biker accidents. Bikers have a right to share the road with drivers in DC. However, bikers prefer to go around them because they are usually slower than drivers. Unfortunately, there is not always room to do so. This is when accidents occur. A driver attempting to pass a biker on a one-lane road may need more room as another vehicle travels in the opposite direction.
Below, we discuss the three things to do after a nighttime bike accident in DC.
After a nighttime bike accident, speaking to a nighttime DC bike accident lawyer is essential. Every case is different, and you may need to take other steps depending on the facts of your case. However, in any accident you are in, the first thing to do is to check for injuries. As you are the bicyclist, you probably are the only one who is severely injured and not the driver. However, if the driver hit you and then hit a pole or median, they could be injured too. In any event, checking for injuries and ensuring the safety of everyone involved is paramount. Next, collect information and evidence. Get each driver’s full name, address, insurance information, and vehicle information at the scene. If you do not do this, we will not have anyone to sue for your injuries. Consequently, you will be left to pay your medical expenses alone.
Next, take photographs. In these cases, the defendant will tell their insurer any lie they can think of. They will say the accident never occurred and that they never spoke to you. Take pictures to prove that this is not the case. Please take photographs of the damage to their vehicle. Take photos of your bicycle. Take pictures of your injuries on the day of the accident. While it is helpful to take pictures of your injuries weeks later, the most compelling evidence to a jury is the day of. Once you have completed this exchange of information and documentation of evidence, go to the emergency room or urgent care if your injuries warrant such care.
Then, speak to a nighttime DC bike accident lawyer that day or the next. The sooner you do this, the better. While the statute of limitations for a personal injury in Washington, D.C., is three years, there are other statutes to be aware of. For example, the PIP statute in DC has a 60-day statute of limitations. However, if you were struck by a Maryland-insured vehicle, the statute is one year from the accident date. Moreover, you should take steps to protect your case’s value.
The nighttime DC bike accident lawyers at Gelb & Gelb have been helping victims of bike accidents since 1954. Call our office today for a free consultation at (202) 331-7227.
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