Despite local efforts to curb bicycle accidents and fatalities, more and more tragedies keep occuring in the DMV. Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser’s ambitious plan for zero traffic deaths by 2024 is commendable, but there’s obviously a long way to go before this becomes a reality. In the meantime, bicycle-related accidents and fatalities keep occurring.
The DC Bicycle Advisory Council, a public commission that advises elected and appointed officials on bicycle-related transportation matters, is a good start, but the commission has its work cut out for itself.
Two Bicycle Accident Deaths in DC Within a Week
This past July was a deadly one for cyclists in the District, with three deaths occurring in the month–including two in one week. In mid-July, a 65-year-old man was riding his bike on the sidewalk along 7th Street NW. Upon entering the intersection at Rhode Island Avenue, a dump truck began a right turn on a green light and struck the cyclist, who was taken underneath the truck and pronounced dead at the scene.
About a week later, a 40-year-old State Department employee was run over by a cement truck at the intersection of I Street and 21st Street NW in the Foggy Bottom area of DC. The cyclist was trying to stay ahead of the truck but was struck by the front passenger side as the truck tried to turn. Sadly, the man died from his injuries at a local hospital.
Another State Department Employee Killed in Bethesda Bike Crash
In late August, a 42-year-old State Department employee was struck by a flatbed truck as she rode her bicycle along the 5200 block of River Road in Bethesda. The victim, a diplomat at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, leaves behind a husband who also served at the Kyiv embassy, as well as two sons who earlier this year were able to reconnect with their parents after the family was separated during the early stages of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The victim was hit by the truck as it was turning into a parking lot on River Road. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cyclist Killed on Indian Head Highway in Fort Washington
We’ve already documented the dangers of traveling along Indian Head Highway in Prince George’s County in previously published blogs. It’s one of the most dangerous roads in the area for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. And on September 1, yet another fatality occurred when a man riding his bike along the center lane of Indian Head Highway collided with a driver near the intersection of Fort Washington Road. The victim was transported to a hospital and treated for his injuries but died a few days later.
What to Do If You’re in a Bicycle Accident
- Seek medical attention. If you are unable to call 911 yourself, see if someone else can do it.
- Don’t minimize your injuries. You may not feel seriously injured, but you very well could be. Even If you’re able to walk away from the accident relatively unscathed, you should still visit an emergency room or your doctor to get a complete evaluation.
- Call the bicycle accident attorneys at The Lapidus Law Firm. There are many, many bike laws in DC and the surrounding area, and they’re not always easy to interpret. Our attorneys, however, have years of experience dealing with local bike accidents and will provide the expert legal advice you need.
Washington, DC and Maryland Bicycle Accident Lawyers
As your DC area bicycle accident attorneys, we will examine your case thoroughly and maintain constant communication with doctors, insurance companies, and witnesses to make sure everything is covered. From there, we will work our hardest to get you a fair and reasonable settlement. You have rights as a cyclist, and The Lapidus Law Firm is here to protect those rights. Call us today at (202) 785-5111 or (301) 852-7500 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
We are committed to making justice work for you.