Bicycles offer little, if any, safety mechanisms ensuring the safety of the operator. That is quite different from motor vehicles which have many safety options.
However, despite their lack of safety features, bicycles are still required to follow the rules of the road and therefore, the operators of bicycles in DC should be familiar with the rules of the road and the rules and regulations regarding the operation of a bicycle.
Bicyclists are required to use hand signals as appropriate in DC. Traffic laws apply to bicycles as they do to all other vehicles in DC.
Compliance with the rules of the road can affect a personal injury case when a cyclist does not follow the rules of the road or the DC code because the cyclist may be deemed to be contributorily negligent. When someone is found to be contributorily negligent, they are barred from recovery regardless of the extent of injuries sustained.
A cyclist under the age of 16 is required to wear a helmet in DC. Helmets are designed to prevent or lessen injuries to bicyclists so the proper use of a helmet is important when a person is riding a bicycle.
Even in places where it is legal to go without wearing a helmet, it is important to maintain the highest level of safety when riding a bike in DC.
If the injured person is found to be at fault by neglecting these regulations of DC bike laws, they are barred from recovery regardless of the extent of injuries and/or death. The use of helmets much like the use of seatbelts is not evidence of contributory negligence in DC.
Bicyclists share the road with many types of motor vehicles. For that reason, safety should be the most important aspect of the operation of all motor vehicles. A violation of the traffic laws from another person who caused the injury is used as evidence of negligence, which is necessary to prove the injured person’s case.
Bicycle accident injury cases will have many different concerns regarding rules and regulations. A skilled injury attorney is familiar with these issues and can advise their client accordingly to obtain the best result possible. Respondents in all cases use all available defenses. An experienced personal injury attorney can advise the person about any potential issues that occur throughout the course of the claim.
Anyone who is injured due to the negligence of another should consult with an injury attorney who can evaluate the incident, provide guidance to the injured person, and obtain the compensation the injured person is entitled to receive.
