What Are the Bicycle Helmet Laws in Washington D.C.?

As the weather begins to finally warm up once again, many cyclists will take to the streets here in Washington D.C. While wearing a helmet is important, if you are a cyclist, you may have wondered whether you are legally required to wear a helmet by law. Please continue reading to learn more about the bicycle helmet laws in Washington D.C. and how our Washington D.C. personal injury attorneys can assist you if you’ve been wrongfully injured in a bicycle accident. Here are some of the questions you may have:

Do the bicycle helmet laws in D.C. require me to wear a helmet?

If you are in Washington D.C. and you are under the age of 16, you are required to wear a helmet at all times when riding a bicycle, skateboard, scooter, or any other form of transportation in this vein. Further, any parent of a child under the age of 16 who is caught not wearing a helmet will have to pay a $25 fine. If you are over the age of 16, you are not required to wear a helmet by law, however, you should, as doing so may save your life one day.

What happens if I am injured in a bicycle accident that was not my fault?

If you are injured in a bicycle accident, you may not be able to do anything other than wait for emergency services to arrive at the scene of the accident, as in many cases, cyclists simply do not compare to the size and weight of a motor vehicle. However, if you can, you should do everything in your power to document the incident. If possible, you should ask the other driver for his or her insurance information, ask any witnesses for their contact information, take pictures of any damage to your bicycle, your injuries, and any property involved in the accident, and ensure that you receive immediate medical treatment. Once you do, ensure that you retain the services of a knowledgeable Washington D.C. personal injury attorney who can gather and present sufficient evidence to satisfy the burden of proof on your behalf–and ensure you do so promptly. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Washington D.C. is, generally, three years, meaning you will only have three years from the date of your accident to take legal action against the party responsible for your injuries. Our firm is ready to help you today.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED WASHINGTON D.C. FIRM

The experienced personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys at Trombly & Singer, PLLC are prepared to represent clients facing legal matters after being injured due to another person’s negligence. If you require strong legal representation in Washington D.C. or Maryland, contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.