Bill Will Make It Easier For D.C. Cyclists To Collect Crash Damages

Bicyclists and pedestrians in the District could soon have a greater chance of recouping a share of medical bills and other costs after a crash. The D.C. Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to change a long-standing city law that in order for a cyclist to collect on insurance after a collision with a vehicle, the accident must be 100 percent the driver’s fault. The legislation would give bicyclists the right to argue fault in shades of gray with insurance companies and juries, giving them a greater shot at collecting damages. Supporters of the change call the current doctrine harsh, noting that when a bicyclist is struck and injured, if the rider is even 1 percent negligent, he or she is barred from recovering any damages.