Friday, July 15th, 2016 — 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 drivers 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.
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 drivers fault.