DC Bicycle Accident Lawyer Who Understands What Cyclists Face Every Day
Cycling in Washington DC can be incredible, with the city investing in bike lanes, safety initiatives, and a vibrant cycling community. But, as any DC cyclist knows, sharing the road with cars brings real dangers. Allyson knows this firsthand—not just as an attorney but as a cyclist and as someone who’s experienced the fallout of bike crashes personally.
Allyson started Kitchel Law because she believes in fighting for cyclists and others whose lives are turned upside down by negligence. When her husband was seriously injured in a bike crash, she saw just how vital it was to have a DC bicycle accident lawyer who understands. It’s why, when you come to us for help, we’re here for the legal battles and for making life easier for you and your family. You deserve someone in your corner who knows what you’re going through.
No amount of compensation can erase what’s happened, but we’ll work tirelessly to help you find justice, support your recovery, and make sure you have what you need to move forward with the confidence that you handled the situation in the best way possible.
When Is the Right Time to Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in DC?
If you’ve been in a bike crash or have a loved one dealing with the aftermath of one, deciding when to bring in legal help can feel like a huge step. Every situation has its own details, and the timing can vary based on your specific case.
If there are still questions about what exactly happened—especially if the crash occurred in a high-traffic spot like Constitution Avenue or around those busy DC intersections—getting started quickly can make a big difference. Gathering things like video footage, dash cam data, or witness statements early on can be key, especially in cases with serious injuries or complicated circumstances. Moving fast on these details helps us build a solid case from the beginning, ensuring we have what we need to hold the responsible parties accountable.
On the other hand, if law enforcement has already sorted through the details and the incident is straightforward, you might not need to rush into hiring a lawyer right away. DC law generally gives you a three-year window for personal injury claims, giving you time to make thoughtful decisions when you’re ready.
Regardless of your situation, we’re here to walk you through every step, giving you and your family the space to recover while we handle the heavy lifting. I know firsthand how overwhelming all of this can feel, and our team is here to make sure you’re supported every step of the way.
Why Hiring a Washington DC Bicycle Accident Lawyer Matters
If you’re a cyclist, like me, and you’ve been hit or injured on your bike, the last thing you want to do is deal with the legal mess that follows. But certain things have to happen to protect your rights—evidence has to be gathered, insurance companies contacted, sometimes even the police or medical providers need to be dealt with. Trying to manage all of this while you’re healing? It’s just too much.
With insurance companies often quick to offer lowball settlements, deadlines creeping up, and piles of paperwork, handling it alone can leave you feeling overwhelmed. The real pain is looking back and wondering if you got the justice and support you actually deserved.
That’s where we come in at Kitchel Law, as your bicycle accident lawyer in Washington DC.
When my husband was badly injured in a bike crash, I was a defense attorney, so I saw firsthand the difference a good lawyer can make. Having someone who understood us and genuinely cared about our situation brought peace of mind in a time of chaos. That experience is one of the main reasons I opened my own practice—to offer that same real, compassionate support to other cyclists facing these life-altering events.
Why Kitchel Law? Because We Understand You
Making the call to hire a bicycle accident lawyer in DC can feel like a big step. Maybe you’re wondering about costs or if you could manage it yourself. And that’s real. But here’s the thing: the legal process is often more complex than it seems. Insurance companies know how to protect their own interests, and without someone on your side, it’s easy to wonder if you’re really getting a fair shake.
We’re here to make sure you don’t have to face those doubts. From the moment you reach out, my team and I handle all the legal hassles so you can focus on what really matters—your recovery, your family, and getting your life back on track.
What Kitchel Law Can Do for You
Once you contact us, we’ll start taking on all the calls, paperwork, and every detail of your case. This way, you can focus on healing and being with your family, while we work hard to get you the best possible outcome.
We keep you informed every step of the way, so you’re never in the dark about your case. With us, you’ll have a team that’s not just handling the legal side but genuinely has your back.
Let us take care of the legal stuff, so you can focus on your recovery. And remember: no amount of compensation can erase what’s happened, but we’ll work tirelessly to help you find justice, support your recovery, and make sure you have what you need to move forward with the confidence that you handled things the best way possible.
Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in DC
I’m a cyclist myself, so I don’t just know the dangers in DC—I feel them every time I’m on the road. I still remember watching my husband get hit by a car, and to add insult to injury, he was yelled at by the driver to “get off the road.” So, when I say I understand what it means to be a cyclist, believe me—I’ve seen firsthand the vulnerability we face on two wheels.
One thing I tell every client who comes to me after a crash is this: it wasn’t an “accident.” Crashes happen because someone or something went wrong. Knowing what these common causes are is a big part of protecting ourselves and holding drivers accountable when they fail to share the road safely.
Here’s a look at the most common ways cyclists in DC get hurt:
- The “Door Prize”: If you’ve ridden in DC, you know the risk of passing parked cars. All it takes is one driver swinging open a door without checking their mirror, and a cyclist is suddenly facing a hard collision with that door. Broken bones, severe bruising, and head injuries are common results. Drivers need to check before they open, but often, they just don’t.
- Left Hook/Right Hook: These are among the scariest maneuvers a cyclist can face. A “left hook” happens when an oncoming car turns left into the cyclist’s path, often leaving the cyclist no time to react. A “right hook” is when a car passes a cyclist on the left, only to cut them off by turning right directly in front of them. Both can cause serious crashes that send cyclists off their bikes and straight onto the pavement.
- Lane Incursions: Legally, cyclists in DC can ride in the bike lanes, on the street, and even on certain sidewalks. But some drivers still don’t understand or respect these rights. When a car swerves or drifts into a bike lane, it often forces cyclists into dangerous situations or off the road altogether. These collisions can lead to serious injuries, from fractures and brain injuries to deep cuts and lifelong scarring.
- Intersection Collisions (T-Bone/Angle): Intersections are where so many bike crashes happen. When a driver runs a red light or rolls through a stop sign, cyclists crossing the intersection can get hit from the side in a T-bone or angle crash. These are especially dangerous for cyclists, often causing limb fractures, spinal injuries, and other severe traumas.
Each of these dangers is a reminder of just how exposed we are on a bike. If you’ve experienced any of these or know someone who has, let’s talk. As a DC bicycle accident lawyer and a cyclist, I’m here to help make sure we don’t just accept these risks as “part of riding.” No amount of compensation can change what’s happened, but I’ll work hard to help you get justice, support your recovery, and move forward with confidence knowing you took the right steps.
Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in DC
A bike accident can flip life upside down in a matter of seconds. Allyson and the Kitchel Law team have seen firsthand just how devastating these injuries can be, particularly when it comes to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs are among the most severe injuries cyclists face, and unfortunately, they’re a leading cause of bike-related fatalities. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute reports that thousands of people, from kids to adults, suffer from TBIs in bike accidents every year, and these injuries can have lasting effects.
One point Allyson always emphasizes to clients is this: brain injuries aren’t always obvious right away. They’re easy to overlook in the chaos after a crash, and often the full impact doesn’t reveal itself until days or even weeks later. After an accident, it’s tempting to brush it off or skip the ER visit, but sometimes the severity of the injury isn’t clear until later.
Some other common injuries that cyclists in DC face include:
- Head Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Soft Tissue Damage
- Internal Organ Damage
- Facial Disfigurement or Scarring
These injuries can alter lives, often needing both immediate treatment and long-term care. Kitchel Law is here to help DC cyclists get the medical and legal support they need to recover and rebuild. When injuries like these happen, Allyson and the team are ready to stand with you, every step of the way as your bicycle accident lawyer in Washington DC.
Types of Damages in a DC Bicycle Crash Claim
If you’ve been in a bike crash, you’ve probably realized that the damage goes way beyond just a broken bike. Recovery can be costly and overwhelming, both physically and emotionally, so it’s only right that the law allows injured cyclists to seek full compensation for both financial losses and the suffering that follows a serious crash. Here’s what that might look like:
- Medical Expenses: Bike crashes can lead to injuries that affect every part of your life—head injuries, broken bones, spinal trauma, you name it. As someone who’s seen it up close, I know just how critical it is for you to get fully compensated for your medical costs. That includes everything from emergency treatment to hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and any equipment or medications you need as you recover. And if you’ll need ongoing care, we’ll make sure you’re covered for that, too.
- Lost Income: Being sidelined from work because of a crash isn’t just stressful; it can seriously impact your financial stability. You’re entitled to recover lost wages for missed workdays, and even benefits, bonuses, and future earning capacity if you’re dealing with long-term or permanent injuries. If your injuries change your ability to work in the long run, you should be compensated for that financial hit, too.
- Property Damage: If you’re an avid cyclist, you know that your bike and gear are significant investments. Damages should cover the cost of repairing or replacing your bike, helmet, and any other gear lost in the crash. This might seem minor compared to medical expenses, but it’s a part of restoring what you’ve lost.
- Pain and Suffering: The trauma from a crash isn’t just physical. Many crash survivors face emotional challenges and long-lasting pain that changes how they live each day. Compensation for pain and suffering is meant to address this impact, even though it’s hard to measure in dollars. I’ll work to make sure that the full picture of what you’re going through is seen and valued.
- Wrongful Death: If you’ve lost a loved one in a bike collision, the pain is indescribable. While no amount of money can replace what you’ve lost, a wrongful death claim can help you and your family find a sense of justice and hold the at-fault party accountable.
How Much Does a Washington DC Bicycle Accident Lawyer Cost?
Nothing upfront.
As a cyclist myself and someone who has watched loved ones go through the aftermath of a bike crash, I know what you’re dealing with—the pain, the recovery, the financial stress. The last thing you should have to worry about is how to pay for legal help to get what you deserve.
Here’s how we work at Kitchel Law:
- No Upfront Costs – Hiring us costs you nothing upfront. We work on a contingency basis, which means we’re only paid if we recover compensation for you.
- Percentage-Based Fee – Our fee usually ranges from 33-40% of your settlement, depending on the case. And we’re transparent about this from day one.
- No Financial Risk – If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. You won’t get a bill for taking a stand or seeking justice.
There may be some additional costs with certain cases, like court fees or hiring expert witnesses. But don’t worry—we cover these upfront, and you only reimburse us if we win. We’ll walk you through all potential costs before we get started, so there are no surprises, just honest, straightforward support.
Our goal is to let you focus on healing and moving forward—let us handle the rest.
Why Choose Kitchel Law as Your DC Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Experience Rooted in Personal Understanding
As a fellow cyclist, we get what it’s like to ride the streets of DC, sharing lanes with traffic and dealing with drivers who don’t always give us the space we need. And we’ve seen the impact a serious bike accident can have, both personally and professionally. That’s why Allyson started Kitchel Law—to stand up for cyclists and help people here in DC who need someone truly dedicated to getting them the help they need and deserve.
With more than two decades of experience, Allyson bring not just legal know-how but a genuine commitment to help people rebuild their lives after an accident.
DC is Allyson’s home. She started my legal career as a law clerk at the DC Superior Court, so she knows the local courts and understand the unique challenges faced by DC cyclists and families in injury cases. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through the process with both skill and heart, making sure every detail is covered so you feel supported and protected.
Insight from Both Sides of the Law
Before dedicating herself to personal injury, Allyson spent years defending drivers and medical professionals. That “other side” experience taught her a lot about how insurance companies think—and the tactics they use to minimize claims. Today, she uses that knowledge to anticipate and counter their moves, building strong, proactive cases to protect your rights from the very beginning.
Her background helps her understand how to shape cases that judges and juries can connect with, which gives you a stronger chance at the justice you deserve.
Personal Attention & Communication
At Kitchel Law, every case we take on is personal. For us, it’s not just another file—it’s an opportunity to make a difference in a cyclist’s life. Allyson has been through this with her own family, so she know firsthand the peace of mind that comes from having someone truly in your corner. We’re here to make sure you feel supported, not just legally but personally, every step of the way.
We are a firm believer in keeping you in the loop throughout your case. We’ll keep you updated at every turn so that you’re never left wondering about what’s happening or feeling out of control. We’re here to make sure no detail slips through the cracks, so you can focus on healing, while we focus on getting you justice.
Client-Centered Service
Every client and every case has its own story, and that’s exactly how we approach it—with a focus on you. Whether it’s meeting up with you personally to hand over a settlement check, recording our conversations so you have something to refer back to, helping sort through insurance claims, or even just being there to check in, our job is to support you in ways that matter. And that might even mean delivering a meal to your door if that’s what you need.
You’re not just another case to us—you’re a priority.
Our goal is to let you focus on the things that matter most, like healing and being with your loved ones, while we handle the legal side. Giving you peace of mind isn’t just our job; it’s what we care about most. We’re here to be the steady presence you can rely on, every step of the way.
Proven Results, Trusted Reputation
It’s an honor to be recognized as a “Super Lawyer” in DC and to have earned the AV Preeminent rating for excellence and ethics. Being named a top personal injury attorney by Northern Virginia Magazine also holds special meaning for Allyson because it’s a reminder of the trust DC families place in our work here. And while these recognitions mean a lot, what truly matters to us is that they reflect the hard work and dedication we bring to each case we take on.
One case that’s especially close to my heart is when we represented the family of DeAngelo Green—a dedicated father who was killed in an accident with a DC fire truck. That case wasn’t just about achieving a $13.5 million verdict. It was about standing by his family for six long years, helping them find justice and acknowledgment for their loss. That experience reminded me why we do what we do—to stand with families in their hardest times, offering support and fighting for their right to justice.
When you choose Kitchel Law, you’re choosing a team with decades of experience, proven results, and a strong commitment to DC families. We’re here to stand by you, just as we’ve stood by others before you, because everyone deserves justice and the chance to move forward with peace of mind.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, we get it. We’ve been there.
When my own family faced a traumatic experience, I saw firsthand just how much it helps to have someone in your corner who truly gets it—not just the legal side, but the emotional weight of it all. It’s a big reason I opened Kitchel Law—to be that supportive, knowledgeable ally for people who are navigating hard times and need real help
Here at Kitchel Law, I’m here to hear your story, talk through your options, and take on the legal battles so you can focus on what’s most important: healing, supporting your loved ones, and figuring out a way forward.
To start, just give me a call at 202-949-7109, shoot me an email at allyson@kitchellaw.com, or fill out the online form below.
And with Kitchel Law, there’s no upfront cost to worry about—you only pay if we win your case.
Let me take on the legal stress so you can find the confidence and peace of mind you deserve. We’ll get through this together.