D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser signed a bill today expanding the rights of cyclists and pedestrians involved in accidents with motorists.
The Motor Vehicle Collision Recovery Act of 2016 now enables pedestrians and cyclists to sue motorists for medical bills and property damage if they are found to be up to 50 percent at fault for the collision.
Previously, D.C. cyclists were unable to sue drivers if they were deemed to be at all responsible for a collision.
“Our streets are made for everyone and the Motor Vehicle Collision Recovery Act of 2016 sends a strong message that pedestrians and cyclists are welcome in the District,” said Mayor Bowser. “This legislation gives much-needed legal protection to more commuters and brings more equity to the streets of DC.”
The bill, which was introduced by Councilmember Mary Cheh, will bring D.C. up to speed with 46 other states that have similar laws for injured cyclists and pedestrians.
"Today the District of Columbia takes an important step forward towards protecting injured crash victims. The passage of the Motor Vehicle Collision Recovery Act will end the unjust practice of denying claims when the vulnerable road user is partially at-fault,” said Greg Billing, Executive Director of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association.
