Cyclist looking for Witnesses

Here's his description

I was returning home from a ride last Wednesday (June 24th) around 6:30PM when I was struck by a taxi at 15th and Madison in front of the Washington Monument. I was taken to GW for my injuries - bruised chest wall, hairline fracture in my ribs and nose, multiple cuts and abrasions on my legs and face. I was traveling northbound, toward Constitution, and the taxi was traveling southbound. The taxi attempted to turn left onto Madison against traffic, it's a one way street, and I was struck by the taxi as I crossed the intersection with the light. One of the problems I have is the accident report issued by the Park Police is not accurate or is ambiguous in some instances. There were also no witness statements taken by the police even though I was helped by several people and there were multiple bystanders that stayed with me until I was taken away by ambulance.

If anyone reading this saw that accident, please contact me at [email protected] and I'll forward you on to this person.

Comments

[JeffB]

Hope you get well soon! In my experience there is no traffic law a taxi driver wouldn't violate whenever they see someone raising a hand.

I'm a bit dismayed that we have yet a another report of the carelessness and apparent disinterest on the part of police to complete a full and accurate accident report. It seems, all too often, that in the case of motorist/cyclist accidents the MO is to transport the victim, toss the debris to the side of the road, and get traffic moving again.

Wouldn't it be cool if there were a rapid response team that, upon learning of a cyclist down, would respond to the scene. They could act as the cyclists advocate in this initial stage of the investigation (since the cyclist himself is usually not capable).

With our areas contributory negligence stance all it takes is for the motorist to claim the usual "crazy cyclist" defense and, aided by the police officers laziness in gathering an accurate and impartial report) the cyclist is left in a weakened position when trying to obtain compensation for their damages and injuries.

I could see the responsibilities of the response unit being to do the work the police office *should* be doing.
1) If able, initiate contact with the downed cyclist and offer to convey any immediate messages to loved ones/work.
2) Interview and collect statements from witnesses.
3) Take possession of any of the cyclists personal effects for safekeeping.

[Van Leasing]

I visited this blog first time and found it very interesting and informative.. Keep up the good work thanks..