The Athlete's Lawyer

Bike and car crashes at the Mount Vernon, W&OD, Four Mile Run and other local Trails suggest that area drivers are not looking out for Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia cyclists, runners, skaters and walkers

The recent  in Alexandria underscores the importance of drivers looking BOTH ways when crossing DC area cycling, skating and running paths.  Too often motorists are looking to see vehicular traffic approaching in whatever direction is closest to their car or truck.  Northern Virginia drivers tend to pull out to the street without regard for cyclists or joggers.  The “Share the Road” goal is observed more in the breach Read the rest of this entry »

Landau with a new friend and fellow triathlete (and her cracked aero helmet)

Even the best prepared athletes find that their safety and injury prevention equipment is not “race ready.”  It is a terrible feeling to train for months, travel hundreds of miles and to arrive at the race venue only to find that a vital piece of safety gear is broken or missing.  Doug Landau has had goggles break, wetsuits rip and bicycles flat at major sports competitions, so he knows what it feels like to be physical ready, but unable to compete.

Last Friday, after the Herndon Reston sports injury lawyer picked up his bike and triathlon racing gear from Velocity Pro bicycle shop, he saw that another competitor had a cracked bicycle helmet.  Her damaged “aero” bike helmet would never pass the USAT officials’ inspection and she would not be permitted to race with such unsafe equipment, as her head gear would not protect her skull from impact and potentially severe brain injury.

As he has done before, Landau offered her a helmet, since he often travels with spare safety equipment.  The West Coast Athlete graciously accepted lawyer Landau’s offer, as was back in the race.  The next day her sister returned the Virginia bike safety lawyer’s helmet, and they cheered the other bicycle racers participating in the US National Triathlon Championships.  If you have room in your bike travel case, car, luggage, etc., consider bringing extra safety equipment.  You too may be alb to help out a fellow athlete and prevent unnecessary injury or disability.

Bicycle safety advocate Doug Landau managed to avoid crashing and injury on the wet, slippery hairpin turns at the US National Championships

The hotter the conditions, the better Triathlon Trial Lawyer Doug Landau races.  However, after hot races Saturday, Sunday morning was cold, wet and raining.  The USAT Sprint Triathlon Championship race started with a half mile swim in the river by the University of Alabama campus.  Then, triathletes had to run up the steps to Manderson Landing and jump on their bikes in order to start cycling down Warner Highway.  After a short straightaway, there was the first hairpin turn, and then the long ride, hilly ride out in the rain.  The  Landau was ringing his bell as he passed the faster swimmers, and though constantly on the brakes, he kept his heart rate high.  At the second hairpin, the bicyclist in front of him crashed to the pavement, but avoided serious injury.  The bike racers crossed the river, had another tight turn, and then headed home.  Bicycle advocate attorney Landau managed a 22.7 mph average for the 12.4 mile course, and after a 47 second transition, ran in soaked shoes to try to catch others in his age group.

Doug Landau off the bike and headed into the second transition at the USAT Sprint Triathlon Championships

Because the temperature was only in the 60′s, Landau could not muster much better than a 7 minute-per-mile pace for the 5 km run, however, he threw in a strong kick to break 72 minutes.  Copping 10th in the age group meant that Landau automatically qualified to represent the USA at the World Age Group Triathlon Championships in Beijing, China.  However, the ABRAMS LANDAU lawyer gave up his spot so that another racer could go and experience this international competition.  Due to his performance, Landau will again be a Sprint Triathlon All American and will likely compete at next year’s National Championships.  Upcoming races include the VTS Giant Acorn at Lake Anna in Spotsylvania Virginia next Sunday.  As always, Doug Landau welcomes clients, their families and friends who want to watch him “in action,” either at the races or trying cases. Call (703-796-9555) or e-mail the Landau Law Shop for details and his upcoming schedule of cases and races.

What did Doug Landau do upon arrival in Tuscaloosa Alabama for the 2010 USA Triathlon Championships ?  He checked out his bike, checked out the course and checked into his hotel.

Gina of VeloCity Pro Cycle re-assembled & did a safety check of Doug Landau's bike before the big race

VeloCity Bicycle Shop was where the Triathlon Trial Lawyer had his bike shipped from Herndon Virginia.  With air travel becoming more difficult for bikers, ground transport is an economical and safe alternative.  Landau’s Kestral race bike was smashed in transit returning from the National Championships several years ago, despite the crash injury lawyer’s having placed it in a hard case bike box that had been flown to international competitions !  The friendly VeloCity crew did an excellent job of unpacking, re-assembling and tuning up Landau’s Cervelo racing bike.  Their pre-race safety check and the care with which they looked over the many athletes’ bicycles made for a safer race and reduced bike crash injuries out on the course.

Biker AND bicycle safety lawyer Doug Landau in Old Town Alexandria (VA)

Bike racks do not have to be ugly metal masses in our city centers.  Rather, the places to secure one’s bicycle can be artistic, and even be incorporated into the overall look of the town.  While arguing Pre- Trial motions at the Courthouse in Old Town Alexandria, bike crash injury lawyer Doug Landau noticed the bike racks along King Street in front of the Courthouse Plaza – the original home of ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd.  Art and function in the same unit !  Landau salutes the Alexandria City planners, architects and artists.

Speeding on the rolling roads of Fauquier County, specifically Routes 29 and 211 will usually get you an “invitation” to the Court in Madison, Virginia.  However, over 200 multisport athletes did just that – riding their bikes up and down the hilly roads around Warrenton.

Virginia Triathlon Series Warrenton Sprint Triathlon prize winner Landau

Triathlon Trial Lawyer Doug Landau entered the VTS Warrenton race as a final “tune up” before next week’s USAT National Sprint Championships.  After getting passed by several competitors in the pool, ABRAMS LANDAU‘s Landau managed to catch many cyclists on the hilly bike course.  Once on the run, he again passed runners on the hilly, “mobius strip” course.  The initial results had Landau finishing in the top 5% and second in his age group.  The Reston Herndon area injury lawyer won the runner up Masters Award.  It was Landau’s first race with his Nimble racing wheels and he hopes to “taper” and reduce the volume and intensity of his training in order to be “jumping out of his Speedo” at the National Championship and World Championship qualifier.

After a mountain bike crash, the pain, bruising and “road rash” may take several days to peak.  Taking some time off and using ice, heat, massage and gentle stretching are all good ideas.  However, there are some tough multisport athletes who do not let a bicycle accident slow them down.

Despite road rash, cuts and other injuries, Traithlete John Brannock finished the Warrenton Sprint Triathlon with a smile

John Brannock, a former training partner and team mate, came in this weekend  on a business trip.  As is Doug Landau’s habit, the Herndon trial lawyer convinced his friend to join him for the first annual Warrenton Sprint Triathlon on Sunday.  Landau borrowed a bike, brought extra helmets and other safety gear, and loaded the mini van so that they could car pool to the pool.  The 300 yard indoor pool swim, 11.8 mile hilly bike ride and the 5 km. up and down run course would take less than 2 hours.  However, Brannock had been in a mountain bike accident on Friday, and his bruises were just coming into their full black and blue color !  The new Warrenton Aquatics Center (“WAC”)  was a clean, state of the art facility for this new Virginia Triathlon Series event in Fauquier County.  Located just passed the exit for “Old Town” Warrenton and the Court House area where the ABRAMS LANDAU Law firm has represented injured workers, car crash survivors and the families of brain injured victims, the bike course takes races on Route 29/211 and the run course is a very challenging two loops.  It was only after the race that Brannock showed Lawyer Landau his cuts, bruises and swelling !  Brannock raced on a borrowed bike, ran with the wrong shoes and was limited by his battered joints.  Nevertheless, despite these handicaps, and the 2 hours time differential coming from his home in Colorado, John had a strong showing and even won a prize for having come to Fauquier County from the mid-west !  Congratulations John Brannock !

Recumbent bikes can be good for those with back injuries or spine issues

Hampered by back injuries, lumbar pain or degenerative disc disease, many avid bikers have left the sport because of the discomfort caused by road bikes and drop style handlebars.  However, a solution may be to change the riding style by chaining the bicycle, according to bike injury lawyer Doug Landau.  Taking the pressure off the spine may be “just what the doctor ordered” notes the former Applied Anatomy and Physiology grad student and member of the American College of Sports Medicine.

“Anyone who has spent any time on the W&OD, Mount Vernon, Four Mile Run or other Northern Virginia bike trail has seen all manner of recumbent and “non-traditional” bikes,”  adds the back and spine injury lawyer.  “One client was crushed by a negligent motorist, and was up and riding within days.  This bike crash injury victim adapted a recumbent bike to his needs, complete with a holder for his cane and a bag for his supplies.  By continuing to exercise in a non-impact sport, this Reston area personal injury plaintiff was able to hasten his physical recovery from his crash injuries.” If you are interested in Recumbent Bicycles, check out “Recumbent & Tandem Rider” magazine.

If you, or someone you know, has back pain or spine issues that is forcing them off the bike, consult with a sports medicine doctor to see if recumbent cycling is an appropriate alternate form of exercise.  Injured athletes’ lawyer Doug Landau of ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd. incorporates stationary recumbent cycling in his training program year round, and finds it is an excellent way to read through his “third class mail, journals, magazines and watch sports on television !”

Support the work of the Brain Injury Services by running in one of the several races at George Mason University’s beautiful Fairfax Virginia campus September 26th.  Don’t wait any longer.  Sign up today to join us at the 7th Annual Kit Callahan’s Miracle Mile. There are only 10 days left and you don’t want to miss out on one of the premier events in Northern Virginia.  This year’s event has a new 10K course, a new 2 mile event and a new “little tykes” fun run.  Click here to register today!

Sunday, September 26, 2010 – Order of events

7:30 AM to 9:00 AM     Pre and Day of Registration Check in
8:30 AM to 9:00 AM     Opening Ceremony
9:00 AM    Kick-off 10K Run/Walk and 2 Mile Run/Walk
9:15 AM    Kick-off Survivor’s Circle of Hope and Kids Fun Run
10:00 AM    Kick-off “Little Tykes” Fun Run
10:45 AM    Award Ceremony

The Brain Injury Awareness Fair will be open from 9 am to noon.  Please join us at the education fair and enjoy the following activities:  Brain Injury Services Education Booth, Virginia Wounded Warrior Program Booth, Face Painting by Dee Vinchey and Friends, Dr. Aravich Brain Education, Bike Helmet Giveaway (while supplies last), Coloring Station, Kids Passport, Buy an Angel Booth, Fire Truck, Massage Booth by AKS Massage School, Washington Business Journal Booth and Light Refreshments. ABRAMS LANDAU. Ltd. is once again a sponsor.  For more information please visit www.kitsmiraclemile.org

A good insurance company should look at the same factors that a judge or jury would look at  in Court.  These would include the following items:

1. Medical expenses (Ambulance, Hospital, physical therapy, medical bills, mileage, medications, miscellaneous), past and anticipated in the future
2. Loss of Earnings (past and future)
3. Damage to the bicycle and other personal property
4. Permanent impairment of the injured arm, leg, etc.
5. Scarring (i.e., scar revision will cost $_______ and cause you to miss ____ days/weeks from work (get an estimate from a board certified plastic surgeon)),
6. Your life expectancy.  In other words, how long will you have to see the orthopedic doctor, take anti-inflammatories, pain medications and have related expenses ?
7. Any increased risk of arthritic changes, bone and joint disease and re-injury
8. Aggravation and inconvenience are also to be compensated in addition to pain, lost wages, lost earning capacity and mental suffering.
9. Did the injured cyclist attempt to mitigate her damages ?
10. Was the injured biker at all at fault in causing the accident ?

For a more in depth approach to this question, please download or order our book “TEN MISTAKES THAT CAN DERAIL YOUR BIKE INJURY CASE.“