Connecticut Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Connecticut Bicycle Accident Attorney

For many people, biking is a means of commuting to work, exercising, and exploring new parts of Connecticut. However, when a bicycle accident occurs, it can leave the cyclist with severe injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one has suffered damages in a bicycle accident, a Connecticut bicycle accident lawyer can help you recover compensation and hold the at-fault party accountable for the crash.

Why Work With Us

The attorneys at Miller, Rosnick, D’Amico, August & Butler have over 400 years of combined experience helping Connecticut victims after a crash. Our attorney’s knowledge of Connecticut’s legal procedures and bicycle accident laws is invaluable when filing a claim.

We know that a bicycle accident’s impact on your life can be devastating. Our attorneys have recovered over $500 million in compensation and can negotiate for increased compensation for your damages.

Understanding Bicycle Accidents in Connecticut

Biking enthusiasts in Connecticut have long enjoyed the many paths and trails across the state, such as the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail or Air Line State Park Trail. When driving through cities, bicyclists are considered to have the same rights and responsibilities to obey traffic laws as other vehicles. Urban areas are where 85% of all bicyclist fatalities take place.

Bicyclists are less protected than drivers during a crash, as they lack the structural protection and safety equipment that a car provides. Instead, they are often directly exposed to the impact of a crash, causing more severe injuries on average. In Connecticut, serious injuries are suspected in about 8.5% of bicycle accidents. Injuries can range from mild bruising to fatal brain injuries, with common injuries after a bicycle accident including:

• Cuts, bruises, and road rash
• Soft tissue injuries
• Bone fractures
• Eye or vision damage
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries

Receiving Compensation in a Bicycle Accident Claim

There are many costs to recovering from a bike accident. Compensation can reduce the financial burden associated with your damages, allowing you to receive the care you need. While the amount of compensation varies depending on the severity and scope of your damages, your lawyer can negotiate to maximize the amount based on expenses such as:

• Medical costs. With the price of emergency medical services, hospital stays, medication, rehabilitation, and more, medical treatment can be one of the highest costs you may face. Compensation can cover the price of medical treatment and ongoing medical costs you may face after filing a claim.
• Property damage. Often, a bike accident can damage your bicycle, personal electronics, clothing, and other valuables. The cost of replacing or repairing these items is often overlooked, but if you hire a bicycle accident lawyer, they can ensure that this expense is included in a compensation claim.
• Lost wages. Taking time off from work after a crash is a common reality for many people. While it may be medically necessary, it can mean missing out on essential income to provide for yourself and others who rely on you. Compensation can cover the lost wages from this time off, preventing further hardship.
• Emotional trauma. Bicycle crashes are traumatic, leaving behind more than only physical injuries. Extreme stress or psychological disorders, such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression, can all change your quality of life, leading to increased compensation.

Hire a Connecticut Bicycle Accident Lawyer For Your Claim

A Connecticut bicycle accident lawyer can help you throughout each step of filing a claim. From the investigation to negotiations or a trial, a lawyer can reduce stress during this process by providing relentless advocacy. A lawyer can:

• Gather evidence about the accident
• Explain Connecticut’s bicycle accident laws
• Create an argument for who was at fault for an accident
• Compile a comprehensive list of damages and expenses you faced
• Negotiate for increased compensation

FAQs

Who Has the Right of Way, a Bike or a Car?

In Connecticut, bikes and cars are considered vehicles, meaning the right of way depends on the traffic situation. Following traffic lights, signs, and giving the right of way at an intersection is the same for a bike as it is for a car. However, situations where a car should yield to a cyclist include situations such as when a cyclist is crossing at a crosswalk or respecting the three feet minimum when passing a cyclist in a bike lane.

Can a Cyclist Be At-Fault for an Accident?

Yes, a cyclist can be at fault or share fault in an accident. For bikers, common actions that may put them at fault for an accident include improper lane use, riding against the flow of traffic, or failing to stop at red lights or stop signs. In general, violating traffic laws and reckless riding could lead to a cyclist being at fault.

What Penalties Can an At-Fault Driver Face for Hitting a Cyclist in Connecticut?

In addition to claims filed against them by the victim, a driver can face a variety of penalties for hitting a biker. The exact penalties and the criminal charges against an at-fault driver depend on the circumstances and severity of an accident, but may include fines, jail or prison time, driver’s license suspension, or a lasting criminal record.

Can You Still File a Claim if You Were Riding an E-Bike?

Yes, you can still file a claim against the at-fault driver if you were riding an e-bike. E-bike use is subject to more regulations than a regular bike, such as a maximum of 28 mph for 750-watt e-bikes without a throttle, which may increase the risk of having partial fault for an accident. However, if you faced damages due to another driver’s actions, filing a claim can still bring compensation regardless of whether you were riding an e-bike.

Speak With a Connecticut Bicycle Accident Attorney

While the benefits of biking are great, a crash can be life-altering. With painful injuries and many hidden costs to recovery, filing a claim can seem overwhelming. While you recover, Miller, Rosnick, D’Amico, August & Butler can file a claim that addresses every damage and negotiates for higher compensation. Contact us for a free consultation to learn how filing a claim can help you move forward after a biking accident.

Connecticut Bicycle Accident Lawyer Reviews