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Bicyclists are at a serious disadvantage in any collision with a motor vehicle, simply due to the massive difference in size, weight, and protection of the vehicles. Bicycle accidents are caused by the same factors as any traffic accident. Negligence, distracted or impaired driving, speeding, ignoring traffic signals, and weather conditions can contribute to accidents in Middletown. A Middletown bicycle accident lawyer at Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., can protect your rights and interests.
Both cyclists and drivers are expected to follow all rules of the road to ensure traffic safety. This includes:
There are also laws that relate specifically to bicyclists, including wearing an approved helmet if the bicyclist is under 16, riding in single file or two abreast, and keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.
Drivers are expected to watch for bicyclists and observe speed limits, especially in areas like residential neighborhoods, and drivers are expected to give bicyclists at least three feet of space when passing them on the left.
Even at low speeds, a bicyclist is significantly more likely to sustain serious or catastrophic injuries in a crash with a motor vehicle than a car’s driver is. Such injuries can lead to temporary, long-term, or even permanent disability and have other long-lasting consequences for the victim. Common injuries to bicyclists involved in car accidents include:
Victims of a bicycle accident are entitled to receive compensation for damages they suffered as a result of the accident, and these are categorized under economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Middletown, Connecticut uses a modified comparative negligence system to determine liability for accidents. This means that each party can be assigned part of the fault for the accident and seek compensation according to that percentage as long as it is no more than 50%. Bicyclists can be found at fault or partially at fault for accidents if they do not follow traffic laws or are behaving recklessly or negligently.
However, in an accident between a bicyclist and a motor vehicle driver, the driver is often assigned fault. In fact, bicyclists in Connecticut are defined as Vulnerable Road Users, which means that motorists have a higher duty of care. Fines up to $1,000 can be imposed on drivers who seriously injure or kill a bicyclist.
In order to recover damages, accident victims have to prove that the other party is liable for the accident, which can be complicated and time-consuming, especially when dealing with injuries and other issues following an accident. Your lawyer can review the facts of the case, investigate to find and document evidence of liability and determine the amount of your claim. Then, they can handle the legal paperwork and negotiate with the other parties to reach a fair settlement.
How much compensation you will get for a bike accident can vary dramatically from one case to the next and depends on several factors. These include the severity of the injury, total economic damages, whether there are permanent consequences, how much the injuries impact your life, and how much fault, if any, you are assigned. A qualified Middletown personal injury attorney can help you determine how much compensation you may be entitled to.
Yes, you can file a legal claim for a bicycle accident, often even if you were assigned partial fault for the accident. You will need to show the damages you suffered as a result of the accident and the effect the consequences have on your life. There may even be more than one party at fault. Working with a lawyer can help make sure you know all your legal rights and choose which options are right for your case.
Yes, it is worth it to hire an accident attorney in many cases, especially when you suffered significant or serious injuries. However, each case has its own unique facts, and a personal injury attorney can evaluate your case to inform you regarding the possible outcomes of your case and what would be needed for a successful outcome.
If a car hits a bicycle, fault is determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. Drivers have a higher duty of care and are often assigned some fault. However, bicyclists also have a responsibility to act safely and follow traffic laws, and if they fail to do so, they may be assigned some or even all fault for an accident.
Our compassionate and skilled legal team has more than thirty years of combined experience representing injured clients in Connecticut and helping them recover the compensation they need to move forward after someone else’s negligence. We have successfully litigated hundreds of personal injury cases, and we are committed to making sure each client gets the personal time and attention their case needs.
Contact our office as soon as possible to discuss your options and ensure the most favorable outcome possible in your case.