Connecticut law grants bicyclists the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists. If you got hit by a car while riding your bike, you could seek financial compensation by filing a bicycle accident claim. However, your ability to recover money hinges on proving negligence and taking action within a specific timeframe. A Bristol, CT, bicycle accident lawyer from Jainchill & Beckert, LLC can review your case and explain your legal options in a free consultation.
Our legal team has over 55 years of combined experience representing injured cyclists just like you. During that time, we’ve witnessed the personal and financial havoc a bike crash can wreak on victims and their families. You didn’t ask for this to happen, and you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. Getting top-quality legal support can leave you feeling confident that you have professionals striving to secure maximum compensation for your losses.
Experience counts. Check out our recent results and testimonials to see how we have supported Connecticut accident victims over the years. Then, learn how we can help you. Contact us today for a free case review.
What Are the Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Bristol, CT?
Bicycle accidents in Bristol happen for many reasons. Most often, they occur because someone wasn’t paying attention or following the rules of the road. Common scenarios include:
- Speeding
- Driving too close to bicyclists
- Failure to yield to riders in a crosswalk
- Disregarding bike lanes
- Opening their doors into a cyclist’s path (“dooring”)
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Road defects or obstacles.
When these types of crashes happen, injured cyclists could have grounds to file a personal injury claim through the other driver’s insurance company or a bicycle accident lawsuit.
What Types of Injuries Happen in Bristol Bicycle Accidents?
Bikes don’t offer the same protection as cars, so even low-speed traffic accidents can cause serious injuries. Examples include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Road rash
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries.
The most catastrophic injuries can change your daily life in a big way. Always see a doctor right after a bicycle accident to rule out undetected injuries and get appropriate medical treatment.
What Are Connecticut’s Bicycle Laws?
Connecticut has rules in place to help keep bicyclists safe. These laws outline how drivers and cyclists should share the road. Key rules state:
- Bicyclists must follow the same traffic laws as cars.
- Motorists must leave at least three feet of space when passing a bike.
- Helmets are required for riders under 15.
- Bicyclists must ride as far to the right as is safe.
- Bicyclists must ride no more than two abreast as long as it does not disrupt traffic flow.
- Drivers cannot turn right if it would impede the reasonable safety of a bicyclist.
If drivers break any traffic laws leading to a crash, they may face criminal and civil penalties.
Who Can Be Held at Fault in a Bristol Bicycle Accident?
In many bicycle crashes, the car’s driver is at fault. That might be because they were speeding, distracted, not looking before turning, or failed to give the bike space. However, others could also be held responsible depending on the situation, such as:
- A business that failed to maintain its parking lot or driveway
- A government agency that did not repair a pothole or unsafe road
- A manufacturer if a faulty bike part or vehicle defect caused the crash.
Identifying the liable party(s) is essential to any personal injury case. Sometimes, more than one party is responsible, and each one could owe you money. An attorney can investigate what happened and gather evidence to hold every at-fault party accountable.
What Responsibilities Does a Bristol, CT Driver Have to Bicyclists?
Drivers in Connecticut have specific responsibilities to watch out for people riding bikes. These include:
- Looking before turning or merging into bike lanes
- Yielding when required by law
- Avoiding distractions like texting while driving
- Giving bikes enough space when passing.
When drivers don’t take their responsibilities seriously, people get hurt. If this happened to you, a Bristol bicycle accident lawyer from Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, can help you pursue full and fair compensation.
What Should You Do If You Have Been Involved in a Bristol Bicycle Accident?
The steps you take in the days and weeks following a bike accident can affect your health and personal injury claim. Protect your rights by:
- Seeking immediate medical treatment
- Taking photos of the accident scene and your injuries
- Getting insurance and contact information from all drivers involved
- Asking for names and numbers of any witnesses
- Keeping all accident-related records like the police report and receipts
- Avoiding posting about the crash on social media
- Contacting our experienced bicycle accident attorneys for guidance on what comes next
Is There a Time Limit in Connecticut for Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim?
Yes. According to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584, you have up to two years from the date of the crash to file a bicycle accident claim. That might sound like plenty of time, but building a strong case takes work. Evidence can disappear. Witnesses can be hard to find. The sooner you talk to a bike accident lawyer, the better your chances of putting together a solid case.
Contact Our Connecticut Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
At Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, our personal injury lawyers have spent decades fighting for people hurt through no fault of their own. If you or a loved one got hurt in a bicycle accident in Bristol, turn to our law firm for hard-hitting representation and a commitment to pursuing meaningful results that make a difference in your life.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We take the time to understand your story and work with you to build a plan that fits your needs. You can count on us to demand the money you need for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Don’t wait and wonder what your legal options are. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our Bristol bicycle accident attorneys.
