Bicycling is an enjoyable, efficient, healthy, and eco-friendly way to travel in Glastonbury. Whether you ride a bike to commute, run errands, or exercise, you have a legal right to access and use public roads safely. Unfortunately, motorists are not always as considerate as they should be. Bike accidents that result from other party’s actions can lead to life-altering injuries.
At Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, we understand how overwhelming life can be after sustaining a bicycle accident injury. Our skilled legal team has almost 60 years of combined experience demanding fair compensation for accident victims in Connecticut. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation with an experienced Glastonbury bicycle accident lawyer.
What Are Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Glastonbury?
Bicycle accidents in Glastonbury happen for many reasons. We all know how challenging it can be to navigate Glastonbury’s narrow and winding roads, some of which date back to the colonial era!
Driver negligence is a common factor in most of them.
Leading causes of bike crashes include:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Dooring incidents
- Speeding
- Improper lane changes
- Failure to check blind spots and mirrors
- Drunk or impaired driving
Bicycle accidents are more common in low-visibility situations, such as dawn or dusk. Poorly maintained roads can also impact cyclists, who are more prone to crashing if hazards like potholes or debris block their path.
What Injuries Happen Most Often in a Bicycle Accident?
Bicycle collisions can result in many types of injuries, some of which can involve life-threatening trauma.
Examples of bicycle accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial injuries
- Dental damage
- Fractures, particularly to the arms, legs, wrists, ankles, collarbone, neck, and back
- Road rash
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Burns from direct contact with hot vehicle parts
Bicycle accident injuries can have long-lasting effects on a victim’s health, mobility, and quality of life, underscoring the need to seek immediate medical attention and legal representation after a crash. Our Glastonbury bicycle accident attorney can help.
What Are Glastonbury’s Bicycle Laws?
Under Connecticut law, bicycles are considered vehicles. As such, bicyclists can ride on all public roads except the interstate system, expressways, and other controlled-access highways. They also must obey all relevant traffic laws as other motorists, and drivers must grant them the same respect they would give other motorists and pedestrians.
However, the law also affords special protections to bicyclists. Connecticut General Statutes §14.232 requires motorists to leave at least three feet of clearance when passing bicyclists. Drivers who break the law may be liable for any resulting accidents through a personal injury claim.
Additional Connecticut bicycle laws include:
- Bicyclists must ride on the right side of the lane wherever practicable, except when passing, preparing to turn left, or avoiding hazardous conditions. When traveling down a one-way street, bicyclists may alternatively ride on the left side of the roadway.
- Cyclists must ride no more than two abreast on roads except on paths designated exclusively for bikes. Riding two abreast should not impede the regular flow of traffic and should ride in a single lane on laned roadways.
- Children aged 15 and under must wear a safety helmet when riding.
- Bicyclists must take steps to improve their visibility at night. They must use a front light visible from at least 500 feet, a rear red reflector or light visible from at least 600 feet, and reflective material visible from at least 600 feet on each side.
Even if you follow these laws precisely, negligent motorists may not uphold their duties to you. At Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, we are ready to hold them accountable. Contact our Glastonbury bicycle accident lawyer now for a consultation.
What Is Needed to Prove Who Was Liable for My Bicycle Accident Injuries?
To establish liability in a bicycle accident case, you must demonstrate that another party’s negligence caused your injuries.
This process typically requires gathering bicycle accident evidence such as:
- Evidence from the accident scene, including photos, video footage, and physical evidence like damaged property and clothing
- The police accident report, which provides an official document of the incident and may include the responding officer’s assessment of fault
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals who can offer insights into how the accident occurred and impacts your life
At Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, our bicycle accident injury lawyers have extensive experience gathering and presenting concrete evidence to build compelling bicycle accident cases for our clients.
What Should I Do If I Have Been Injured in a Glastonbury Bicycle Accident?
Taking the following steps can increase your likelihood of recovering the compensation and justice you need and deserve after a bike accident in Glastonbury:
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Follow your physician’s treatment plan.
- Request a copy of the police accident report.
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to the insurance company, and do not accept any initial settlement offer without seeking legal advice.
- Consult with an experienced bicycle accident attorney who can investigate the collision, calculate the value of your claim, and fight aggressively for maximum compensation for you.
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Filing a Glastonbury Bicycle Accident Claim?
Connecticut’s personal injury statute of limitations imposes a two-year deadline on any bicycle accident victim who wishes to file a lawsuit against the party who injured them. With a few limited exceptions, you must initiate legal action within this timeframe or potentially lose your right to recover compensation. Working with a knowledgeable Connecticut bicycle accident lawyer can determine the deadline that applies to your case. Our Glastonbury personal injury lawyer can assist you.
Contact a Glastonbury Bicycle Accident Lawyer
The physical pain, emotional turmoil, and financial upheaval from a bicycle accident can be unimaginable. When these losses occur due to another party’s reckless actions, you deserve an opportunity to hold them accountable and get your life back on track. The Glastonbury skilled bicycle accident attorneys at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, understand how to maximize your chances of securing the favorable outcome you deserve. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation.
