Bicycling is a common form of transportation and exercise, but sharing the road with careless motorists can quickly lead to devastating accidents and life-altering injuries.
The bicycle accident lawyers at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC understand the catastrophic consequences of bike accident injuries in Hartford. Our legal team is committed to protecting the rights of bicyclists and helping injured cyclists pursue the fair compensation they deserve.
One of the Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Hartford
Did a careless motorist hit you while you were riding your bike in Hartford? Discuss your situation with our experienced bicycle accident attorneys today. Contact the office of Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, for a free legal consultation with a compassionate attorney. We are ready to review your case and outline your legal options for seeking maximum compensation.
What Are Some Common Causes of Hartford Bicycle Accidents?
Connecticut traffic laws apply to both motorists and bicyclists. However, bicycle accidents often occur because motorists fail to obey traffic laws or to see bicyclists. Although infrastructure is improving, cyclists must often share the road with motorists, and it only takes one careless driver to change a bicycle rider’s life forever.
Some of the most common causes of Hartford bicycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
- Speeding
- Unsafe passing
- Turns into the path of oncoming bikes
- Improper or unsafe lane changes
- Dooring accidents
- Failure to yield
- Driving too close to bike lanes
- Low visibility
- Poor road conditions
- Inclement weather
What Are Common Injuries Caused by Bicycle Accidents in Hartford?
Cyclists are vulnerable in collisions with motor vehicles because they have little protection from the force of 4,000-plus pounds of metal and fiberglass. Even bicyclists who wear helmets are at risk of suffering severe injuries. The Connecticut Department of Transportation estimates that nearly three-quarters of all bicycle fatalities in the state involve a head injury. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among bicycle riders’ most commonly reported injuries in bicycle accidents to our Hartford bicycle accident lawyers.
Common bicycle accident injuries in bike accidents are:
- Paralysis
- Neck and spine injuries
- Amputation
- Facial injuries
- Dental injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Soft tissue damage
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Lacerations
- Contusions
Is the Driver Always at Fault for a Bicycle Accident?
Connecticut law requires cyclists to adhere to many of the same traffic rules as motorists. A bicycle rider who runs a red light or travels against the traffic flow may bear some fault for a collision, for example. Thus, a driver is not always at fault for a bicycle accident. However, it depends on the circumstances. In some cases, cyclists and drivers may share the blame.
Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence system when multiple parties are responsible for an accident. A plaintiff partially to blame for causing an accident can still pursue compensation if their share of the fault is not greater than that of the other party or parties. A plaintiff’s compensation will be reduced according to their share of the blame. The court can bar a plaintiff from recovering compensation from a lawsuit if their share of responsibility exceeds 50 percent.
While modified comparative negligence does not bind insurance settlements, it may dictate how an insurance adjuster values your claim. A skilled Hartford bicycle accident injury attorney can gather the evidence to prove fault and strengthen your claim.
What Should I Do If I Am in a Bicycle Accident?
You know what to do in the immediate aftermath of a bicycle accident. Calling the authorities, exchanging information, and seeking medical attention are all standard protocols. However, your actions in the days and weeks following a bicycle accident can also affect your compensation claim.
After a Hartford bicycle accident, protect yourself by taking the following steps:
- Contact an attorney. Don’t wait. Protect your rights and discuss your situation with our knowledgeable Hartford bicycle accident attorneys as soon as possible.
- Continue medical treatment. Do not discontinue your medical treatment or rehabilitation. Follow your doctor’s orders, take all medication as prescribed, and keep follow-up appointments. Medical documentation can be vital to your claim.
- Hold on to bills and receipts. Keep all medical bills, repair receipts, and other paperwork related to the accident, including paystubs and time-off requests. These documents can help your attorney more accurately calculate the value of your claim.
- Stay off social media. Never post pictures of the accident or your injuries on social media. Also, never discuss your situation with others online. You may feel like your words are harmless, but in the hands of an insurance adjuster or opposing attorney, they may hurt your claim.
- Keep a journal. Consider keeping a journal about your recovery following the accident. It can help you cope with your daily struggles and may demonstrate how your injuries impact your quality of life.
What Steps Can I Take to Stay Safe When Cycling?
You may not always be able to protect yourself from a careless driver, but there are steps you can take to keep yourself and others as safe as possible.
- Wear a helmet.
- Obey all traffic laws.
- Use hand signals to indicate turns.
- Check your bike before each ride for potential safety concerns or defects.
- Ride with the flow of traffic.
- Ride single file.
- Utilize bike lanes when possible.
- Stay visible by wearing bright colors or reflectors.
- Use reflectors or lights when riding at night.
- Be predictable, ride in a straight line, and do not weave in and out of cars.
- Use caution near parked vehicles to avoid dooring accidents.
Cyclists may consider enrolling in a Connecticut bicycle safety course. The League of American Bicyclists helps connect riders with cycling safety courses in their area. The Connecticut Department of Transportation also has safety tips for Hartford cyclists.
Is there a Time Limit for Filing a Bicycle Accident Injury Lawsuit in Connecticut?
If you are involved in a Hartford bicycle accident, you have limited time to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries. Connecticut gives bicycle accident victims two years from the crash date to file a lawsuit against an at-fault driver and their insurer. Although this may sound like plenty of time, it can go by quickly.
Filing a case after the statute of limitations expires typically results in a case’s dismissal. Protect yourself by contacting our experienced Hartford bicycle accident attorneys as soon as possible. Our attorneys can manage significant legal deadlines for you, keeping your claim on track and your legal options open.
Contact a Hartford Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Has a careless motorist injured you? The dedicated bicycle accident attorneys with Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, stand ready to fight for you.
Contact our Hartford office today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney to discuss your legal options. Our Hartford personal injury attorneys are here to help.
