Bicycle accidents are common in Connecticut, and when a motor vehicle is involved, the severity of the injuries sustained by the cyclist is often greatly exacerbated by the size and weight of the vehicle and the lack of protection afforded to cyclists on public roads. After a bicycle accident, it can be difficult to determine how you will be compensated for your injuries and other losses. However, the right Connecticut bicycle accident attorney can help you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled after an accident.

At the law offices of Brandon J. Broderick, we take great pride in providing straightforward and reliable legal representation to our clients. We will conduct a thorough investigation, communicate with the insurance company, and build a strong case for you. Let us put our knowledge to work for you while you focus on getting better.

When you retain the services of a Connecticut bicycle accident attorney from Brandon J. Broderick, you can rest assured that we will do everything in our power to secure the best possible outcome for your case. If you do not file a claim, your insurer may offer you inadequate compensation for your bicycle accident or refuse to cover some of your losses. Your injuries may result in out-of-pocket costs. We can assist you in recovering from this setback if you contact us today.

We promise to vigorously pursue justice and the compensation to which you are entitled. We have helped a number of people in a similar situation as you through difficult circumstances that were not their fault. You can contact us at (877) 941-2767.

Below are the fundamentals of filing a claim and the relevant Connecticut laws regarding bicycle accidents.

DO I NEED A LAWYER AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN A BICYCLE ACCIDENT IN CONNECTICUT?

Consult with a bicycle accident lawyer to learn more about your legal options if you suffered injuries in a bicycle accident that you believe was the result of another person's negligence. In addition to the difficulties associated with physical rehabilitation, victims of severe injuries face a lengthy list of complications, such as rising medical costs, loss of income, and mental anguish. After an accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can assist you in building a strong case for compensation.

Let Brandon J. Broderick, attorney at law, handle case preparation so you can focus on getting better. We will gather evidence, interview witnesses, consult with specialists, and negotiate with insurance companies. Our Connecticut bicycle accident lawyers are available to help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve. We will support you and do everything in our power to defend your rights. If an equitable resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, we will proceed to court and prevail.

Immediately after an accident, insurance companies may apply pressure to reach a settlement. However, accepting this initial offer may restrict your ability to pursue additional compensation and leave you liable for ongoing medical expenses and other unaccounted-for costs.

If we do not win or settle your case, we will not charge you for our services. Essentially, if you lose, we will not send you a bill. Please contact one of our attorneys to schedule a free consultation if you are interested in discussing your situation and all available legal options.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON INJURIES SUSTAINED IN A BICYCLE ACCIDENT?

While riding a bicycle outdoors gives you a sense of independence, it also increases your accident risk. In addition to the possibility of minor injuries such as scrapes and bruises, there is also the possibility of more severe or even fatal injuries. More severe injuries include head injuries, bone fractures, spinal cord injuries, and soft tissue injuries.

Head and Brain Injuries

The head and neck are among the most serious injuries that can result from a collision between a bicycle and a motor vehicle. Traumatic brain injuries are a type of head injury that can cause permanent disability or a concussion. Occasionally, the symptoms of a concussion are not always apparent, and the individual experiencing them may not realize anything is wrong until a significant amount of time has passed. To prevent head injuries, the use of a helmet is highly recommended.

Lower Body Injuries

When a cyclist is involved in a collision, injuries to the lower extremities are common. Bone fractures, crushed limbs, and soft tissue injuries, such as torn tendons and ligaments, are examples of lower body injuries that can be very expensive and require extensive treatment to heal.

Damage to the Spinal Cord

A spinal injury happens when the spinal cord is harmed directly by an outside force, and it can cause paralysis, tetraplegia, or even quadriplegia. A spinal injury can be irreversible and is extremely difficult to treat, requiring multiple operations and lifelong care.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a serious bicycle accident in Connecticut, call us right away for a free consultation with a lawyer who can help.

WHAT ARE THE MOST FREQUENT CAUSES OF BICYCLE ACCIDENTS?

Almost always, the negligent and at-fault party in a car accident involving a cyclist is the driver of the car. Another explanation or contributing factor is the condition of the roads, which may be hazardous or poorly maintained. After being struck by a car or other vehicle, a cyclist is usually severely injured in one of three ways.

Left-Hand Turns

More than a third of collisions between cyclists and motorists occur at intersections. If the driver is distracted or otherwise not paying attention, a cyclist approaching in a bike lane or on the shoulder may go unnoticed. Cycling can be risky when crossing lanes of traffic to get to the left-turn lane.

Right-Hand Turns

Similarly to left-hand turns, right-hand turns can be fatal if the driver fails to observe an approaching cyclist. A vehicle making a right turn may collide with a bicycle traveling on the right side of the road. There is a possibility of a collision between the car and bicycle if the driver does not check his or her blind spot before turning.

"Dooring"

When a cyclist collides with an opening car door, this is referred to as “dooring”. When a vehicle is parked on the side of a city street, it is possible for a cyclist to collide with the door, lose their balance, and sustain severe injuries. Before stepping out of a vehicle, drivers and passengers must inspect their surroundings for cyclists.

WHAT DO I DO IF A NEGLIGENT DRIVER CAUSED MY CT BICYCLE ACCIDENT?

Typically, a motorist's negligence is to blame when a bicyclist is involved in an accident. Remember that you have a "duty of care" toward other motorists, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians every time you get behind the wheel. Drivers must exercise reasonable care when operating a motor vehicle; if they fail to do so and cause an accident resulting in injuries, they may be held liable for the victim's damages. 

The following are instances of negligent driving that could have led to an accident:

  • Driving while intoxicated
  • Driving while distracted
  • Speeding
  • Not giving cyclists the right of way
  • Disregarding traffic signs like speed limits and stop signs
  • Aggressive driving

To establish negligence in an accident case in Connecticut, the following four elements must be proven:

  • Duty: One party (the defendant) has a duty to another party (the plaintiff). In general, the obligation is owed to anyone who may be injured by the defendant's actions.
  • Breach: By failing to act appropriately, the defendant has failed this "duty" obligation. An example of this may be not following traffic laws.
  • Causation: The defendant's negligence (the driver ran a red light and injured another driver, for example) was what led to the plaintiff's injury.
  • Damages: Damages are awarded when a party's breach of "duty" causes injury or financial loss to another party.

Comparative Negligence in Connecticut Accident Cases

Connecticut employs a "modified comparative fault" rule. In many accident cases, the jury must determine, based on the evidence, both the total dollar amount of the plaintiff's damages and the percentage of fault assigned to each party. In accordance with the modified comparative fault rule, the amount of damages awarded to the plaintiff is reduced by an amount equal to his or her proportion of fault.

Since Connecticut is a "modified" comparative fault state, you will not be compensated if you are found to be responsible for more than 51 percent of the accident. In states with "pure" comparative fault, you can recover damages even if you were more at fault than the other party. In Connecticut, in order to recover damages from the negligent party in a bicycle accident, you must be less than 51 percent at fault.

However, this should not prevent you from seeking a settlement or filing a lawsuit for a bicycle accident. Consult with a knowledgeable Connecticut bicycle accident attorney who will be able to answer any questions and discuss your legal options.

WHAT TYPES OF COMPENSATION CAN I SEEK AFTER A BICYCLE ACCIDENT?

Personal injury claims for bicycle accidents may include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are monetary losses that can be quantified, such as medical expenses and lost wages. Non-economic damages consist of intangible losses including pain and suffering.

Our Connecticut bicycle accident lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law aggressively pursue full and just compensation for our clients. Therefore, the value of your claim will depend on the particulars of your case as well as the severity and duration of your injuries. In the event of a serious injury, it is vital to consider the long-term costs of medical care and their potential impact on your income.

Per accident, only one claim for personal injury is allowed. It could take weeks or months to determine your medical prognosis following an accident. Take into account the following questions: How long will it take for the patient to recover following treatment? Is there a possibility that you will require in-home medical devices or specialized equipment?

It will be very challenging to estimate the total amount of your damages until you have a better understanding of your medical condition and outcome. For this reason, you should not rush into accepting a settlement offer from an insurance provider. They will not be aware of your medical prognosis, but they will attempt to settle you quickly. Do not take this action without first consulting a lawyer. Future medical expenses and other losses should not be your responsibility.

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE TO FILE A BICYCLE ACCIDENT CLAIM IN CONNECTICUT?

In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for seeking compensation for a bicycle accident injury is just two years from the date of the accident. A wrongful death claim must be filed within the same two year timeframe. This deadline means that victims may forfeit their right to compensation if legal action is not initiated by the specified date. Two years may seem like a prolonged period of time, but preparing a convincing case requires a substantial amount of time and resources. If you have suffered a serious bicycle accident injury, you should immediately contact a CT bicycle accident lawyer to initiate the legal process.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IMMEDIATELY AFTER A BICYCLE ACCIDENT?

Accidents involving bicycles can be frightening, but it is essential to remain calm and take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. The first step should be to seek medical attention. This should be your foremost concern. It may take some time before the symptoms of your injuries manifest, or the shock and trauma may be masking the pain. Seeking medical care does more than just initiate the healing process; it also creates a record of your injuries, which may be useful for a future claim. 

Following a bicycle collision, you must also take the following actions:

  • Collect evidence. Whenever possible, collect all evidence at the scene itself. Take pictures of the scene, the vehicle, the weather, the road, and any potentially significant signs or lights. This includes gathering the contact details of the opposing driver, any passengers, and any witnesses.
  • File a police report. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-108a, the state requires drivers to report a traffic accident if there is an injury or death. In addition, filing a police report can help strengthen your case.
  • Contact a Connecticut bicycle accident lawyer. An attorney who specializes in bicycle accidents can advise you on how to file a claim, how much compensation you are entitled to, and how to pursue damages. 
  • Keep copies of your bills and records. Do not lose track of your medical expenses or medical history. Include the cost of treatments, therapies, medical equipment, medications, and any additional treatment-related expenses in your claim. Keep all receipts and bills in a location that is easily accessible.

If you have been hurt in a bicycle accident, seek medical attention immediately. Then simply contact us, and we can schedule a free consultation for you. We are dedicated to helping our clients recover while we fight to protect their rights and pursue fair compensation.

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WHAT ARE SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING BICYCLE ACCIDENTS?

When I was injured while riding my bike, I was not wearing a helmet. Can I still file a claim?

Always protect your head while riding a bicycle by wearing a helmet. You may still file a claim or lawsuit for injuries if the accident was caused by the driver's negligence, even if you were not wearing a helmet.

How much compensation does the average bicycle accident claim receive?

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your bicycle accident and injuries, you may be eligible for compensation in varying amounts. There may be no need to file a claim for minor injuries. For more severe injuries, such as those requiring hospitalization and resulting in wage loss, a higher claim amount may be appropriate. 

How long does it typically take to file a claim after a bicycle accident?

Due to the uniqueness of each claim, it is challenging to precisely estimate the duration of the process. Some claims are resolved within a few days or a few months, while others can take more than a year. Depending on the severity of your injuries and the stakes for the defendant, the amount of time required to settle a lawsuit can vary significantly.

When an accident occurs, is the cyclist ever to blame?

In some instances, the cyclist may be responsible for an accident. Similar to motorists, some cyclists may be impaired by alcohol or drugs while riding. Cyclists may also violate the law, putting themselves and others in danger and making them partially liable for any accidents that occur.

Does Connecticut law mandate the use of bicycle helmets?

You must wear a helmet if you're under the age of 12 and riding a bicycle, whether you're the rider or a passenger. Although cyclists older than 16 are not required to wear a helmet, it is strongly advised that they do so. According to research, wearing a helmet reduces the risk of a head injury by 85 percent. 

THE BICYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS AT BRANDON J. BRODERICK ARE READY TO HELP YOU TODAY.

We understand that the aftermath of any accident can be incredibly traumatic. Being in pain or being worried about a loved one without knowing what to do can be overwhelming. Our mission is to help accident victims through this difficult time so that they can recover and receive just compensation.

The law office of Brandon J. Broderick is committed to representing each client with compassion, understanding, and success. This distinguishes us as the premier firm in the state of Connecticut for personal injury law. You can rely on us to implement the most effective strategy and diligently work to improve your standard of living. Our long history of success is evidence of this. Our attorneys have fought tirelessly for decades on behalf of bicycle accident victims in Connecticut. We have assisted clients in recovering compensation for injuries resulting from the recklessness or negligence of others.

We have numerous office locations in Connecticut, including Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford, New Haven, Norwalk, Norwich, Stamford, and Waterbury. Wherever you are in Connecticut, our wrongful death attorneys will travel to you. Contact us for a complimentary case evaluation and consultation.

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