Bicycle accidents have the tendency to be quite severe when it involves a motor vehicle. The bicycle rider may suffer severe injuries, and in some cases, the accident can even be fatal.
In Connecticut, a bicyclist must follow the same traffic laws that a driver of a motor vehicle does. Unfortunately, other drivers may not watch for bicyclists or give them their space on roadways. Every year, accidents are caused by dooring incidents, turning in front of a bike, and other issues.
If you were hurt in a bicycle accident in Connecticut, especially caused by someone else's negligence, you deserve compensation. The CT bicycle accident lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law can walk you through the process to ensure you are treated fairly and compensated accordingly.
Meanwhile, here is what you need to know about CT bicycle accidents.
Connecticut Bicycle Accidents and Injuries
In Connecticut, accidents occur very often and many result in injuries, due to careless or reckless drivers. Unfortunately, bicyclists are far more likely to suffer serious injuries in an accident because of the stark differences in size and weight between a bicycle and a car. Even though laws have been passed to ensure the safety of cyclists, it's important to know what to do in the event that you are injured in a bicycle accident.
Connecticut Bicycle Laws
Like many other states, Connecticut has laws in place protecting cyclists' rights. To simplify it, you have to follow the same traffic laws as that of a driver of a motor vehicle. This includes:
- Follow all traffic lights and signs
- Travel in the same direction as the flow of traffic
- At stop signs, come to a complete stop
- Indicate turns with mechanical or hand signals
- In low light, make use of lights and reflectors
When it comes to sharing the roads with bikes, drivers must also abide by their own set of laws. General Statute Section 14-232, which was introduced in Connecticut in 2008, mandates that cars provide bicyclists at least three feet of space when passing or overtaking them.
The Vulnerable User statute was passed in Connecticut in 2014 and penalizes any at-fault driver in a negligent car accident that results in the death or serious injury of a pedestrian, cyclist, wheelchair user, or other vulnerable individuals who were acting reasonably with a fine of up to $1,000. This rule makes negligent drivers liable for their injuries.
Compared to other states, Connecticut has stricter safety laws. It is required that children under the age of 16 wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, while it is strongly encouraged for all riders. All children have to follow this rule, even if their parents do not agree.
Your bicycle has to have lights and reflectors on it during low light conditions, including early dawn, dusk, or late at night. Connecticut law mandates that your bike's front and rear lights be visible from 500 and 600 feet, respectively.
Common Injuries Sustained in Bicycle Accidents
Unfortunately, negligence is usually the main cause of bicycle accidents, so regardless of how cautious you are when riding, you could be the victim of an accident as a bicyclist. Wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle can help prevent serious injuries -- head injuries being among the most frequent. According to the CDC, wearing a helmet can actually prevent up to 85% of head injuries sustained by bicycle riders.
Common bike accident injuries, aside head injuries, include:
- Debris-related eye injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Cuts (lacerations)
- Teeth fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Road rash
Even if you feel fine after a CT bicycle accident, you should seek medical assistance to be sure you did not suffer anything you are not aware of.
Steps To Take After a CT Bicycle Accident
What you do immediately after a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle in CT is very important to both your legal case and your well-being. Here are the steps you should take.
Step 1: Call the police. It is legally required that you and the other driver involved in the accident to remain at the scene. A police report will be written that includes the facts about the accident, as well as injuries and the details of everyone involved. Make sure to request the business cards and contact details of the officers filing the report.
Step 2: Exchange information with all parties. Name, address, phone number, license plate number, license number, and insurance policy number are examples of personal information that should be exchanged. You should also gather the contact details of any witnesses that may have seen the accident.
Step 3: Get medical help. Accident victims will often leave the scene believing they are fine, but later discover they have injuries. It's important to seek medical assistance as quickly as possible after the accident, even if you just had minor injuries.
Step 4: Maintain records of all the documents. Snap pictures of your bike and injuries. For your records, gather all the paperwork related to the accident, including the police report.
Step 5: Consult a bicycle accident lawyer. After an accident, get in touch with a personal injury lawyer to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. An experienced lawyer will evaluate your case and determine what damages you are entitled to.
Speak to a lawyer before speaking to an insurance company, as insurers have a history of undervaluing cases.
Have Questions Regarding Your Bicycle Accident Injury? Brandon J. Broderick Can Assist You
Hiring legal counsel is very important. An experienced CT bicycle accident lawyer could significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Anybody who has been hurt in a bicycle accident should contact Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law's offices to speak with our lawyers as soon as possible. Time is crucial if you want to fight for your rights and receive the best possible resolution.
Call us today and schedule a free, no obligation consultation.