As a cyclist, you know you are vulnerable when out on the road, even if you ride as safely as possible. Accidents can happen in all kinds of ways. If motorists pay attention and drive responsibly, they can eliminate many of your worries. Unfortunately, driver negligence is all too common.
One careless driver is all it takes for you to sustain serious injuries in an accident. You can’t work, you can’t pay your bills, and you have a long recovery ahead of you. Our bicycle accident lawyers in Bridgeport can help you get the compensation you need.
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, our team has recovered over $500 million in settlements and awards for injured accident victims in Connecticut. Call today to schedule a free case evaluation and find out how our Bridgeport personal injury lawyers can help with your bicycle accident case.
Should You Take a Settlement in a Bicycle Accident Case?
It’s rarely in your best interest to accept a settlement from an insurance company without first consulting an attorney. Insurers often push early offers that may appear fair but fall far short of covering long-term needs like future medical care, lost earning potential, and ongoing pain.
They’re counting on you not knowing the true value of your claim. Once you accept, you waive your right to pursue additional compensation, even if your condition worsens. You’re still in pain, and they’re off the hook for a fraction of what they really owe you.
Our bicycle accident attorneys in Bridgeport will thoroughly evaluate any settlement offer against the full scope of your damages—past, present, and future. We won’t let the insurance company dictate the value of your injuries, and we won’t let them take advantage of you..
Schedule a free legal consultation with our personal injury team.
Who is Liable in a Bicycle Accident?
Liability in bicycle accidents hinges on negligence. Our attorneys will investigate your accident to understand how it happened and who was at fault. We may analyze police reports, interview witnesses, review footage, and work with accident reconstruction experts.
We want to find out whether a driver behaved recklessly, such as by:
- violating traffic laws
- Driving while distracted
- Driving while intoxicated
- Driving too fast to accommodate any weather effects on the road
- Failing to yield
However, liability isn’t always limited to the driver. Sometimes, dangerous construction sites, poor signage, or bike defects contribute to the crash.
Our goal is to identify every potentially liable party and gather solid evidence to support your claim. Then, we’ll seek maximum compensation for your damages.
How Much is a Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
The value of your bicycle accident case depends on multiple factors, and every case is different. For serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal damage, the award can be significant, often reaching six or seven figures.
Some factors that can influence your compensation include:
- Your medical expenses
- Future medical expenses and care needs
- Lost wages and benefits
- Property damage
If possible, our Bridgeport bicycle accident lawyers will also account for non-economic damages like emotional distress, pain, and loss of enjoyment of life.
How are Bicycle Accident Cases Resolved?
Most personal injury cases are resolved through a settlement, not in court. Our goal is to negotiate a settlement that truly reflects your damages and helps you move forward in a meaningful way.
If the insurance company is willing to negotiate fairly, we can often settle without ever stepping into a courtroom. But if they deny responsibility or make a low offer, we won’t hesitate to file a lawsuit.
From there, your case may go through steps like discovery, depositions, and possibly mediation or arbitration. If those don’t lead to a fair resolution, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the outcome you deserve.
How Much Does a Bicycle Lawyer Cost?
We handle bicycle accidents and other personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything up front. Our fees only come out of a successful recovery, whether through a settlement or a court verdict.
If we don’t win your case, you won’t owe us a cent. This approach is designed to make sure everyone can get the legal help they need, no matter their financial situation. Plus, we offer a free consultation to go over your case, explain your rights, and help you understand what to expect.
Common Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents
What should I do after a bicycle accident in Bridgeport?
After a bicycle accident, put your safety and health first. Call 911 so police and medical help can respond, even if you think you are not seriously injured. Getting checked by a medical professional and having an official report can protect both your health and your claim. If you are able, take photos of the scene, your bicycle, your injuries, and the vehicle involved, and get contact information from the driver and any witnesses.
Before speaking with insurance companies or giving any recorded statements, contact our office. A bicycle accident lawyer in Bridgeport can explain your rights, handle communications with insurers, and help you avoid mistakes that could reduce or deny your claim.
What damages can I recover in a Bridgeport bicycle accident claim?
Under Connecticut law, injured cyclists may seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages caused by another party’s negligence. A bicycle accident claim can cover the full impact the crash has had on your life. This may include medical bills, future treatment costs, lost income if you missed work, and damage to your bicycle and gear. You may also be compensated for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and how the injuries have affected your daily activities and quality of life.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in Bridgeport?
In most bicycle accident cases in Bridgeport, Connecticut law gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long and miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation altogether. Some claims have shorter notice requirements, especially if a city or government agency may be involved, and a few limited exceptions can apply. Because these deadlines are strict, it is best to speak with a bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
What happens if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Being partially at fault doesn’t automatically stop you from getting compensation. In Connecticut, you can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible. Your award would simply be reduced by your share of the blame. If you’re over 50% at fault, you can’t recover anything. Fault is based on the facts of the crash, which is why talking to a lawyer early can help protect your claim.
Talk to a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Bridgeport
A bike crash can leave you with major injuries and a lot of debt. You know accidents can happen no matter how careful you are, but when they occur due to the negligence of another person, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the financial burden as well as the physical pain.
You have a right to hold the responsible party accountable and get compensation for your damages. Our bicycle accident attorneys in Bridgeport can handle your claim, assess your damages, negotiate for a fair settlement, and represent you in the courtroom if necessary.
Our attorneys at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers are ready to help. When you are hurt in an accident, Get the Power of Perkins on your side.
Call today for a case evaluation and tell us what happened.
