Every year, more than 130,000 bicyclists are injured due to motor vehicle accidents in the United States. Trying to overcome painful physical injuries and emotional suffering can seem nearly impossible for some.
After a bicycle accident, it is important to understand your rights and how a bicycle accident attorney in Hartford can help you protect them.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Hartford
Bicycle accidents happen for a variety of reasons. In most cases, some type of human error contributed to it taking place. Leading factors in these accidents here in Hartford include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers using mobile phones or engaging in other distractions may not be fully aware of cyclists on the road, leading to collisions.
- Dooring: Cyclists can be injured when a person in a parked vehicle opens their door without looking for any oncoming bicyclists.
- Intersection Conflicts: Intersections can be danger zones for cyclists, especially when drivers fail to yield, run red lights, or make sudden turns without signaling.
- Unsafe Road Conditions: Damaged and broken road surfaces, potholes, and debris can create dangerous conditions for bicyclists and lead to accidents.
- Lack of Bicycle Infrastructure: Accidents may result from a shortage of designated bike lanes, inadequately designed intersections, and an absence of dedicated cycling infrastructure.
- Impaired Driving: Drivers who are under the influence of intoxicants may have impaired judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents with cyclists.
- Poor Visibility: Lack of proper lighting and reflective gear on bicycles, especially during low-light conditions, can contribute to accidents.
If you were hurt in a bicycle accident due to another person’s negligence, a bicycle accident attorney in Hartford can help you file a personal injury lawsuit against them. This legal action can help you protect your rights and get justice.
Legal Options for Cyclists After an Accident
If you are a cyclist involved in an accident in Hartford, Connecticut, it is crucial to understand your legal options. In the aftermath of a bicycle accident, seeking legal guidance can be essential to protect your rights and seek fair compensation for any injuries sustained.
One of the main legal options for cyclists after an accident is pursuing a bicycle accident claim. This involves filing a claim against the at-fault party or their insurance company to recover damages for your related costs.
Working with a knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney in Hartford can greatly increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in your case. An experienced attorney can assess the details of your situation, gather evidence to support your claim, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary.
Recoverable Damages in a Personal Injury Claim
After a bicycle accident, a Hartford personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Some of the economic damages you can recover include:
- Property Damage: You can recover compensation for repairing or replacing your damaged bicycle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Lost Wages: If the accident resulted in time away from work, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost income during your recovery period.
- Medical Expenses: You can recover compensation for immediate and long-term medical care costs. This can include hospitalization, surgery, medication, and more.
- Legal Fees and Costs: You can sometimes recover your attorney’s fees and other legal costs associated with pursuing a personal injury claim.
In addition, some of the non-economic damages you can recover include:
- Pain and Suffering: You can recover compensation based on the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the accident, including pain, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: You can recover compensation for long-term or permanent injuries that affect your ability to work or enjoy life as you did before the accident.
- Loss of Consortium: In cases where the injuries significantly impact your relationship with a spouse or family member, you may be eligible to claim damages for the loss of companionship and support.
When filing a claim for compensation, it is important to understand how the laws of comparative negligence in Connecticut may affect your recovery.
The Impact of Comparative Negligence After a Bicycle Crash
Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence system, which can significantly impact the compensation an individual can recover for a personal injury claim after a bicycle crash.
Here’s an explanation of how comparative negligence laws work in Connecticut:
Percentage of Fault
Comparative negligence in Connecticut involves assigning a percentage of fault to each party involved in an accident, including the injured cyclist. This percentage reflects the degree to which each party contributed to the accident.
Threshold for Recovery
Connecticut has a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% threshold. This means an injured party can only recover damages if their percentage of fault is equal to or less than 50%. If the injured party is found to be 51% or more at fault, they are barred from recovering any compensation.
Reduced Compensation
If the injured cyclist is found partially at fault but below the 51% threshold, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if the cyclist is deemed 20% at fault, their total compensation will be reduced by 20%.
Given how challenging it can be to prove a personal injury claim, it is advised to seek representation from our Hartford personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Call Our Hartford Personal Injury Attorney Today
No one expects to get into a bicycle accident, but the consequences can be devastating. That is why it is important to have a knowledgeable and experienced Hartford personal injury attorney on your side.
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, our team is dedicated to fighting for your rights and getting you the compensation you deserve. We will review all aspects of your case and guide you through every step of the legal process. We aim to seek justice on your behalf and provide support during this difficult time. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get back on track after a bicycle accident.