Unfortunately, taking your bicycle comes with some risks. Due to the increase of distracted driving in the state, bikers are now more expensed to this risk and the possibility of an accident with a vehicle.
If you are ever injured because of someone else’s negligence, it’s imperative to contact our experienced Hartford bicycle accident lawyers at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers.
Common Behaviors That Lead to Hartford Bicycle Accidents
While many actions and issues may lead to a Hartford bicycle accident, some of the most common includes:
- Running stop signs or stop lights
- Distracted driving (i.e., changing the AC, texting, talking to passengers, etc.)
- Right turns on red without making sure the intersection is clear
- Careless driving
- Failure of motorists to yield to bicyclists
What Rights Do You Have as a Connecticut Cyclist?
Connecticut bicyclists who travel on the roads have to follow the same rules that motorists do. While there are some exceptions, including bicyclists 16 and under being required to wear a helmet and no more than riding two people abreast, all the other “rules of the road” apply. This means that bicyclists are entitled to their share of the road. Also, in the state, it’s required that motorists provide at least three feet of separation when they pass a bicycle.
Proving Negligence in a Hartford Bicycle Accident
If you were struck by a vehicle while on your bike, there are a few potential causes of action that an lawyer can pursue in the court system. One is negligence, and the other is negligence per se.
The steps we will take to prove negligence on the part of the other driver, our team will prove the following:
- Duty. All motorists who are on the road have a duty of care to others. This means that the driver has the duty to drive safely, which is outlined in Connecticut law.
- Breach of Duty. If the driver did not operate their vehicle in a safe manner based on the law, it is considered a breach.
- Causation. This is what caused the motorist’s breach of duty.
- Damages. It’s required that we prove your damages and injuries are a direct result of the motorist’s negligence.
In situations where your accident occurred because of an aggressive driver, it may mean you can file a personal injury case and a case because you were the victim of a crime.
Another potential cause of action is negligence per se, which occurs if the accident occurred because the motorist violated Connecticut law in some way. One example would be if a motorist did not provide a minimum of three feet of separation when they passed a bicyclist and, as a result, clipped them.
Another situation may be if the driver engaged in a right turn that crossed the bike path and struck a rider. In these situations, our team would argue that the driver should be required to pay damages for the injuries they suffered.
Since many bicycle accidents result in severe injuries to riders, it’s important to contact our attorneys to talk about your case as soon as possible.
Common Injuries That Occur in Hartford Bicycle Accidents
In a Hartford bicycle accident, no matter the specific situation, there is a high risk of severe injuries to the person on the bicycle. While this is true, some injuries are more common than others.
Some of the most common injuries our legal team sees resulting from a bicycle accident include:
- Spinal injuries
- Head trauma
- Bruises
- Emotional trauma
- Broken bones
- Lacerations, scrapes, and cuts
- Death
Trying to overcome any type of injury caused by a bicycle accident can require extensive costs to receive the medical care needed. It may also lead to the need for ongoing physical therapy. Many accident victims may be unable to return to work for an extended period, leading to lost wages and a loss of potential earning capacity.
Tips for Staying Safe While Cycling
Every year, millions of people are treated in emergency rooms across the country for bicycle-related accidents. While some accidents are unavoidable, there are some things you can do to ensure you remain safe when you ride:
- Always wear a helmet. The leading cause of death for cyclists is head trauma, and a helmet will help prevent this.
- Ensure you are extremely visible. Don’t wear clothing that blends in with the environment. Instead, wear bright and reflective clothing while biking.
- If riding at dawn or dush, wear clip-on safety lights. These help to ensure you and your bike can be seen.
- Choose when to ride carefully. Try to avoid riding when traffic is high.
- Avoid population-dense areas while you ride. If there are fewer people in an area, fewer vehicles are there.
- Check your bike before riding. Be sure you conduct safety checks before you ride your bike anywhere.
- Watch for a blind turn. Cars that are moving quickly may have difficulty seeing you.
- Watch for distracted drivers. This is a top cause of bicycle accidents, and you should remain aware at all times to avoid being a victim.
Free Consultation With a Hartford bicycle accident lawyers
If you are struck by a motorist in Hartford while riding your bike, you have rights. Our team will work to prove negligence in your case and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
The first step in any bicycle accident claim is to reach out to our team. We will review the facts and build a strong case to prove negligence and that the other party should pay your accident-related costs. You can count on us to fight aggressively for you and help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. Don’t wait to reach out for help with your bicycle accident case.
