Were you or someone you love seriously hurt in a bicycle accident? If so, you may be wondering where to turn for help with your medical expenses and other costs associated with the crash. The Connecticut bicycle accident lawyers of Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers are here to help you get the compensation you are owed, so don’t wait to contact us today.
The lawyers at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers have decades of experience that they put to use when exclusively representing those who have been hurt in accidents just like yours. We know how dangerous bike accidents can be, and we have seen the impact they can have on victims and their family members. That’s why we work so hard to make sure our clients get the full compensation they are owed. What’s more, we believe in holding the responsible party accountable for their actions, and we will make sure that justice is served. We’ve won millions on behalf of our clients, and we’re ready to put our experience to work for you.
Why Bicycle Accident Cases Require Bicycle Accident Attorneys
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bicycle accidents in the United States led to more than 1,000 deaths in 2015, and the sum of fatal and nonfatal bicycle accidents lead to a lifetime loss of $10 billion every year. Those who have been injured or killed in bicycle accidents deserve compensation for the medical costs and the losses of income that are the direct result of someone else’s negligence. To get this compensation, though, you’ll need to be able to assemble all the evidence, witnesses and experts required to prove fault right at the moment when you are at your weakest. Your bicycle accident likely led to significant physical injuries and emotional distress, making it even harder to prepare for a claim against a powerful insurance company.
By hiring a bicycle accident lawyer, you can rest easier knowing that you have an experienced team on your side fighting for what matters to you. In addition, a bicycle accident lawyer will know all the laws related to your case and how to use them on your benefit. A good lawyer will also have experience working with and against the insurance companies and will know how to secure victories through settlements or in the courtroom. These invaluable skills and knowledge can make all the difference in whether you receive compensation or are forced to live without justice or the means you need to heal and get back to your life.
Factors That Contribute To Bike Accidents
While bicycle accidents are often catastrophic, they are not all the same. There are many different ways a bicycle accident can occur, and many different individuals and businesses that might be held accountable for the injuries and other costs associated with a severe crash. Common causes of bike accidents include:
- Motorist turning right into a bicycle lane
- Motorist turning left in an intersection without using a signal or at too great a speed
- Motorist switching lanes ahead of a cyclist without enough space or warning
- Motorist “dooring” (opening a door in front of someone) a cyclist
- Motorist failing to stop at a red light or stop sign
- Motorist rear-ending a cyclist
- Debris on the roadway or bicycle path
- Potholes or any other poor road maintenance
- Overgrown foliage and other landscaping issues
- Dog or any other animal chase and bite
These are, again, only the most common bicycle accident causes, and there are plenty of other potential causes. If your situation does not match the above list, the best course to take is to speak with a bicycle accident attorney to find out about the quality of your claim.
Injuries Associated With Bicycle Crashes
Any bicycle accident, no matter its specifics, carries a very significant risk of causing serious injury to the cyclist. Some of the most common injuries from these accidents include:
- Head trauma
- Broken bones
- Cuts, scrapes and lacerations
- Bruises
- Spinal injuries
- Emotional trauma
- Death
Overcoming any injury can be difficult and may require extensive costs for immediate medical care and future physical therapy. There is also the potential for lost income in the present and the future.
E-Bike Accidents: A New Frontier For Accidents
E-bikes and e-scooters have exploded in popularity in recent years and are now common in cities in the United States and throughout the world. However, with all the pros that come with these fun and convenient electric bikes, there are also cons, including safety risks and dangers.
Lime, the largest electric bike and electric scooter rideshare rental company, has garnered the attention of the masses since its founding in January 2017. Lime e-bikes are scattered throughout cities, and users can use the Lime app on their smartphones to see where the closest e-bike is to them. Since Lime doesn’t have set safety rules and regulations, even with good intentions, an individual may not be abiding by the laws of the road, especially if they do not know what they are for their specific state. You may not even be a user of Lime bikes but may still be involved in an accident because someone else on a bike was using it recklessly and endangering those around them.
Liability In E-Bike Cases
It is complicated to determine who is to blame in an e-bike accident. Sometimes, in the case of the rider colliding with and injuring a pedestrian, the liability would fall onto the rider themselves. If a pedestrian caused the accident, they might be liable, but some of the blame might still potentially fall onto the bike driver. If you are using a Lime e-bike and get hit by a motor vehicle, most – if not all – of the blame will likely fall on the driver, unless you were putting yourself into danger by not following your state’s traffic laws.
Under comparative negligence, the plaintiff and defendant compare their liability for the e-bike accident. This law allows for proportionate recovery if both the plaintiff and defendant were negligent and contributed to the cause of an injury. The injured person’s award for damages will thus be reduced in proportion to their fault.
Why Hiring An Injury Lawyer Is Important
When involved in an accident involving a Lime e-bike, whether or not you were the one using it, it is important to talk to a lawyer to see if you are eligible to file an injury claim and recover compensation for your losses. Because these cases can be very complicated, hiring a skilled and experienced personal injury lawyer will put you in a position to obtain the best results possible. Identifying the liable parties can be tricky and complex.
A lawyer who has dealt with these cases will know where to begin and will have the resources necessary to build you the strongest case possible. They will know how to hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence, represent you in court and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. It’s difficult and risky to take on an e-bike accident case on your own. Do not risk your well-being and future.
Frequently Asked Questions
E-bike accidents can be complicated and confusing. Below, we have answered a few common questions in an effort to make this difficult time a little easier for you.
What should I do when I am injured due to a Lime e-bike accident?
The first thing you should do is get in contact with a lawyer. The statute of limitations varies from state to state, but in the state of Connecticut, it is two years from the date of the accident. A lawyer will help you with any questions you may have about your accident, and you can decide if you want to move forward with filing a claim.
If I was under the influence and was in a Lime e-bike accident, does the liability fall on me?
While these incidents are a little trickier, there may be something we can do to gain some compensation for you and/or reduce the amount of compensation you may be ordered to pay. Get in contact with us to see if this applies to you and your situation.
How can I protect myself as a Lime bike user?
Be alert and conscientious when riding. Look up any cycling laws that are applicable in your city or state and also the road laws. To protect yourself, you must be completely aware of exactly how to use these electric-powered bikes in case you cause or are in an accident involving these bikes. This will safeguard you if someone is attempting to place comparative negligence on you. You will then be able to obtain the maximum compensation possible or refrain from paying somebody else an amount you do not deserve to pay. If you did not see the answer to questions you may have here, you can get in contact with us by starting a chat or by calling us at 800-PERKINS for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
Why Choose Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers?
It is extremely difficult to represent yourself without having a background in law. You deserve justice for the suffering – both physical and emotional – that you have gone through as a result of a Lime e-bike accident. We at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers know how difficult and frustrating these kinds of accidents can be and are prepared to work tirelessly for you and your case.
Our attorneys, who have 140 years of combined experience, work hard to obtain the maximum compensation for every one of our clients. We have recovered upward of $10 million for clients, and we are ready to fight just as hard for you toward obtaining the full and fair compensation you deserve. Our strong track record of six-figure verdicts and settlements shows our dedication and commitment to our clients and their families. We’ve also been recognized for our work by many organizations in the legal field. We won the prestigious Trial Lawyers Board of Regents’ Litigator Award in 2015, and we’ve also been included in The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100.
Contact Us To Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation
E-bike accidents are serious, and we understand the urgency of your situation. Do not hesitate to get in contact us today about your unique case. We know you want to obtain the justice that you deserve, and the lawyers at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers are ready to help you do just that. If you or someone you love has been in a bicycle accident in Connecticut, it’s time to get the law on your side and get the assistance you need. Contact Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers at 800-PERKINS by filling out a contact form or chatting with us live today.