The Woodbridge bicycle accident lawyers at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers have the experience and expertise to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. If you are in this situation, contact our office to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.
Statistics on Bicycle Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 846 bicyclist deaths and an estimated 49,000 injuries in the United States in 2019. Connecticut had 9 bicycle fatalities in the same year, with many more injuries resulting from accidents.
These statistics emphasize the importance of having an experienced Woodbridge bicycle accident lawyer on your side.
Laws to Protect Bicyclists in Connecticut
There are several laws in Connecticut specifically designed to protect bicyclists. Some of the key laws include:
- Three-Foot Rule (Connecticut General Statutes §14-232): This law requires motorists to maintain a safe distance of at least three feet when passing bicyclists).
- Safe Passing (Connecticut General Statutes §14-242): This law mandates that drivers pass bicyclists at a safe distance and speed, ensuring the cyclist’s safety.
- Bicycle Equipment Requirements (Connecticut General Statutes §14-286a): This law outlines the necessary safety equipment for bicycles, including lights, reflectors, and bells.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving occurs when a motorist’s attention is diverted from the road, often due to texting, phone calls, or other in-car distractions. This can lead to reduced reaction time and impaired judgment, increasing the risk of colliding with bicyclists. Distracted driving is a leading cause of bicycle accidents, emphasizing the importance of driver awareness and focus.
Failure to Yield
Failure to yield accidents involves drivers not giving the right-of-way to bicyclists when required, such as at intersections or crosswalks. This can result in severe collisions and injuries for the cyclist. Ensuring that drivers understand and follow the rules of the road is crucial to preventing these accidents and protecting the safety of bicyclists.
Left-Turn Accidents
Left-turn accidents occur when a driver turns left in front of an oncoming bicyclist, either misjudging the cyclist’s speed or failing to see them entirely. These accidents can lead to significant injuries for the bicyclist, as they often cannot avoid the collision. Drivers must exercise caution and vigilance when making left turns, especially in areas with high bicycle traffic.
Right-Hook Accidents
Right-hook accidents happen when a motorist overtakes a bicyclist and then makes a right turn directly in the cyclist’s path. This can result in a dangerous collision, as the cyclist may be unable to stop or avoid the turning vehicle. Drivers should always check their mirrors and blind spots before turning right, giving bicyclists adequate space and time to react.
Dooring Accidents
Dooring accidents occur when a parked motorist opens their car door into the path of an approaching bicyclist. These accidents can cause severe injuries to cyclists, as they often have little to no time to avoid the suddenly opened door. Motorists should practice caution and check for approaching bicyclists before opening their car doors to prevent these accidents.
Injuries Sustained in Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, including:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
TBIs are severe head injuries that can result from a forceful impact or violent shaking during a bicycle accident. They may lead to cognitive impairments, physical disabilities, or emotional disturbances, requiring long-term treatment and care.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can occur in bicycle accidents and may lead to partial or complete paralysis. These life-altering injuries often require extensive medical intervention, rehabilitation, and ongoing support.
Broken Bones
Bicycle accidents frequently result in broken bones, which can range from minor fractures to complex, multiple breaks. Proper treatment, including immobilization and surgery, may be necessary for recovery.
Lacerations and Contusions
Lacerations are deep cuts that can occur during a bicycle accident, while contusions are bruises caused by blunt force trauma. Both can result in pain, swelling, and potential complications if not treated promptly.
Road Rash
Road rash is a skin abrasion caused by sliding on the pavement during a bicycle accident. It can lead to painful wounds, scarring, and possible infection if not properly cleaned and treated.
Many of these injuries can lead to long-term complications and permanent disability, underscoring the importance of seeking appropriate compensation.
How to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Bridgeport, CT
Following a bicycle accident, it is essential to take the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, receiving a thorough medical examination to document them is crucial.
- Report the Accident: Contact the police and file an accident report. Be sure to obtain a copy of the report, as it can be vital evidence in your case.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take pictures while at the accident. Include your visible injuries, damage to the vehicle, and other information that may be helpful for your case. Collect contact information from witnesses and the driver involved in the accident.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep any damaged clothing, equipment, or your damaged bicycle, as they can serve as crucial evidence in your claim.
- Consult with a Woodbridge Bicycle Accident Lawyer: Contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case and protect your rights.
How Our Law Firm Can Help
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, our Woodbridge bicycle accident lawyers are dedicated to providing personalized and aggressive representation to injured bicyclists. We will guide you through the entire legal process, from filing a claim to negotiating a settlement or going to trial, if necessary.
Our services include:
- Case Evaluation: We will provide a free consultation to evaluate the merits of your case and determine the best course of action.
- Investigation: Our team will thoroughly investigate your accident, gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, and consulting with experts to build a strong case.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: We will handle all communication with the insurance companies involved, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Litigation: Our experienced trial attorneys are prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
- No Fees Unless We Win: Our Woodbridge bicycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Our Woodbridge Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help with Your Claim
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Woodbridge, Connecticut, the experienced attorneys at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers are here to help.
A bicycle accident can change your life. If you are in this situation, you can count on our law firm to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, and let us put our expertise to work for you.
