Connecticut Bicycle Accident Lawyer – Free Consultations
Connecticut Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Riding a bicycle on Connecticut’s roads should not put you in danger. The reality, however, is that cyclists are hit every day by careless drivers who fail to share the road. The injuries sustained in these accidents can be serious and affect your life. At Mancini Law, we represent cyclists who have been hurt and we help them recover what they are owed from the drivers who caused their injuries.
Bicycle Accidents Are Increasing
According to the Connecticut Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, there have been more than 300 car accidents involving cyclists in Connecticut in most recent years. The number of accidents has increased three years in a row.
These accidents are not minor events. A collision between a car and a bicycle often leaves the cyclist with severe injuries and long recovery times. There are also fatalities in Connecticut every year.
Why Bicycle Accidents Happen
Many bicycle accidents are preventable. They often occur because a driver does not take the care required to watch for cyclists. Common causes include:
- Drivers failing to yield when turning
- Cars pulling out of driveways without looking
- Distracted driving, including cell phone use
- Speeding in areas where cyclists ride
- Passing too closely without giving enough room
- Opening car doors into bike lanes
Sometimes accidents also happen because of road conditions. Potholes, debris, or poor design of intersections can cause crashes. In these cases, a city or another party may share responsibility.
Connecticut Bicycle Laws
Connecticut law is clear that cyclists have the right to use the road. According to Connecticut General Statute 14-232, drivers must give at least three feet when passing a bicycle. Cyclists are also expected to follow traffic signals and ride in the same direction as traffic.
While helmets are not required for adults, they are strongly recommended. Children under 16 are required to wear them. Even when a cyclist does not have a helmet, they may still bring a claim if another party’s negligence caused the crash.
Who May Be Responsible
One of the most important questions after a bicycle accident is who should be held accountable. Responsibility depends on how the crash happened.
Most often, it is the driver of a car who is at fault. If they ignored traffic laws, failed to give a cyclist the right of way, or were distracted, they can be held liable. But there are other possible responsible parties. For example, a delivery company may be responsible if their driver caused the crash. Additionally, a city or town may be responsible if unsafe road conditions contributed.
At Mancini Law, we review every detail of the accident to identify the responsible parties. We build cases that hold them accountable and seek the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.
Medical Treatment and Long-Term Impact
Cyclists injured in accidents often face long recovery times. Even after the physical injuries heal, many riders are left with pain or reduced mobility. It’s also common for cyclists to be hesitant to get back on their bikes.
Lost wages during recovery can also be a strain, as can medical bills. Part of our role is to calculate not only your current bills but also the future expenses you will face. This includes ongoing therapy, adaptive equipment, and reduced earning potential if you cannot return to your previous job.
Wrongful Death Bicycle Accidents
Some bicycle accidents result in death. In Connecticut, there are usually several fatalities every year. In these cases, we represent surviving family members, and a wrongful death claim may be brought. This type of claim can seek compensation for costs, lost income, and the loss of companionship and support. We treat these cases with care and aggressive determination, knowing the outcome can never replace what was lost but can provide security for the family’s future.
What If I Was Hit On My Bicycle By a Hit-and-Run Driver?
Drivers sometimes flee the scene of an accident. A hit-and-run leaves the cyclist injured and without the driver’s information, adding another layer of difficulty to an already difficult situation.
Even when the driver is not identified, there are still ways to recover compensation. First, the police investigation or our own investigation might reveal cameras that can identify the driver’s license plate and identity. If that’s not possible, many cyclists have access to uninsured motorist coverage through their own auto insurance policy or through a household member’s policy. This coverage can step in to pay medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Investigating a hit-and-run case often requires gathering surveillance footage, speaking with witnesses, and working with local police. This is something we are very familiar with.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Collisions
Not every bicycle accident involves a car. Sometimes cyclists collide with pedestrians, or two cyclists crash into each other. These cases also raise legal questions about who is at fault. A cyclist may be held responsible if they were riding recklessly, but often these cases involve shared blame. We will investigate, determine fault, and guide you through your options for recovery.
How Compensation Works
If you are injured in a bicycle accident, compensation can include:
- Payment for medical bills
- Coverage of lost wages
- Future loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Costs of long-term care or rehabilitation
- Damage to your bicycle and gear
The amount depends on the details of the case, the extent of the injuries, and the impact on your life. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly for less than you need. We advise against accepting any offer without legal review.
Proving Your Case
Winning a bicycle accident claim requires evidence. This may include police reports, medical records, witness statements, photographs, and in some cases, expert testimony about road design or vehicle behavior. Our firm has the resources and knowledge to gather this evidence. We build strong cases that withstand insurance company defenses and are ready for trial if needed.
Why Work With Mancini Law
At Mancini Law, we focus on engineering effective legal strategies for injured clients. We fight back against insurance companies every day. We dig into the details, challenge their defenses, and fight to recover full compensation. Every client’s case is treated with attention and preparation as if it could go to trial. That approach has helped us secure strong results for injured cyclists across Connecticut.
Contact Mancini Law
If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident in Connecticut, do not wait to get help. Insurance companies move quickly to protect themselves. You deserve someone on your side who will move just as quickly to protect you.
Call Mancini Law today for a free consultation at 860-325-7347 or complete our contact form. Let us review your case and create a legal strategy designed to secure the compensation you need to recover and move forward.
FAQs
Can I bring a claim if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes. Connecticut law does not require helmets for adults. Even if you were not wearing one, you can still pursue a claim if another person’s negligence caused the accident. The lack of a helmet may be discussed in the case or reduce your compensation, but it does not erase your rights.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident case in Connecticut?
In most cases, these types of claims must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Wrongful death claims also generally have a two-year time limit. If you wait too long, you may lose the right to recover. Evidence also gets harder to collect as time passes. Cases against government entities have shorter deadlines.
What if the accident was caused by a road hazard like a pothole?
In some cases, the city, town, or state responsible for maintaining the road may be held liable. These claims have shorter deadlines and special requirements, so it is important to act quickly if unsafe road conditions played a role in the accident.
Do I need a lawyer to handle my bicycle accident claim?
You are not required to have a lawyer, but insurance companies often try to settle quickly and for less than your claim is worth. A personal injury attorney can investigate the accident, challenge unfair defenses, and push for the full value of your case.