Stratford Bicycle Accident Lawyer
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Biking through Stratford is very popular due to the scenic views and pleasant weather. However, if drivers do not practice safety, accidents occur, leading to serious injuries in many cases. If you have been in a bicycle accident, speak with a Stratford bicycle accident lawyer to learn about the dos and don’ts of your personal injury case.
Submitting your claim and seeking compensation for your bike injury is easy when you hire a Stratford personal injury lawyer. Find an attorney who prioritizes your case and communicates with you every step of the way.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Anytime you have bicycles riding on the road with vehicles, there is a high probability of bicycle accidents. It’s important to learn how to share the road. Pursuing a personal injury case will emphasize how crucial it is that the responsible party practices caution when driving amongst cyclists.
Here are some common causes of bicycle accidents on Stratford highways.
Collisions with Motor Vehicles
- Driver Error: The other driver may fail to stop at a signal, turn from an outside lane, or break other traffic laws.
- Driver Distractions: Speeding, texting, and drunk driving are common causes of traffic accidents.
- Changing Lanes: When drivers change lanes, they fail to look for bikes. They may even cut onto the shoulder, giving the cyclist nowhere to go and little time to slow down.
- Opening Doors: When a cyclist is driving full speed, something as simple as a driver opening the door can result in a major accident.
Other Bicycle Accident Causes
- Road Conditions: Crumbly roads or poor weather can lead to an increase in bicycle accidents.
- Collisions with Pedestrians or Other Cyclists: Bicycle accidents in Stratford do not only involve vehicles. Crashing into pedestrians or other cyclists is possible in an outdoorsy city where people are bustling about.
- Bike Defects: The bike’s condition can contribute to the accident. If the bicycle was improperly manufactured or not adequately maintained, it could contribute to the accident.
Connecticut State Bicycle Laws
Rights and Responsibilities
- Roadway Rights: Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, including stopping at red lights and stop signs.
- Positioning and Signaling: Bicyclists must ride as close to the right-hand curb or edge of the road as practicable, except when overtaking another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, or avoiding hazards. Bicyclists must use hand signals to indicate their intention to turn or stop.
- Passing and Lane Usage: Connecticut law allows bicyclists to pass vehicles on the left or right, depending on the situation, but they must do so cautiously. When riding in a lane, cyclists can take the whole lane if it is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to share side by side.
- Motorist Responsibilities: Motorists in Connecticut must provide a minimum of 3 feet of space when passing a bicyclist on the road.
- Helmet Laws: Helmets are required for children under 16 and are strongly recommended for all cyclists.
- Nighttime Visibility: Connecticut law requires bicyclists to have a white light on the front of their bike visible from at least 500 feet away and a red reflector or light on the rear visible from at least 600 feet away.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident
Take the necessary steps to take care of your injuries and document the accident for your personal injury case.
- Call 911: Call the police to report the accident and ask them to send an ambulance to take care of any injured parties.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you do not need immediate medical attention, it’s important to receive a full medical evaluation shortly after the accident.
- Collect Information: Be sure to get all personal and insurance information from other parties involved in the accident.
- Speak to Witnesses: Witnesses offer a third-party perspective crucial to your case.
- Do Not Post About the Accident: Any information on social media can be used in your case. Be very careful about how you represent the accident.
- Call a Personal Injury Lawyer: Consult a professional who has experience with bicycle accidents in Stratford.
How a Stratford Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
You may feel overwhelmed about hiring an attorney and all that entails. It’s important to know that your attorney will not collect any fees until they win the case.
Here are the benefits of hiring a bike injury lawyer:
- Investigation: It’s vital to prove liability in your bicycle accident case. Even if you are partially responsible for the accident, you are still eligible for compensation.
- Evidence Collection: Your attorney will sift through surveillance footage, police reports, witness accounts, and more to create a comprehensive file on your accident.
- Case Preparation: If your lawyer cannot agree with the insurance company, they will prepare your case for court. Then, they will advocate for your rights and represent you in court.
Choose a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Who Will Fight for You
You don’t have to navigate your bicycle accident case on your own. Instead of calling insurance companies and waiting for settlement offers, focus on healing. Your attorney will cover the proceedings with specific expertise on bicycle accidents in Stratford.
At Brill Law Group, we are pleased to work with you. We fight for justice while seeking compensation to cover medical bills, loss of income, property damage, and pain and suffering. You can rely on our team to speed up your case and maximize your final payout. Call today for your free consultation.