New Haven Bicycle Accident Attorney
Cyclists are a constant presence on the streets of New Haven. Whether in the morning, afternoon, or evening, you can expect to share the road with a bike rider at some point every day.
While bicycles are an excellent way to commute and exercise, dangers exist for bike riders every time they hit the road. If you’ve sustained injuries in a bike crash, don’t wait to consult with a bicycle accident lawyer for guidance and advice.
Choosing a Bicycle Accident Law Firm
When you’re injured in a bicycle accident, it’s important to have the right legal team to back you up. Let Kennedy Johnson Schwab & Roberge be your bicycle accident law firm of choice.
Our bicycle accident attorneys have the unique knowledge and experience needed to successfully handle your claim. For over three decades, we’ve been fighting for our clients and their right to fair compensation after sustaining injuries caused by third parties.
We’ve worked hard to create and refine winning strategies to get the most for our clients. If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, do not hesitate to schedule your consultation with one of our bicycle accident attorneys.
Primary Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can happen for many reasons. In most cases, however, they’re caused by driver negligence. Some of the causes of bicycle accidents we most often come across include the following:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence
- Failure to yield
- Unsafe lane changes and left turns
- Failure to follow road signs and rules
Bike accidents can happen for other reasons, too, such as damaged or defective roadways and unsafe road construction. Determining the cause of your bicycle collision is crucial to the pursuit of compensation from the appropriate party or parties.
Injuries from Bicycle Collisions Can Be Life-Threatening
While injuries from other types of accidents can also be serious, bike crash injuries are usually particularly severe. This is because bicycles offer riders no protection at all. Therefore, in the event of a collision, bike riders are at risk of substantial harm.
Additionally, Connecticut law does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets. For this reason, head injuries and traumatic brain injuries are some of the most common types of bike accident injuries.
Along with the many types of head and brain injuries, our clients frequently experience injuries such as:
- Road rash
- Fractured and broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Facial injuries
Because bicycle collision injuries can be so serious, victims often face long-term effects from them. Depending on the severity, these complications could result in paralysis, loss of limbs, or permanent brain damage, among many other health issues.
The more severe your injuries, the more medical care you’ll require, which in turn means more expenses. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with a bicycle accident lawyer to file a claim and seek the monetary recovery you’re owed.
Compensation for Bicycle Accidents
After a bicycle accident caused by another party, it’s only fair to pursue damages for your harm and other losses. The damages you’re entitled to receive are based on the details of your collision and the value of your case.
Potential damages you could be eligible to recover include:
- Medical expenses, including those for treatment, medications, and hospital stays
- Therapy and rehabilitation bills
- Lost earnings
- Diminished or lost earning potential
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
A bicycle accident can take a serious toll on your finances. If a negligent party causes you harm, it’s only fair to aggressively pursue the compensation you need and deserve. A bicycle accident lawyer can assign a monetary value to your case and fight for your right to financial recovery.
Our bike collision clients often have many of the same questions, so we’ve provided answers to the most common queries below. Should you have additional concerns, we can address them during your initial consultation.
How it Works
Contingency Fees
At Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., we handle all Bicycle Accidents cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not get paid unless and until you receive a settlement or a jury award.
Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a skilled Connecticut personal injury lawyer today. Contact us online or call our New Haven law firm directly at 203-865-8430.
Questions
Bicycle Accidents FAQs
Who’s at Fault for a Bicycle Accident?
Fault highly depends on the reason for your collision. Many parties can play a role in causing your accident, including:
- Negligent drivers
- A driver’s employer
- The owner of the motor vehicle
- Mechanics
- Car and car part manufacturers and distributors
- The city or other governmental entity
Determining how your accident happened is the first step in getting answers concerning liability. After clarifying who is financially responsible for your collision, your bicycle accident law firm can create a legal strategy to seek the compensation you’re entitled to.
How Can I Pursue Compensation After a Bike Crash?
Pursuing compensation depends on the details of your collision. For example, suppose your accident was caused by a driver who has auto insurance coverage. In that case, you’d likely be able to file a third-party claim under their insurance.
In many instances, you’ll seek monetary recovery from an insurance company. This can be challenging, as insurance companies are known to be difficult. Fortunately, bicycle accident lawyers have extensive experience dealing and negotiating with insurance companies.
Based on the facts of your case, you may also need to file a personal injury lawsuit in court. Lawsuits require more time and work, but your attorney may determine that a legal claim can yield more favorable results for you.
Regardless of the path you take toward compensation, you can trust your bicycle accident attorney to be by your side from start to finish. They’ll work tirelessly to represent your best interests at every turn.
What Happens if My Bike Crash Is a Hit and Run?
Unfortunate as it may be, many bike accidents are hit-and-runs, meaning the driver who causes the accident flees the scene immediately after without stopping or rendering aid.
Connecticut law requires drivers who cause accidents to stop at the scene of the collision no matter what and provide the victim with their contact and insurance information. If the crash results in injuries, they’re also required to render aid, such as by calling 911 and requesting emergency medical services.
If your accident is a hit-and-run, do not panic. Seek medical attention right away for your injuries. If possible, try to begin gathering evidence as soon as possible, like photos and videos or witness contact information.
While hit-and-run drivers often flee, thinking they’ll never be caught, they’re not always so lucky. Your bicycle accident law firm can request and obtain helpful evidence, like surveillance and traffic cam footage, to attempt to find the at-fault driver. If found out, drivers face both civil and criminal penalties.
No matter the circumstances of your collision, you can count on us to help. We will determine how best to proceed with your case and then try to get you damages for your bike accident.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for a Bicycle Collision?
If your case requires filing a lawsuit in court, it’s worth noting you don’t have unlimited time to do so. Under Connecticut law, you only have two years from the date of your collision to file your legal claim for damages.
While two years may seem like a good amount of time, it often goes by quite fast. Additionally, your case may not require filing a lawsuit until a little further down the line, so you want to make sure you give your attorney plenty of time.
Therefore, make sure to schedule a consultation with a bicycle accident attorney as soon as you’re able. The earlier you speak with your lawyer regarding your situation, the quicker they can begin taking the necessary steps to handle your claim.
Am I Required to Have a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Represent Me?
No law requires you to hire legal representation for an injury claim. However, a qualified attorney can navigate your case much better and give you a better chance of obtaining the compensation you’re entitled to.
Many bike collision claims involve dealing with insurance companies, and insurers take advantage of individuals without attorneys. They have tactics to limit their own liability, deny claims, and avoid paying victims. If you’re unfamiliar with the way insurance companies work, you’re more likely to fall into their traps and set yourself up for failure.
With an experienced bicycle accident attorney on your side, not only can you expect invaluable peace of mind, but you’ll also have the opportunity to focus on yourself and your recovery. A lawyer can give you the best shot at fair compensation.
Consult with a Bicycle Accident Law Firm
If you’ve sustained injuries in a bike crash, you’re never alone. The bicycle accident lawyers at Kennedy Johnson Schwab & Roberge are ready to assist you. Contact us today to request your free case review.