West Hartford Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If someone else has caused your cycling-related injuries, you may be eligible for compensation. Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., can help you get your life back on track. Our West Hartford bicycle accident lawyers are ready to build a strong case and seek a fair settlement on your behalf.
Table of Contents
- West Hartford Bicycle Accident Lawyer
- What To Do After a Bicycle Accident in West Hartford
- Common Causes of Connecticut Bicycle Accidents
- Bicycle Laws and Liability in West Hartford
- How Long Do You Have To File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Connecticut?
- Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims in Connecticut
- Why Choose Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge?
- Speak With a West Hartford Bicycle Accident Lawyer
- Frequently Asked Questions
West Hartford Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicyclists often move at high speeds but lack the protection other vehicles provide. That means your injuries may be severe after a bicycle accident, saddling you with ongoing pain, emotional trauma, medical bills, and missed work.
While insurance may be available to cover your damages, you’re likely entitled to more money than the insurance company wants you to believe. A West Hartford bicycle accident lawyer can protect you from insurers’ tactics by handling their adjustors on your behalf and preserving key evidence before it fades.
At Kennedy Johnson, we’ve represented injured people and families throughout Connecticut since 1988. Our personal injury lawyers have achieved numerous seven- and eight-figure settlements and verdicts, including a $16.5 million settlement for a bicyclist who was struck by a truck and suffered a leg amputation.
John Kennedy Jr.
Founding Partner
John J. Kennedy, Jr., is the founding partner of Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C. In 1988, John formed Kennedy & Johnson, along with David Johnson. John is an accomplished trial attorney, spending most of his more than 42 years practicing in Connecticut, representing injured clients before juries.
What To Do After a Bicycle Accident in West Hartford
If you’ve been involved in a Connecticut bicycle accident, there are several things you should do to protect your health and legal rights:
- Call 911. A police officer will arrive on the scene to create a police report, which can serve as critical evidence in your case. Emergency medical personnel can also screen you for injuries and provide immediate care.
- Document the scene. Take photos of the vehicles involved in the accident, any related hazards, and visible injuries. Get witness contact information and gather insurance details from the involved drivers.
- Get medical attention. See a doctor immediately, even if you don’t feel seriously injured. Some bike crash injuries can take time to develop symptoms. Prompt medical attention can help you establish a connection between your injuries and the accident.
- Be careful what you say. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters. They may use anything you say against you.
- Contact a bicycle injury attorney in West Hartford. We can provide a free consultation to explore your options. Reaching out soon after the crash allows us to prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of you.
Common Causes of Connecticut Bicycle Accidents
Many West Hartford bicycle accidents are preventable. Whether you were injured while cycling on Farmington Avenue, Albany Avenue, Main Street, or elsewhere, someone else’s negligence might be to blame. Examples of driver negligence that can cause bike crashes include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting or eating behind the wheel
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to yield to bicyclists
- Dooring, which occurs when a car door is opened in a bicyclist’s path
- Following too closely behind a bicyclist
Poor road conditions can also contribute to bike crashes. Potholes, debris on the road, and uneven pavement can cause cyclists to lose control of their bikes.
Bicycle Laws and Liability in West Hartford
Bicyclists using West Hartford’s roadways have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. That means they must follow the same rules of the road, including stopping at red lights and riding on the right side of the road with the direction of traffic.
Connecticut also has laws applying specifically to bicyclists. For example:
- No more than two bicycles may ride side by side.
- Drivers must give bicyclists at least three feet of space when passing them.
- Bicyclists under 16 years old must wear a helmet.
If you violated any of these laws and that violation contributed to your injuries, you may be partially at fault for the accident. Fortunately, partial fault for a car accident doesn’t necessarily prevent you from recovering compensation.
Many parties can potentially be liable for your cycling injuries, including the motor vehicle driver, the government agency responsible for road maintenance, or the company that manufactured defective bicycle parts.
How Long Do You Have To File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Connecticut?
Connecticut’s personal injury statute of limitations is two years. That means you must file a bicycle accident claim within two years of your injury date.
If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation for your injuries. That’s why it’s important to promptly seek legal help in West Hartford for your accident. The sooner you take action, the more time we’ll have to build a strong case for you.
Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims in Connecticut
You may recover compensation for any losses you suffer as a result of your bicycle accident, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages for the work you missed during your recovery
- Lost earning capacity if your injury prevents you from performing the same work as before the accident
- Pain and suffering for the physical pain and emotional distress you experience
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
The amount of compensation you can recover depends on factors specific to your case, including the amount of fault held by each party and the applicable insurance coverage policy limits.
Injury severity can also impact your case’s value. For instance, brain injuries or spinal cord damage can net higher compensation amounts due to their long-term effects on a person’s life. Contact our Connecticut bicycle accident lawyers today for a free case review and learn what your case might be worth.
Why Choose Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge?
Our team is committed to standing up against insurance companies on your behalf in pursuit of maximum compensation for your damages. It’s why we were recognized in the 2024 edition of Best Law Firms in America for Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation. The same organization recognized attorney Stephanie Roberge as the 2024 Lawyer of the Year.
When you choose our bicycle accident law firm in West Hartford, you’ll receive personal attention from attorneys with decades of experience handling serious injury and wrongful death cases, such as Patrick Kennedy, a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and Robert L. Schwab, a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Speak With a West Hartford Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Kennedy Johnson is here for you after a traumatic bicycle accident injury. We’re ready to start building a strong case on your behalf, starting with a free consultation.
Contact us online or call 203-865-8430 to explore your rights and options with our team. There’s no fee unless we win, so you have nothing to lose by seeking our help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we answer some common questions we receive from bicycle accident victims.
Do I Have a Case if I Was Partially at Fault?
Possibly. Under Connecticut’s modified comparative fault law, you may recover compensation if you’re less than 51 percent at fault for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of the fault.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
It costs nothing to hire our Connecticut bicycle accident attorneys. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and we charge a percentage of your compensation. The consultation is free, so exploring your legal options with us costs nothing.
What Evidence Do I Need To Support My Case?
Various forms of evidence can help prove the at-fault party’s negligence. We can help you gather and analyze this evidence, which may include:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Photos of the accident scene
- Surveillance or dashcam footage
- Witness statements
- Expert testimony from doctors or accident reconstruction specialists
What if a Loved One Passed Away in a West Hartford Bicycle Accident?
You may have the right to seek wrongful death compensation if you lost a loved one in a bicycle accident. Only the victim’s estate administrator may file a wrongful death claim, but spouses, children, and parents may benefit from it. Wrongful death damages may include:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses for the treatment of the victim’s injuries before their death
- Lost financial support from the victim’s income
- Loss of companionship
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Most personal injury cases settle out of court, but we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial if negotiations are unsuccessful. This process may involve filing a lawsuit with the local court, going through discovery, and presenting evidence and arguments to the jury. Going to trial may add roughly six to 12 months to your case’s timeline.
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15 N. Main Street #100 Suite 217
West Hartford, CT 06107
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