Cycling has become a popular activity in Monroe. People bike around town for recreation, exercise and as affordable transportation. Unfortunately, the increased popularity of cycling has led to a rise in accidents involving bicycles in the area.
If you sustained injuries and losses in a bike crash, you might be feeling the pressure to address all of your medical concerns and how to pay for your treatment. Your injuries may have forced you to take time off from work, causing you to struggle with the sudden loss of income. Fortunately, an experienced personal injury attorney can advocate for you. George W. Ganim, Jr., a Monroe bicycle accident lawyer, can help you by bringing a claim or lawsuit against the motorist who caused your accident.
Reasons Why Bike Accidents Occur
When bicyclists leave the safety of dedicated bike paths and trails, they need to use the same roads as cars. Drivers, in turn, must learn to share the streets with bikes. Unfortunately with bicycles being much smaller and lower to the ground, it is easy for them to become lost in a car’s blind spot. This is especially true at night, when a driver may be unable to see clearly.
Connecticut law places a duty on motorists to drive carefully. That duty of care applies to everyone using the roads, including bicyclists. Collisions between a car and a bicyclist most often occur in the following circumstances:
- When a vehicle makes a turn straight into the rider’s path
- When a car takes too long to stop and hits a bicycle from behind
- When an automobile veers into a bike’s space and sideswipes the rider
- When a driver or a passenger in a parked car opens their door and hits a passing bicyclist
- When a driver does not yield to a bicyclist who has the right of way
- When a driver ignores red lights or stop signs
- When the driver of the car is under the influence
- When the driver of the car is distracted by the use of a cellular phone
Many of these bike accidents occur due to the car driver’s negligence or recklessness. A bicycle collision attorney in Monroe can use his experience and knowledge to determine the cause of the crash. Attorney Ganim can look for proof that the driver was distracted, driving under the influence, speeding, or ignored traffic laws.
Common Injuries After a Bike Crash in Monroe
Other than a helmet, bicyclists often have nothing to protect themselves from the impact of an oncoming vehicle. As a result, when bicycles are struck by a motor vehicle, bicyclists often suffer debilitating injuries, such as:
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries, including herniated discs, spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Lacerations such as road rash, which could lead to permanent scarring
- Amputations
- Damage to internal organs
In addition to suffering physical pain, survivors of bike accidents often have to contend with emotional trauma. An injured bicyclist may endure bouts of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress. A local bicycle accident attorney can help obtain a settlement that would allow you to compensate for all of your injuries and losses.
Let a Monroe Bicycle Accident Attorney Advocate for You
After a bike accident, you will need time to recuperate physically, emotionally and financially. While you work on piecing your life back together, let a Monroe bicycle accident lawyer focus on securing your financial recovery. Call Attorney George W. Ganim, Jr. today to discuss your accident. He can give you an honest opinion as to whether pursuing a civil injury claim is a smart option for you.