If a recent outing on your bike resulted in an accident that was the fault of another person, you can take legal action. Speak with a Trumbull bicycle accident lawyer to discuss what happened on the day of the incident and determine the best course for filing a claim or lawsuit.
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can make clear your options and ensure all viable evidence gets presented to a Judge. Attorney George W. Ganim, Jr. can gather that evidence, including witness statements, police reports, photographs, medical records and other evidence to effectively represent you in settlement discussions or trial proceedings.
What Are the Bicycle Laws in Connecticut?
According to Connecticut General Statutes § 14-232, motor vehicle operators must remain at least three feet away from bicyclists while overtaking or passing them on the road. Since cars, trucks and commercial vehicles are significantly larger and are better-protected than bicycles, the law is meant to protect bicyclists from significant harm. Motorists who fail to maintain at least three feet of distance will face fines if they hit a rider, in addition to legal action from a local bicycle crash lawyer.
Bicyclists must also adhere to road rules to help maintain safer streets. As per CGS § 14-286, bicyclists must yield to right-of-way pedestrians and make an audible signal, such as a horn, when they wish to overtake or pass another vehicle. The statute also applies to individuals on electric bikes and electric foot scooters. Operating bicycles, electric bikes and electric foot scooters on sidewalks is prohibited in light of town, city and county ordinances.
Common Bike Accident-Related Injuries
Since riding a bicycle does not offer much protection, riders can experience severe injuries after colliding with vehicles. These injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Burns and abrasions
- Ligament and tendon damage
- Internal trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head trauma and brain injuries
- Death
Attorney Ganim can help individuals injured from bike accidents recover economic or out-of-pocket damages for medical expenses, including future medical expenses and prescriptive medication. During the recovery period, an injured person may miss time from work and, if so, lost wages are typically recoverable. In addition to economic damages, an injured person may be entitled to non-economic damages, which usually focus on psychological or social losses, often include pain and suffering, emotional distress and mental anguish.
How is Fault Determined in Trumbull Bike Crash Cases?
Since Connecticut follows comparative rather than contributory negligence rules, it is possible for a cyclist to win compensation if they are determined to be no more than 50 percent responsible for the accident. For example, if a bike rider was deemed by the court to be 80 percent at fault because they swerved in front of a motorist without warning, they would be barred from collecting damages. If, however, they were deemed only 20 percent at fault for an accident because they were riding at night without reflectors, then their final damages award would be reduced by 20 percent. A bicycle accident attorney in Trumbull can help you defend against accusations that you were primarily to blame.
Talk to a Trumbull Bicycle Accident Attorney About Your Case
Consult with Attorney George W. Ganim, Jr. if you were injured because of another person’s negligence or carelessness. He can help bike riders obtain the compensation they deserve when other drivers fail to follow the rules of the road. Contact a Trumbull bicycle accident lawyer today to schedule a free consultation and learn what damages you can potentially receive.