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Connecticut Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Bicyclists are becoming increasingly popular due to the increasing cost of fuel and the energy-saving movement. Although there are many positive reasons to go on a bicycle ride, there are also a lot of risks that cyclists encounter when sharing the road with motor vehicles. Bicyclists aren’t often respected as much as motor vehicle drivers and are considered “vulnerable road users.” Motor vehicle drivers must be aware of their surroundings on and off the road to ensure safe road sharing and avoid accidents. If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact the Connecticut bicycle accident attorneys at McCoy & McCoy today.

Bicycle Accident Injury Lawyers in Hartford, New Haven & New London, CT

Established in 1960, the Personal Injury Law Firm of McCoy & McCoy provides residents of Connecticut with reliable, compassionate and effective legal representation. Our personal injury lawyers and by each of our clients every step of the way through the legal claim process, handling all legal aspects and communications.

Bicycle Accident Injuries

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 5000 bicyclists are injured every year, and about 700 cyclists are killed annually in traffic accidents, while another 52,000 are seriously injured in bicycle accidents.

Broken Bones
Road Rash
Head and Brain Injuries
Internal Organ Damage
Permanent Scarring
Spinal Cord Injuries
Road Rash

Under state Personal Injury Law

anyone injured in a bike Accident to File a lawsuit against the party who caused the incident

If you have been a victim of a bike accident, please contact our CT bike accident attorneys located in Hartford, CT for a free consultation. The Connecticut bicycle accident attorneys at McCoy & McCoy have years of experience representing bike accident victims.

What Should I do after getting into a bicycle accident?

Check your environment

Have an understanding of where you are located. Make sure that you are in a safe location and out of harm’s way. This might mean re-locating.

Alert the police

You and the motorist involved in the accident are legally obligated to stay at the accident scene if there have been injuries or property damage. A police report will be written up.

Document Evidence

Take pictures of the scene, your injuries, damages, location, and the Motorists driving/ insurance information. Write down the scenario. A lot of times after an accident, people forget exactly what happened and words can later be turned around.Preserve any damaged clothing or damaged property.

Gather Your Own Information

After a bike accident, there is a lot of chaos going on. Your body might be in flight or fight mode. However, it is best to calm yourself and get your bearings. Identify where you are feeling pain and take note of it. Even the smallest cuts can lead to major health problems if untreated.

Seek Medical Help

Seek immediate medical care following an accident. There might be a lot of pain in one part of your body, causing you not to feel pain in another area. A medical professional can determine the true extent of your injuries. Some cyclists do not fully realize they have been injured until hours later. If this happens to you, make sure to document it and go let a medical professional know.

Never Negotiate

It is important that before speaking to an insurance company, you first consult with an attorney. The driver’s insurance company might call you and attempt to settle before you have all the information and realize the extent of your injuries. Do not negotiate directly with any insurance company.

Seek Legal Advice From a Professional bike accident attorney

Contact a Connecticut bicycle accident lawyer to see how they can help. A bike accident attorney will provide you with next steps, negotiate with insurance companies for you, hire a bicycle accident expert to investigate the accident, and represent you in a lawsuit if deemed necessary.

The Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

"Dooring"

The term “dooring” is a type of traffic collision in which a cyclist rides into a car door. Dooring is likely to happen when someone is getting out of the car and is unaware of their surroundings and/or any bicyclists nearby, causing them to force the bicyclist to crash into their door.

Right Turn Collision

This can happen when a driver takes a right turn (sometimes a right on red) without checking the roads for bicyclists, causing a collision.

Distracted Driving

Drivers may be distracted while driving, causing them to enter the bike lane or collide into a biker.

Speeding

When a driver is speeding, it lowers their ability to stop on command, which could cause a bike accident if a biker is turning into a lane or passing through an intersection.

Intersection Crash

When a driver speeds up at a yellow light instead of taking caution, and ends up going through a red light, the chances of a biker getting hit increase significantly.

Hazardous Road Conditions

Improperly maintained roadways with debris, litter, or even un-repaired potholes can cause a bicycle accident.

The Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Due to the considerable size difference between a motor vehicle and a bicycle, bicyclists often suffer a variety of severe and lasting injuries after a bike accident. The most common serious injuries we see after most bicycle accidents are:

Traumatic Brain Injuries
Broken Bones
Skull Fractures
Spinal Cord Injuries
Lower Extremity Injuries
Lacerations
Road Rash
Internal Injuries
Scarring and disfigurement
Dental Fractures

Connecticut Bicycle Laws

Obey Traffic SignsSince bicyclists have the same rights and duties as motorists, they must obey all traffic signals and signal when they are making turns.
Full Lane UseBikers can use the full lane to travel when they are able to travel at the normal speed of traffic.
Right Side RiderBicyclists are required to ride as close to the right side of the roadway when traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic. Bikers can not ride on the left side of the road.
Sidewalk UseBikers can ride on the sidewalk if they choose, however, they must yield to pedestrians. It is ultimately recommended that bikers avoid riding on the sidewalk.
Bike LanesBikers have the option of using bike lanes, but they do not have to. Bikers can not use parkways or limited state access highways unless they have a bike lane. In that case, they must use the bike lane.
Three Feet Passing LawMotorists are required to leave at least 3 get of separating when overtaking or passing cyclists. It is illegal to pass a cyclist to turn right immediately after.

Sharing the roads with bicyclists

Tips For Motorists

Drive Cautiously

Reduce speed when encountering cyclists, don’t tailgate, recognize hazards that cyclists might face, and be aware of cyclists in your blind spot.

Yield To Cyclists

Give cyclists the appropriate right of away and allow extra time when crossing intersections.

Be Considerate

Scan for cyclists in traffic and at intersections. When opening your car door, make sure to check your side mirror to see if any cyclists are coming your way. Never honk when you are close to a cyclist!

Pass With Care

Wait for a safe time to pass a cyclist and leave at least 3 feet between you and the biker when passing. Check your mirrors and blind spots before moving back into the lane.

Watch For Children

Expect the unexpected and slow down when sharing the road with a child cyclist. Children riding on bicycles are often unpredictable, so create an even larger buffer in between.

Visit Connecticut’s DOT website for more information on how to share the road with bicyclists.

50+ Years of Experience

In the wake of a serious bicycle accident, you want an experienced Connecticut bicycle accident attorney on your side.

Knowledgable Bicycle Accident Lawyers on Your Side

Bicycle laws and insurance coverage differ by state. At McCoy & McCoy, we have successfully represented many clients involved in Connecticut bicycle accidents.

We will fight for your rights

Bicycle Accident Attorney, Frank McCoy is well versed in Connecticut bicycle law. He will work with police and witnesses to get the facts regarding the accident, and navigate through the legal complexities involved in filing a personal injury lawsuit.

Seek Maximum Compensation

Recovering past, present and future compensation is often an elemental part in a victim’s recovery, and no one understands that better than the knowledgeable lawyers at McCoy & McCoy.

Board Certified Trial Attorney

Our principal lawyer, Frank McCoy Jr., is certified in civil trial law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy – a distinction that fewer than 0.5 percent of all Connecticut lawyers have earned.

The Importance of Recovering Compensation

The CT Bicycle Attorneys at McCoy & McCoy Can Protect Your Rights and Recovery

Not only may you need to foot the bill for any medical treatment that you have received, but you may not be able to return to work for the duration of your recovery. Do not disregard the legal options available to you. If you were injured in a Connecticut bicycle accident at the hands of a negligent driver-whether they were recklessly speeding, texting and driving, or driving under the influence-you may be entitled to compensation. By pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, you may have the opportunity to recover monetary damages for the costs associated with your injury, as well as for the noneconomic losses that you have suffered, including:

Mental Suffering
Physical Pain
Loss of earning capacity
Costs of therapy

To find out how we can assist you with your case, please complete a free case evaluation form today or call our Connecticut bicycle accident attorneys at 860-936-9274 immediately.

Contact for a free consultation