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Connecticut bicycle accident lawyers · Established 1960
Support After a Bicycle Crash.
We help injured cyclists and their families make sense of insurance questions, medical bills and the impact of a serious crash — with personal attention from the first call.
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Connecticut Bicycle Accident Attorneys
A Connecticut bicycle accident lawyer helps injured cyclists recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical care after a crash caused by another person’s negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be facing painful injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty about what comes next. At McCoy & McCoy, our experienced Connecticut bicycle accident lawyers are dedicated to protecting injured cyclists throughout the state.
We know how devastating these crashes can be – from the busy intersections of Stamford and New Haven to the scenic trail crossings in the Farmington Valley. Our mission is to ensure that insurance companies don’t treat your life-altering road rash or broken collarbone like a minor property damage claim. We specialize in holding negligent drivers accountable under Connecticut’s Vulnerable User laws, and with our No-Fee Promise, we only get paid if we win your case.
We handle everything at no cost to you unless we win. No fees, no pressure, no surprises.
What Should I Do After a Bike Accident in Connecticut?
If you were involved in a bicycle collision on CT roads, follow these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Call 911 immediately: Ensure the police file an official P-33 Accident Report. This document is the primary evidence for insurance claims.
- Seek Medical Care: Even for minor “road rash,” visit an ER or Urgent Care in cities like Hartford or New Haven. Adrenaline often masks internal injuries.
- Gather Scene Evidence: Take photos of your bicycle, the vehicle’s license plate, injuries, the damaged bicycle, and the surrounding intersection or trail crossing.
- Avoid Negotiating: Do not discuss the accident or accept an early settlement from the other party’s insurance company without consulting a bicycle accident attorney.
Consult with a Connecticut bicycle accident lawyer who can help you understand your rights and guide you through the claims process.
Questions About Reports and Insurance
Where Do I Get My Bicycle Accident Report if I Was Hit on a State Highway?
If your bicycle accident occurred on a state route or highway, the Connecticut State Police likely handled the call. You can request your official report online via the DESPP website or by mail to the Reports and Records division in Middletown. We can help you navigate this process to ensure all evidence is preserved.
Will My Car Insurance Cover Damage if I'm Hit While Riding My Bike?
Yes, in many cases, your car insurance will cover your damages & injuries if you are hit while riding your bike. Under Connecticut law, your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage typically follows you even when you aren’t in your car. If the driver who hit you has no insurance or a “minimum limit” policy ($25k/$50k), your own policy can act as a critical safety net.
Can I Still File a Claim if I Wasn't Wearing a Helmet During My Bike Accident?
Yes, in Connecticut, you can still file a claim even if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of your bike accident. There is no law that requires adults to wear a helmet while cycling. Therefore, not wearing a helmet is not considered “negligence per se” and cannot be used by insurance companies to automatically deny your claim or bar you from recovering damages for your injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim?
Bicycle accident victims typically have two years from the date of the bicycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Connecticut. Speaking with a Connecticut bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your rights to pursue compensation before important deadlines expire.
However, if your bike accident was caused by a roadway hazard, such as a dangerous pothole or defective bridge, or it involved a government entity (like a CTtransit bus or a municipal truck), you must file a formal notice of claim much sooner – often within 90 days.
Who is Liable in a Bicycle Accident?
Liability in a bicycle accident depends on who was deemed negligent. Because bicyclists are considered “vulnerable users” in Connecticut, the law often places a heightened responsibility on motor vehicle drivers. Determining fault after a motor vehicle accident involving a cyclist is critical when pursuing compensation for injuries and damages.
Here is a breakdown of who is typically liable in a bicycle accident:
1. The Motorist – In the majority of bike accidents, the driver is found liable due to a traffic violation
2. The Government – If your bike crash was caused by a pothole, uneven sewer gate, or debris, the city or state may be held liable.
Municipal Liability (): You are able to sue a town for a “defective road”; however, Connecticut law sets a very high bar with the “Sole Proximate Cause” Rule, which means the road defect must be the only cause of the accident. If any other factor contributed to the bike accident, the municipality may avoid liability.
3. Third Parties (Product Liability) If your accident was caused by a mechanical failure—such as brakes failing or a frame snapping—the manufacturer or the bike shop that performed recent maintenance may be held liable under product liability laws.
What Are the New Connecticut E-bicycle Laws for 2026?
Connecticut updated its e-bike laws, effective October 1, 2025, and they continue into 2026, significantly changing how electric bikes are classified and regulated.
The new laws state that lower-speed e-bikes are treated more like bicycles – but once you increase speed, power, or remove pedals, the law treats them more like motor vehicles, with stricter requirements.
Talk to a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Now
Our team is available 24/7 to provide a free, confidential case evaluation. Whether you’re at home or in the hospital, we are ready to listen and help you plan your next move. No pressure, just professional legal guidance when you need it most.
Know Your Rights as a Bicyclist in CT
- The 3-Foot Rule: Drivers must provide at least three feet of distance when passing you.
- The Right to the Road: You have the same rights to most CT roadways as any motor vehicle.
- No Bike Lane? No Problem: Lack of a designated lane does not excuse driver negligence or “right-hook” turns.
Bicycle Laws in Connecticut
- The 3-Foot Passing Rule(C.G.S.§14−232): If a driver strikes you while overtaking, they are almost always liable. CT law requires drivers to maintain at least 3 feet of distance when passing a cyclist.
- “Dooring” Accidents (C.G.S.§14−213b): Drivers and passengers are legally required to ensure it is safe before opening a car door into traffic. If you hit an open door, the person who opened it is typically 100% liable.
- The “Right Hook”: Liability falls on the driver if they overtake a cyclist and then immediately turn right across the cyclist’s path.
Why Choose McCoy & McCoy After a Connecticut Bicycle Accident?
Choosing the right Connecticut bicycle accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At McCoy & McCoy, we have more than 50 years of combined experience helping injured cyclists recover compensation throughout Connecticut, and we never charge attorney’s fees unless we win your case. When you hire McCoy & McCoy as your bicycle accident attorney, you’re getting more than legal representation – you’re getting a dedicated team that fights for your recovery every step of the way.
Our team helps connect you with top medical professionals, including plastic surgeons and therapists, to support both your physical and emotional recovery. We investigate ownership records, gather witness statements, and build strong legal arguments based on the facts. Whether negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to court, we’re prepared to advocate aggressively for the compensation you deserve.
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How McCoy & McCoy Proves Liability
To ensure the insurance company doesn’t unfairly shift blame onto you, our team of Connecticut bicycle accident lawyers gathers:
- The P-33 Police Report: To see if the driver was ticketed for a 3-foot violation.
- Video Surveillance: Doorbell or traffic cameras often capture the “lead-up” to the crash.
- Black Box Data: Modern cars record speed and braking data that can prove a driver was distracted or speeding.
Compensation Available After a Bicycle Accident
If you were injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for both your financial losses and the personal impact the crash has had on your life. Every bicycle accident case is different, and the compensation available will depend on the severity of your injuries, liability, and the long-term impact the accident has had on your daily life. Depending on the circumstances of your case, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation costs
In cases involving a serious injury, injured cyclists may also seek damages for:
- Long-term disabilities
- Permanent injuries
- Diminished quality of life.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Cyclists often suffer severe injuries in bike crashes due to the lack of physical protection compared to motorists. Common bike accident injuries include:
- Broken Bones
- PTSD
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Damage
- Severe Scarring
- Internal Bleeding
- Severe Road Rash
Even injuries that seem minor at first—like a sore neck or back—can worsen over time. That’s why it’s critical to seek medical care immediately and speak with a Hartford bicycle accident attorney who understands the long-term impact of these injuries and can fight for fair compensation. In some cases, delayed diagnoses, surgical mistakes, or improper treatment after a bicycle crash may even lead to additional complications involving medical malpractice, further increasing the burden on injured cyclists.
Local Cycling Details
Connecticut Bicycle Accident "Hotspots"
Our Connecticut bicycle accident lawyers closely follow bicycle safety concerns and crash trends through data from the UConn Connecticut Crash Data Repository. We see frequent incidents involving cyclists and even collisions involving an oncoming cyclist at:
- New Haven: The intersection of Route 32 and Route 10, known for high traffic volume and complex navigation.
- Hartford: The area near Main Street and Albany Avenue, as well as the Market and I-84 West interchange
- Fairfield County: Route 1 (Boston Post Road), specifically in Darien and Norwalk, where high commercial density leads to “dooring” accidents and right-turn “hooks.”
- Waterbury: The intersection of Union Street and Route 69.
While trails are generally safer, the points where they intersect with motor vehicle traffic are prime accident sites. We serve clients injured at:
- Farmington Canal Heritage Trail: Specifically, the street crossings in Hamden and Cheshire
- Air Line State Park Trail: Crossings in East Hampton and Willimantic
- Hop River Trail: Where the path meets local roads in Manchester and Bolton.
- Case Mountain
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Angela Edwards
Brian Parrott
Frank McCoy Jr.
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Bicycle Accident Lawyers Serving All of Connecticut
With physical offices in Hartford, Torrington, and New Haven, the Connecticut bicycle accident lawyers at McCoy & McCoy are never far away. But we know that after a bicycle crash, you may not be able to travel. Our attorneys are happy to meet with you virtually or in person at your convenience. We believe that distance or mobility should never be a barrier to securing high-quality legal protection.
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Our Hartford bicycle accident lawyers are located near the XL Center and the Old State House, making them easily accessible to those coming from Hartford Hospital or St. Francis. 20 Church St, Suite 1720, Hartford, CT, 06103
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Conveniently located downtown, serving riders on Route 8 and the local trail crossings. 100 East Main Street, Torrington, CT, 06790
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New Haven Personal Injury Lawyers
Specializing in “dooring” accidents in urban New Haven and collisions near Yale New Haven Hospital. 233 Orange St, New Haven, CT, 06515
A few questions you may have.
Is the first conversation free?
Yes. Your initial consultation is free. We can discuss what happened and whether we can help.
What should I bring?
Bring the information you already have, such as photographs, an incident report, and insurance correspondence. You can still call if you do not have everything.
Can we meet outside an office?
Tell us what works for you. Our firm serves clients across Connecticut and can discuss a convenient way to meet.
How much does it cost to hire a bicycle accident lawyer?
At McCoy & McCoy, it costs nothing up front to hire a Connecticut bicycle accident lawyer. We handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you through a settlement or verdict.
Can I sue if my bicycle accident involved a commercial vehicle?
Yes. If you were injured in a bicycle accident involving a commercial vehicle—such as a delivery van, box truck, utility vehicle, or company-owned car—you may be able to file a claim against the driver, the driver’s employer, or other responsible parties.
Can I file a claim if poor road conditions caused my bicycle accident?
Yes, if your bicycle accident was caused by a dangerous road condition – such as a large pothole, broken pavement, loose gravel, inadequate drainage, missing road signs, or other roadway hazards – you may have a claim against the party responsible for designing, constructing, or maintaining the road.
Can I sue a driver who opened their car door into my bicycle?
Yes. If a driver suddenly opened their vehicle door into your path and caused your bicycle accident, you may have a valid personal injury claim. These “dooring” accidents are often caused by a driver’s failure to check for approaching bicyclists before opening a door.
Can I file a claim if I was hit while riding in a designated bike lane?
Yes. If you were struck by a vehicle while lawfully riding in a designated bike lane, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses. Drivers have a duty to watch for bicyclists and safely share the road.
How long does a Connecticut bicycle accident lawsuit usually take?
Every bicycle accident case is different. Some claims settle within a few months, while more complex cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability can take a year or longer.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Tell us what happened. We will listen, explain where you stand, and help you decide what to do next — at no cost and with no obligation.
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