Cycling has long been a popular hobby for Bridgeport residents. In some cases, it is also a viable form of transportation to work, school, or home. Despite its convenience, there are notable risks that come with sharing the road with motor vehicles while cycling.
You deserve to ride safely when biking on public streets, and the same rights that protect motorists also apply to cyclists. The reality is, however, that many drivers fail to take steps to protect riders they share the road with.
If you have suffered injuries in a bike wreck, a dedicated personal injury attorney could assist you in holding the at-fault driver responsible. In many cases, insurance might be available to help cover your losses. A Bridgeport bicycle accident lawyer can advise you on potential sources of compensation and guide you on how to move forward with your claim.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bike accidents can have grave consequences. Unlike cars or trucks, bikes provide no protection for their riders in a collision. The potential injuries in a bicycle accident are twofold. First, riders face injury from the direct impact of a motor vehicle. Second, the fall from the bike also increases the chance of injury. Common injuries include:
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Ligament injuries
- Lacerations
- Neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Internal bleeding
These injuries could carry high physical, mental, and financial costs. With the help of a Bridgeport attorney, a successful bicycle accident lawsuit could provide monetary compensation for these injuries.
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Compensation Following a Bike Accident
If successful, a bike accident injury claim in Bridgeport could result in substantial compensation for the injured person. This compensation could cover the losses a person suffered in the wreck.
Bicycle Repair Expenses
When a motor vehicle and a bicycle collide, the bike typically suffers major damage. When the motorist is at fault for a crash, a plaintiff could seek compensation for the cost of repairing their bike. If the accident destroys the bicycle entirely, the claim could seek compensation for a replacement.
Medical Bills
Costly surgeries, long-term care, and occupational therapy could all be part of a doctor’s recommended treatment following a bike accident injury. If the accident occurred through no fault of the rider, compensation for the medical costs could be recovered through a lawsuit. In addition to past medical expenses, a plaintiff could also pursue damages for any anticipated future medical costs.
Pain and Suffering
The injuries in a bicycle accident frequently result in severe pain. A plaintiff has the right to pursue compensation for their physical pain and suffering from the defendant after a bike crash. The amount of damages will vary, given that pain is subjective.
Mental Anguish
The mental impact of an injury can last long after the physical wounds heal. Many deal with traumatic memories of their severe injuries for the rest of their life. In legal terms, this is known as mental anguish. Monetary compensation could be available for a plaintiff who suffers mental anguish when reliving the accident.
The deadline to file in Connecticut
Connecticut law generally gives you two years from the date the injury is sustained or discovered to bring a claim, and in most cases no more than three years from the act or omission complained of, even if the injury is discovered later. That deadline comes from Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584.
How shared fault affects your claim
Connecticut follows modified comparative fault under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-572h: when the victim and the defendant share fault, the court reduces recoverable compensation by the victim's percentage of fault, and a victim whose share of fault is more than 50 percent may not recover at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common bicycle accident injuries?
Common bicycle accident injuries include road rash, broken bones, ligament injuries, lacerations, neck injuries, traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, and internal bleeding. Bike accidents can have grave consequences because bikes provide no protection in a collision, and riders can be injured both from the impact and from the fall.
What compensation can I recover after a bike accident in Bridgeport?
If successful, a bike accident injury claim in Bridgeport could result in compensation that covers losses suffered in the wreck, including bicycle repair or replacement, medical bills (including anticipated future medical costs), pain and suffering, and mental anguish.
Can I recover compensation for bicycle repair or replacement after a crash?
Yes. When a motor vehicle and a bicycle collide, the bike typically suffers major damage. If the motorist is at fault, a plaintiff could seek compensation for the cost of repairing the bike, or for a replacement if the bicycle is destroyed.
Can a bicycle accident lawsuit cover medical bills and future medical costs?
Yes. Costly surgeries, long-term care, and occupational therapy could be part of recommended treatment after a bike accident injury. If the accident occurred through no fault of the rider, compensation for medical costs could be recovered through a lawsuit, including past medical expenses and anticipated future medical costs.
What is mental anguish after a bicycle accident?
The mental impact of an injury can last long after physical wounds heal, and many people deal with traumatic memories of severe injuries for the rest of their life. In legal terms, this is known as mental anguish, and monetary compensation could be available for a plaintiff who suffers mental anguish when reliving the accident.
Let a Bridgeport Bicycle Accident Attorney Help
A bicycle accident could lead to life-altering injuries, especially when they involve a collision with an automobile. Given what is at stake following these accidents, it is vital that you protect your legal rights.
A Bridgeport bicycle accident lawyer can help you pursue damages from the motorist who caused your accident. To seek guidance, set up an initial consultation right away.
