Over the past few decades, bicycling has grown dramatically in popularity for recreational purposes and as an inexpensive and environmentally conscious mode of transportation. However, negligent drivers can cause serious accidents, resulting in serious injuries to cyclists. When a catastrophic accident such as this occurs, a Stamford bicycle accident lawyer may could advocate on your behalf in a personal injury claim.
Motor vehicle insurance typically provides coverage for negligent drivers who cause injuries to others in accidents. A skilled injury lawyer could negotiate with the insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take Following a Bicycle Accident
Following a bicycle accident, a person should contact the police right away to make a report. If emergency medical attention is necessary, any injured parties should seek help right away. Bicyclists involved in a crash should always obtain medical care, as there may be underlying injuries that do not immediately appear.
While still at the scene, an injured bicyclist should gather the following information:
- Name and contact information of the driver
- Insurance information of the driver
- Name and contact information of any witnesses to the accident
- Photos of the scene, if possible
For injured parties, getting this may be impracticable or impossible. However, police reports typically will contain most of this information. The next step should be to contact a bicycle accident lawyer in Stamford for legal advice and guidance.
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Liability in Stamford Collisions
Although not all bicycle accidents result from driver negligence, careless drivers do cause many accidents resulting in injuries. When drivers decline to share the road with bicyclists or violate traffic laws, they may be liable for any accidents they cause. As a result, they may be responsible for paying compensation for any injuries and property damage their actions cause.
All drivers owe a legal obligation of care to others, including other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. When drivers do not live up to this standard of care, they may have to pay for their negligence. Not only can injured parties recoup compensation for their injuries, but they also can hold negligent drivers responsible for their wrongful actions.
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 steps should I take following a bicycle accident?
After a bicycle accident, a person should contact the police right away to make a report. If emergency medical attention is necessary, injured parties should seek help right away. Bicyclists involved in a crash should always obtain medical care, as there may be underlying injuries that do not immediately appear. The next step should be to contact a bicycle accident lawyer in Stamford for legal advice and guidance.
What information should I gather at the scene of a bicycle crash?
While still at the scene, an injured bicyclist should gather the name and contact information of the driver, the driver’s insurance information, the name and contact information of any witnesses, and photos of the scene if possible. If getting this information is impracticable or impossible, police reports typically will contain most of it.
When can a driver be liable for a bicycle accident in Stamford?
Careless drivers can cause accidents resulting in injuries. When drivers decline to share the road with bicyclists or violate traffic laws, they may be liable for any accidents they cause and responsible for paying compensation for injuries and property damage. All drivers owe a legal obligation of care to others, including bicyclists, and may have to pay for negligence when they do not live up to this standard of care.
What damages are available in a bicycle accident claim?
The amount and type of damages available varies widely and typically depends on the severity of injuries. In addition to medical expenses, injured bicyclists may be able to obtain compensation for lost wages due to inability to work, physical pain, and emotional trauma. If a bicyclist is permanently impaired, they may be entitled to compensation for future medical expenses, loss of future earning capacity, and permanent disability.
Why should I contact a Stamford bicycle accident attorney soon after a crash?
Time limits apply to filing all injury claims, including those stemming from bicycle accidents, so you should not delay in seeking legal advice. A skilled injury lawyer could negotiate with insurance companies to pursue compensation, and a bicycle accident attorney in Stamford can be crucial in establishing negligence and documenting the need for damages.
Damages in Bicycle Accident Claims
The amount and type of damages available through claims varies widely. If bicyclists suffer more severe injuries, they likely will be entitled to more extensive damages. For instance, if bicyclists sustain a traumatic brain injury or multiple broken bones, their medical expenses are likely to be higher than those who suffer only minor injuries.
In addition to medical expenses, injured bicyclists also may be able to obtain compensation for lost wages due to their inability to work, physical pain, and emotional trauma. If a bicyclist is permanently impaired, they may be entitled to compensation for future medical expenses, loss of future earning capacity, and permanent disability. A bicycle accident attorney in Stamford can be crucial in establishing negligence on behalf of other drivers and documenting the need for damages.
Call a Stamford Bicycle Accident Attorney for Help
Time limits apply to the filing all injury claims, including those that stem from bicycle accidents. As a result, you should not delay in seeking legal advice following a bicycle accident. To discuss your case with a knowledgeable Stamford bicycle accident lawyer, call today for a consultation.