Bridgeport Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bicycle accidents can be traumatic events causing life-threatening injuries, expensive medical bills, and financial insecurity. When someone else is to blame for these losses, that person owes the injured cyclist compensation. But serious injuries and powerful insurance companies can make it difficult for bike accident victims to get the money they need to rebuild their lives.

Were you injured in a bicycle accident caused by a careless driver? Hold them accountable for their actions by getting help from an experienced Bridgeport bicycle accident lawyer.

The team at The Flood Law Firm can protect your rights and explain your legal options for recovering maximum compensation during a free consultation. Contact our office today to get started.

Why You Need a Bridgeport Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and significant medical bills. You might have trouble accomplishing everyday tasks and earning a living. Do you feel up to fighting an insurance company, too? An experienced bicycle accident attorney can take on this battle for you, giving you the time to focus on your health and recovery.

At The Flood Law Firm, we will protect your rights and handle every aspect of your legal case. We will also provide you with regular updates about the status of your claim and consult with you about your options. Let us pursue the compensation you deserve efficiently, thoroughly, and single-mindedly so you don’t have to.

Our firm also has extensive experience assisting other lawyers with bicycle accident claims. You can turn to us if you have a particularly challenging case that requires more experience and resources, or if you practice in another area of the law and want our help. We’re always available to assist, so call us or contact us online today.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Visibility is one of the most often cited causes of collisions between motorists and bicyclists. Bicyclists are smaller and can be harder to spot. Distracted or careless drivers can easily overlook nearby cyclists, causing a devastating accident.

Negligent driving behaviors that frequently lead to preventable bike accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Intoxicated driving
• Drowsy driving
• Speeding
• Unsafe lane changes
• Left-hand turns
• Dooring incidents
• Failure to yield
• Failure to follow posted signs and signals
• Driving or turning in a bike lane

Mechanical defects, poor road design, and inclement weather conditions also contribute to many bicycle accidents.

Injuries Associated with Bicycle Accidents

The average passenger vehicle weighs more than 4,000 pounds. That’s 4,000 pounds of metal and fiberglass bearing down on cyclists with only a helmet to protect them. An accident with a careless motorist can cause catastrophic and life-altering injuries.

Some of the most common injuries associated with bicycle accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Neck and spine injuries
• Broken bones
• Amputations
• Facial injuries
• Dental injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Soft tissue injuries
• Road rash and burns
• Contusions
• Lacerations
• Strains
• Sprains

Traumatic physical injuries can affect a person’s mental health as well. Depression and anxiety may accompany a catastrophic injury diagnosis, as can post-traumatic stress disorder.

Connecticut Bicycle Accident Statistics

Data from the Connecticut Department of Transportation shows that the number of pedestrians and cyclists dying on state roads is rising. In just one year, the agency recorded at least one bicyclist fatality and 425 injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported three cyclist fatalities the following year. It is not uncommon to open a local newspaper or see an evening news report about another life-threatening car-versus-bicycle accident.

The state started the Watch for Me CT initiative to reduce the number of pedestrian and bicycle accidents on Connecticut roadways. The program seeks to increase motorist awareness and teach bicyclists how to stay visible.

Protecting Yourself on a Bicycle

The Connecticut Department of Transportation estimates 74 percent of bicycle accident fatalities involve a head injury. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to wear a helmet. Helmets save lives. Studies indicate wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce the risk of serious head injury by up to 60 percent and reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury by 53 percent. A bicycle helmet should come down over your forehead and feel snug, not tight. It should also come with a chin strap. The straps should form a V and rest under each ear.

You can also protect yourself by brushing up on the rules of the road. Bicyclists must follow the rules of the road and obey all traffic signs and signals like motorists. Familiarizing yourself with Connecticut traffic laws can be crucial to avoiding accidents.

The Watch for Me CT initiative also provides valuable information on how to keep yourself safe while pedaling through Bridgeport on a bike.

Some of the most vital takeaways include:

• Stay visible and wear bright clothing or reflective gear
• Equip your bike with reflectors
• Use hand signals when turning
• Use bike lanes when available
• Ride single file
• Do not ride against the flow of traffic
• Stay three to four feet away from parked cars to avoid dooring accidents
•  Make eye contact with drivers

Even when you play by the rules, a careless motorist may not. After an accident, discuss your situation with a knowledgeable Bridgeport bicycle accident attorney. The motorist might owe you compensation, and a lawyer can help you demand it.

Proving a Bicycle Accident Claim

Proving that a careless motorist or another party owes you compensation after an accident requires strong evidence. However, gathering vital evidence when you are significantly injured can be impossible. Fortunately, you do not have to do it yourself. Leave the heavy lifting to a skilled Bridgeport bicycle accident lawyer.

At The Flood Law Firm, our legal team knows what it takes to build a strong claim and prove a careless driver is liable for the accident. From the moment we take your case, we will investigate the cause of the crash and pursue evidence before it’s lost or destroyed.

Some of the evidence we might deploy in your case includes:

• Police report
• Medical records
• Cell phone records
• Photos and videos from the scene
• Surveillance footage
• Witness statements

Do not try to go up against an insurance company alone. Seek the help of a seasoned bicycle accident attorney to pursue maximum compensation.

Compensation for a Bicycle Accident Claim

The value of a bicycle accident claim depends on several factors. Two of the most vital considerations are how the accident occurred and the severity of your injuries.

In general, you could pursue compensation for these losses:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Out-of-pocket costs
• Property damage
• Disability
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering

The at-fault motorist’s insurance provider might call you following the accident, offering you a quick settlement to end your claim. But you should remember that insurance companies care more about their shareholders than they do about accident victims.

Do not accept money from anyone without learning more about your legal rights and what your claim is worth. Talk to a knowledgeable Bridgeport bicycle accident attorney at The Flood Law Firm for free about pursuing the money you need for your injuries. While each claim is unique, our case results speak for themselves about our ability to recover maximum compensation.

Fighting the Insurance Company for Compensation

Negotiating with an insurance company is never easy. Insurance companies operate for profit. It is not in their best interest to offer you a substantial payout for your injuries, as that cuts into those profits. Accepting a speedy settlement offer is unlikely to work out in your favor. Some companies bank on you being in a financially desperate situation. This way, they can offer you pennies on the dollar of what your claim is worth.

Instead of simply accepting the insurance company’s valuation of your claim, discuss your situation with a resourceful bicycle accident attorney.

At The Flood Law Firm, our legal team understands the tactics many insurance companies employ to protect their profits and diminish the value of your claim. We aren’t afraid to go head-to-head with these companies and negotiate aggressively on your behalf. And because insurers know we won’t shy away from taking them to court, they know it’s in their best interest to negotiate fairly.

Never accept an offer from an insurance company without talking to a lawyer. You could accidentally sign away your rights and walk away with far less than what you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the answers to some of the questions we get most often from bicycle accident victims in Bridgeport, CT.

What Are My Options for Compensation?

There are potentially several sources for compensation after a bicycle accident in Bridgeport, including:

• Filing a liability insurance claim against the at-fault motorist—Connecticut requires that motorists carry insurance to cover the costs of any accidents they cause. This may be your primary source of compensation.
• Filing a claim with your auto insurance provider—Your own policy may cover certain situations, such as when the driver lacks sufficient insurance to pay your losses. Check your policy to see if it includes uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) or medical payments coverage.
• Pursuing a lawsuit against the liable party—If the at-fault motorist’s insurer denies your claim or attempts to minimize your payout, speak to an attorney about filing a lawsuit against the driver.

How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Case in Court?

While most successful cases end with an out-of-court settlement, sometimes filing a lawsuit and seeing it through to trial is the only way for an accident victim to recover the full compensation they deserve. Connecticut gives you two years from the date of the accident to do so.

You must file your lawsuit within this time frame. Filing after the deadline can result in a dismissal by the courts. You could find yourself with no leverage and few legal options for recovering meaningful compensation. Don’t take this risk—talk to an attorney immediately.

What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident in Bridgeport?

A bicycle accident can be a frightening experience, leaving you overwhelmed and unsure of what comes next. Knowing what to do after an accident can help you protect not just your health, but also your right to compensation.

To help you cope with a bicycle accident:

• Call the authorities. Your first step should be to contact the authorities. Law enforcement and emergency services can help the injured and control the scene. The subsequent police report may also be vital evidence when filing a claim.
• Seek medical help immediately. Get medical help and treat your injuries. The symptoms of traumatic brain injuries may not manifest right away, and the rush of adrenaline after an accident can dull aches and pains. Do not wait. Talk to a doctor as soon as possible.
• Document the scene. Start collecting evidence if you can. Take photos and videos of the area and ask witnesses for their contact information.
• Exchange information. Exchange information with the driver. Do not apologize or discuss the accident.
• Contact a lawyer. Reach out to an experienced Bridgeport bicycle accident attorney. An attorney can manage communication with the insurer and help you navigate the claim process for maximum compensation.
• Stay off social media. Never post about the accident on social media. An insurance adjuster or defense attorney can find your words and potentially use them against you to diminish the value of your claim. It is best to avoid social media platforms until your attorney resolves your compensation claim.
• Follow your doctor’s orders. Adhering to your treatment plan is important to the healing process as well as your claim for compensation. Take your medication as directed and keep all relevant follow-up and rehabilitation appointments. Your medical records can be vital evidence in a compensation claim.
• Keep copies of your bills. Keep detailed records of your medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, repair receipts, and pay stubs. This information can help your attorney estimate the value of your claim.

Contact Our Skilled Bridgeport Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today for Help With Your Claim

A bicycle accident can complicate your life, leaving you with physical injuries and financial uncertainty. You deserve fair compensation, not a token sum from an insurance company. The legal team at The Flood Law Firm wants to help you navigate the claim process and seek maximum compensation for your injuries.

Ready to discuss your situation with an experienced and compassionate Bridgeport personal injury attorney for free? Then contact our office today at (475) 273-4100 to request a no-obligation initial case evaluation. If catastrophic injuries prevent you from coming to our office, our team can come to you or hold a virtual meeting.

The Flood Law Firm - Bridgeport Office

1087 Broad Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
P: 475-273-4100