Fairfield Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Fairfield Bicycle Accident Attorney

As a bicyclist, sharing the road with other vehicles can be dangerous. If you have been in an accident, you may benefit from the help of a Fairfield bicycle accident lawyer. Not only can they handle, build, and present your case, but they can also advocate for your rights, desired outcomes, and overall wellness.

An Overview of Bicycle Accidents

Nearly 1,000 bicyclists die every year in motor vehicle accidents, and in 2021, bicyclists accounted for 2.2% of all traffic fatalities in the United States. Bike accidents are often caused by driver error, but there are additional factors that can contribute to a collision. It is important to understand the circumstances, laws, and reasons behind bike accidents to file a suitable claim.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Fairfield, Connecticut

Bicycle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, and even though Connecticut is one of the most “bike-friendly states” in the country, there is always the possibility that something unexpected may happen and lead to the harm and even death of a bicyclist. Here are some examples of different roadway situations that are known to contribute to bicycle accidents: 

• Speeding: When a driver ignores the posted speed limit, they may find themselves unable to reduce the speed of their vehicle quickly enough to avoid or prevent car accident or collision. This can greatly endanger the lives of everyone in the area, especially bicyclists sharing the road.
• Distracted driving. In recent years, the number of distractions drivers may encounter while operating a vehicle has increased drastically. Shifting your focus to something other than driving for even just a second may result in you being unable to avoid some type of accident.
• Failure to yield. Yielding is one of the most important rules of the road, but is unfortunately often not approached with as much caution and awareness as it should be. This can become even more dangerous at intersections where a motorist may fail to yield to cyclists or vice versa.
• Unsafe lane changes. Impulsively changing lanes can leave you unaware of your surroundings, which can then lead to accidents with cyclists, particularly in areas without established bike lanes.
• Poor visibility. In addition to poor road conditions, weather is also an unavoidable variable that can impact the safety of cars and bicyclists alike. When visibility is low, it can be harder for drivers to see bicyclists, which can increase the risk of an accident. Snow and rain-slick roads can also make it more difficult for car and bike tires to gain traction.

Different Types of Bicycle Accidents in Connecticut

While it is always wise to operate a vehicle with caution, there are certain locations and circumstances that can result in a higher number of bicycle accidents, such as the following examples:

• Intersection collisions. According to one set of statistics, roughly 35% of bicyclist deaths occurred at intersections in the year 2023. It is common for accidents to occur when drivers are unaware of nearby cyclists, especially during left turns, which can lead to severe and even deadly accidents.
• Mid-block crashes. One of the most common causes of bicycle deaths in 2023 was mid-block crashes, which caused approximately 65% of bicyclist deaths on major roads other than interstates and freeways, as well as 30% that occurred on minor roads. Mid-block crashes occur more often in rural areas, but they also happen in urban environments, specifically when drivers fail to see a cyclist while overtaking them.
• Door collisions. When motorists or their passengers open a car door into the path of a cyclist, it can leave the rider with severe injuries that can have a long-lasting impact. This is why it is paramount that individuals getting out of a car check their surroundings prior to opening their doors.

Why Should I Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Fairfield, Connecticut?

When you hire a Fairfield bicycle accident lawyer, they can represent you and direct your case toward success. One of the ways they may prove beneficial is if you have to go to court. While not every bicycle accident case needs this additional involvement, yours might. If you find your case falls into this category, you will most likely be spending time at the Connecticut Superior Court – Judicial District of Fairfield at Bridgeport, and your lawyer can help you sort out scheduling.

FAQs

How Large a Settlement Can I Get From My Bicycle Accident Case in Connecticut?

The size of settlement each bicycle accident claim tends to vary case by case due to the unique needs of each incident. Compensation tends to be determined by the amount of physical, emotional, financial, and long-term damages the plaintiff has experienced in connection with their case, but having a lawyer representing you can prove extra helpful.

Should I Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer to Represent Me?

While you are legally permitted to represent yourself in a bicycle accident case in Connecticut, many have found that it can be incredibly beneficial to hire a bicycle accident lawyer to handle the case. Not only can they help you create and present your case, but they can also lessen the amount of confusion and stress you may have otherwise experienced.

How Long Will My Bicycle Accident Case Take to Resolve?

In the state of Connecticut, bicycle accident cases tend to vary in the amount of time that is necessary to close the case. This is often connected to the schedule of other parties involved and, should the need arise, the availability of your local courthouse. Hiring a lawyer to represent you, however, can help you avoid unnecessary setbacks.

What Is an Example of Something That Can Cause a Bicycle Accident?

Poor road conditions: Bicycle accidents are not always the result of poor choices on the part of those operating vehicles. Roadway hazards like poorly maintained streets, potholes, debris on the road, and/or poorly marked construction zones can increase the risk of danger for cyclists on the road, which may then lead to accidents.

Why Should I Choose Sorrentino Legal to Represent Me in My Bicycle Accident Case?

At Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law, we believe in helping our clients pursue their desired outcomes while empowering them to seek justice. Contact Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law today to schedule a consultation, and let us show you how we can help.