Involved in a Bicycle Accident in Norwalk, CT? Injury? We Can Help

Injured in a Bicycle Accident in Norwalk, CT?

Bicycle accidents can be serious and life threatening. In 2018, 857 cyclists were killed in traffic crashes in the U.S. — averaging to about 742 deaths per year. In Connecticut, there has been 1,617 crashes involving bicycles since 2017, with 867 people reporting a serious or minor injury as result of the crash. Bicycle riders are entitled to the same rights and privileges as drivers, but oftentimes, motorists who are distracted and engage in negligent behavior put cyclists at risk.

If you and/or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Norwalk caused by another driver’s negligence, our experienced personal injury attorneys at Lemberg Law are equipped to get you the compensation you deserve. We understand that bicycle accidents can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, resulting in serious impacts on your health and finances; which is why you may need help as soon as possible.

Navigating insurance companies that may be at fault for your injury can be a scary and frustrating experience, but it doesn’t have to be. For 13 years, Lemberg Law has made legal representation a pain-free and easily accessible process. We have successfully recovered more than $50 million in damages for more than 25,000 clients across the nation. Our track record speaks for itself.

You may be compensated for damages or losses associated with a bicycle accident, which can include but are not limited to:

• Medical expense reimbursements
• Payment of lost wages
• Compensation for future medical costs
• Payment for future earnings
• Damages for pain and suffering

Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents

Injuries from bicycle accidents tend to be much more serious and debilitating than a car accident, and because of that, your medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation may be more costly. Fatalities from bicycle accidents have continued to decrease, mostly due to adoption of safety helmet laws, so that more children and adults are wearing helmets.

Some common injuries of bicycle accidents include:

• Head and brain injuries
• Neck and spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Bruising
• Abrasions
• Death

Injuries Per Bicycle Crashes in Connecticut (2017-2020)

Wearing a helmet can save your life. In a majority of bicyclist deaths, the most serious injuries are head injuries, illustrating how crucial it is to protect your head.

Helmet use has been estimated to reduce the odds of head injury by 50%, and a head, face, or neck injury by 33%.

Most Common Causes for Bicycle Accidents

No matter how careful you ride, accidents can happen, sometimes due to automobile drivers, defective bicycle equipment, road design, or poor weather conditions. A cyclist may also be at fault for the accident or injury. Common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Driver distraction: Another vehicle may be at fault for the crash. Some of the most common causes include unsafe lane changes, turning without looking for cyclists, driving too close to bike lanes and shoulders, and using cell phones or other electronic devices behind the wheel.

• Dooring accidents: “Dooring” occurs when a driver opens their car door along the road without looking. Cyclists often do not have time to react before crashing into an open car door, resulting in minor to serious injuries.

• Rider inattention: When sharing the road with larger vehicles, cyclists must exercise extreme caution. Riders are more likely to be injured in an accident if they are distracted. Distractions can include the use of hands-free cell phone device or headphones, which can cause the bike veer into oncoming traffic or swerve out of the safety of a bicycle lane.
• Dangerous road conditions: The fault can also fall on the local government who have a responsibility to ensure that roadways and bike lanes are maintained and in good condition. According to the NHTSA, a 2012 survey revealed that 13% of all injury-causing bicycle accidents were caused by roads that are not in good repair.

The Most Dangerous Routes and Roads in Connecticut

The number of accidents on routes and interstates in Connecticut decreased slightly from 113,759 in 2018 to 112,459 in 2019, but the most dangerous roads where the most crashes occur remain the same year after year. Popular interstates and routes that run through our state, such as I-95 and I-84, are very likely to contain a multitude of trucks and vehicles. Here are the nine most dangerous roads and interstates in Connecticut in the last three years:

2017-2020 Bicycle Crash Locations – Connecticut

1. Route 1 – 98 crashes
2. Route 10 – 44 crashes
3. Chapel Street, New Haven – 20 crashes
4. Route 44 – 19 crashes
5. Route 130 – 16 crashes
6. Dixwell Avenue, New Haven – 15 crashes
7. Route 6 – 13 crashes
8. Route 5 – 12 crashes
9. Orange Street, New Haven – 12 crashes

Are You Road Ready?

Taking the necessary precautions before operating a bicycle can reduce the likelihood of being involved in an accident. Before you ride, you should:

1. Prepare your bike: It is crucial to choose a bike that fits you. Ride one person per seat, with both hands on the handlebars unless you are signaling a turn. All items should be in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike. Tuck and tie shoe laces, pant legs, or any loose clothing to prevent it from getting caught in the bike chain.
2. Wear the proper equipment: Life-saving equipment include a properly fit bike helmet, bright clothing, and reflective gear. If you are riding at night or when visibility is poor, use a white front light, red rear light, and reflectors on your bike.
3. Plan your route: Choose routes with less traffic and slower speeds. The safest route may be away from traffic and in a bike lane or bike path.

FAQs about Bicycle Accidents:

What should I do if I am involved in a bicycle accident?

First and foremost, you should check to see if you or anyone else is seriously injured and call the police for help. If you are safely able to, get off the road and out of oncoming traffic. Keep your helmet and safety gear on; this will keep your neck and spine protected until paramedics arrive.

You should also get the information of everyone involved, including their full name, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, general descriptions of each vehicle, insurance information, and driver’s license information. Try to get as much information as possible to show that you are not liable for the accident, such as photographs of the scene and testimonies from witnesses. A police report will produce useful documents our accident lawyers can evaluate and utilize when prosecuting your claim. Also, make sure to make a doctor’s appointment to have your injuries checked.

Is there anything I should not say during the bicycle accident or to insurance companies?

You should not apologize to anyone or admit fault or blame for the accident, as this can be misinterpreted by the insurance companies and used against you. You may be contacted by an adjuster from the other side’s insurance company, but you should not answer their questions. Consult with a lawyer before talking to any insurance company or before accepting any type of initial settlement. Your lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation into what caused the crash and help calculate your losses from the accident.

Should I see a doctor after the bicycle accident, even if I do not think I’m seriously injured?

You should absolutely visit a doctor after being in any type of accident. While you may feel like the injuries are minor or not there, you could have injuries that may become serious if not treated. It’s better to take precautions when dealing with your health. Seeing a doctor will also create medical documents that can serve as evidence if you do decide to peruse legal action.

I wasn’t wearing a helmet; am I still entitled to compensation from a driver who at fault?

Whether or not you were wearing a helmet is irrelevant in determining the damages that you may get from the driver at fault, however insurance companies may use your lack of wearing a helmet in attempt to reduce the amount that they play in your claim.

How much compensation am I entitled to for being injured in a bicycle accident?

No two claims are the same. How much you may receive in damages depends on a variety of factors, such as the sum cost of your injuries. The effects of an injury also vary from person to person. Once our lawyers get all of the necessary information from you, we will evaluate your case tailored to your needs. We provide personalized representation to our clients and make sure to keep them informed about any updates in their case.

How much time to do I have to file a bicycle personal injury claim in Norwalk?

If you were hurt by a vehicle that is owned or operated by a district or government entity, in many states, there is only a brief period—sometimes less than 60 days—in which a claimant can sue a government body who may be responsible for an accident.

If you are pursuing a personal injury claim that is not against a government body, under Connecticut law, you must file a personal injury or property damage claim within two years of the date of the accident. If someone suffers a wrongful death, the two-year limit starts on the date of the victim’s death from their injuries.

You should reach out to an attorney sooner, rather than later, in order to have plenty of time to build a strong case. Our attorneys are knowledgeable about the entire process, including state, local, and national transportation laws.