Cyclists in Connecticut are left more exposed than drivers they share the road with. When they are involved in an accident, the resulting injuries can have lasting, life-altering consequences. In the aftermath of a disaster, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and confused. A Woodbridge bicycle accident lawyer can help you through this trying time.
Jacobs & Jacobs has represented the people of Woodbridge, New Haven, Bridgeport, and cities throughout Connecticut for over a century. Our team has decades of combined legal experience and has secured settlements worth millions for our clients. Attorney Allison R. Jacobs was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2020 and was included as one of the “New Leaders in the Law” by Connecticut Law Tribune in 2021.
A bicycle accident can be a devastating event for cyclists across Connecticut. In 2023, the Connecticut Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board reported 336 bicyclist injuries in motor vehicle crashes and five fatalities.
In 2022, only 0.32% of motor vehicle crashes involved bicycles, but they accounted for 1.04% of all accident deaths. Tragedy can strike anywhere, whether you’re riding on Amity Road or a side street like Lunar Drive.
Bicycle accident claims in Woodbridge typically fall under personal injury law. These cases center around demonstrating that another party was responsible for causing the accident. The key argument changes on a case-by-case basis. A few common causes that can be highlighted include:
Even if you are partially responsible for an accident, you may still be eligible for compensation. Connecticut uses modified comparative negligence laws, meaning that you can receive damages as long as you are less than fifty percent responsible for the incident. The final sum can be adjusted in accordance with your culpability.
Cyclists still need to be safe on the road. This can be accomplished through adequate lights and reflectors on your bicycle. It’s also necessary to be mindful of other vehicles and obstacles on the road.
Bike accident claims involving a Woodbridge resident may be filed either through New Haven or Ansonia-Milford’s juridical districts. New Haven Superior Court is located at 235 Church Street, New Haven, CT 06510. Ansonia-Milford’s courtroom for civil claims is in Milford at 14 West River Street.
Bicycle accident claims can be frustrating to handle on your own. Hire a personal injury lawyer in Woodbridge to help you with each stage of your claim. A few services that your Woodbridge bicycle accident attorney can provide include:
How much you can receive for a bicycle accident claim in Connecticut depends on the level of negligence, the injuries you received, and any aggravating factors involved. A reckless driver who causes disfigurement tends to pay more in damages than a minor collision with equivalent responsibility. Your attorney can use the specifics of your situation to estimate what you may receive in compensation.
How much your Connecticut bicycle accident lawyer costs depends on the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and the work hours your case requires. A simple claim with an early settlement is cheaper than one involving paralysis and a lengthy trial. Another determining factor is the billing structure, with various firms using flat fees, retainer expenses, or an hourly rate model.
In Connecticut, who is at fault between a motor vehicle driver and a cyclist is based on the factors involved. State law treats bicycles as a vehicle with the same level of responsibility to obey traffic laws as cars. If you were riding a bike during a crash, and the other party was driving a motor vehicle, you may still be found at fault for damages.
How long you have after a bicycle accident to file a personal injury claim in Connecticut is an important limitation to understand. In most cases, you have two years from the date of an incident to submit a formal complaint seeking damages.
This timeline may be extended through discovery in limited circumstances. If you are seeking to file a claim against a governmental entity, you may have less time depending on which party is responsible.
Jacobs & Jacobs is committed to helping the people of Woodbridge and Connecticut in their bicycle accident claims. We can use our decades of experience to make a positive difference in the outcome of your case.
Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation. In this meeting, we can hear your side of the story, explain your rights, and explore potential strategies for your case. You may also visit our New Haven office, located at the corner of Audubon Street and State Street, a few blocks southeast of Yale University and straight north of Wooster Square Park.