Hartford Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Riding a bike is a great way to get around while saving money on gas and burning some extra calories. Just like driving a car, riding a bike can be dangerous, but it’s your legal right to seek out compensation following an incident. If you or a loved one has been recently involved in an accident, then don’t hesitate to call Brown Paindiris & Scott, LLP to ask to speak with our Hartford, CT bicycle accident lawyer!

Hartford, CT Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle accidents can happen for various reasons, but they’re often the result of another driver’s recklessness or negligence. Unlike car crashes, where a victim has protection, in a bicycle accident, there may not be much protection, even if the rider is wearing safety gear like a helmet. Even a small bump can send a rider to the emergency room, resulting in hefty medical bills.

Pursuing compensation after a bicycle accident isn’t always a straightforward process. Many victims and their families fill out a claim only to have their or the other party’s insurance company deny the claim. Even when the insurance companies do offer a settlement, often the amount doesn’t compare to the true total compensation you’re entitled to.

Settlements can cover a wide area, and they’re not just limited to medical expenses and property damage. Many victims are unable to work for some time following the accident. Our legal team may also account for emotional distress or pain and suffering, especially if the incident has taken a toll on your mental health.

Insurance companies are more willing to offer a fair settlement if they know you have legal representation. Should the other side refuse to offer a fair settlement, then our team can apply legal pressure.

Experience Matters For Bicycle Accidents

Experience can make a critical difference when it comes to bicycle accidents, and our Hartford bicycle accident lawyers know how to deliver this difference.

• Our firm has a history of over 40 years. We’re dedicated to helping individuals and small businesses through various legal issues, including personal injury cases. Today, our firm boasts 26 attorneys, many of whom bring decades of legal experience.

• We’re happy to have many recognitions, including being recognized by Super Lawyers and being part of the U.S. News Best Law Firms in 2023.

• Senior Partner John Maxwell first joined our law firm in 1979, and during his over 40-year career, he has worked on several personal injury cases. He’s able to practice before all of Connecticut’s State Courts, the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut, and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

• Our partner and attorney, Bruce Newman, is a Lifetime Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. This group consists of a select number of attorneys who have achieved million-dollar verdicts and settlements in personal injury cases.

Our Hartford bicycle accident lawyer can handle your case and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. To learn more about our process, please call Brown Paindiris & Scott, LLP to discover if you’re eligible!

Types Of Bicycle Accident Cases We Handle

If you are in the unfortunate situation of needing to talk to a Hartford, CT bicycle accident lawyer, Brown Paindiris & Scott, LLP is here to help. We have been successfully helping injury victims get the compensation they deserve since our founding in 1977. Our firm is deeply committed to advocating for the rights of injured cyclists and holding negligent parties accountable. With decades of experience and a thorough understanding of Connecticut’s traffic and personal injury laws, we are well-equipped to handle a wide range of bicycle accident cases. We treat every case with the dedication and personalized attention it deserves.

Collisions With Motor Vehicles

One of the most common causes of bicycle accidents involves collisions with cars, trucks, or buses. These crashes often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection bike riders have and the sturdiness, size, and weight of the motor vehicles that have hit them. Whether the driver failed to yield, ran a red light, or was distracted, we thoroughly investigate the circumstances to build a strong case for compensation.

Dooring Incidents

Dooring accidents occur when a parked vehicle’s door is opened directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist. These incidents can cause riders to be thrown from their bikes or into traffic. We work to prove liability in these often overlooked but highly dangerous accidents.

Hit-And-Run Bicycle Accidents

When a driver flees the scene after hitting a cyclist, it can complicate the claims process significantly. Our team helps victims of hit-and-run accidents identify responsible parties and pursue compensation through insurance policies or other available avenues.

Accidents Involving Distracted Drivers

Distracted driving is a leading cause of bicycle-related crashes. Texting, using GPS, or eating behind the wheel can divert a driver’s attention for just a second—long enough to cause serious harm to a cyclist. We gather phone records, witness statements, and video footage to support your case.

Intersection And Crosswalk Accidents

Intersections are particularly dangerous for cyclists due to poor visibility, right-of-way confusion, and inattentive drivers. Our Hartford bicycle accident lawyer handles cases where cyclists are struck in crosswalks or while lawfully crossing intersections, ensuring the driver’s negligence is brought to light.

Road Hazard-Related Crashes

Poor road conditions like potholes, debris, or poorly maintained bike lanes can cause serious accidents. When a municipality or property owner fails to maintain safe roadways, they can be held accountable for resulting injuries.

Accidents Caused By Drunk Or Impaired Drivers

When a cyclist is hit by an intoxicated driver, the injuries are often catastrophic. These cases not only involve civil liability but may also include punitive damages. We pursue every legal avenue to secure justice and financial compensation for our clients.

Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles

Commercial trucks and delivery vehicles pose a greater danger due to their size and blind spots. Bicycle accidents involving these vehicles often require in-depth investigation and negotiation with corporate insurance providers. Our team has the resources and experience to handle these complex claims.

Crashes Caused By Reckless Or Aggressive Driving

Cyclists are vulnerable to drivers who speed, tailgate, or exhibit road rage. We take these cases seriously and work to demonstrate the driver’s dangerous behavior, using traffic camera footage and expert witnesses to prove your claim.

Brown Paindiris & Scott, LLP is a full-service law firm that has been helping people throughout Connecticut with their personal injury and other legal needs since 1977. We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll a bicycle accident can take . Our goal is to help you recover the compensation you need to heal and move forward. If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident, call our skilled and compassionate Hartford bicycle accident lawyer today. 

What To Do Immediately After A Bicycle Accident

When you are involved in a bicycle accident, our Hartford, CT bicycle accident lawyer knows the moments after the crash can be confusing and stressful. Injuries may not be immediately obvious, and property damage can make it hard to focus on what to do next. Taking clear steps right away protects your health, preserves evidence, and helps assert your rights if you need to pursue compensation. Acting carefully can make a significant difference in how the case is handled later. We offer free consultations, so reach out to our firm when you are ready. 

1. Check For Injuries And Call 911. Your first concern is safety. You should check yourself and anyone else involved for injuries and call 911 if medical attention is needed. Even minor injuries should be documented promptly to show they resulted from the accident.

2. Stay At The Scene. Leaving the scene prematurely can create legal problems. Staying allows law enforcement to document the accident properly and ensures all parties are accounted for.

3. Request A Police Report. A police report records details such as the location, time, and circumstances of the accident. It becomes an important piece of evidence when dealing with insurance or legal matters.

4. Gather Contact Information. You should collect names, phone numbers, and addresses of everyone involved, including drivers, passengers, and witnesses. This information helps confirm facts and provides testimony if needed later.

5. Take Photos And Video. Capturing images of the bicycle, vehicles, injuries, road conditions, traffic signals, and skid marks preserves the scene. These visuals are useful when proving fault or the extent of damages.

6. Talk To Witnesses. If anyone saw the accident, getting their names and contact information is critical. As your Hartford bicycle accident lawyer knows, witness accounts can support your version of events if the other party disputes responsibility.

7. Avoid Admitting Fault. You should not apologize or make statements that suggest you caused the accident. Anything you say at the scene may be used against you in claims or legal proceedings.

8. Seek Medical Care. Even if injuries appear minor, seeing a doctor promptly is important. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bruising, may not be immediately obvious but require documentation to support your claim.

9. Notify Your Insurance Company. Reporting the accident to your insurance provider quickly helps protect your rights and starts the claims process. Clear communication reduces misunderstandings later.

10. Keep Records And Documentation. You should save medical records, repair estimates, receipts, and any correspondence related to the accident. This documentation supports your claim for compensation.

11. Consider Legal Guidance. Bicycle accidents can involve complex liability issues, especially if a motor vehicle is involved. Legal support helps you protect your rights and prevents mistakes that could reduce compensation.

After a bicycle accident, the steps you take immediately can affect your recovery, medical coverage, and legal options. At Brown Paindiris & Scott, LLP, we help you protect your rights and move forward confidently after a crash. Our firm has been helping clients with their legal needs since 1977. If you are ready to discuss your accident and explore your options, our Hartford bicycle accident lawyer can speak with you about the next steps and how to proceed.