Pedestrians and bicyclists have specific rights under the law, and it is the responsibility of every driver to recognize them. The failure to do so places the safety of innocent people in jeopardy and creates a dangerous situation that can lead to serious or even life-threatening injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver, you should speak with an experienced New Haven personal injury attorney immediately.
At the Law Office of Carl A. Secola, Jr., LLC, in Connecticut, a New Haven pedestrian and bike accident lawyer from our team represents injury victims and their families in a wide array of complex pedestrian and bike accident claims. We have obtained favorable results for injury victims who were riding in designated bicycle lanes, pedestrians who were walking in crosswalks or on sidewalks, and many others.
A New Haven pedestrian and bike accident attorney from our firm has a substantial background in these matters, and our team will do everything in our power to protect your interests. Contact us today for your free consultation and get the justice that you deserve.
Examples of Bicycle Accidents in New Haven
Accidents that are specific to New Haven bicycle accidents include:
- Intersection Collisions: These accidents happen when a bicyclist and a motor vehicle collide at an intersection. Factors such as a driver failing to yield, running a red light, or making a left turn without yielding to the cyclist can contribute to these accidents.
- Dooring Accidents: Dooring accidents occur when a driver or passenger opens a car door without checking for approaching cyclists, causing the cyclist to collide with the door.
- Right Hook Collisions: A right hook collision occurs when a motor vehicle makes a right turn in front of an oncoming bicyclist, cutting off their path and causing a collision.
- Left Cross Collisions: These accidents occur when a motor vehicle traveling in the opposite direction of a bicyclist makes a left turn, failing to yield to the cyclist and resulting in a collision.
- Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions involve a motor vehicle crashing into the back of a bicycle. These accidents can occur if a driver is distracted, follows too closely, or fails to notice the cyclist ahead.
- Bike Lane Incidents: Cyclists using designated bike lanes may be involved in accidents when drivers fail to respect or encroach upon the bike lane, resulting in collisions or close calls.
- Sideswipe Accidents: Sideswipe accidents occur when a motor vehicle strikes the side of a cyclist, often during lane changes or while overtaking.
- Road Hazards: Cyclists can be involved in accidents caused by road hazards such as potholes, uneven surfaces, debris, or inadequate signage, which can lead to loss of control and crashes.
Laws for New Haven Bicyclists
Bicyclists are required to follow laws specific to bicycle riders in New Haven. These laws include:
- Right-of-Way: Bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as motor vehicles. This includes yielding the right-of-way when required, obeying traffic signs and signals, and using proper hand signals for turns and stops.
- Bicycle Lanes: Bicyclists should use designated bicycle lanes when available and stay within the marked lanes. Motor vehicles are generally prohibited from driving or parking in bicycle lanes unless making a turn or accessing a parking space.
- Riding on Roadways: Bicyclists are generally allowed to ride on roadways alongside motor vehicles. However, they should stay as far to the right as practical, except when making left turns, avoiding hazards, or when the lane is too narrow to share safely with a motor vehicle.
- Sidewalk Riding: In New Haven, it is generally legal for bicyclists to ride on sidewalks unless specifically prohibited in certain areas. However, bicyclists must yield to pedestrians and exercise caution to prevent accidents or injuries.
- Equipment Requirements: Bicycles operated on public roads in New Haven must be equipped with a front white light visible from at least 500 feet and a rear red reflector or light visible from at least 600 feet. It is also recommended for bicyclists to wear reflective clothing or accessories to enhance visibility.
- Helmet Law: While there is no statewide helmet law in Connecticut for adult bicyclists, it is strongly recommended to wear a properly fitted helmet for safety.
- Bicycle Registration: Currently, there is no requirement for bicycle registration in New Haven or the state of Connecticut.
Why You Should Choose Our Team? Here Is A Case We Have Won
In the case of Jura v. Denegris, we represented a bicyclist who was hit by a negligent motorist. The final offer from the driver’s insurance company prior to trial was $50,000. A New Britain jury awarded our client $3,091,700. Even after a 10% reduction of the award for comparative negligence, our client received a net verdict of $2,782,530.
Elements of a Successful New Haven Bicycle Accident Claim
Here are some examples of factors that may contribute to a winning bicycle accident claim:
- Negligent Motorist: If a motorist was negligent, such as speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield to a bicyclist, causing the accident, the injured bicyclist may be able to establish liability and pursue a successful claim.
- Road Hazards: If the accident was caused by a hazardous road condition, such as a pothole or debris, and the responsible party, such as a municipality or property owner, failed to address or warn about the hazard, the injured party may have a successful claim against the responsible entity.
- Driver Violations: If the motorist involved in the accident was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distracted (e.g., texting while driving), or engaging in other reckless behavior, it may strengthen the injured bicyclist’s claim for compensation.
- Witness Testimony: Eyewitnesses can play a crucial role in supporting the injured bicyclist’s version of events and corroborating their claim.
- Medical Evidence: Comprehensive medical documentation and expert opinions can establish the extent of injuries, their impact on the injured party’s life, and the need for ongoing medical treatment, all of which can contribute to a successful claim for compensation.
The Statute of Limitations on New Haven Bicycle Accident Claims
In New Haven, there is a statute of limitations that sets a time limit for filing bicycle accident claims. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including bicycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that individuals who have been injured in a bicycle accident have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for their injuries and damages.
It’s important to understand that adhering to the statute of limitations is crucial because if a claim is not filed within the specified time frame, the injured party may lose their right to pursue legal action and seek compensation.
Discuss Your Injury Claim With A New Haven Pedestrian and Bike Accident Attorney
Bicycle riders and pedestrians who are hit by negligent drivers face the possibility of much more severe injuries than other auto accident victims. Suffering a direct impact from a vehicle that is traveling at even a minimal speed can result in broken bones, back and spinal cord injuries, and brain injuries, among others.
We work hard to fully understand your injuries and seek compensation that accommodates all your losses. Some of these injuries require a lifetime of care. We work closely with a group of talented experts who can accurately determine your future needs and the costs associated with them. We are diligent in our pursuit of a settlement or jury verdict that covers any need that may arise.
At the Law Office of Carl A. Secola, Jr., LLC, our New Haven pedestrian and bike accident lawyers will fight to get the justice you deserve. We represent clients throughout the New Haven area and across Connecticut. If you have been injured in a bicycle or pedestrian accident, contact our office for a free consultation or reach out to us by phone at 203-891-5265.