If I Am Injured While Riding My Bicycle, Can I Sue The Driver That Hit Me?
Yes. You can sue a driver that hit and injured you while you were riding your bicycle. Under the law, bicyclists must follow the same traffic rules as any other motorist. But not all motorists are mindful of bicyclists on the road. Unfortunately, bicyclists also have a higher risk of sustaining catastrophic injuries than drivers and passengers in motor vehicles. They also have a higher risk of getting seriously injured or killed.
What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Connecticut?
Most bicycle crashes result from the actions of negligent drivers who fail to take sufficient care to ensure the safety of bicyclists, particularly on busy roads and at night. The most common bicycle accident causes are:
- Driver Negligence – Drivers who are speeding, driving while distracted, driving while drugged or drunk, tailgating, or breaking a traffic law have an increased risk of hitting a bicyclist.
- Failure to Yield – Many drivers fail to yield to bicyclists, especially when turning left, which can lead to serious crashes.
- Poor Visibility – A lot of bicycle crashes result from poor visibility, especially during severe weather conditions or at night.
- Poor Road Conditions – Bicycle accidents can also happen due to poor road conditions, like uneven surfaces, potholes, etc.
Regardless of the cause of the bicycle accident, an injured bicyclist is usually entitled to seek compensation from the responsible party.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Bicycle Accident Claim?
The damages an injured bicyclist can recover in a bike accident claim will depend on the type of losses they suffered and the severity of their injuries. These damages can include:
- Medical Expenses – Injured bicyclists can recoup compensation to pay for the medical bills related to the bike crash. They can be compensated for costs arising from long-term or permanent injuries that will require future medical care.
- Property Damage – This type of damage covers the cost of replacing or repairing a bike that got damaged in a bike crash.
- Lost Earnings – These include wages and benefits lost while recovering from their injuries. These can Compensation for future earnings may be included if the injured cyclist does not make a full recover.
- Pain and Suffering – Being struck by a car can trigger traumatic responses e.g emotional distress in the form of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep issues, heightened stress, or recurring nightmares about the accident, among others.
Speak to a Hartford Roadside Lawyer Today
If you have been hit and injured by a driver while riding your bicycle, reach out to the Hartford roadside lawyer at Berman & Russo right away. A lawyer can investigate the crash, figure out what caused it, determine the party to be held liable for your losses, and make sure you obtain maximum compensation for your injuries.
To learn more about your case and set up a free case review with our Hartford roadside lawyer, call our office at 860-644-1548 or fill out our online contact form.