Bicycle Accident Lawyer in West Hartford
Cycling can be a fun and practical way to get around, but it also comes with significant risks, especially when accidents occur due to negligent drivers, defective equipment, or unsafe road conditions. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, securing fair compensation for your losses is crucial to recovery and moving forward.
Contact the dedicated team at Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Although even a child can ride a bicycle, cycling remains a somewhat dangerous mode of transportation. Riding on two wheels with almost no protection significantly augments the risk of serious injury or death for riders. When an accident does happen, victims typically need valuable compensation for their losses. To get that, they should contact a West Hartford bicycle accident lawyer immediately.
Why Choose Us?
Each bicycle accident attorney at Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge has the experience and skill to faithfully represent you in your Connecticut bicycle accident lawsuit or claim. For years, our attorneys have been fighting to recover substantial compensation payments for bicycle riders and other personal injury victims. Like many in the past, you can rely on us to vigorously pursue the money you are owed.
Choosing our firm means working with a team that has:
- A well-established track record of substantial compensation for clients
- Industry-leading and recognized attorneys
- Free consultations
- 24/7 availability
- Personalized legal service
Don’t settle for a low-ball compensation payout from an insurance company. Learn how much compensation you deserve and let an experienced team of professionals fight to get it.
To pursue compensation for losses sustained in a bicycle accident, contact Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge. We offer initial consultations for no charge. Call or come in to speak with an experienced West Hartford bicycle accident lawyer today.
John Kennedy Jr.
Founding Partner
John J. Kennedy, Jr., is the founding partner of Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C. In 1988, John formed Kennedy & Johnson, along with David Johnson. John is an accomplished trial attorney, spending most of his more than 42 years practicing in Connecticut, representing injured clients before juries.
Liability for Bicycle Accidents
Bike accidents lead to serious, painful injuries that derail people’s lives. Bicycle accident victims harmed by others deserve compensation for their injuries and losses. The following parties are commonly held liable in bicycle cases:
- Motor vehicle operators
- Other cyclists
- Bike and bike equipment makers, distributors, and retailers
- Bicycle repair shops
- Property owners and tenants (parking lot and sidewalk owners)
Their liability stems from their failure to maintain reasonable safety standards, which are defined by the context of the situation in question.
Traffic Accidents
The typical bicycle/car accident occurs in traffic and is caused by negligent or reckless motorists engaged in one or more of the following illegal behaviors:
- Aggressive driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Tailgating
- Driving while drowsy
Motorists also cause a number of accidents by driving in bicycle lanes in disregard of cyclists.
Defective Equipment
Cyclists depend on their bicycles as well as their safety equipment. Product makers have a duty to provide consumers with defect-free equipment. If they breach that duty, they can be held responsible.
The following are examples of defective equipment that may cause a bicycle accident:
- Failing brakes
- Defective chain
- Defective tires and wheels
- Defective bike frame
- Defective handlebars
A defective seat can also cause a serious bicycle accident.
Dangerous Property
Cyclists are often traveling across other people’s properties. They ride through parking lots, along sidewalks, and up and down driveways. If these locations and areas are not maintained according to reasonable safety standards, the property owner or tenant may be held liable for accidents that might ensue.
For example, suppose that a cyclist falls into an unadvertised hole or drop-off while legally traversing a parking lot. In that case, the owner of the parking lot could be held liable for negligence.
Negligent Repair
Bicycle riders depend on skilled repair workers to fix and maintain their bicycles. Sadly, some repairs are made negligently, leading to a false sense of confidence on the part of the cyclist and an elevated risk of accident and injury.
Contact our West Hartford bicycle accident law firm for a free consultation. Learn how much your claim might be worth today.
Compensation for Bike Accidents
The allows bicycle accident victims to recover compensation for various damages caused by others, including compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income and employment
- Homecare expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
When a fatality occurs, the victim’s executor or administrator can potentially file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the victim’s estate.
Sadly, some bicycle accident cases are caused by deliberate or reckless disregard of the laws of the road. In these cases, victims may be entitled to punitive damages, which can be double or even triple the compensation awarded to the victim.
Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge fights for accident victims just like you, and we never settle for subpar compensation offers from insurance companies. Call us to schedule a free consultation with a West Hartford, CT, bicycle accident lawyer today and learn what you may be entitled to.
Timing Considerations With Bicycle Accident Compensation
There are important timing considerations to keep in mind when pursuing compensation. The first deals with the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Connecticut.
Bicycle accident victims have two years to file a lawsuit for damages arising out of a bicycle accident. Minors who wish to pursue compensation must also pursue compensation within two years of the accident. This stands in contrast to rules in other states, many of which give minors two years from their 18th birthday to file.
The second timing consideration deals with evidence and case building. In most legal actions, cases become more difficult to build and prove as time rolls on. Evidence issues in particular begin to arise, such as:
- Deleted traffic cam footage
- Witnesses leaving the area or passing away
- Loss of witness recall
- Destroyed evidence
When you act quickly and hire a bike accident law firm, the bicycle/car accident lawyers handling your case will set out immediately to gather and preserve vital evidence.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
As you might imagine, bicycle accidents can cause serious injuries, especially when motor vehicles are involved. Even at slow speeds, bicycle riders can experience catastrophic injuries that prevent them from working and enjoying a normal life.
Some of the more common bicycle accident injuries we see include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Dental injuries
- Facial injuries
- Injuries to the neck and back
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Road rash and lacerations
- Bruises
- Abrasions
- Death
Each of the above-listed injuries, if serious enough, can lead to financial ruin without compensation. Additionally, psychological and emotional trauma detrimentally affect victims as well.
Contingency Fees
At Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., we handle all Connecticut Bicycle Accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not get paid unless and until you receive a settlement or a jury award.
Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a skilled Connecticut personal injury lawyer today. Contact us online or call our New Haven law firm directly at 203-865-8430.
Bicycle Accidents FAQs
Should I Communicate With the Insurance Company Handling My Case?
Ideally, you will have an experienced bike accident lawyer speaking to insurance companies on your behalf to protect your right to compensation. Insurance companies can and do use anything you say to them against your claim. A bike accident attorney knows how to communicate with adjusters and insurance defense attorneys to compel them to pay.
How Much Compensation Will I Get?
The compensation you ultimately receive depends on the extent of your losses. If you are a high-paid worker, your lost-wages compensation will be higher than a person who makes minimum wage. Similarly, if you experience a severe traumatic brain injury, you will likely get more compensation than someone who breaks a finger.
Additionally, the skill and experience of the bicycle accident law firm you choose factor heavily into the amount of compensation you receive. Seasoned bicycle accident attorneys know how to obtain fair compensation for their clients.
How Long Before I Receive My Compensation Pay Out?
Depending on the facts of your situation, it could take a few months or up to a year or more. Each claim is unique. By speaking to a West Hartford bicycle accident attorney, you can get a better sense of how long it will take to receive compensation in your individual case.
Are Bicycle Helmets Mandatory in Connecticut?
Connecticut does not have a mandatory helmet law for adults. However, bicycle helmets are mandatory for children under the age of 16. Regarding electric bikes, Connecticut law requires operators and passengers of all ages to wear approved protective headwear.
Can I Ride My Bicycle on the Sidewalk in Connecticut?
Connecticut state law does not prohibit you from riding your bicycle on a sidewalk. However, municipalities are free to ban bicycles on sidewalks. When bicycles do transit sidewalks, riders are to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and announce their presence when approaching pedestrians.
Can I Sue for a Bicycle Accident Caused by a Roadway Defect or Condition?
Potentially, yes. If a particular road defect causes you to crash, you may be able to sue the road contractor who installed the road or the government agency responsible for maintaining it. You may also potentially sue negligent property owners who put debris or other objects in the roadway or onto sidewalks, such as trash, leaves, and unwanted furniture and appliances.
Our Team in West Hartford Is Ready to Help
The team of bicycle accident lawyers at Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge is ready to meet with you and review your case. Learn how much you may be entitled to by scheduling a free consultation with our team. Call today.
Free Case Evaluation
"*" indicates required fields
Office Locations
15 N. Main Street #100 Suite 217
West Hartford, CT 06107
Client Testimonials
Our Results
