Bicycle Accidents Attorney in Middletown, Connecticut
Top-Rated Bicycle Accident Attorney – Middleton, Connecticut
Riding a bicycle is a great way to get around the nutmeg state. Biking is a preferred method of transportation for many, whether it be for daily commuting or weekend rides near the coast. Along with the pleasure of riding a bicycle, also comes risk.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 800 cyclists were killed in traffic accidents in 2019, with another 49,000 injured. Although there are fewer bicycles on the road than there are motor vehicles, severe injury and fatalities are more likely to occur for a cyclist involved in an accident. Bike riders make up less than 1% of drivers on the road, yet they account for more than 2% of traffic accident fatalities.
If you have been injured in a cycling traffic collision, you need the support of an experienced bicycle accident lawyer. An attorney knowledgeable in bicycle accident claims can increase your chances of reaching a fair settlement with the insurance companies.
Have you been injured in an accident or had a loved one who has died in a bicycle accident in the Middleton, Connecticut area? Call our Middleton office today to see how we can help.
What You Should Do After a Cycling Traffic Accident
As with any personal injury, the actions you make after a cycling traffic accident can affect the outcome of your well-being, as well as our bicycle accident claim. There are some basic steps you should follow to improve your chances of a positive outcome.
Contact Police. If you are capable, call the police from the scene of the accident and remain there until they arrive. You want to ensure your story is documented in the police report. Report all injuries to the officer, no matter how minor.
Limit Conversations. It is okay to exchange basic information with the driver of the vehicle, such as obtaining a photo of their driver’s license, insurance card, and license plate, but avoid sharing more than that.
Often drivers will admit their negligence at first, then change their story later. It is best to allow the police to capture the driver’s initial story.
Collect Evidence. Take photos at the scene of the accident. Whenever possible, take a photo of the car where it stopped and the position of your bicycle, before moving off to the side of the road. Document traffic patterns, intersections, and surrounding businesses that may have cameras that captured the collision.
Take a mental note of every detail, no matter how small. Then as soon as possible, write your observations down while the accident is still fresh in your mind. Try to retain the What, When, How, Where, and Who of the accident. What happened? When did it happen? How did the collision occur? Where were you? Who was involved in the accident? Who may be a witness?
Photograph and preserve the damage to your bicycle, helmet, or other damaged property. Do not have any repairs made.
Seek Medical Attention. Regardless of whether you believe you have serious injuries or not, you should see a physician. It is common in any accident for injuries that seem minor in the moments and hours after, to get worse and turn serious. Allow a medical professional to determine the extent of your injuries.
Consult a Bike Accidents Injury Attorney. A knowledgeable bicycle accident law attorney will hear your story, review the evidence, and counsel you on how to proceed. With a personal injury attorney to represent you, your chance of reaching a fair settlement is greater. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingent fee basis, meaning you will not owe unless you obtain compensation for your injuries.
You should never personally communicate with the insurance company. They will provide you with misleading information to diminish your claim and offer you a settlement far below the cost of your injuries.
A skilled bicycle accident lawyer can assist you in filing a bicycle accident claim with the driver’s insurance company and negotiate a fair bicycle accident settlement. If the insurance company does not offer a reasonable settlement, you may opt to bring a bicycle accident lawsuit.
Contact us today to have all your cycling traffic collision lawsuit questions answered. Schedule a consultation with our bicycle accident lawyer, Jefferson Hanna.