Hartford Bike and Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Skilled representation when you’re injured in Hartford & Manchester, CT
Whether on foot or on a bicycle, nobody can take on a vehicle of any size without injury in the event of an accident. If a car, truck, or even a motorized scooter collides with a pedestrian or cyclist, the aftermath can range from injuries like broken bones to catastrophic trauma or even death.
Having a driver’s license means agreeing to abide by the rules of the road, including understanding all traffic laws – including crosswalks and bicycle lanes. The Hartford injury attorneys at Barry, Barall, Taylor & Levesque, LLC have decades of experience representing victims of pedestrian and bicycle accidents. We understand the severe injuries that result from these types of accidents and fight for your right to full and thorough compensation for your damages and losses. If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident due to someone else’s recklessness, our lawyers can also assist you with a wrongful death claim. Contact us today.
Did You Know?
According to the Pedestrian and Bike Information Center’s most recent numbers, about 6,000 pedestrians and 783 cyclists are killed each year in auto accidents, accounting for 18.2% of all U.S. traffic deaths annually.
Common causes of pedestrian and bike accidents in Hartford
The root cause of just about any accident can be traced back to failure to act within the confines of what is known as “duty of care.” Duty of care is the responsibility we all have to each other when we get behind the wheel, on a bike, or even walking on sidewalks and crosswalks – following traffic laws and obeying the rules of the road.
When someone breaches this responsibility, innocent cyclists, runners, or pedestrians can be injured. Following are some common causes of bike and pedestrian accidents:
- Alcohol. The CDC reports that alcohol is involved in 48% all of traffic-related pedestrian deaths – whether consumed by either the vehicle driver or the pedestrian.
- Speeding. The higher a vehicle’s speed, the more likely a driver is to hit a cyclist or pedestrian, and the greater the chance the injuries will be severe.
- Distracted driving. Texting, talking on the phone, or being otherwise distracted increases the likelihood of hitting a pedestrian or cyclist.
- Failure to yield. Motorists must yield to bicycles and pedestrians at crosswalks, traffic lights, and other signals.
- Failure to signal. Drivers who fail to use their turn signals can easily collide with a pedestrian or cyclist who assume they have the right of way.
Typical injuries to bicyclists and pedestrians after an accident
Pedestrians, runners, and cyclists injured in a car accident don’t usually walk away with minor bumps and bruises. Injuries from these types of accidents tend to be severe or even catastrophic, including:
- Amputations
- Broken and fractured bones
- Internal damage and bleeding
- Lacerations and cuts
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Wrongful death
The majority of these injuries can require a lifetime of medical care and cause significant pain and disability. When you suffered these injuries because someone else caused your accident, you’re entitled to financial compensation. The Hartford accident attorneys right here at Barry, Barall, Taylor & Levesque, LLC are ready to fight for you.
What if the accident wasn’t the driver’s fault?
In some cases, you may be injured in an accident where it wasn’t your fault and it wasn’t the driver’s fault. Typically in these circumstances, accidents might occur because of hazardous road conditions or a defective vehicle or bike.
For example, if a roadway, sidewalk, or bicycle path is badly maintained or in need of repair, it can cause an accident – either sending an out-of-control vehicle into a pedestrian, runner, or bike or vice-versa. Your attorney may be able to assign negligence to the government or municipal entity responsible for maintaining the road.
Alternatively, if a car or bike has a product defect and causes an accident, you may be able to hold the manufacturer responsible under Connecticut product liability law, like if you’re riding your bike and attempt to brake at a stop sign, but your brakes fail due to a defect and you collide with a car.
Liability for Hartford pedestrian and bike accidents
When we take your case, we work to hold all responsible parties liable, including:
- The driver. Generally, when the driver of a vehicle strikes a cyclist or pedestrian, determination of liability depends on who had the right of way. Drivers who violate traffic laws should be held responsible for the injuries or wrongful deaths they cause to others.
- The vehicle owners. There are some circumstances where the owners of the car the person was driving may be held liable, even if they weren’t in the car at the time.
- Liquor store or bar owner. If an alcoholic beverage retailer sells liquor to a clearly intoxicated person, or a person whom they had reason to believe was intoxicated, and that person causes an accident, the retailer or bartender could also be held liable.
- Another bicyclist or scooter rider. Other cyclists or small motorized bikes and scooters can collide with each other or pedestrians if they don’t obey traffic laws.
- Government agencies. If your accident was caused by hazardous road conditions – or even dangerous traffic design – you may be able to hold various government agencies liable for your injuries.
Your attorneys will investigate the cause of your accident and work to find what parties may be liable.
Recovering compensation after a bicycle/pedestrian accident
The Hartford lawyers at Barry, Barall, Taylor & Levesque, LLC guide you through the legal process, seeking compensation for your losses and damages, including:
- Medical expenses, current and future
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
It’s also worth noting that Connecticut follows the “Three Feet” rule regarding bicyclists. This law requires Connecticut motorists to allow at least three feet of separation when overtaking and passing cyclists. Failure to do so could cause motorists to accrue a fine. Our accident attorneys can explain more.
Hartford pedestrian and bicycle lawyers on your side
If you were injured in an auto accident as a pedestrian, jogger, or bicyclist, the lawyers at Barry, Barall, Taylor & Levesque, LLC can help. It’s not your responsibility to pay for the aftermath of someone else’s negligence, and when you work with us, we will dedicate ourselves to holding the right parties responsible. Talk to us today. We’re located minutes off I-384 in Manchester. To schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers in Hartford or Manchester, please call 860-649-4400 or fill out our contact form.