Bicycle Accident Attorney In Stamford, CT
Bicycle accidents are likely to cause serious injuries because cyclists don’t have the same protection in place as motor vehicle occupants. They have only their plastic helmets, which do nothing to protect them against injuries not involving the head. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle crash, no matter the severity of your injuries, it’s worth speaking with a Stamford bicycle accident lawyer about filing a claim.
Call Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC
The team here at Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC, has years of experience in handling bicycle accident cases. We know what it takes to negotiate with insurance companies and get you a fair settlement. If necessary, we can also represent you in court if your case goes to trial. Let us handle all the details of your bicycle accident case so that you can focus on more important things like healing from your injuries.
Why Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
In 2025, there were 20 bicycle-involved accidents in Stamford, CT. Of those, 18 involved possible or suspected injuries. If you’ve been injured in a bike crash within Connecticut’s two-year statute of limitations for filing a claim, you can hire a bicycle accident lawyer to help you with your case. A lawyer can handle all the details, from filing your claim to negotiating a settlement, leaving you with more time and less stress.
Determining Liability for Your Bicycle Accident
In many cases, motor vehicle operators are found liable for crashes involving bicycles. Common reasons for these crashes can include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- DUI
- Failure to use designated bike lanes
- Riding into oncoming traffic
As you can see, bicyclists can contribute to causing crashes with motor vehicles. The good news is that Connecticut is a modified comparative negligence state, which means you may still be eligible to receive compensation if you were determined to be partially liable for the accident.
Negligence Laws
Under Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence laws, bicyclists can seek compensation as long as they held 50% or less of the blame. If you were found to be 51% responsible for the crash, you won’t be able to recover compensation from the vehicle driver. If you were found to be 50% responsible, your final settlement amount would be decreased by half.
Motorists and cyclists aren’t the only ones who can be held liable for bike accidents. If a defect in your bicycle contributed to the crash, you may be able to file a claim against the product manufacturer. If unacceptable road conditions played a role, the City of Stamford’s Highway Division could be held liable. Your lawyer can help you identify all potentially liable parties.
Understanding Driver Negligence
To be successful, your claim will need to establish the driver’s negligence. Negligence per se can be established by showing that the driver violated traffic laws. Otherwise, you’ll need to prove negligence by showing four elements were present:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
Your lawyer can help you gather the evidence required to prove these four elements of a negligence claim.
Factors That Influence the Amount of Your Settlement
There are many factors that go into determining your final settlement amount. They include:
- Whether you were held partially liable for the crash
- Whether your injuries are permanent or extremely serious
- Whether the driver was acting recklessly, as would be the case with a DUI
- Whether you missed time from work while you healed from your injuries
- Whether your injuries will prevent you from working in the future
The skill of your lawyer in negotiating settlements with insurance companies can also play a role in determining how much money you make from your bicycle accident claim, which is why it’s important to work with an experienced attorney.
FAQs
What Happens if a Cyclist Causes an Accident?
If a cyclist causes an accident, they will be legally liable for any injuries and property damage that occur as a result. Bicyclists are not required to hold car insurance policies, but they may be able to use their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance to pay for any damages. In addition to being civilly liable for damages, cyclists may also be issued citations by the police if the accident occurred due to a failure to follow traffic laws.
What Should You Do if a Car Hits You While Biking?
If a car hits you while biking, you should get the driver’s contact and insurance information so that you can file a claim against their insurance. If possible, you should also get pictures or videos of the accident scene, including both the damage done to your bike and any injuries that occurred. Make sure you seek medical treatment as soon as possible after the accident, as well, and hire an experienced Stamford bicycle accident attorney.
Do Cyclists Always Have the Right of Way?
Cyclists do not always have the right of way. They are required to follow the rules of the road, just like motor vehicle operators. Bicyclists are required to follow all the same traffic laws as cars, which include stopping at stop signs and red lights and yielding to vehicles that have the right of way at intersections.
How Much Jail Time Do You Do for Hitting a Cyclist?
How much jail time you would do for hitting a cyclist with your car depends on the circumstances surrounding the accident. It’s often the case that no criminal charges are pressed if the accident did not occur due to egregious negligence. You will still be liable for any damages the bicycle rider incurred, including medical care for their injuries, lost wages as a result of taking time off from work to heal, and damage to the bicycle itself.
Your Stamford Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve sustained injuries during a crash with a motor vehicle, you can work with a Stamford bicycle accident lawyer to recover compensation for the harm you have suffered. The team here at Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC, can help you hold the driver accountable and get you the money you are owed.
We have over 150 years of combined experience in personal injury law and have handled countless bicycle accidents. Contact us to find out how we can assist with your case.
