Bicycle Accident Attorney In Bridgeport, CT
Unlike drivers and passengers of conventional motor vehicles, bicyclists have very little in the way of protection against serious injuries should they get into accidents. As a result, cyclists often suffer catastrophic harm when they are hit by larger, heavier passenger cars in accidents on both small streets and major throughways like Main Street or Lordship Boulevard. A Bridgeport bicycle accident lawyer can help accident victims recover compensation.
Trust Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC
You can trust the team here at Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC, to treat your bicycle accident case with the care it deserves. We have over 150 years of collective experience in the field of personal injury law. In our time in practice, we’ve handled many bicycle accident claims. We treat every accident victim with compassion and every case with personalized care.
Reasons to Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
In 2025, there were a total of 34 bicycle-involved accidents in Bridgeport, CT. Of those, 21 led to possible or suspected injuries. If you’re one of the many bicyclists who have sustained personal injuries during an accident with a motor vehicle within the past two years, you can hire a bicycle accident lawyer to assist you with filing a claim against the responsible party. Your lawyer can:
- Determine the full extent of your damages
- Assist you with filing paperwork
- Help you collect evidence to support your claim
- Negotiate with insurance companies to get you a better settlement
- Represent you in court
- Protect your rights and interests throughout the legal process
Hiring a bike accident attorney is the most effective way to improve your odds of receiving fair compensation from your bicycle accident claim.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists are at the mercy of other motorists. They have nothing but plastic helmets to protect them against injuries in the event of a crash, and it’s difficult for cyclists to get out of the way of larger, faster, and heavier cars, SUVs, and trucks. Of course, bicyclists’ on-road behaviors can also contribute to their crash risk. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Speeding motor vehicles
- Distracted driving or riding
- Drunk driving or riding
- Failing to use designated bike lanes
- Riding into oncoming traffic
Even if you were partially at fault for the crash that caused your injuries, you may still be able to recover some amount of compensation under Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence rules.
Common Bike Accident Injuries
Serious injuries are common in bike accidents because cyclists have nothing to protect them from impacts with motor vehicles, other objects, or the road. They can include:
- Back injuries. Herniated discs and back sprains are common in bike injuries. Some of these issues can require long-term physical therapy or even surgery to resolve.
- Traumatic brain injuries. Even with helmets, cyclists can suffer severe blows to the head when they get into accidents with motor vehicles. Some TBI victims never regain normal cognitive functioning.
- Broken bones. Broken arms, legs, wrists, and ankles are all relatively common injuries in bicycle accidents.
- Lacerations and contusions. Cuts and bruises are common even in minor crashes. However, they rarely require extensive medical treatment and may resolve on their own with minimal intervention.
- Whiplash. Any kind of collision can cause whiplash. This injury happens when an accident victim’s neck gets stretched too far in one direction. It tends to heal within a few days or weeks and doesn’t usually cause permanent injury.
- Spinal cord damage. Spinal cord damage is one of the worst injuries you can suffer as a bicyclist. Depending on the extent of the damage and where it’s located, you may even become partially or fully paralyzed.
People who suffer severe injuries during bike crashes are often entitled to significant damages.
FAQs
Who Is at Fault When a Car Hits a Cyclist?
Who is at fault when a car hits a cyclist varies depending on the circumstances of the accident. In many cases, drivers are found to be at fault for acting distracted or failing to yield. However, there are times when bicyclists act negligently or violate traffic laws, which can lead to an accident. You can trust your Bridgeport bicycle accident attorney to help you determine who was at fault in your crash.
Does Riding a Bike Drunk Count as a DUI in Connecticut?
Riding a bike drunk can count as a DUI in CT. The Constitution State treats bicycles as vehicles, which means that cyclists are subject to the same impaired driving laws as drivers of passenger cars. If you’re caught drunk riding your bike, you could face fines, jail time, and mandatory alcohol education programs. You may also be held liable in civil court for any accidents you get into as a result of your intoxication.
What Are the Bicycle Laws in Connecticut?
The bicycle laws in Connecticut establish the rights and responsibilities of cyclists in the state with the primary intention of keeping bicycle riders safe. They include CT Gen Stat 14-286b, which controls the operation of bicycles, e-bikes, and electric foot scooters on roadways. This statute makes it an infraction to violate any portion of Connecticut’s bicycle laws.
How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Bicycle Accident?
How much compensation you can get for a bicycle accident depends on the specifics of the crash. You’re likely to get more compensation if you suffered serious injuries. You’ll also receive a larger final settlement if you were found not to be at fault for the crash. However, Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence rules make it possible to recover compensation even if you were found to be partially at fault.
Your Bridgeport Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Riding a bicycle can be fun, but it can also be dangerous. If you’ve been in a crash with a motor vehicle, you may be eligible to receive compensation for any injuries you incurred. A Bridgeport bicycle accident lawyer can help you file your claim, improving your chances of receiving a fair settlement.
The team here at Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC, has tackled countless bicycle accident claims during our many years in practice. We know how to leverage bicycle accident laws to get you the compensation you deserve, and we are committed to treating your case like it’s our only one. Contact our office to schedule an initial consultation today.
