Bicycle & Cycling Accident Attorney in West Hartford, CT

With Connecticut’s endless scenic backroads and beautiful weather, it is no surprise that biking and cycling are very popular activities amongst residents and visitors. Unfortunately, even the safest riders can get seriously injured and the consequences, whether physical, financial and/or emotional, can be devastating. 

Buckley Wynne & Parese is committed to providing victims and their loved ones with exceptional legal service. If you have been injured in a bicycling or cycling accident in West Hartford, contact us immediately. We will help you find answers, seek justice and get you back on your feet.  Our West Hartford bicycle accident attorneys will meet you anywhere and at any time, whether that’s a hospital, a home, a restaurant, or the office for a free, confidential consultation.

Common Causes of Collisions Involving Bicyclists, Cyclists and Motor Vehicles:

• A Driver Failed to Stop at an Intersection, Yield the Right-of-Way or Failed to Use Turning Signals
• A Driver was Speeding, Distracted and/or Intoxicated
• A Driver Encroached or Veered into a Bike Lane, Shoulder of Road, Crosswalk, or Path of a Bicyclist or Cyclist
• A Driver Misjudged the Distance and Space Needed to Safely Pass a Bicyclist or Cyclist
• A Driver Opened a Door in the Path of a Bicyclist or Cyclist

Other Common Causes of Bicycle/Cyclist Accidents:

• A Bicyclist or Cyclist Falls Off the Bike Due to Poorly Maintained and/or Hazardous Road Conditions
• A Bicyclist or Cyclist Collides with a Pedestrian or Another Bicyclist or Cyclist
• A Bicyclist or Cyclist is Attacked by a Dog or Another Animal
• A Bicycle is Defective, Damaged or Poorly Repaired

Connecticut State Bicycle Laws

• Bicyclists Traveling on Roadways have the Same Rights and Responsibilities as Motorists (I.E. Must Stop at Red Lights, Must Make Full Stops at Stop Signs)
• Bicyclists Cannot Ride on the Right Side of the Road into Oncoming Traffic
• Bicyclists Must Use Hand or Mechanical Signals to Communicate with Other Travelers
• Bicyclists are to Ride as Near the Right Side of the Roadway as is Safe, as Judged by the Bicyclists, Except When…
  o Passing Another Vehicle Proceeding in the Same Direction
  o Preparing to Make a Left Turn
  o Necessary to Avoid Hazardous Conditions
  o The Lane is Too Narrow for a Bicycle and Motor Vehicle to Travel Safely Side by Side Within Such Lane
  o Approaching an Intersection with a Right Turn Only Lane, a Bicyclists Proceeding Straight May Ride on the Left-Hand Side of Such Lane
  o Riding on a One-Way Street, the Bicyclist May Ride as Near to the Left Side of the Roadways as Judged Safe by the Bicyclist 
• Motorists Must Provide a Minimum of 3 Feet of Passing Area Around a Cyclist when Emerging from Driveways and Alleys
• Children Under the Age of 16 Must Wear a Helmet (Regardless of Whether they are With a Parent)
• During a Nighttime and Times of Low Visibility, a Bicyclist Must Utilize a Front Light Visible from 500 Feet, a Rear Red Reflector or Light Visible from 600 Feet, and a Reflective Material on the Bike Visible from 600 Feet on Each Side

Cycling and Biking in Connecticut

Connecticut Explorer’s “Top 5 Paved Bike Trails in Connecticut” 

1. Farmington River Trail

• 26 Miles
• Communities: Farmington, Cheshire, Collinsville, Canton, Avon, Simsbury

2. Trumbull Rail Trail (Pequonnock Greenway)

• 9 Miles
• Community: Trumbull

3. Monroe Housatonic Rail Trail (Pequonnock Greenway)

• 5 Miles
• Community: Monroe

4. Airline Trail

• 21 Miles
• Communities: Hampton, Colchester, Lebanon, Hebron, Columbia

5. Farmington Canal Heritage Trail: 

• 80 Miles
• Communities: New Haven, Hamden, Cheshire, Milldale, Plantsville, Southington, Plainville, Farmington, Avon, Simsbury, Granby, West Suffield MA, Southwick MA, Westfield MA

For more information, visit: Connecticut Explorer

Connecticut’s Office of Tourism’s “Cycling with a View”

“Connecticut has miles of back roads perfect for bike rides that wind through rolling farmland, trace scenic coastlines and meander through charming small towns. Here's just a small sample of some popular routes.”

• Around Bantam Lake
• Westport Ramble
• Mystic 20
• Pomfret Loop (Putnam)
• Litchfield Hills Rides
• Lighthouse Point (New Haven)

For more information, visit: CT Visit

Connecticut’s Charity Bike Rides

 

For more information, visit Bike New England

What to Do if You’ve Been Injured a Bicycle or Cycling Accident in West Hartford

STEP 1: Call 911 

STEP 2: Seek Medical Treatment. Adrenaline can sometimes mask injuries or symptoms can be delayed. If EMS determines emergent medical care is not necessary, be sure to follow up with your doctor.

STEP 3: Contact Buckley Wynne & Parese

A thorough investigation of your bicycle accident is absolutely critical. 

Some of the Ways in Which BWP Will Help 

• Obtain the Name(s) of Involved Parties
• Gather the Names and Contact Information of Potential Witnesses  
• Obtain the Proper Written Documentation 
• Take Photos and Videos of the Scene 

Ways in Which You Can Help

• Write Down Notes/Details Regarding the Accident (What Happened, Where Were You) 
• Save and Preserve Anything Damaged in the Accident (Bicycle, Clothing, Helmet) 
• Avoid Making Any Statements to Insurance Companies
• Take Photos of your Injuries
• Don’t Post Any Relevant Information to Social Media

Contact Buckley Wynne & Parese

Our West Hartford attorneys have over 140 years of knowledge and experience in representing victims who have suffered injuries in bicycle and cycling accidents. Here at BWP, we understand the profound effects that these accidents can have on victims and their families regardless of whether the victim is a commuter, beginner or avid cyclist. Call us today.