You pay us
nothing
until we win your case
Carter Mario
Alex Mario
Luke Mario
Connecticut Bicycle Accident Attorney
Handling Complex Bike Accident Claims
Whether you ride your bike to work, participate in races, or simply enjoying getting outside and riding around, you know the importance of staying safe while sharing the road with fellow cyclists and motorists. Unfortunately, this level of care is not always reciprocated. All too often, drivers are incredibly careless—or even downright reckless—when driving near bicyclists. This can have disastrous, or even deadly, results.
If you or someone you love was involved in a bicycle accident, and you believe someone else’s negligence was to blame, reach out to the team at Carter Mario Law Firm. Since 1989, our Connecticut bicycle accident lawyers have been fighting for the rights of injured individuals, as well as the families of those wrongfully killed throughout the state. We understand the challenges you are facing, and we know how to help you fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Give us a call at (203) 403-2341 or contact us online today to request a free, no-obligation consultation. Hablamos español.
Connecticut Bicycle Laws: What You Need to Know
Anyone who rides a bicycle in the state of Connecticut should know and follow all applicable laws. Here, we’ve provided a brief overview of the state’s bicycle laws, but we also encourage you to research specific laws in your city or municipality, as they may differ from the state’s.
Here are some Connecticut bicycle laws that you should know:
- All children under the age of 16 must wear an approved bicycle helmet when riding a bike, skateboard, or non-motorized scooter or while roller skating or rollerblading
- Any bicyclist traveling on a roadway has all the same rights and responsibilities as anyone operating a car, truck, or another type of motor vehicle
- When sharing the road, bicyclists must ride with the flow of traffic; they should use bike lanes when available and ride as far to the right as possible, but they may use the full lane
- Two bicyclists are permitted to ride abreast (side by side), but no more than two bicyclists may do so
- Bicyclists must come to a full and complete stop at all red lights and stop signs; when riding lawfully on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk, bicyclists must obey “walk/do not walk” signals
- When riding at night or when there is poor visibility, cyclists must equip their bikes with the proper front lights and rear reflectors/lights and materials
It’s also important to note that motorists are required to leave a minimum of three feet between their vehicles and bicyclists when passing bicyclists, and they must leave at least three feet of passing area around bicyclists when they are entering or exiting driveways and alleyways.
Proving Fault in a Bicycle Accident Case
Even when bicyclists follow all applicable laws and utilize caution, they cannot always predict what other cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists will do. Because of this, they can’t always prevent accidents.
The most common cause of bicycle accidents is negligence, whether it’s the negligence of a motorist, a pedestrian, or even the bicyclist. This means that most bicycle accidents are entirely preventable. If you believe your accident was the result of someone else’s negligence, you could have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Some common examples of how negligence leads to bicycle accidents include:
- A distracted driver veering into a bicycle lane
- A motorist failing to look for oncoming bicyclists before making an unprotected left turn
- A drunk driver failing to see a bicyclist riding at night
- A pedestrian crossing on a “do not walk” sign across the path of an oncoming cyclist
- An automobile passenger carelessly opening a car door into a bike path
- Another cyclist failing to stop at a stop sign
- A motorist failing to yield the right-of-way to a bicyclist
Individuals are not the only ones who can be negligent or at-fault for a bicycle accident. If a cyclist is injured in an accident due to defective road conditions (such as potholes, missing bike lanes, etc.), defective bike parts or safety gear, or additional outside factors, he or she may have a claim against a liable third party.
Proving fault in your bicycle accident claim is important, as you can only file a personal injury claim if you can prove that someone else is legally liable for your damages. Because Connecticut follows a rule of modified comparative negligence, you can still recover compensation if you were partially at fault for the accident, but only if you were less than 50% to blame. Even then, your total recovery will be reduced by your at-fault percentage, so it is important that you work with an attorney who can help you prove the other party’s negligence and fight back against insurance company tactics to pin the blame on you.
Common Injuries & Damages
Even when wearing the proper safety gear, bicyclists simply don’t have the same protections as a person in a motor vehicle. As a result, they are highly likely to sustain severe, catastrophic injuries in the event of a crash. Tragically, many bicycle accident victims die due to their injuries.
Common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Accidental amputation
- Brain injuries
- Broken bones/fractures
- Facial injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations
- Paralysis
- Road rash
- Soft tissue damage
- Spine injuries
These and other similarly severe injuries can lead to lifelong consequences for victims, including chronic pain and permanent disability. The cost of treating such injuries, including the costs associated with missed work, is enormous.
At Carter Mario Law Firm, our Connecticut bicycle accident lawyers help injured cyclists fight to recover compensation for all of their damages, including but not limited to:
- Emergency medical care costs
- Ambulance/hospital fees
- Surgeries, rehabilitation therapy, and other treatments
- Projected future medical expenses
- Lost wages/income, including future lost earnings
- Lost earning capacity/disability
- Pain and suffering
- Lost quality of life
- Anxiety, depression, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder
- Counseling services
Our goal is to serve as your voice throughout the legal process while fighting aggressively to secure the financial resources you need to get back on your feet.
Request a Free Consultation
Our team at Carter Mario Law Firm is ready to answer your questions and guide you through the next steps. We prioritize client service and will do everything possible to ensure you feel comfortable and cared for when you turn to our firm. We answer our phones 24/7 and provide clients with online access to their files. Your team of four dedicated legal professionals will be there for you every step of the way, providing the guidance and support you need.
We offer a No-Fee Warranty, meaning you do not owe any attorneys’ fees whatsoever unless we recover compensation for you. You will always get more money than your attorney. We provide legal services in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and can travel to meet you at your home or in the hospital is necessary.
Learn more when you call (203) 403-2341 or contact us online to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our Connecticut bicycle accident attorneys.
Why choose Carter Mario?
We want justice and what’s best for you and your case. Here’s our promise:
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A Team That Puts You First!
Our clients are our #1 priority and everything we do is focused on getting you the best result! You are the reason we became lawyers. To the insurance company, you are no more than a claim number but to us, it’s personal. We’re here for you 24/7, 365 days a year. We communicate often and call you back the same day or lunch is on us. We believe an informed client is a happy client. You are the reason we fight!
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Over $1 Billion Recovered!
For over 30 years, we’ve fought fiercely and tirelessly against Big Insurance and won countless victories for our clients. You were already hurt physically when you came to us, but we make sure you aren’t hurt financially when you leave. Our goal is to give you a better tomorrow.
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Experience On Your Side!
No obstacle is too big. Our seasoned attorneys were handpicked and know how to hold the insurance companies accountable. We have experience in and out of the courtroom. Our attention to detail and in-depth investigation helps identify key evidence we use to prepare your case. Our attorneys have the knowledge, the dedication, and the passion it takes to win. They love what they do.
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We Have a Large War Chest!
When we go to trial, we are battle ready, but taking a case to trial takes more than confidence, experience, and commitment. It takes cutting edge technology and a War Chest to support the costs of zealous representation. Many firms aren’t willing or don’t have the resources and financial stability to front your costs and maximize your case. We’ll spend whatever it takes to get you every penny you deserve!
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Making the Law Make Sense!
At Carter Mario Law Firm, our mission is to make the law make sense. You’ve been injured and it wasn’t your fault. Life is suddenly overwhelming and confusing, and you don’t know where to turn. You need help, but it matters who you get. Let us come to your rescue. We’ll do the work, so you don’t have to. You can focus on you!
You Pay Us Nothing Unless
We Win Your Case
Call (203) 876-2711 or Contact Us For a No-Obligation Case Evaluation. Our attorneys are standing by to evaluate your case, answer any questions, or discuss your next steps. Getting the compensation you deserve starts here!
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Client Victories
We’ve Recovered Over $1 Billion for Clients
Just Like You
$17M
Rear-End Collision
Our client sustained a significant injury to his cervical spine after a rear-end crash. After receiving a low initial offer from the insurance company, we fought hard for our client to get him the settlement he deserved.
$4M
Medical Misdiagnosis
Our client’s doctor misread an x-ray causing a delayed diagnosis of sarcoma, which resulted in our client’s death.
$3.9M
Failure to Treat
Gastroenterologist and primary care doctor failed to treat or transfer our client who was hospitalized for GI bleeding, which resulted in our client’s death.
$3.4M
Failure to Diagnose
Our client’s doctors failed to diagnose him with abdominal cancer, resulting in his death.
$3.4M
Medical Malpractice
Our client suffered brain damage, paralysis, and speech deficits after undergoing a bedside procedure.
$3.3M
Brain Damage
Our client suffered brain damage after their breathing tube was misplaced.
$3M
Failure to Diagnose
Our client’s doctor failed to diagnose Fournier’s Gangrene, resulting in necrotizing fasciitis, sterility, abnormal gait, and muscle loss.
$2.6M
Personal Injury Resulting in Death
Our client, an innocent bystander to a bar room brawl, required surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon. After the surgery, our client developed a pulmonary embolism, resulting in his death.
$2.5M
Gas Poisoning
Our client suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning with cognitive loss after an on-site contractor ran gas engines during business hours.
Client Testimonials
Such a great experience
"I had such a great experience with Carter Mario Law Firm. Everyone was amazing, helpful and comforting during this stressful time."
– Michelle P.It felt really good to have someone
"My son suffered an injury after being hurt in a car accident, and it felt really good to have someone fighting for the person you love."
– Alex M.Tough and fearless
"Look no further, you have found the best personal injury law firm in Connecticut. Tough and fearless, and I cannot think of anyone better to represent me."
– Phillip Y.Attention to detail
"Look no further, you have found the best personal injury law firm in Connecticut. Tough and fearless, and I cannot think of anyone better to represent me."
– John L.Took so much stress off of me
"When I had my work-related injury, Carter Mario took on the workers’ comp insurance company that tried to belittle me and dealt with them, which took so much stress off of me. Thank you so much."
– Ruth H.