Cyclists and the Right to the Road
Connecticut has invested in bike lanes, multi-use trails, and complete-streets policies, and cycling for both recreation and commuting continues to grow. But riders remain vulnerable when they share narrow shoulders and busy roads with distracted drivers. Under Connecticut law, bicycles are vehicles with the right to use the road, and drivers must give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing. When a driver ignores these duties, the consequences for a cyclist can be catastrophic.
Common Causes of Bicycle Crashes
Drivers turning across a cyclist's path, opening car doors into bike lanes ('dooring'), passing too closely, failing to yield, and distracted or impaired driving cause most serious bicycle crashes in Connecticut. Because a cyclist has so little protection, these crashes frequently result in broken bones, head injuries, and spinal trauma even when the driver was traveling at moderate speed.
Connecticut Bicycle Laws That Affect Your Claim
Connecticut's three-foot passing law, its requirement that drivers yield to cyclists, and its rules on bike lanes all matter when establishing fault. A driver who violated one of these laws is likely negligent. As with other crashes, Connecticut's modified comparative negligence rule applies, so you can recover as long as you were not more than half at fault.
Compensation for Injured Cyclists
You may be entitled to recover the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation, lost wages and future earning capacity, the value of your damaged bicycle and gear, and compensation for pain, suffering, and any permanent disability or disfigurement. The driver's auto insurance typically applies, and in some cases your own auto policy's UM/UIM coverage can help even though you were on a bike.
Injured in Connecticut? Get a free, confidential case review today. There's no obligation, and you pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can. Many Connecticut auto policies extend uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to you even when you are cycling, walking, or a passenger. An attorney can review your coverage.
Not necessarily. Drivers must watch for cyclists and pass with at least three feet of clearance. Comparative negligence may apply, but you can still recover as long as you were not more than 50% at fault.
Generally two years from the date of injury under Connecticut's statute of limitations.