A bicycle accident can change your life forever, and unfortunately, such accidents are far too common in our state. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, the experienced attorneys at Fales & Fales can help you pursue justice.
Maine Bicycle Accident Statistics
- Between 2013 and 2017, there was an average of 200 bicycle accidents every year.
- An average of two bicycle riders were killed each year in these crashes.
- Most of the bicycle accidents occurred in urban areas and during the summer months. (July and August were the highest, likely because the weather is ideal for bicycling.)
- Most bike accidents occurred on Wednesday and Thursday, and between the hours of 2 and 6 PM.
- The average age of victims was between 15 and 24.
Twin Cities Bicycle Accident Map
Below is a map of the bicycle accidents (dark red) in Lewiston and Auburn last year. You can click the image to view a larger version, but it’s clear that crashes can happen anywhere. If it happens to you, a personal injury lawyer will help you get the compensation you need to recover.
Maine Bicycle Accident Legislation
In the state of Maine, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators. You are required to ride with the traffic and obey all traffic signs and signals. You have the right to be on most public roads, even when a parallel bike path or sidewalk is available. Bicyclists should also ride as far to the right as possible, except in circumstances when bicyclists may ride toward the middle of the lane, such as when you are preparing to turn left or while passing other vehicles.
I was referred to Fales and Fales by a close friend and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the service they provide. I retained Tony Ferguson during a very difficult time and sensitive situation. Tony and the rest of the office really went above and beyond to provide peace of mind during the chaos and confusion of my case. Tony leveled with me on best and worst-case scenarios while outlining the process ahead of us. Tony’s work really exemplifies his experience. Not only was Tony thorough on his end, but he also kept me well informed on the progression of my case through telephone and written correspondence. I was able to miss less work with Tony taking care of court appearances and he was willing to work with me on rates as well. I would go back to Fales and Fales in the future if I required legal help again. I will certainly be recommending the office and especially Tony Ferguson to others in need. – Brittany S.
Motorists also have certain responsibilities when sharing the road with bicycles. For example, when passing a bicycle, motorists must provide the bicyclist with at least three feet of clearance. Unless it is reasonably safe to do so, motorists passing a bicyclist are not permitted to make a right turn. Motorists opening car doors on the side of the road must watch for oncoming traffic, including bicycle traffic. Motorists driving near bicyclists should not sound their horns unnecessarily, as this may startle a bicyclist.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
If you are involved in a bicycle accident in Maine, follow these tips:
- Get to safety: If you are physically able, get yourself and your bicycle off the road to avoid further accidents or complications.
- Call for help: Call the police after a bicycle accident. If you or anyone else is injured, call for an ambulance as well. Even if you don’t believe that you incurred a serious injury, see your doctor as soon as possible. Even a brain injury can have symptoms that are not readily apparent.
- Don’t leave the scene: Wait for the police to arrive on the scene so that you can give a statement.
- Collect evidence: Before leaving the scene, collect contact information from other people involved in the crash, as well as any witnesses. Take pictures of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
Contact an attorney: If another party was at fault for your bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to learn more.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can occur for various reasons. Some of the leading causes of accidents in Lewiston include:
- Failing to respect bicyclists on the road
- Unsafe passing
- Following cyclists too closely
- Failing to check lanes before changing lanes
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Opening doors into the pathway of bicyclists
- Road hazards, cracked pavement, and debris in the roadway
- Dangerous road design
- Defective or missing traffic lights or signs
An experienced lawyer can investigate your accident, determine how the accident happened, and identify the at-fault parties.
Who Is Responsible for Bike Accidents?
Negligent motorists are often responsible for bike accidents. They may drive aggressively around bicyclists or fail to look for them when changing lanes.
Other bicycle accidents are due to the negligence of other bicyclists. If you rented the bike from an establishment or online vendor, these entities can be responsible if your injuries were due to malfunctions or poor maintenance. Product manufacturers may be held responsible for accidents that involve defective bicycle parts.
An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can investigate your case and determine all parties who are responsible for your injuries and pathways for compensation.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicyclists lack the steel frame and safety features such as airbags and seatbelts that protect vehicle occupants have, bicyclists can suffer severe injuries in the event of a crash, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Amputations
- Crush injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Dislocated and fractured bones
- Soft tissue damage, sprains, and strains
Seek medical treatment if you have suffered bike injuries. Keep all your medical records and other documentation of the damages you have sustained.
Financial Compensation Bicycle Accident Victims Can Recover
Bicycle accidents can result in catastrophic injuries. Accident victims may incur significant medical expenses and suffer permanent disabilities that prevent them from working. Additionally, they may endure chronic pain and suffering.
Working with a personal injury, accident victims can seek compensation for their accident-related injuries and losses, including;
- Medical expenses for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, ambulance charges, diagnostic tests, and medication
- Rehabilitation expenses and ongoing medical treatment
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Damage to the bike and other personal property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost enjoyment of life
What Is My Bicycle Accident Claim Worth?
Every bike accident case is different. An experienced attorney can review your case and determine its value by considering such questions as:
- What type of injuries did you sustain?
- Did you suffer permanent disabilities or impairments?
- How much will your future medical care cost?
- What is the dollar amount for your pain and suffering?
- Who is responsible for your injuries?
- What type and amounts of insurance do the at-fault parties have?
- How has the accident affected your life?
- Did your conduct contribute to the cause of the accident?
Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault for an Accident?
It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to blame a bicyclist for an accident. Insurers don’t want to be responsible for the extensive damage caused by their insured’s negligence, so they try to shift the blame to victims.
However, in Maine, accident victims who contributed to the cause of the collision are not barred from seeking compensation unless they are 50% or more at fault. Compensation maybe reduced, however.
What Is the Deadline to File a Bike Accident Lawsuit in Maine?
The statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit in Maine is usually six years from the accident date. However, a case against a governmental entity has a much shorter and very strict notice and time requirements that require legal action much sooner. The sooner you contact an experienced bike accident lawyer from Fales & Fales, P.A., the sooner they can get to work on your case.
How We Protect Bicycle Accident Victims
The accident attorneys at the law firm of Fales & Fales understand personal injury law and how it applies in bicycle accidents. We look out for our clients, helping them receive fair compensation for their damages, including their medical bills. If you or a loved one are hurt in a bicycle crash or a wrongful death occurs, let us help. Contact us today to schedule a case review or learn more.
