Auburn has fantastic trails for mountain bikers and scenic highways for road riders, with flats, mountains, and everything in between. The season is short, but enthusiastic cyclists can clock many miles in a few brief months.
However, hazards abound, and cyclists could get into crashes because of other motorists’ careless actions. If you were involved in a bicycle accident that was not your fault, you should contact a local attorney.
An Auburn bicycle accident lawyer can help you file a claim against the negligent parties who caused your crash. You could receive damages to compensate you for your medical care, lost income, property damage, pain, disability, mental anguish, and other losses arising out of the accident. Call Gideon Asen, LLC, today to discuss your incident with a dedicated legal advocate.
Laws Enacted to Protect Cyclists
Maine has a passionate cycling community, and the state has enacted several laws to protect cyclists on public highways. For example, Maine Statute Title 29A, §2060 requires a motorist making a right turn to wait until turning does not impede any cyclists nearby.
Similarly, Maine Statute Title 29A, §2070 requires motorists to provide a cyclist with three feet of clearance when passing them. The motorist must wait to pass until they can give the cyclist appropriate clearance. According to the law, if a vehicle and bicycle collide, the collision is evidence that the driver violated this law. An Auburn attorney can use this evidence to prove a driver was negligent.
Bicycle riders under 16 must wear a helmet. All riders must obey all vehicle and traffic laws, including coming to a complete stop at lights and stop signs, signaling when making a turn, and traveling with traffic on one-way roads.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Oftentimes, motorists are at fault in bicycle accidents. Drivers frequently fail to notice bicycles on the road, or they resent their presence and do not respect their space. Bicycle crashes might happen when a driver:
- Does not yield to a turning cyclist
- Sideswipes a bicycle or crowds it off the road
- Rolls through a stop sign or stop light
- Drives while distracted or impaired
- Intentionally threatens a cyclist (road rage)
- Infringes on a bike lane
- Opens the vehicle door into a cyclist’s path
When a motorist violates the law and causes an accident, the citation is evidence of negligence.
It is important to note that cyclists are sometimes responsible for accidents. They might fail to signal when they intend to turn, hitch a ride on a passing vehicle, or commit other reckless acts. Other causes of bicycle accidents include mechanical failures and dangerous road conditions.
An attorney in Auburn can investigate an accident and determine whose negligence contributed to the accident. An injured cyclist could collect damages as long as they are less than 50 percent responsible for the crash. They will collect an amount reduced by their percentage of responsibility for the accident.
Reasons to Engage an Attorney Soon After a Crash
Maine has a generous statute of limitations for personal injury claims. A cyclist seeking damages has six years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties.
Rushing to get an Auburn attorney might seem silly, given this time limit. However, bringing a legal professional in early can provide an injured cyclist with several benefits.
Insurance company representatives often contact accident victims to offer them a settlement and might pressure an injured person or their family to accept less than the case is worth. An Auburn attorney can manage communication with the insurance companies and ensure the family does not feel pressured. In addition, collecting evidence is easiest when the accident is recent, physical evidence is “fresh,” and witnesses’ memories are clear.
Contact an Auburn Bicycle Accident Attorney After a Bike Crash
If another person’s careless actions caused your bike crash and injuries, it is important to know that you have legal options. A lawsuit against the responsible party could result in you receiving damages to cover your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
An Auburn bicycle accident lawyer can provide aggressive representation in your claim for damages. Call Gideon Asen, LLC, today to discuss your case with a knowledgeable attorney.
