The rules of the road for cyclists are clearly defined in Maine and explain that bike riders have a right to share the roadway with motorists in a responsible manner. Bicyclists, like motorists must obey all traffic signs and signals.
If you were severely injured in a bicycle accident in Maine caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. The Maine bicycle accident lawyers of Mann Law are here to help make you whole again.
Our personal injury attorneys could help protect your rights and get you the fair compensation you need and deserve.
If you were struck in the roadway while on your bicycle, move to a safe space if you are able to do so. Moving to the side of the road can avoid subsequent accidents. Next, emergency personnel need to be called to help with the aftermath of your accident and to document the accounts of those involved.
Look around and take note of where you were in the roadway and whether there are any people who witnessed your accident. If you are able, take pictures of the scene of the accident, any vehicles involved, and your injuries.
If the bicycle crash happened because of someone else’s negligent and careless behavior, you may be entitled to compensation. Having a strong legal advocate, like the Maine biking accident attorneys at Mann Law, can make the road to recovery less bumpy.
In Maine, cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Cyclists may use public roads and must obey traffic laws.
Some important bike laws and guidelines in Maine include:
Cyclists must ride with – not against – traffic.
Cyclists should ride on the right side as far as they can.
Cyclists may ride on designated bike paths and in bike lanes, but they are not required to do so. Cyclists have a right to be on most roadways, but they may be prohibited from riding on divided highways. Cyclists are not required to ride in shoulders or bike lanes.
Cyclists must use headlights at night, rear reflectors, and foot/ankle/pedal reflectors.
Cyclists must have working brakes on their bikes.
Cyclists under 16 must wear helmets.
Sidewalk riding is usually allowed unless specifically prohibited by a local ordinance.
Motorists in Maine are required to:
Allow three feet or more of clearance when passing cyclists.
When passing cyclists going in the same direction, motorists may not make a right turn unless they can do so safely.
Cross the centerline in a no-passing zone to pass a cyclist.
Motorists should not unnecessarily sound a horn when approaching a cyclist.
The vast majority of bike accidents are caused by negligent motorists. At Mann Law, we work hard to make sure the at-fault party is held accountable when cyclists are harmed through no fault of their own. Some of the most common causes of bike accidents in Maine include:
Speeding – Motorists who are speeding have less time to stop or react, which can lead to devastating injuries for an unsuspecting cyclist.
Distracted driving – Drivers must focus on the road at all times, and phones, GPS systems, or even eating can all distract a driver’s attention from the roadway, leaving cyclists in serious danger.
Drowsy driving – Drowsy drivers are dangerous to themselves and those they share the road with. Drowsy drivers could fall asleep at the wheel and lose control. Like drunk drivers, drowsy drivers have slower reaction times and may be unable to avoid cyclists.
Aggressive Driving – Aggressive driving occurs when a motorist exhibits reckless driving behaviors that endanger others. Aggressive driving, or “road rage,” can be fatal when a cyclist becomes a target.
Negligent Left turns – Motorists may fail to look around before making a left turn. If a cyclist is riding close by, the driver could broadside or sideswipe them.
Inclement weather – Ice, sleet, snow, and other inclement weather can be the cause of a bicycle accident. Bicyclists who are caught in a rainstorm, for example, are much less visible to motorists. This is why it’s important to have reflective gear.
Drugs and alcohol – Unfortunately, drunk driving is the cause of many auto-bicycle accidents, many of which result in serious injuries or death.
Some of the most common types of bicycle accident injuries include:
Traumatic brain injuries
Back, spine, and spinal cord injuries
Facial fractures
Internal organ injuries
Road rash
The type of compensation and the amount you could be eligible to recover will vary depending on the severity of your injuries and the specifics of your bike accident.
An experienced bicycle collision lawyer could evaluate your case and help you understand your rights and legal options. In general, cyclists who are hurt due to the negligence of others could be eligible to recover compensation for:
Current and future medical bills associated with the crash
Lost wages due to the accident
Loss of future earnings (if disabled)
Repair or replacement of your damaged bike
Transportation costs for treatment
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
If a cyclist is killed in an accident, the surviving family members could be eligible to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim.
This type of legal action allows the family to recover money for funeral and burial expenses, final medical bills, loss of financial and emotional support, and more.
When you need experienced, compassionate legal help with a bicycle accident claim in Maine, turn to our team for help right away.
In the aftermath of a devastating bike accident, victims and their families often struggle to make ends meet.
With mounting medical bills, lost wages from time missed from work, and other issues, it can be challenging to get back on your feet. Some accident victims are unaware that qualified legal help is available to them, and at no upfront cost.
At Mann Law, our Maine bicycle accident lawyers represent clients on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning you won’t have to pay us anything until we recover compensation for you.
This means our initial consultation is 100 percent free, and if you choose to hire us, you won’t pay a single penny for our services until we win your case.
This approach means our interests are completely aligned. We won’t get paid until you get paid, and we’ll fight aggressively to make sure the at-fault party is held accountable. There’s no risk to reach out to us to talk about your case.
At Mann Law, we have the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to handle your bike accident claim. Call today for a free and 100 percent confidential consultation.
