Common sense should tell you that when a distracted driver hits someone riding on a bicycle the cyclist will probably be the one suffering severe injuries in the resulting bicycle accident. Connecticut laws make it clear that motorists, pedestrians and bicycle riders must cooperate in sharing the roads safely.
Preventing situations that could lead to an auto-pedestrian accident or to a bicycle accident with either a pedestrian or a motor vehicle has been the subject of laws and public information campaigns in New Haven County and elsewhere throughout the state. For example, motorists must not travel in close proximity to bicycle riders who might be using the roadway.
Drivers of trucks, cars, SUVs and other motor vehicles must not be any closer than three feet to a bicycle rider. This rule applies whenever a motor vehicle is passing or approaching a rider.
The purpose of the law is to address the problem of the failure to observe bicycle riders and pedestrians that can lead to a pedestrian accident or to an accident involving a cyclist. A distracted motorist who travels closer than three feet to a rider can be cited by the police for a failure to yield violation under state law.
When motorists, pedestrians and all users of the state’s roadways observe the laws designed to promote highway safety, fatal pedestrian accident and bicycle accident statistics go down. The negligent driver who does not consider other users of the roads when making the decision to run a stop sign poses a danger of serious injuries to others.
If you have injured while walking on the street, or if you have been in a bicycle accident with a negligent driver, you might be entitled to compensation for the serious injuries you suffered. A New Haven personal injury attorney can provide legal advice and guidance about your compensation rights.
