A bicycle accident can be life-changing, leaving victims with severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional distress. Unlike other accidents, bike collisions often involve unique challenges due to limited protection for cyclists and the complexities of Maine’s traffic laws. At Lowry Law, our dedicated bicycle accident lawyers in Maine understand these challenges and are ready to fight for the compensation you may be legally entitled to. With over 50 years of proven results, we have the experience and resources to handle your case effectively, guiding you every step of the way. Let us focus on securing your future while you focus on healing.
Representing Injured Cyclists in Maine Since 1971
If you or a loved one has been injured on a bike, our experienced Maine bicycle accident lawyers at Lowry Law are here to help. Biking accidents can lead to serious injuries and overwhelming challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Getting Help Is Easy
We work with you, making it as easy as possible to seek the compensation you may deserve. We take care of the work so you can focus on recovery!
You Deserve Justice
When you suffer serious injuries due to another person’s carelessness, you deserve compensation. We will help you pursue the money you could be entitled to.
Free Case Review
During your free case review, you will get a better idea of the compensation you may be owed and how we can help you pursue it.
Table of Contents
- What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Maine
- How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Bike Accident?
- Proving Liability in a Maine Bicycle Accident Lawsuit
- Bike Laws in Maine
- Maine Bike Accident Statistics
- Common Causes of Bike Accidents
- Serious Bicycle Accident Injuries
- How Lowry Law Assists With Your Claim
- Speak With a Trusted Bicycle Accident Lawyer Maine Cyclists Rely On
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Maine
Experiencing a bicycle accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately afterward can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Get to Safety: Move to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further injury.
- Do Not Apologize or Admit Fault: Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Stick to the facts when speaking to others at the scene.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident, your injuries, the vehicles involved, and any road hazards. Collect names and contact information from the driver and any witnesses.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get medical care as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Medical records support your injury claim.
- Call the Police and Request a Report: Report the accident to the police and request a copy of the official report. This documentation can support your case.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance provider about the accident but provide only the necessary details.
- Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney: An experienced Maine bicycle accident attorney can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.
- Avoid Speaking to the Other Party’s Insurance: Don’t speak with the other driver’s insurance company. Let your attorney handle all communication to avoid putting your claim at risk.
Following these steps can help safeguard your well-being and your ability to pursue fair compensation.
How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Bike Accident?
The compensation you may recover after a bicycle accident depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the financial losses you’ve experienced. Every case is unique, but victims of bike accidents may be eligible to pursue compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for missed work and lost earning potential due to your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Financial relief for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of companionship, emotional support, and intimacy suffered by a spouse or family member due to the victim’s injuries.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your damaged bicycle and any personal items.
- Future Medical Costs: Anticipated medical expenses for long-term care or disability.
At Lowry Law, our skilled bike accident attorneys can evaluate your case and help you seek the full compensation you may be entitled to. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on healing. Reach out to us today to see what your claim may be worth.
Getting Our Clients REAL RESULTS
Proving Liability in a Maine Bicycle Accident Lawsuit
To recover compensation after a bike crash, you must prove that another person or party was legally at fault. In most Maine bicycle accident cases, you must prove 4 things:
- The driver had a legal duty to act safely.
- The driver failed to act safely.
- The driver’s actions directly caused the crash.
- You suffered injuries, medical bills, lost income, or other losses.
At Lowry Law, we investigate every detail to clearly prove liability and protect your right to compensation.
What If You Share Responsibility?
If you were partially responsible for the accident, Maine follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:
- You can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced.
- If you are found 50% or more responsible, you can’t recover damages.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto injured bicyclists. A knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer Maine injury victims rely on can push back against unfair blame.
How Long Do You Have to File a Bike Injury Claim?
Maine has strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit. The general statute of limitations for injury claims is 6 years from the date of the accident. However, some cases have shorter deadlines, sometimes as little as 30 days. If you miss the deadline to file, you may lose your right to recover compensation.
The safest way to protect your rights is to speak with a bike accident lawyer as soon as possible. Early action strengthens your case.
Bike Laws in Maine
Maine’s bicycle laws aim to keep riders safe and compliant while sharing the road. Below are some key bike laws from Title 29-A §2063 that every cyclist should know:
- Ride on the Right When Safe: Cyclists must ride as far to the right as practicable when traveling slower than traffic. However, they can move into the lane when making a left turn, avoiding hazards, passing another vehicle, or proceeding straight through intersections where right turns are permitted.
- Helmet Requirement for Riders Under 16: Cyclists under the age of 16 must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet for safety.
- 3-Foot Passing Law: Motorists must give cyclists at least 3 feet of clearance when passing and may cross the centerline in a no-passing zone if it’s safe to do so.
- Night Visibility Requirements: Bicycles must be equipped with a front headlight, rear reflector, and reflectors on the pedals or rider’s ankles for nighttime visibility. Bikes must also have functioning brakes.
- No Hitching to Vehicles: Cyclists are prohibited from attaching themselves or their bicycles to a moving vehicle.
Following these laws helps protect cyclists and ensures safer interactions between bikes and motor vehicles on Maine’s roads.
Maine Bike Accident Statistics
According to the Maine Public Crash Query Tool, there were a total of 212 bicycle crashes statewide last year, the highest number seen in the past 10 years. The most common contributing factor, when reported, was drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to cyclists.
This alarming trend highlights the need for drivers to be more attentive and for cyclists to remain vigilant. If you’ve been hurt in a bike accident due to a driver’s negligence, Lowry Law is here to help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
See What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
I am very pleased with all of your help, and if I ever need any help again I’ll be sure to call your office!
-Mona S.My wife and I were happy with the way that you handled our case. We would certainly come to you again if needed!
-Jasper C.Throughout the duration of my case, everyone I have dealt with in your firm has been very kind, courteous and very helpful. My lawyer did not give up and fought for what was rightfully owed to me, even though the process was timely. I am 100% percent satisfied with the service I was provided with. The case went smooth, and I was always treated with respect and courtesy. I thought I wouldn’t have been treated so well being a younger client!
-Taryn W.The people you have working for the firm were courteous and very helpful. I would recommend you to all my friends and family. Thank you!
-Ricky G.I was very satisfied with the work you guys did for me. Honesty was the key which makes you guys a step above the rest!
-Joseph K.I was treated with the utmost respect and kindness, I can’t think of any suggestions that might help enhance your firm!
-Annelle G.Two different doctors involved in my treatment had prior dealings with your firm. Both commented on how impressed they were with the high standards of honesty and integrity of your firm.
-Diane K.I felt very comfortable with Don representing me. I feel he did the very best job possible. I was also very thankful to have a lawyer with as much experience in these types of cases as Don does. Thanks again.
-Diane G.I feel that your team was superb about all that took place with my case, and if I ever need the support of an attorney again, you would be at the top of my list!
-Heidi H.Between conversations and emails with Michael and Marie, I never felt as though I was not kept in the know about my case. They were an incredible part of my team!
-Kristen D.Common Causes of Bike Accidents
Identifying the cause of your accident is part of determining whether you may be owed financial compensation. Common causes of bicycle accidents in Maine include:
- Drivers turning without checking for cyclists
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Dooring incidents (when a car door is opened into a cyclist’s path)
- Unsafe passing by vehicles
- Drivers veering off the road into bike lanes or shoulders
- Drunk driving or impaired operation
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone
No matter how your crash happened, if another party’s negligence played a role, you may have the right to seek compensation. An attorney can investigate the cause, identify all responsible parties, and fight to hold them accountable.
Serious Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents often lead to severe and life-changing injuries because riders have little protection against motor vehicles. Even with a helmet and safety gear, the impact of a crash can cause devastating harm.
Common bike accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and complex fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Road rash and permanent scarring
- Neck, back, and shoulder injuries
These injuries can require surgery, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. Some victims are left with permanent disabilities that affect their ability to work and enjoy daily life. At Lowry Law, we help pursue compensation that reflects both your current and future needs.
How Lowry Law Assists With Your Claim
At Lowry Law, we understand how overwhelming a bicycle accident can be. Whether you’re in Portland, the Bangor area, Lewiston, or anywhere else in the state, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the legal process and fight for the compensation you may be entitled to. Here’s how we assist with your claim:
We start by offering a free, no-obligation case review to evaluate the details of your accident. This allows us to determine the strength of your claim and explain your legal options.
Our team conducts a detailed investigation to gather critical evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, photos of the scene, and any available video footage.
We collect and organize all relevant documentation, including medical records, repair estimates for your bike, and proof of lost wages, to build a strong case.
We handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance companies to pursue a fair settlement, protecting you from tactics designed to minimize your compensation.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and aggressively advocate for your rights.
Throughout the process, we keep you informed and provide continuous support, answering any questions and addressing your concerns.
When you hire Lowry Law, you are choosing a law firm with over 50 years of combined experience fighting for injured people across Maine. We understand the unique risks cyclists face on Maine’s roads, from narrow rural highways to busy city intersections, and we know how to build strong cases that hold negligent drivers accountable.
Our dedicated team takes the time to listen to your story, explain your options, and stand beside you every step of the way. Let us advocate for you.
Our Experienced Maine Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Speak With a Trusted Bicycle Accident Lawyer Maine Cyclists Rely On
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a bike crash alone. At Lowry Law, we’ve been standing up for injured Mainers since 1971, and we are ready to stand up for you. We understand local courts, state laws, and the tactics insurance companies use. When you hire a Maine bicycle accident lawyer from our team, you get dedicated representation focused on results, not quick settlements.
We are ready to investigate your crash, protect your rights, and fight for the maximum compensation available. Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact Lowry Law today, and let us help you move forward with strength and confidence.