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 & Associates, our dedicated bike 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.
Strong Representation for Bike Accident Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured on a bike, our experienced Maine bicycle accident lawyers at Lowry & Associates 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.
What To Do After a Maine Bicycle Accident
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 lawyer can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights. - Avoid Speaking to the Other Party’s Insurance
Do not 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 & Associates, our experienced 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.
Getting Our Clients REAL RESULTS
Bike Laws in Maine
Maine’s bicycle laws are essential for keeping 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.
Statistics: Biking in the State of Maine
According to the Maine Public Crash Query Tool, there were a total of 191 bicycle-involved crashes statewide. 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. Understanding and following Maine’s traffic laws can help prevent these accidents, but when negligence occurs, injured cyclists have the right to seek compensation.
If you’ve been hurt in a bike accident due to a driver’s failure to yield, Lowry & Associates is here to help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
See What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
Michael Vaughn was extremely helpful to us throughout the case. He was responsible to our needs and requests, and dealt with some very frustrating circumstances with grace and diplomacy.
-Marsha R.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 could not have asked for a better attorney than Lowry & Associates, and the staff that work for this firm.
-Ronald S.Everyone was very understanding, and they all knew me by my first name, it was a very comfortable place to go!
-Bonnie M.The injuries from this experience caused me to lose an entire year from my life. The company responsible for this accident cared nothing about my well-being and refused to work with me. Despite the odds, your firm was willing to take my case. The staff that handled my case was absolutely courteous, friendly, and appeared interested in me and my well-being. I would highly recommend your firm. Thank you so much for your kind and friendly service.
-Rita B.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.Things were explained to me in terms I could understand. Your people worked patiently with me, and I was never made to feel out of the loop! No question in my mind, I will highly recommend your firm!
-Serena J.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.Most of the time I felt like your whole group was treating me like I was the only client!
-Rodney M.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.Do You Have a Valid Claim?
If you were injured in Maine by a motorist while riding your bike, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your damages. Determining whether you have a valid claim depends on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances surrounding the accident. Knowing who was at fault and how the accident occurred is essential for building a strong case.
Did You Suffer Serious Injuries?
To have a valid claim, your injuries must be significant enough to result in medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering. Common injuries from bike accidents include broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, and road rash.
Who and What Caused Your Injuries?
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 making right or left turns 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
Does Modified Comparative Negligence Apply?
Maine follows the rule of modified comparative negligence, which means your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident. However, if you are 50% or more at fault, you may not be eligible to recover damages. If you have a valid claim, an experienced Maine bicycle accident lawyer from our office can help you navigate these complexities.
How Lowry & Associates Assists With Your Claim
At Lowry & Associates, we understand how overwhelming a bicycle accident can be. 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.
Our Experienced Maine Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Don’t Wait Until the Deadline Is Up!
In Maine, you generally have 6 years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain factors—such as claims against government entities or specific circumstances surrounding the accident—can significantly shorten this deadline. Failing to file within the required timeframe will prevent you from recovering the compensation you may deserve.
Don’t risk losing your right to seek justice. Contact Lowry & Associates today for a free case review and let us help you protect your claim before time runs out.