Portland, Maine Bicycle Accident Attorneys

The law firm committed to helping injured cyclists

As roads become increasingly crowded with drivers, truckers, and bikers, it's essential to recognize that cyclists also have a right to the road. The growing presence of bike lanes in Portland and communities across Maine further speaks to this fact. However, as bicycles and larger vehicles come in closer contact, cyclists are exposed to the potential risk of severe accidents.

When bicyclists are involved in accidents, the injuries are often life-threatening. They lack the outer framing larger vehicles like cars and trucks have to protect the passengers inside. Due to this, even low-impact accidents can cause a cyclist to suffer life-threatening injuries.

At Romanow Law Group, we understand the stakes are high after a bicycle accident. You are entitled to your share of Maine’s roads and deserve to be protected when your rights and your future are on the line. Let our law firm support you through your case. Contact us today to speak with an experienced Portland, Maine bicycle accident lawyer.

We handle a wide range of bicycle accidents

Some cyclists may hop on their bikes as their only means of transportation, while others may go to get some fresh air or on a joy ride. Whatever the case may be, once you start to pedal, the last thing on your mind is a crash. But bicycle accidents are becoming far too common. Our law firm handles cases involving all types of bicycle accidents.

One common type of bicycle accident is known as "dooring." This occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist. The cyclist either hits the door or swerves into traffic and hits another vehicle. Dooring accidents can happen unexpectedly and result in serious injuries, as cyclists often have limited time to react and avoid the impact.

Another type of bicycle accident involves left or right hooks. A left hook occurs when a driver makes a left turn across the path of an oncoming cyclist, causing a collision. Similarly, a right hook happens when a vehicle passes a cyclist on the left and then makes a right turn without giving the cyclist enough space or time to react.

Left and right cross accidents occur when a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction of a cyclist fails to yield the right of way, resulting in a collision. These accidents commonly occur at intersections when drivers fail to notice or misjudge the speed of an approaching cyclist.

Sideswipe accidents happen when a vehicle strikes a cyclist from the side, often due to unsafe passing or improper lane changes. These accidents can be particularly dangerous when cyclists are forced into traffic or lose control as a result of the impact.

When a car gets too close to a cyclist, it can cause a forced off-the-road accident. This can be a result of a driver failing to give cyclists sufficient space when passing or intentionally trying to intimidate the cyclist.

Wrong-way accidents involve cyclists being struck by vehicles traveling in the wrong direction. These accidents can occur when a driver enters a one-way street or fails to recognize the correct flow of traffic.

Maine bicycle laws

In Maine, some laws and regulations govern bicycle use on the roadways. According to the state of Maine, some key regulations for cyclists to keep in mind include:

Bicycles must follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles, including stopping at red lights and stop signs.
Cyclists are required to ride in the same direction as traffic and as close to the right side of the road as practicable, except when preparing to turn left or when necessary to avoid hazards.
Cyclists can ride on bike paths and lanes but are not required by the state to do so.
Cyclists under the age of 16 are required to wear a properly fitted helmet when riding a bicycle on a public roadway.

There are also laws motorists must follow regarding sharing the road with bicycles, some of these laws include:

Motorists must give at least 3 feet of space when passing cyclists.
Motorists should be cautious using their horns. Honking their horn unnecessarily could startle a cyclist and cause them to crash. (Title 29A, Chapter 17, Section 1903).
Motorists should only open doors after checking traffic.
Motorists must watch for bicyclists as they prepare to make a right turn.

Get the legal support you deserve

A bicycle accident can leave you reeling and unsure of what steps to take next. Many bicycle accidents are caused by the negligent acts of another motorist. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can hold them accountable.

It is important to note legal help is available to you without any upfront costs. At the Romanow Law Group, we pride ourselves in representing our clients on a contingency fee basis. What does that mean for you? It means you don’t have to worry about paying for a lawyer out of pocket. Through a contingency fee agreement, you don’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation for you. You won't owe us a single penny until we win your case.

This approach ensures that our interests are perfectly aligned with yours. We won't stop fighting until the party responsible for your bicycle accident is held accountable for their actions. Don’t hesitate to call or contact us. We’re ready to hear from you.