Bicycle Accident Representation in New Hampshire
Apis Law represents cyclists injured in roadway crashes, intersection collisions, passing-distance violations, and incidents caused by hazardous road conditions across New Hampshire. Bicycle accidents frequently involve severe injuries due to minimal physical protection, and liability often depends on driver conduct, roadway design, and compliance with state passing and lane-use laws.
These cases require careful reconstruction of the event, evaluation of sight lines and traffic patterns, and a clear understanding of the duties drivers owe cyclists under New Hampshire law. Apis Law provides focused representation to establish liability, document injuries, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, economic loss, and permanent impairment.
Understanding New Hampshire Bicycle Laws
Cyclists are entitled to use most public roadways and are afforded specific protections under state law. Motorists must exercise due care when approaching, passing, or turning near cyclists, and must maintain a safe passing distance that accounts for speed, traffic, and roadway width. Liability often depends on:
• Whether the motorist provided adequate passing clearance
• Driver speed and lookout
• Whether the cyclist was in a designated lane or using the roadway lawfully
• The driver’s conduct during turns, merges, or lane changes
• Roadway defects, drainage issues, or construction hazards
• Visibility and weather conditions
An effective bicycle accident claim requires precise evaluation of the cyclist’s path of travel, motorist behavior, roadway characteristics, and post-impact evidence, including a police report.
Common Bicycle Accident Scenarios
Unsafe Passing and Clearance Violations
Drivers misjudging distance, crowding cyclists against the shoulder, or passing without reducing speed. These cases often hinge on lane width, traffic conditions, and driver attentiveness.
Right- and Left-Turn Conflicts
Drivers turning across a cyclist’s path at intersections or driveways, often due to improper lookout or failure to anticipate a cyclist continuing straight.
Dooring Incidents
Vehicle occupants opening a door into a cyclist’s path, forcing immediate impact or abrupt evasive maneuvers that result in collision or loss of control.
Road Defects and Surface Hazards
Gravel, potholes, uneven pavement, drainage grates, raised utility covers, and shoulder erosion can cause a cyclist to lose control. These claims may involve municipalities, contractors, or property owners.
Driveway and Parking-Lot Exits
Vehicles reversing or pulling out across a cyclist’s lane without verifying clear travel paths.
Distracted or Impaired Driving
Cell phone use, inattention, or impairment can delay reaction time and reduce a driver’s ability to maintain proper distance or identify cyclists in traffic.
Injuries Commonly Seen in Bicycle Collisions
Cyclists face a significant risk of injury due to the absence of structural protection. Common injuries include:
• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Complex fractures to the arms, clavicle, pelvis, and legs
• Spinal injuries and herniations
• Internal injuries or organ trauma
• Severe soft-tissue injuries and abrasions
• Permanent impairment, nerve damage, or disfigurement
• Wrongful death
These injuries require coordinated medical review, assessment of long-term limitations, and careful calculation of economic loss and future medical needs.
Liability and Comparative Fault
Insurers often attempt to assign fault to the cyclist by arguing that the cyclist was in an improper lane, failed to use designated areas, had poor visibility, or made an abrupt maneuver. Under RSA 507:7-d, a cyclist may recover damages unless their fault exceeds 50 percent. Overcoming liability disputes requires:
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Mapping road width, signage, lane markings, and shoulder conditions
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Reviewing bicycle positioning, driver line of sight, and turning movements
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Securing and analyzing available dash-cam, surveillance, or traffic-camera footage
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Documenting surface defects and maintenance history
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Evaluating speed, braking, and impact mechanics
A well-developed record is essential to counter comparative fault defenses and to present a clear account of the driver's negligence.
Insurance Issues in Bicycle Collision Cases
Bicycle injury claims can involve multiple layers of coverage, including:
• Liability coverage of the at-fault motorist
• UM/UIM coverage from the cyclist’s own automobile policy
• Umbrella or commercial coverage when company vehicles are involved
• Homeowner’s liability in some driveway or property-based impacts
• Medical payments (MedPay) benefits
Identifying available coverage is critical, particularly in severe injury or wrongful death cases.
Legal Challenges in Bicycle Accident Litigation
Bicycle cases present unique challenges, including:
Disputed Visibility
Defendants often assert the cyclist was not visible, was riding at night without adequate lighting, or “appeared suddenly.” Scene reconstruction and analysis of driver angle, lighting, and distance are essential.
Ambiguous Roadway Layout
Shared lanes, lack of markings, or variable shoulder widths require careful measurement and review of design standards.
Changing Road Surface Conditions
Weather, construction zones, drainage issues, and surface deterioration may create liability for additional parties beyond the driver.
Conflicting Witness Accounts
Eyewitness estimates of speed, distance, and cyclist positioning are frequently inconsistent and require corroboration through physical evidence.
Apis Law’s Approach to Bicycle Accident Cases
Apis Law conducts a structured, evidence-focused investigation to build a comprehensive claim:
• Early scene photographs and roadway measurements
• Review of traffic controls, signage, and lane configuration
• Evaluation of passing distance, turning movement, and driver conduct
• Analysis of injuries, impact mechanics, and bicycle damage patterns
• Requests for surveillance, dash-cam, or commercial video footage
• Review of police diagrams and officer observations
• Coordination with medical and economic experts to assess long-term loss
The firm’s approach is designed to clarify liability, preserve critical evidence, and present a complete damages narrative under New Hampshire law.
Guidance for Injured Cyclists
Cyclists involved in collisions should:
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Photograph the scene, roadway, shoulder, and any surface defects
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Preserve the bicycle, helmet, and damaged equipment
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Obtain contact information from witnesses
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Seek prompt medical evaluation and document symptoms
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Avoid detailed statements to insurers
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Record missed work, limitations, and functional changes
Severe cases may require expert evaluation of roadway design, lighting, or long-term prognosis.
If you have been injured in a bicycle collision, contact Apis Law to discuss liability, roadway conditions, and your rights under New Hampshire law.