More often than not, motorcycle accidents are caused by inattentive motorists.
These motorists don’t operate their car with the same awareness as a motorcyclist, and the results can be tragic.
We understand the grief and anger when an accident is not your fault as a motorcyclist. If you are inquiring on behalf or a loved one or friend, our Connecticut motorcycle accident lawyers understand this is a difficult time for you as well.
Call today for free consultation (877)-987-9LAW
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the fact remains that motorcyclists are about 26 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash, and 5 times more likely to be injured.
This means that 56 out of every 100,000 registered motorcyclists will be involved in a fatal crash.
Connecticut Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
For the most part, motorcyclists are vigilant drivers. They have to be on the lookout for other drivers, usually motorists who are distracted or breaking the law. Additionally, the conditions of the road and weather play equal parts in a person’s ability to handle a bike.
Faulty parts and poor maintenance may also cause a motorcycle wreck. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to improper maintenance, this is not an uncommon problem. Motorcycles that have been stored during the winter months are often not properly checked or serviced prior to riding on a nice day in the Spring.
If you suffer the misfortune of experiencing a serious motorcycle wreck, having a personal injury attorney on your side may help ease the emotional, physical, and financial pain you’re currently facing. Our lawyers can handle all the calls, paperwork, and other necessary legal items so you can focus on healing and your complete recovery.
When you need aggressive representation, The Flood Law Firm is committed to helping accident victims in Connecticut get the help they need. We offer 100% free consultations, which are confidential, and if you choose not to pursue a claim there is no obligation.
Motorcycle Accident FAQ
How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?
Recoverable damages in your motorcycle accident claim depend on the nature and severity of your injuries and the losses you have sustained. A Connecticut motorcycle accident attorney at The Flood Law Firm will thoroughly assess the evidence to determine the compensation you may be due and the overall value of your claim.
If the negligence of a motorist and/or any additional parties led to the motorcycle accident, our lawyers can pursue full compensation for losses such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Disability
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of the enjoyment of life
The value of pain and suffering and other non-economic damages is more difficult to calculate than economic losses such as the cost of medical treatment, loss of income, etc. Our motorcycle accident lawyers will account for all of the losses you have incurred thus far, as well as any and all damages you are expected to face in the future (as supported by the evidence).
Read More: Can You Sue for Pain and Suffering in CT?
Motorcycle riders face a high risk of fatal injury in the event of an accident. If your loved one is killed in a motorcycle accident, The Flood Law Firm can pursue compensation on your behalf through a wrongful death claim.
Who Is At Fault for Most Motorcycle Accidents?
Negligence on the part of a driver accounts for the majority of motorcycle accidents. Yet riders are frequently accused of being reckless and even putting themselves and others in danger.
Insurance companies have embraced this idea and run with it. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you are unlikely to be offered fair compensation until you hire a lawyer.
A Connecticut motorcycle accident attorney will investigate the crash to determine who is at fault. Negligence on the part of a motorist can take many different forms, including:
- Excess speed
- Texting while driving and other types of distracted driving
- Carelessness when turning left
- Tailgating
- Unsafe lane changes and merging
- Aggressive driving
- Opening the door of a parked car into the path of a motorcycle
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Often, drivers will cite a lack of visibility as the reason they were unable to avoid colliding with the motorcycle. Although it is important to examine the conduct of the motorcyclist (i.e., was the motorcycle in the driver’s blind spot, following too closely, etc.), this statement generally indicates negligence on the part of the driver rather than the rider.
Motorcycle accident lawyers will also consider other factors that may have led to the crash and additional parties that may be held liable for your injuries and damages. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to bring claims against:
- The driver of a motor vehicle
- The driver’s employer, if he or she was operating the vehicle for work (an issue that frequently arises in truck accident claims and other cases involving commercial vehicles)
- The manufacturer of your bike and/or a component part, if a mechanical failure or defect caused the accident
- The government entity responsible for an unsafe road, road hazards, etc.
You should never assume that you are to blame for a motorcycle accident or feel pressured to make statements against your interest. Fault can be a complex issue. Your motorcycle accident lawyer can identify all of the liable parties and fight to hold them accountable.
What Evidence Do I Need in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Multiple forms of evidence can support your claim against the careless driver and any other parties that caused the motorcycle accident. Some of the most important types of evidence a motorcycle accident lawyer will use to prepare your case include:
- Photos of the accident scene and the vehicles involved
- Eyewitness statements
- Video footage of the motorcycle accident (if available)
- Copies of the police report
- Motorcycle inspection reports
- Your medical records
- Medical bills
- Pay stubs and other documentation of your lost income
- Expert witness testimony
Due to the severity of their injuries, riders are often unable to collect evidence and exchange information with the other parties after a motorcycle accident. A Connecticut motorcycle accident attorney can take action promptly to preserve evidence on your behalf.
The Flood Law Firm has extensive experience investigating motorcycle accidents. We have also built relationships with leading experts in a variety of advanced fields whose testimony can help to establish liability for the crash, the extent of your injuries, the compensation you are owed, and more.
Read More: Should I Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims in Connecticut?
The statute of limitations is the time limit for bringing a legal claim. As with all types of personal injury actions in Connecticut, motorcycle accident claims must be brought within 2 years (see Connecticut General Statutes § 52-584). There are limited exceptions to this rule, so it is in your best interest to get started on your motorcycle accident case as soon as possible.
If you fail to file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires, you will not be able to recover compensation for your injuries. The losses associated with a motorcycle accident can be immense and you do not want to have to bear them on your own when someone else is responsible.
A lawsuit does not always need to be filed to recover compensation for a motorcycle accident. Often, these claims are resolved by settlement before entering the courts and without having to go to trial. However, it is crucial to be aware of the statute of limitations and ensure that a lawsuit is filed on time if it becomes necessary to sue.
Contact a Connecticut Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today.
What Are the Insurance Requirements for Motorcyclists in Connecticut?
Connecticut General Statutes § 14-1 classifies motorcycles as motor vehicles. As such, motorcyclists in Connecticut are subject to the same mandatory auto insurance requirements as the operators of cars and other motor vehicles.
Connecticut has implemented a 25/50/25 rule when it comes to auto insurance (see Connecticut General Statutes § 14-112). The minimum coverage requirements are:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
Drivers and motorcyclists must also carry uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. At minimum, the operators of motor vehicles in Connecticut must have $25,000 in UM/UIM insurance coverage per person and $50,000 in UM/UIM coverage per accident.
If the other driver is at fault for the motorcycle accident, the driver’s bodily injury and property damage liability insurance will pay for the damages you have sustained. (Just like your liability insurance pays for damages incurred by others if you were to cause an accident.) If the other driver doesn’t have insurance or fled the scene, your uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance can help pay for your losses.
Does Connecticut Have a Motorcycle Helmet Law?
Yes, although the helmet law does not apply to all motorcyclists. According to Connecticut General Statutes § 14-289g, anyone under the age of 18 who rides a motorcycle (both motorcyclists and passengers) is required to wear a helmet. The motorcycle helmet must meet the standards established by Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations § 571.218. Furthermore, anyone operating a motorcycle in Connecticut who has been issued a motorcycle instruction permit is also required to wear a helmet (see Connecticut General Statutes § 14-40a(b)).
Even motorcyclists who are fully licensed and older than 18 should consider wearing a helmet. A motorcycle helmet can reduce your risk of a traumatic brain injury in the event of an accident.
Read More: Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
What’s more, the decision to wear a helmet can make a difference in the compensation you are able to recover for a motorcycle accident. Failure to wear a helmet may be seen as comparative negligence (see Connecticut General Statutes § 52-572h), especially if you sustained a head injury in the motorcycle accident. If you are found to be partly at fault for your injuries because you weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, your damages may be significantly reduced.
Dangers of Riding in Connecticut
Data put together by the Connecticut Department of Transportation shows that in a 10-year period, the number of motorcycle accidents reached a spike with more than 11,000 reported incidents in a single year. On average, 300 fatalities were reported year after year.
Motorcycle accidents, like any motor vehicle accidents, often occur due to:
- Congested traffic
- Intoxicated drivers
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Poor weather conditions
- Road Construction
What may be considered a minor collision in a car, such as a fender bender, can have more serious results when it involves a motorcycle due to the difference in its size and weight.
5 Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
The reason motorcycle accident injuries tend to be more severe than injuries sustained in a passenger car collision should be self-evident.
A car has built-in safety features and a huge metal frame to help protect the occupant.
A motorcycle relies solely on a metal and fiberglass frame, a powerful engine and two wheels.
Common motorcycle injuries include:
- Road Rash – Any skin-to-surface contact in a motorcycle crash can result in road rash. If not properly treated, these wounds can lead to serious infections, such as staph infection and septic shock.
- Head Injuries – Any blunt force to the skull can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Symptoms of TBI may range from mild to severe and include headaches, blurred vision, nausea, and loss of consciousness. A severe TBI can have long-term effects on memory, the ability to concentrate or perform tasks, and personality changes.
- Safety Tip: The NHTSA estimates helmets to be 37% effective in preventing TBI or death. This means for every 100 riders not wearing their helmet during a fatal crash, 37 of them could have survived if they chose to wear one. When riding a motorcycle remember to always wear your helmet.
- Broken Bones – When a motorcyclist is flying toward the ground at a rapid speed, the first instinct is usually to throw up the hands and arms to protect the face, resulting in fractured or broken bones. Meanwhile, the weight from any oncoming vehicle could snap femurs, splinter shins, and crush ankles.
- Spinal Injuries – The thoracic spine, or middle to lower half of the back, is the most commonly injured area of the spine in a motorcycle accident. However, any region of the back may be injured in a bike wreck. Spinal injuries range from slipped or pinched vertebrae to complete paraplegia.
- Muscle and Nerve Damage – Minor injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tears typically take a few weeks to recover from. Severe nerve damage could require years of physical therapy or surgical intervention to fully heal.
Truthfully, in any collision between two vehicles, injuries may be catastrophic. Medical care for even minor injuries can be costly, and having to miss time off from work to heal may add to your frustration.
How to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim
A motorcycle accident can often cause serious property damage and a number of injuries. Victims of motorcycle accidents may face accident-related expenses including:
- Emergency response and room costs
- Medical care
- Physical therapy and additional follow-up care
- Wages lost from not being able to work
In more severe cases, motorcyclists involved in a collision may experience brain injuries, permanent disability, and death.
It’s common to reach out to the insurance carrier immediately after an injury. Keeping notes, an injury log, and the contact information for witnesses will assist you greatly when filing a motorcycle accident claim.
Please keep in mind that most insurance policies have settlement limits for bodily and property damage. This amount may not be enough to cover the total cost of your injuries, especially severe, life-altering ones, such as TBI or paraplegia. A motorcycle accident attorney can help fight for the compensation to cover your expenses and help you get back on track.
The Importance of a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
A motorcycle accident lawyer knows the kind of research it takes to reach the best possible outcome for clients.
We have the legal expertise and background to make sure no details of your case are missed.
There are many parts to a motorcycle accident claim with several parties often involved. It takes dedicated time and effort, which The Flood Law Firm has the capabilities to handle.
We Advocate for Your Rights
The Flood Law Firm has experience handling traffic collisions of every magnitude. We know the safety regulations and laws as they pertain to motorcyclists, and we have access to resources and information to put together a successful claim on your behalf.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries as a result of a motorcycle crash, contact a Connecticut personal injury lawyer today. We are here to help.
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Connecticut Office
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Middletown, CT 06457
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