Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating. Those accidents can cause serious injuries that will stick with riders for a long time. This is why understanding Connecticut Laws and your rights as a motorcyclist are essential. If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash you may require the services of a Simsbury motorcycle accident lawyer.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Connecticut

Motorcycle riders are well aware of how vulnerable they can be to accidents. That is why many of them always have the phone number of a Connecticut motorcycle accident attorney on standby. If you are still new to riding a motorcycle, you may not be fully aware of the risks involved.

Some key statistics can help shed light on that matter. Data provided by the state of Connecticut’s Department of Health highlights the dangers of the road for motorcycle riders.

According to the data provided by the state, they recorded a total of 907 accidents involving motorcycle riders in 2020. Furthermore, 66 people died in those 907 accidents. An additional 269 individuals suffered severe injuries, while the rest came away with minor wounds.

Motorcycle accidents have also been trending up since 2018. That is a disturbing trend, and it speaks to the importance of riders understanding everything this particular endeavor entails. If you are ever involved in an accident, do not forget that you can always call a Blastonbury or Simsbury motorcycle accident attorney for assistance.

What to Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident

You may find yourself in a compromised position following your motorcycle accident. Take the appropriate actions quickly to protect yourself and your chances of receiving compensation.

Get Out of the Road

Unlike car accident victims, you will not have the remains of your vehicle to shield you from oncoming traffic. If you can get out of the road following your accident, you should do that immediately.

Check Yourself for Any Injuries

Now that you are out of harm’s way, you can start checking for injuries. Check your passenger as well if you had one along for the ride.

Dial 911

Call 911 as soon as you finish checking yourself and your passenger for injuries. Ask for an ambulance if you or your passenger need immediate treatment. You can still ask for police officers to visit the scene even if no one was injured.

Obtain Information from the Other Driver

If you are fit enough to walk, you can approach the driver who caused the accident and ask for their name, contact details, and insurance information. Put an end to the conversation after you get the pieces of information you need. Nothing good will come from continuing that conversation any further. Tell them to speak to your motorcycle injury attorney if they still want to discuss certain matters.

Gather Evidence

Next up, you should also try collecting whatever pieces of evidence you can. Photos of the accident scene and witness statements are valuable pieces of evidence, so work on securing them.

Speak to the Responding Police Officers

Talk to the police officers as soon as they get to the scene and discuss what happened from your perspective. This is also the time for you to hand over the evidence you collected. Make sure you have the contact details of the police officers before you leave.

Go to the Hospital

Undergo a check-up at a nearby Simsbury or Glastonbury, CT, hospital after your accident. Do not skip out on the check-up because you may have injuries that are not obvious.

Notify Your Insurer about the Accident

Remember to tell your Connecticut insurer about your motorcycle accident so they can note it in their records; if they start to ask additional questions, instruct them to speak to your Simsbury motorcycle accident lawyer.

Partner with a Lawyer

Finally, you should hire a Simsbury motorcycle accident attorney to represent you if haven’t already. Their services will be extremely helpful as you go about pursuing compensation in your personal injury case.

How a Simsbury Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

The importance of having legal representation while pursuing a motorcycle accident case cannot be overstated. You will see why after learning more about the services they can offer.

• Acquire More Evidence to Strengthen Your Case
• Coordinate with Police Officers to Obtain the Accident Report
• Capture the Full Extent of Your Losses in the Request for Damages
• Negotiate with the Other Driver to Reach a Settlement
• Represent You in Court

Those are only some of the essential services good Hartford County motorcycle accident lawyer can provide. In all likelihood, you will need most of them as you move forward with your lawsuit.

What Is the Average Settlement for Motorcycle Accident Cases?

Medical expenses often make up a big chunk of payouts in personal injury cases. They also greatly affect settlement amounts. If you suffered relatively minor injuries, you may receive a settlement in the range of $10,000 to $20,000. Accident victims who suffered brain injuries may receive settlement offers that hover around $85,000.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you may have a broad range of expenses, from medical bills to lost wages and even emotional distress. Understanding the different types of damages you could recover can be crucial to understanding your claim. There are several types of damages that you may be able to recover, including:

• Lost future earnings – If your ability to work and earn a living gets impaired due to your injuries, you may be able to recover damages for your potential future earnings.
• Lost wages – If you cannot work because of your injuries, you may get compensation for the wages you would have earned during your recovery period.
• Medical costs – This includes any healthcare expenses related to the accident, such as hospital bills, doctor’s visits, physical therapy, medication, and any future medical expenses that may arise due to your injuries.
• Motorcycle repairs or replacements – This includes the costs associated with repairing your damaged motorcycle or replacing it in the case that it’s totaled.
• Pain and suffering – This refers to the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident. This can include depression, anxiety, loss of enjoyment of life, physical pain, and more.
• Permanent disfigurement – If the accident results in permanent scarring or other types of disfigurement, you may get compensation for these lasting impacts.
• Property damages – This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle and any other personal property damaged due to the accident.

Is Connecticut an At-Fault State for Motorcycle Claims?

Motorcycle riders should know that Connecticut is an at-fault state. It is crucial to keep that in mind because it directly affects compensation in personal injury cases. As long as you can prove that the other party caused your accident, they will need to compensate you for your losses. However, modified comparative negligence can affect how much you will receive.

Because of that rule, the courts can reduce your compensation based on the amount of blame you shoulder for an accident. You may miss out on compensation if the other side convinces the court that you share more than 50% of the blame. Prevent those things from happening by working closely with a motorcycle accident attorney.

Connecticut Motorcycle Laws

Connecticut is a state that has adopted partial helmet laws for its resident riders. With that law in effect, they only require riders and passengers under the age of eighteen to wear a helmet. If you are still working toward getting a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license in Hartford County, you must also wear a motorcycle helmet. Continue wearing that helmet until you have obtained the requisite endorsement.

Acting quickly is also important if you want to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit. The statute of limitations for such cases in Connecticut is only two years from the date of the incident. Work closely with your Connecticut motorcycle accident lawyer in Glastonbury or Simsbury so you can submit your lawsuit ahead of that deadline.

Is Lane Splitting Legal in Connecticut?

Understanding traffic rules might sometimes feel like a minefield, especially when it comes to specialized activities such as lane splitting. Lane splitting is the practice of a motorcycle rider traveling between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. It may appear an efficient way for riders to handle congested highways, but its legality differs by state.

In Connecticut, lane splitting is currently not legal. Connecticut law requires motorcyclists to obey the same traffic rules and regulations as other vehicles, which means staying within a designated lane and not weaving between cars. It’s important to know this not only for motorcyclists but also for drivers, as understanding and respecting the rules of the road is crucial to everyone’s safety.

While lane splitting can be controversial, with advocates arguing that it can reduce traffic congestion and improve motorcycle safety, the current law in Connecticut is clear. If you’re a motorcyclist, abide by these rules to avoid legal complications and keep the roads safe for all users. Always remember, when in doubt about traffic law or regulation, it’s best to err on the side of caution and follow standard driving protocols.

What If I Don’t Have Motorcycle Insurance?

Having motorcycle insurance is not only required by law in many states if you ride a motorcycle, but it’s also a significant way to protect yourself financially in case of an accident. But what if you get into a crash and don’t have insurance? This can make things more complicated, but there are some things you can do.

Whether you have insurance or not, the first thing you should do after an accident is to get help for any injuries. Your health is the most important thing, and some injuries may not be visible or show symptoms right away.

Next, you should call the police and report the accident. This is important for legal reasons because a police report can tell what happened in a neutral manner. Even if you don’t have insurance, if you don’t report an accident, it could cause legal trouble.

If you weren’t at fault for the collision, you might be able to get compensation from the other person’s insurance. But this can be a complicated process that can be harder if you don’t have your own insurance.

Last but not least, it’s essential to talk to a lawyer. It can be challenging to deal with the impacts of an accident, especially if you don’t have insurance. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand the law, give you advice on what to do next, and look out for your best interests.

Common Injuries People Sustain from Motorcycle Accidents

Since they do not have the protection afforded by cars, motorcycle riders are more vulnerable to injuries. Some of the most common injuries that motorcycle riders sustain include:

• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Burn injuries and scrapes
• Spinal cord injuries
• Cuts and lacerations

If you take a spill, your feet or legs are likely to be the first parts of your body that come in contact with the ground. You can break your leg or ankle easily if you hit the ground the wrong way. Your hips are also vulnerable to injury. After falling off your motorcycle, your hips may come crashing hard onto the ground. That could lead to you sustaining an injury that will require surgery.

In some cases, the lower body injuries that plague motorcycle riders may have lasting effects. Those injuries may permanently alter your range of motion. They may even render you unable to walk.

Simsbury, CT

Tucked in the lush Farmington Valley, Simsbury, CT, is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and vibrant local culture.

An essential part of Simsbury’s charm lies in its local businesses and attractions. For motor enthusiasts, Wagner Ford Sales is a must-visit. Wagner Ford Sales has been a reliable cornerstone of the community, offering a wide selection of vehicles and friendly customer service.

When it comes to shopping and dining, Simsbury does not disappoint. Fiddler’s Green Shops & Restaurants offer a delightful mix of unique boutiques, art galleries, and mouth-watering dining options, making it a perfect destination for a leisurely afternoon. Just down the road, the Drake Hill Mall has a variety of shops, providing something for every shopper’s taste.

After a day of shopping and dining, why not cap it off with a movie at the Apple Cinemas Simsbury? It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing evening, featuring the latest releases in a comfortable, state-of-the-art environment. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, Simsbury, CT, invites you to explore its delightful blend of historic charm and modern amenities.

Experienced Connecticut Motorcycle Lawyers

Seek expert legal advice from an experienced attorney at our Hartford County law firm if you need compensation for the injuries you sustained or the damage done to your motorcycle. At Hassett & George, we can provide the legal expertise you need. Contact us today if you want to secure the right compensation for your injury lawsuit.

Some of the locations in and around Hartford County our legal team serves include: Hartford, Simsbury, Glastonbury, New Britain, Bridgeport, Waterbury, Danbury, Norwalk, Manchester, and more.