Motorcycle accidents often result in some of the most serious injuries sustained on the road. In many cases, they are fatal*. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident at little to no fault of your own, the at-fault party could owe you compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more.
One of the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Hartford
While you recover from your motorcycle accident, the legal team at Jainchill & Beckert is ready to fight for the full compensation you are entitled to. Contact our motorcycle accident attorneys in Hartford today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Hartford motorcycle accident injury lawyer.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Hartford?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycles only make up 3 percent of all registered vehicles nationwide. Notwithstanding, motorcyclists account for a staggering 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. Because these motorists have minimal protection compared to occupants of other vehicles, they are much more likely to suffer life-threatening injuries or death in the event of an accident.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence
- Driving too fast for the conditions
- Lane splitting
- Following too closely
- Failure to check blind spots
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Unsafe turns and merges
- Driver inexperience
- Poor road conditions
- Inclement weather
What Is the Minimum Level of Auto Insurance Required for Motorcyclists in Connecticut?
All motorists in Connecticut, including motorcyclists, must carry the following minimum levels of auto liability insurance:
- $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
This motorcycle insurance is meant to cover accident victims when you cause an accident.
Further, all motorists must also carry the following minimum levels of uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage:
- $25,000 per person
- $50,000 per accident
As the name suggests, this insurance is meant to cover you in the event an at-fault party has insufficient insurance to cover your losses or none at all. Contact one of our Hartford motorcycle accident lawyers today.
How Is Liability Established in a Connecticut Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
The most common way of establishing liability in auto accidents, including those involving motorcycles, is by proving that someone was negligent. A motorist will be held negligent if it can be shown by a preponderance of the evidence that they failed to exercise a reasonable level of care to avoid hurting others through their actions. Examples of negligence include things like not checking your mirrors before changing lanes or failing to adjust your speed during inclement weather.
In some cases, liability may also be established by proving that someone was negligent per se. Negligence per se arises when someone breaks a law or regulation in place to keep people safe, such as laws against intoxicated driving and running red lights. Plaintiffs can prove liability by simply showing that their injuries were caused by a violation of such a law.
If you were partly responsible for the motorcycle accident, you may still be eligible to receive compensation. The governing statute provides as follows: “Contributory negligence shall not bar recovery in an action . . . to recover damages resulting from personal injury . . . if the negligence was not greater than the combined negligence of the [defendants].”
What Are the Safety Laws Governing Motorcyclists in Connecticut?
There are many traffic laws on the books in Connecticut to promote safety and prevent accidents. Many are specifically designed with motorcyclists in mind.
Some of the rights and restrictions governing motorcyclists and their passengers in the state include the following:
- Motorcyclists and passengers under 18 must wear safety helmets while riding.
- Motorcyclists are entitled to the full use of designated traffic lanes.
- Motorcyclists may ride up to two abreast in a single lane.
- Motorcyclists are prohibited from overtaking and passing other vehicles within a single lane.
- Motorcyclists may not carry passengers unless their motorcycles are equipped with permanently attached seats designed for passengers.
- Motorcyclists and passengers are prohibited from riding “sidesaddle.”
Remember that if you are hurt in a Connecticut motorcycle accident while violating any of these laws, it could affect the value of your injury claim. The at-fault party might argue that they should not have to pay for injuries you sustained while breaking a law designed to keep you and others safe. If this happens, our skilled motorcycle accident injury attorneys can help you push back against accusations of negligence to maximize the value of your claim.
What Compensation Can I Receive Through a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
If you successfully prove liability in a motorcycle accident lawsuit against an at-fault driver, they will be ordered to pay you compensation, which should reflect both the economic and noneconomic impact of your injuries and losses.
The motorcycle accident lawyers at Jainchill & Beckert can help you secure compensation for things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lowered quality of life
- Repair or replacement cost for damaged personal property
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, the statute of limitations governing motorcycle accidents gives you two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If you try to sue after the two-year deadline passes, the at-fault party will ask the court to dismiss your case. Because the deadline is strictly enforced, the presiding judge will be forced to grant the motion in most cases. The motorcycle accident injury attorneys at Jainchill & Beckert are ready to thoroughly investigate your accident, build a strong claim on your behalf, and make sure it is filed before the deadline passes.
Contact a Hartford Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Because motorcyclists have almost no protection from the full impact of auto accidents, they are extremely vulnerable to catastrophic injuries and death when one occurs. When injured in accidents caused at little to no fault of their own, motorcyclists may be entitled to significant legal compensation from the at-fault party.
The Hartford personal injury lawyers at Jainchill & Beckert, we are standing by to make sure no accident victims, including motorcyclists, lack excellent legal representation in their hour of need. We are ready to defend your right to full and fair compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Connecticut motorcycle accident lawyer.
Here are several resources for victims of motorcycle accidents in Hartford, CT:
- Connecticut Motorcycle Riders Association (CMRA): The CMRA provides support and resources for motorcycle riders in Connecticut. They may offer guidance on safety measures, legal rights, and advocacy for riders involved in accidents. Visit their website at Connecticut Motorcycle Riders Association.
- Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT): The CTDOT website provides information on motorcycle safety, accident statistics, and resources for victims of motorcycle accidents. Visit their website at CTDOT.
- Connecticut Office of Victim Services (OVS): OVS provides support and assistance to victims of crime, including victims of motorcycle accidents. They offer resources such as counseling, financial assistance, and guidance through the criminal justice process. Visit their website at Connecticut Office of Victim Services.
- Connecticut State Police – Troop H Hartford: The Connecticut State Police Troop H in Hartford may offer resources and assistance for victims of motorcycle accidents, including accident reports and guidance on the next steps. You can find more information on the Connecticut State Police website or by contacting Troop H directly.
- Hartford Healthcare Trauma Services: Hartford Healthcare Trauma Services provides support and resources for victims of traumatic events, including motorcycle accidents. They offer trauma counseling, support groups, and rehabilitation services. You can learn more about their services on the Hartford Healthcare website.
- Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence (The Alliance): While primarily focused on sexual violence, The Alliance may also provide support and resources for victims of other types of trauma, including motorcycle accidents. They offer counseling services and referrals to other support organizations. Visit their website at The Alliance.
These resources should provide valuable support and assistance to victims of motorcycle accidents in Hartford, CT
Sources:
