Motorcycles are a great alternative to conventional vehicles. However, although they bring the joy and freedom of the open road, they tend to be extremely risky, because, unlike cars, they have few safety features to protect riders from severe injuries in case of an accident. As such, it is important to be well-informed about motorcycle laws and what you should do in case of a crash.
If you or a loved one has sustained an injury in a motorcycle crash in Stamford, CT due to the negligence of another party, you have the right to compensation. However, the process is not as straightforward as we would all want and that’s why it’s best to hire a seasoned Stamford personal injury lawyer.
Our personal injury lawyers at Injured CT will work to ensure your rights are protected. Call us today for a free initial consultation with a Stamford motorcycle accident lawyer.
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help With My Compensation Claim?
Here at Injured CT, our aim is to protect the rights of Stamford residents. We know that a motorcycle accident can change your life and that’s why we fight aggressively to ensure you get the financial compensation you deserve. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers will help by:
Preparing Your Claim
This involves conducting investigations, interviewing witnesses, working with experts, and preparing vital evidence to present your case.
Handle Negotiations
Our lawyers will also negotiate with insurance companies and defense lawyers to ensure you are fairly compensated.
Trial Preparation and Representation
If our team does not to an agreement with the insurance company, they are ready to fight aggressively for your rights in court.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accidents lawyer serving Stamford, call (855)-285-3425
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Most motorcycle accidents can be both prevented and avoided. However, motorcyclists tend to be vulnerable when on the road. Some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Distracted driving
- Unexpected pedestrians on the road
- Failure to pay attention to motorcycles
- Faulty mirrors, brakes, or lighting
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Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Connecticut
Reduced traffic on the road due to COVID-19 has led to riskier driving and a substantial rise in motorcycle accidents in the state of Connecticut. According to the state Department of Transportation, there were 56 motorcycle-related deaths in 2020, a 20% increase from the previous year. Most of these crashes were caused by alcohol and speeding.
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What Are the Motorcycle-Specific Laws in Connecticut?
If you are planning to make a motorcycle accident claim, it is important to be familiar with the motorcycle specific laws in the state:
Motorcycle Endorsement
Riders in Connecticut don’t have a separate motorcycle license, but a conventional driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement instead. The process for getting a motorcycle endorsement involves an array of steps:
- Paying a fee for testing and the permit
- Completing a vision and knowledge test successfully
- Completing a motorcycle training course that’s approved by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles
The Gear
The state requires all riders to have some kind of eye protection like goggles unless the motorcycle has a windscreen.
For years, Connecticut has required riders under the age of 18 as well as anyone with an instructional permit to wear a helmet. As of 2019, however, the required age for wearing a helmet increased to 21, making the state one of the few that require 20-year-old riders to have a helmet.
Behavior on the Road
Every rider is required to follow traffic rules. In addition to what is taught in a driver’s education class, a motorcyclist should be aware of the following:
- No more than two bikes should occupy a single lane
- Connecticut has no age restrictions for bike passengers
- Lane splitting is illegal in the state of Connecticut
Bike Design
The handlebars should be lower than the motorcyclist’s shoulders. The state of Connecticut considers anything beyond this limit to be illegal. Also, mufflers are required and can’t be louder than the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) version that came with the bike. Ensure mufflers in your motorcycle don’t have straight pipes or cutouts. Also, your bike should have a right/left mirror, but turn signals are not a must.
If you plan to have a passenger, ensure your bike has the right features, including a seat and footrest.
Insurance Requirements
All vehicles in the state are required to have liability insurance, which covers damage to property and injuries caused to other individuals due to your actions. Connecticut requires a minimum of $10,000 per accident for property damage, $20,000 per individual, and $40,000 per accident for injuries.
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What Are the Most Common Injuries Seen in Motorcycle Accidents?
Due to the high speeds and the vulnerable nature of bikes, motorcycle accidents tend to be severe. The most common of these include:
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash
How Is Fault Determined in a Stamford Motorcycle Accident?
The state of Connecticut handles bike accident claims using the at-fault system. This implies that victims need to seek compensation for their injuries and losses from the insurance company of the motorist responsible for the accident.
Connecticut uses modified comparative negligence to handle injury claims. This is means that if a motorcycle accident victim is over 50% responsible for the crash, they are not eligible to collect damages from the other motorist.
What Type of Compensation Can I Receive for My Motorcycle Accident?
If you have been a victim of a motorcycle crash, you are bound to experience serious financial implications from medical bills to household bills. Injured CT personal injury lawyers have the skills and experience to recover compensation for damages sustained including:
Economic Damages
These are any financial implications or losses including medical bills, in-home care, physical therapy costs, and lost wages due to loss of future earning capacity or missed work.
Non-Economic Damages
These are non-monetary losses experienced from the accident. They include loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, pain and suffering as well as permanent disfigurement.
Punitive Damages
These are often awarded in cases where the party at fault was grossly negligent. They are meant to punish the party and discourage others from engaging in such behavior.
Why Was My Motorcycle Accident Claim Denied?
There are several reasons why a motorcycle accident claim can be denied. Examples include:
- The motorist wasn’t insured under the policy
- The policy was canceled/lapsed
- The accident is believed to be your fault
- They do not believe you sustained an injury
- They do not believe the accident was responsible for your injuries
Are There Time Limits to Filing a Claim in Connecticut?
Connecticut has a statute of limitations of 2 years for personal injury claims. Given how complicated and time-consuming some of these cases can be, it’s best to act as soon as possible.
Hire a Stamford Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today!
A motorcycle accident can instantly change your life. The repercussions both financial and physical can last for weeks and even years and so, it is best to fight for your rights with the right legal representative. You can rely on an experienced Stamford motorcycle accident lawyer at Injured CT.
Call us today for a free initial consultation.
Call or text (855)-285-3425 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form