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. Unlike cars, they have few safety features to protect riders from severe injuries in case of an accident.
A Stamford motorcycle accident lawyer can help protect your rights and represent your best interests in an injury claim. As such, it is important to be well-informed about motorcycle laws and what you should do in case of a crash with the help of a Stamford personal injury lawyer at Aeton Law.
Let Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help You
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 trusted attorneys can guide you to getting the compensation you are owed.
Our personal injury lawyers at Aeton Law will work to ensure your rights are protected. Call us today for a free initial consultation with a Stamford motorcycle accident attorney. We are here to guide you in making a full claim for your losses.
Trust in our motorcycle accident lawyer in Stamford to give you the help you need. They have the experience and the knowledge to help. Look to them for the answers you need.
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help with My Compensation Claim?
Here at Aeton Law, 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. Your life has now changed due to the actions of others, and we want to help you fight for compensation.
Your compensation claim may be extensive. You may have a long list of losses that are related to your financial, emotional, and physical health. You deserve full and fair compensation.
Having a motorcycle accident attorney in Stamford available to you can be critically important. We do everything we can to protect you and your claim. 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. We learn as much as possible about your claim. That includes gathering evidence as needed.
Handle Negotiations
Our lawyers will also negotiate with insurance companies and defense lawyers to ensure you are fairly compensated. We work hard to ensure all evidence documents your losses clearly, helping to support those claims. We are aggressive negotiators working to protect our clients.
Trial Preparation and Representation
If our team does not come to an agreement with the insurance company, they are ready to fight aggressively for your rights in court. While settlement is faster and less expensive for everyone, we do not shy away from going to court. When needed, we will prove to the court what you are owed.
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
There are many other reasons these accidents occur. In some situations, the information on the police report is lacking or is not accurate. That is why at Aeton Law, we work hard to prove your case and losses clearly.
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.
What Are the Motorcycle-Specific Laws in Connecticut?
As a motorcycle rider, you had to learn the rules of the road before you got your license. There are laws that are aimed at minimizing your risks. Other drivers are not always aware of these laws.
It is important for you to understand these laws. You also need to understand how the laws impact your ability to file a claim. We encourage you to ask our team questions and gather more information from us.
Let us provide you with a free consultation to discuss your needs. There are many times when you have rights you may not realize. 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
You do not always need a separate license in the state. 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
If you are unsure about your right to be behind the wheel, ask us. If there is any question about your skills, let us know. This may play a role in your compensation.
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. That is no different for motorcycle riders. 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
Your behavior may play a role in your losses. It could impact your claim. Let us know about any factors you think could be a consideration as you file your claim.
Bike Design
Your bike must meet specific rules, too. 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.
Do not assume your bike has what is required. Let our team make sure you meet all requirements. We are happy to answer any questions you have.
Insurance Requirements
All vehicles in the state are required to have liability insurance. This 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.
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 injuries and losses are often significant. The most common of these include:
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash
Every case is unique. Let our Stamford motorcycle accident lawyer help you explore all potential losses. We are committed to helping you through this process.
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. Aeton Law 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.
Discuss your case with us. Allow us to help you determine all losses. Do not settle until you do.
Stamford Motorcycle Accident FAQs
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, and the accident is believed to be your fault. Others include that they do not believe you sustained an injury and that 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 two 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. Do not wait to contact us.
How Is Fault Determined in a Stamford Motorcycle Accident?
Connecticut uses modified comparative negligence to handle injury claims. This 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. We encourage you to speak to us about your rights.
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, 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 Aeton Law.