Riding a motorcycle is one of the most freeing and thrilling activities you can do. Unfortunately, it is also dangerous.
Too often, cars and trucks either don’t see motorcycles, or do not give them the respect that they deserve.
As a result, accidents happen. Unfortunately, as the motorcycle rider, you are likely the one who will suffer the worst injuries. Motorcycle riders are often left with catastrophic injuries or may even pass away from their injuries.
If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident, you need a skilled Connecticut motorcycle accident lawyer.
At StangerLaw LLC, our West Hartford, Connecticut motorcycle injury attorneys are dedicated to protecting our clients’ legal rights.
We will work tirelessly to hold all responsible parties accountable and help you recover compensation you deserve after being involved in a motorcycle accident in Connecticut. Call (860) 561-0651 or contact our CT motorcycle accident law firm today to schedule an initial consultation.
What Steps to Take Following a Motorcycle Accident in CT
The steps you take immediately following an accident can be crucial. Our Connecticut motorcycle accident attorneys will explain.
Call 911
The first thing you should do is to call 911. The police and emergency medical personnel should come to the scene. If your injuries are not too severe and you can safely do so, take photos of the accident scene.
Take Photos if Possible
You want to get pictures of your motorcycle, the other involved vehicles, skid marks, vehicle positions, and any pertinent scene details. Perhaps it was raining at the time, there was debris on the road, etc. These details can be important in determining liability.
Exchange Contact Information
You should exchange contact information with the other involved parties. If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information as well.
Seek Medical Treatment
If emergency personnel does not transport you to the hospital from the scene, you should seek medical treatment on your own as soon as possible. Do not delay, as the other driver’s insurance company will use that against you.
If you wait weeks to see a doctor, the other driver’s insurance adjuster will claim that your injuries were not that serious or something else happened after the accident that led to your injuries.
INJURED IN A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT?
You deserve full compensation.
Common Types of Injuries in a Connecticut Motorcycle Accident
Because motorcycle accident victims lack the same safety protections that those drivers in cars and large trucks do, injuries are usually more severe.
Some of the most common catastrophic motorcycle accident injuries we see include the following:
- Spinal cord injuries—motorcycle riders may suffer a partial or complete severed spinal cord, resulting in temporary or permanent paralysis;
- Amputations—a rider may have a limb severed in the accident, or a surgeon may need to remove it after being crushed;
- Internal injuries—motorcycle riders may suffer internal organ damage due to blunt force trauma or a perforation injury;
- Traumatic brain injuries—head injuries are prevalent in motorcycle accidents, especially if the rider is not wearing a helmet or their head makes contact with a solid object or the ground, which can lead to a concussion, brain bleed, or even permanent brain damage;
- Road rash—riders who lack proper clothing are especially prone to road rash if their body makes an impact with the pavement and slides across the road; and
- Broken bones—broken bones are also very common in motorcycle accidents due to the impact force or if a body part is crushed by impact with the other involved vehicle.
If a motorcycle accident victim passes away from their injuries, certain surviving family members could be eligible to bring a Connecticut wrongful death claim against the negligent party.
CT Motorcycle Laws
Motorcycle riders are obligated to follow specific laws when riding a motorcycle in Connecticut. They must have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license. Unlike some other states, Connecticut riders don’t have a separate motorcycle license.
Connecticut is one of 28 states that have partial helmet laws. All operators and passengers under 18 years old must wear a helmet whenever riding. If you are applying for your endorsement, you must wear one as well.
Motorcycle riders must wear protective eye gear, such as glasses, goggles, or some type of face shield. Only riders whose motorcycles have a windscreen or windshield are exempt.
Lane splitting and lane sharing are not permitted in Connecticut.
Motorcyclists have the same obligations and rights as other drivers on the road—one of which is the ability to have a whole single traffic lane for their use.
Riders cannot overtake and pass another motorcycle in the same lane. Riders are not permitted to ride side-by-side with another motorcycle in the lane or operate their motorcycle in between lanes of traffic, such as when passing vehicles.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Connecticut
Motorcycle accident claims are complicated.
You need CT motorcycle injury attorneys who understand the nuances of these cases and have the skills to stand up to the defendant’s insurance company. They will also help ensure you file your claim before the Connecticut statute of limitations deadline expires.
To learn more about how we can help you recover the fair compensation you are owed for your medical bills, lost wages, and more, contact StangerLaw LLC today. We will handle all the complicated legal aspects while you concentrate on your recovery and getting back to work. You don’t owe us any legal fees unless we win.
Call our office today at (860) 561-0651 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.