Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Cheshire, CT
Riding a motorcycle in Connecticut—particularly in the milder months of the year when the leaves are budding or changing shades—can be a way to connect with nature, get a breath of fresh air, and commute in a way that’s quick and efficient. But while motorcycling is a favorite pastime of many, it can also be a dangerous one.
There are dozens of motorcycle accidents reported in our state each year, some of which are fatal. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in our state, our motorcycle accident lawyers at The Dodd Law Firm LLC can help you to navigate your legal options and recover compensation for your injuries. Reach out to us today to request your free consultation to get started.
Connecticut Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Operating a motorcycle can be very dangerous. According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, citing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a traffic accident than are passenger car occupants. In CT, there are dozens of motorcycle fatalities every year. In 2020 alone, there were 56 motorcyclist fatalities in the state. This figure does not account for the number of injury-causing motorcycle accidents that occurred.
How Motorcycle Accidents Happen
When a motorcycle crash occurs, determining fault is an important part of recovering damages. Motorcycle accidents can be the fault of the motorcyclist, the driver of the passenger vehicle involved in the crash, a third-party driver, the manufacturer of the vehicle/motorcycle, or another third party.
Driver errors that can lead to motorcycle accidents include:
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Driving while distracted
- Driving while impaired
- Performing an illegal maneuver
- Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes
- Driving aggressively
Sometimes, motorcycle crashes are the fault of the motorcyclist involved. If a motorcyclist is operating their motorcycle negligently, it could lead to a crash.
Injuries from a Motorcycle Accident
Without airbags, seatbelts, or a vehicle frame for protection, the outcome of a motorcycle accident can be truly devastating. Common types of injuries that a motorcyclist involved in a crash may suffer include:
- Traumatic brain injuries. A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is one of the most common motorcycle accident injuries. The risk of a TBI is higher if the motorcyclist is not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. While some TBIs will heal completely with time, others can cause life-long impairment.
- Road rash, bone fracture, and soft tissue injuries. When a motorcyclist’s body is flung from their bike or pinned in a crash, the risk of road burn/road rash injuries, bone fracture injuries, and soft tissue injuries are high. These injuries can cause permanent scarring and disability in some cases.
- Spinal cord injuries. A spinal cord injury occurs when a motorcyclist’s spine is hit with such force that the spinal column cannot protect the spinal cord. The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body; if this system is disrupted, the result can be permanent paralysis.
- Internal injuries. When the body is hit with force, internal organs are at risk of harm. Internal bleeding following a crash is one of the most common types of motorcycle accident injuries.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder and other non-physical injuries. In addition to physical injuries, a motorcyclist who is involved in a crash may suffer psychological injuries as well, including post-traumatic stress disorder.
Physical and psychological injuries can be expensive to treat and lead to lost wages and a loss of earning capacity. At the office of The Dodd Law Firm PLLC, we’ll work hard to get you a settlement that fully compensates you for the full value of your losses when you call our team.
Your Rights if Injured in a Crash
If you are injured in a motorcycle crash, it’s important that you understand that you have certain legal rights, including the right to compensation in full if the other party was responsible for your injuries. If you can prove that your accident would not have occurred but for the fault of the other party involved—whether that be another driver or another third party—you can seek compensation for the full value of your economic and noneconomic losses.
Keep in mind that Connecticut is a modified comparative negligence state. This means that negligence can be shared by more than one party. For example, if you are found to be 10 percent at fault for the accident and the passenger car driver is found to be 90 percent at fault, you can still file a claim for damages. However, the amount of your recoverable damages award will be reduced by 10 percent; in other words, you can only hold the other party liable for your damages in proportion to their degree of fault.
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help?
Being involved in a motorcycle crash or learning that a loved one has been in this type of accident may be one of the most traumatic and shocking things that you have ever gone through.
When you call our Connecticut motorcycle accident attorneys, we will be responsible for gathering evidence, talking to eyewitnesses, reviewing the police report, hiring accident reconstruction experts, determining and proving liability, calculating your damages, representing you in all conversations with the insurance adjuster, and aggressively negotiating your settlement to get you the best deal possible. In the event that your claim leads to litigation, your attorney will also represent you during this process.
Call The Dodd Law Firm LLC Today
Don’t wait to take action after being involved in a motorcycle accident. At The Dodd Law Firm LLC, we can start working on your case immediately. Reach out to our lawyers by phone at 203-272-1883, in person, or online to request your free consultation. We can travel to your location, never charge for an initial consultation, and always work on a contingency fee basis.
