Motorcycle Accidents Attorney in Middletown, Connecticut
Whether you are driven to ride by the cost-savings of fuel efficiency or by seeking your next thrill, you are not alone. According to data published by the Insurance Institute of Highway and Safety, more than 8 million motorcycles were registered in the United States in 2021, with nearly 90,000 in Connecticut alone.
Along with the benefits of riding a motorcycle, also comes risk. Recent data published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows more than 80,000 motorcyclists are injured each year in traffic accidents, and more than 5,000 are killed.
If you have been injured or have a loved one who has died in an accident involving a motorcycle in the Middleton, Connecticut area, contact Jefferson Hanna Law to schedule a consultation. Our attorney is a knowledgeable motorcycle injury lawyer with nearly 40 years of experience practicing law.
Don’t delay. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. As with any personal injury case, having an attorney at your side increases your chances of a fair settlement. Call today.
Motorcycle Accident Claim – Proving Fault
Connecticut is an at-fault state – that is, the person who is responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for compensating the affected parties. In some accident cases, determining who is at fault is straightforward; perhaps the other driver ran a stoplight or was recklessly speeding. However, there are times when who is at fault is less clear, especially when it comes to accidents involving motorcycles.
A common defense used by drivers in an accident involving a motorcycle, as well as by their attorney or the insurance company’s attorney, is they did not see the motorcycle. This may be true. Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles on the road and more easily hidden in a driver’s blind spot. When an attorney uses this argument, however, they are trying to put part of the blame for the accident onto the motorcyclist.
Connecticut is a comparative negligence state, meaning insurance companies may determine each party involved in an accident may be partially to blame. When this happens, you may only seek damages if you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. The greater your percentage of being at fault, the less you will receive in an insurance settlement.
An experienced motorcycle injury claims lawyer will gather detailed information from you, along with all available evidence, to paint a clear picture of the accident scene. From there, your motorcycle accident lawyer can argue that the other driver’s negligence is to blame for the accident and build a strong case for a fair settlement.
Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
As with most areas of personal injury law, most motorcycle accidents claims are settled without having to go to court. Skilled motorcycle accident injury lawyers will gather sufficient evidence to argue your case and will be able to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
A fair settlement should be able to cover the costs related to your injuries, including:
Medical visits
Medication
Assistive medical devices
Rehabilitation
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Scarring and disfigurement
Other out-of-pocket expenses
In Cases of Wrongful Death, Punitive Damages May Also Be Sought.
In rare cases, the other party’s insurance company may not offer a fair settlement. At that point, your attorney will go over your options with you, including filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit. There is no guarantee which way a case will go if it goes to trial. A trusted attorney will be able to weigh the evidence in your specific case and discuss the possible outcomes so that you can make the best decision on how to move forward.
At Jefferson Hanna Law, our goal is to negotiate the best deal for every client. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, contact us to speak with our attorney.
During an initial consultation, we will review the facts of your case and discuss possible outcomes as they relate to Connecticut motorcycle accident law. There is no cost to you unless we can help you successfully receive compensation for your injuries. Call our office today to see how we can help.