Motorcycles are a popular mode of transportation for many people especially in the warm weather. Although it allows for a certain degree of freedom, there are unique risks associated with riding a motorcycle. A person riding a motorcycle, as opposed to being in a motor vehicle, is statistically more likely to be injured or die in a traffic accident even while obeying all traffic laws.
In the State of Connecticut, in order to operate a motorcycle, a person must have a motorcycle license per Connecticut General Statutes §14-40a.
Motorcyclists who are not at fault for an accident can receive compensation for the injuries and losses suffered with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. If you sustained injuries or losses in a motorcycle accident you should consult with Bridgeport motorcycle accident lawyer, George W. Ganim, Jr.
Motorcycle Accidents in Bridgeport
While motorcycle accidents often occur under similar circumstances to other traffic accidents, motorcyclists generally face more safety risks due to the exposure of their bodies and the lack of protection against the impact of a motor vehicle. These accidents commonly occur when another driver misjudges a motorcycle’s speed or fails to see them as they are traveling on the road. Other collisions may happen when a motorist opens a car door in front of an approaching motorcyclist or changes lanes without noticing a rider. Those are only a few examples of negligence that can cause injury to a motorcyclist.
The State of Connecticut has a partial helmet law under CGS § 14-289g, which states that any motorcycle rider or passenger under 18 must wear a helmet or else pay a fine.
Although studies have proven that the use of helmets reduces injuries and death, adults are not required to wear one, and the lack of wearing a helmet in an accident cannot be used against the motorcyclist to argue that the injuries would not be as severe had he or she been wearing a helmet.
A person who suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident should seek the assistance and help of a lawyer in the area who works motorcycle accident cases and can explain their rights under the law.
Damages in a Motorcycle Accident
A person involved in a motorcycle accident who files a lawsuit for personal injury or wrongful death may pursue economic and non-economic damages with the help of Bridgeport lawyer George W. Ganim, Jr.
Economic damages cover quantifiable losses such as medical expenses and lost earnings.
Non-economic damages are meant to make up for emotional losses, pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life and life’s activities. The amount of compensation an injured claimant may be able to recover typically depends on the severity of an individual’s losses and damages. Other factors that determine the amount of compensation include whether the injury(s) are permanent and the age of the injured person.
How Could Comparative Fault Impact Civil Recovery?
Although failing to wear a helmet does not qualify as comparative fault on the part of the injured motorcyclist, there are other factors that could reduce recoverable compensation. For example, a motorcyclist who is speeding when they are struck by a driver merging without the right of way can be partially at fault for the accident. This is because the motorcyclist could have avoided a collision if they were following the speed limit.
According to Connecticut General Statutes §52-572h, any injured person found partially to blame for their own injuries may have their final damage award reduced by whatever percentage of fault they bear. Furthermore, any person more than 50 percent at fault is barred from seeking any compensation at all.
What Are the Minimum Insurance Requirements for Bridgeport Drivers and Motorcyclists?
Under Connecticut State law, the same minimum insurance requirements apply to both motorcyclists and motor vehicle drivers. All licensed drivers in the state of Connecticut must maintain at least $25,000 of coverage for property damage per accident, $25,000 per individual accident victim for personal injuries, and $50,000 for total personal injuries per accident.
Additionally, virtually all insurance companies offer underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage for an additional fee, which can play a crucial role in the aftermath of a serious motorcycle wreck. If the at-fault party does not have sufficient insurance coverage to compensate an injured person for all of their losses then the injured person’s underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage may be their only means of seeking comprehensive recovery.
What Are the Filing Deadlines for Motorcycle Crash Claims?
As with any other type of motor vehicle accident, individuals who get hurt in motorcycle wrecks have a limited amount of time in which to pursue litigation. In most situations, the applicable filing deadline is two years from the date of the accident. However, there may be exceptions to this deadline under specific circumstances, so it is worth speaking with Attorney Ganim as soon as possible about what restrictions may apply in a particular situation.
Hire a Bridgeport Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you have the unfortunate experience of being involved in a motorcycle accident you should contact an experienced motorcycle injury lawyer immediately. You should not have any discussions with the at fault party’s insurance company as its interest is to protect its insured, not you.
Call Attorney George W. Ganim, Jr., a motorcycle accident lawyer in Bridgeport, Connecticut for a free consultation.