Hartford Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Riding a motorcycle should be an enjoyable experience, but motorcyclists face so many hazards that it can be a frightening experience. Not only are dangerous drivers a risk, but road hazards like potholes can upend a bike. The result? Serious bodily injuries, pain, and financial expense.

Contact Etemi Law if you were hurt in a crash. Our Hartford motorcycle accident lawyer can determine your legal rights to file an insurance claim for compensation. We have won millions of dollars for injured victims, and there’s no reason you should delay reaching out. We offer a free consultation with a Hartford motorcycle accident lawyer with our firm. You can ask any question you want and find out more about our experience. We are eager to take your call.

How Motorcycle Accident Cases Differ from Car Accidents

One common misconception is that motorcycle accidents are the same as car accidents. However, motorcycle accidents are far more complex, and victims often face unique challenges that require special legal expertise.

Severe Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Accident victims typically suffer more painful and severe injuries than those involved in car accidents. Motorcyclists have little protection compared to passengers in a vehicle. When a motorcycle crash occurs, even a minor collision can lead to life-altering injuries such as broken bones, spinal injuries, or traumatic brain injuries. These injuries often result in costly medical bills and prolonged recovery times, making it essential to file a motorcycle accident claim as soon as possible to seek compensation.

Bias Against Motorcyclists in Insurance Claims

Insurance adjusters often approach motorcycle accidents with the assumption that the motorcyclist is at least partially to blame. This bias stems from the perception that motorcycle riders are riskier on the road, with behaviors like weaving through traffic or lane splitting. Although lane splitting is illegal in many places, including Connecticut, motorcycle accident victims should not be automatically blamed for their crashes. A Connecticut motorcycle accident lawyer can help counteract this bias and advocate on behalf of the injured rider.

Helmet Laws and Compensation Reduction

In accident claims, whether or not the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet can also affect how much compensation they receive. In states like Connecticut, wearing a helmet is crucial for safety. However, if a motorcyclist was not wearing one, the insurance company may argue that the victim failed to mitigate their injuries. This can lead to a reduced settlement offer, which an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help negotiate or fight in court.

Potential Claims Against the City

Motorcycle accidents often happen due to poor road conditions, such as potholes or lack of maintenance, which can lead to catastrophic results. In some cases, accident victims may need to file a lawsuit against the city or municipality responsible for maintaining the roads. This type of motorcycle accident claim is complex and requires the expertise of a motorcycle accident attorney who understand the intricacies of personal injury law and governmental liability.

Legal Support for Accident Victims

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s critical to reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. At Etemi Law, our team of dedicated motorcycle accident lawyers in Connecticut understands the complexities of these cases and has successfully recovered fair compensation for many accident victims. We handle all aspects of your motorcycle accident claims, from negotiating with insurance companies to filing lawsuits when necessary.

• You probably suffered more painful injuries. Motorcyclists enjoy very little protection from their bike in the event of a crash, so your injuries are probably more severe. As a result, it’s harder to negotiate a case on your own when it’s too painful to get out of bed.
• An insurance adjuster might assume you are at least partially to blame for your wreck. Some motorcyclists have created a reputation for riding dangerously. They weave in and out of traffic or lane split (which is illegal). Consequently, insurance companies think all riders are to blame when they crash.
• If you weren’t wearing a helmet, then an insurance adjuster might claim you deserve less compensation for failure to mitigate your damages.
• You might need to sue the city for failure to keep the roads safe, which is a complicated process.

Reach out to Etemi Law to speak with our Hartford car accident lawyer. We have negotiated multiple collision cases and know what strategies work the best. You should make sure to have an experienced lawyer on your team so you can resolve your case in an efficient manner. At Etemi Law, our Connecticut motorcycle accident attorneys have the experience needed to handle the complexities of your case. Whether you’re dealing with severe injuries, biased insurance companies, or challenging city claims, we will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Connecticut motorcycle accident attorney, and let us help you pursue justice.

Who is Legally Responsible for Your Crash?

The bulk of motorcycle cases are based on negligence. This means the failure to use reasonable care, which ends up hurting people in foreseeable ways. A classic example is a driver who is careless behind the wheel and crashes into a nearby motorcycle.

To obtain compensation, we must identify who was negligent, if anyone, to assign fault. Most accidents are caused by:

• Distracted drivers—cell phones, children, pets, and food can all conspire to take a driver’s eyes off the road or a hand off the steering wheel. The driver won’t see a motorcycle coming through an intersection or a red light up ahead. They also can’t take swift, defensive action.
• Speeding—The faster a driver is going, the more time they need to come to a stop. Going too fast can also lead to more serious injuries when they crash into a motorcycle.
• Aggressive passing—Some drivers hate to be behind motorcycles, so they pass aggressively. They can clip a motorcycle when they pass too closely.
• Road rage—Angry drivers will tailgate and take other dangerous actions which lead to collisions. An angry driver might even strike a motorcycle intentionally.
• Intoxication or chemical impairment—A driver who is high or drunk is unlikely to drive carefully and could hit you at high speeds.
• Potholes and other road defects—A defect can upend a motorcycle, leading to devastating injuries.
• Motor vehicle defects—A defective part on the motorcycle might render it uncontrollable.

Financial Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents

A settlement should compensate the victim for all the losses you have suffered in the crash. Many losses are financial, such as out-of-pocket medical expenses or prescription drugs. Getting your motorcycle fixed is another out-of-pocket expense.

Motorcycle accidents cause such painful injuries that many people cannot work. This is another type of economic loss. Suppose you need 4 months off to recover from a concussion. That is thousands of dollars you are losing out on because of your motorcycle crash. As your lawyer, we can request financial compensation for lost income or wages from the person who hurt you.

A motorcycle accident should also compensate for non-economic losses such as pain and suffering, including emotional effects of an accident. Some people are deeply traumatized and refuse to get on a bike. Depression and anxiety are common. These types of non-economic losses are harder to translate into dollars and cents. But we have won many cases and are always aware of how much insurance companies have offered for similar injuries.

Does Anything Limit the Amount of Compensation You Receive?

Possibly. For example, the defendant might not have any resources. They could be uninsured, or they only carry the minimum insurance. In Connecticut, the minimum required insurance is $25,000 for personal injury to one person, and most drivers carry only the minimum. Consequently, it’s hard to get full compensation unless the defendant has other resources.

Another limitation is your contributory fault. Connecticut recognizes the 51% rule. If you are 51% or more at fault for the accident, then you can’t receive any money.

Someone 50% or less, can receive compensation—but it is reduced by your share of contributory negligence. Someone who was 25% to blame will end up receiving 25% less in compensation.

Steps in a Motorcycle Accident Case

A popular question is, “How long will my case take?” The answer is that it depends on the facts of your case. Here is a general overview of the process:

     1. Evidence Gathering at the Scene

Your case begins as soon as the motorcycle accident occurs. Try to gather as much evidence as possible. This includes taking photographs of the scene, such as the car involved, your motorcycle, any road defects, and any visible injuries. If there were witnesses to the motorcycle accident, try to get their contact information and ask for their account of what happened. Of course, if your injuries are too severe, you may not be able to collect evidence right away, and that’s understandable. If possible, call the police and document the scene as much as you can. This evidence is crucial for supporting your motorcycle accident claim.

2. Seek Immediate Medical Care

After a motorcycle accident, receiving medical attention should be your top priority. Even if you think your injuries are minor, go to the hospital to receive a diagnosis and start treatment. Immediate care helps document the severity of your injuries, which is crucial for your motorcycle accident claim. Delaying medical care can also harm your health and make it harder to prove the extent of your injuries later. Medical records will be vital when your Connecticut motorcycle accident lawyer negotiates on your behalf.

3. Opening an Insurance Claim

Once you’ve been treated, the next step is to open a claim with your insurance company or the insurer of the driver responsible for the motorcycle accident. If the accident was caused by a road defect, you will need to file a notice of claim with the appropriate government agency. A Connecticut motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine which parties are responsible and ensure that your claim is filed correctly.

4. Insurance Company Investigation

After you’ve opened your claim, the insurance company will begin its investigation. This involves speaking with witnesses, reviewing the police report, and assessing the damage to your motorcycle. It’s important to avoid giving a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster unless you have consulted with your motorcycle accident lawyer. Insurance companies are often looking for ways to minimize your claim, and a Connecticut motorcycle accident attorney can help protect your interests during this phase.

5. Negotiation with Insurance Companies

Most motorcycle accident claims are settled through negotiation before reaching court. However, insurance companies often make lowball offers, especially in cases involving motorcycle accident victims, who they might perceive as being partially at fault. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement. This process can involve multiple rounds of offers and counteroffers before reaching an amount that adequately covers your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

6. Mediation as an Alternative to Court

Mediation is a method used to help settle disputes without going to trial. In some cases, a judge may recommend mediation if a lawsuit has been filed. During mediation, both parties and their lawyers will sit down with a neutral mediator to discuss the case and try to reach a resolution. An experienced Connecticut motorcycle accident lawyer will know how to maximize the benefits of mediation, helping you achieve the best possible outcome.

7. Litigation and the Statute of Limitations

If negotiations and mediation fail to result in a fair settlement, litigation may be necessary. Connecticut law imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury cases, including motorcycle accident claims. This means you must file a lawsuit within two years from the date of the motorcycle accident, or you risk losing your right to sue. Having a skilled Connecticut motorcycle accident attorney on your side will ensure that all legal deadlines are met and that your case is properly handled in court.

This might sound like a grueling process—and it is. Etemi Law can handle your entire case so that you focus on healing physically and emotionally. It is never too soon to call us to discuss your case.

Is a Lawyer a Good Investment?

Yes. Some people wrongly assume they can handle their own cases, so a lawyer is unnecessary. They think a lawyer just takes money from them and offers nothing in return.

The Importance of Legal Support for Motorcycle Accident Victims

After a motorcycle crash, dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming, especially for injured motorcycle riders. The legal complexities involved in securing compensation often require the expertise of skilled motorcycle accident lawyers. At our firm, we provide comprehensive legal services tailored specifically to help motorcycle accident victims. Here’s how we can assist you:

• Gathering Crucial Evidence for Your Case

Building a strong case starts with gathering the right evidence. Our firm will visit the scene of the motorcycle crash, taking photographs and inspecting road conditions. If there are witnesses you haven’t spoken to, we will reach out to them and collect their testimonies. Motorcycle accident lawyers understand the importance of proving fault and liability, and we know exactly what evidence is necessary to strengthen your claim.

• Filing Insurance Claims and Handling Paperwork

Navigating the insurance process after a motorcycle crash can be complicated. We will take care of opening a claim with the relevant insurance companies and ensuring all necessary forms are filled out properly. Whether dealing with your own insurance or the at-fault party’s insurer, we manage the entire process so you don’t have to worry about missing any critical steps.

• Protecting You from Insurance Adjusters

After a motorcycle accident, insurance adjusters may attempt to contact you for statements or information, which can jeopardize your case if not handled carefully. Our Connecticut motorcycle accident lawyers will act as a buffer between you and the insurance companies. We will handle all communications, allowing you to focus on your recovery without the stress of answering their questions.

• Ensuring a Fair Settlement Offer

With years of experience negotiating with Connecticut’s largest insurance companies, we know how to assess settlement offers. We have access to data on what other motorcycle accident victims have received in settlements, allowing us to determine whether the insurance company’s offer is fair. Our goal is to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

• Ensuring a Prompt Investigation by Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are responsible for conducting a thorough investigation into the motorcycle crash. However, they often delay this process, hoping to minimize their payout. Our motorcycle accident lawyers will make sure the insurance companies stay on track, conducting their investigation in a timely manner and adhering to all legal requirements.

• Advocating for You Every Step of the Way

Throughout the entire claims process, our Connecticut motorcycle accident lawyers will be your strongest advocates. From the initial investigation to settlement negotiations or litigation, we will be with you every step of the way. Our mission is to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact a Hartford Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Accidents are dramatic events with long-term consequences. Get the legal help you need to move forward with your life. At Etemi Law, we have won several million-dollar settlements for our clients, and we can help with your claim, too. Contact us today.