Waterbury Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Schedule a Free Consultation With the Top Waterbury Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Riding a motorcycle is one of the best experiences in life. There are few things more exciting than the freedom of the open road. At the same time, motorcyclists are inherently exposed. When motorcycle accidents happen, it is the motorcyclists who almost invariably bears the brunt of the impact. Yet, it has frequently been the case that even the most careful riders end up victims of a motorcycle collision due to bad drivers.

At Etemi Law, our Waterbury motorcycle accident lawyers have the specialized skills, experience, and legal expertise to protect the rights and interests of victims and families. Our Waterbury motorcycle accident attorney is strong, devoted advocates for justice. If you or your loved one was hurt in a motorcycle crash in New Haven County, please contact us at our Waterbury law office today for a free, no obligation initial consultation for your motorcycle accident case.

What to Do After Motorcycle Accidents in Waterbury, Connecticut

The immediate aftermath of a motorcycle crash is chaotic—especially if the accident is serious. By knowing what to do, you will put yourself in a far better position to get justice. According to our Waterbury motorcycle accident attorney, here are four of the most important steps to take after a motorcycle wreck in Waterbury:

• Stop Your Motorcycle, Exchange Information, and Report the Wreck: The first step after any motorcycle accident is to stop safely. Connecticut law requires you to halt at the scene of the accident. Check for any injuries and call for medical assistance if needed (medical emergencies come first). From there, be sure to exchange information with the other parties involved, including names, contact details, and insurance information. The motorcycle crash should be reported to law enforcement, such as the Waterbury Police Department.
• Get Yourself to a Doctor If You Have Any Injuries: All motorcycle accidents should be immediately evaluated by a doctor. A lot of common motorcycle accident injuries are slow to develop, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), back injuries, and soft tissue damage. If you fail to see a doctor after a motorcycle accident, you may not be able to recover compensation.
• Carefully Document the Motorcycle Accident Claim: Documentation is key to any personal injury claim, and a motorcycle accident claim is certainly no exception. Take photographs of the accident and the scene of the crash. You should also secure the contact details for any witnesses to the motorcycle accident.
• Consult With a Waterbury Motorcycle Crash Attorney: You need to speak to motorcycle accident lawyer before you give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster for your motorcycle accident case. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Etemi Law. Our Waterbury motorcycle accident lawyers will investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, and help you seek the compensation you deserve. Initial consultations for your motorcycle accident case are free and fully confidential.

The Most Common Reasons Why Motorcycle Crashes Happen in Waterbury

Motorcycle crashes can happen for a wide range of different reasons. In too many cases, a motorcyclist is seriously injured despite never doing anything wrong. Motorcycle accidents can happen because other drivers are not looking out for motorcycles while entering traffic, making left turns, or making lane changes. As a result, careful motorcycle riders are left victims of devastating crashes, often suffering significant personal injuries, or even death. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers say some of the most common reasons why motorcycle accidents happen in Waterbury include:

• Cars Making Left-Hand Turns: A large number of motorcycle crashes happen when a car makes a left-hand turn in front of a motorcycle. Motorcyclists can be harder to see due to their smaller size, and car drivers often misjudge their speed, leading to collisions.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Speeding and reckless driving can contribute to collisions. High speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of an accident. The speeding of both drivers and motorcyclists can contribute to a serious crash.
• Cars Changing Lanes: Sometimes drivers do not see a motorcyclist in their blind spot and might change lanes into them. Motorcyclists should be aware of blind spots and car drivers need to check them before changing lanes.
• Lane Splitting by Motorcyclists: Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist drives between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. Lane splitting can be dangerous because the close proximity to cars and reduced space to maneuver increases the risk of a crash.
• Driving Under the Influence: Intoxicated driving is dangerous driving. It is more than just illegal, it puts every person on the road at serious risk. Drunk driving and drugged driving adversely affects judgment, reaction time, and a driver’s overall motor skills.
• Road Hazards: Motorcycles are more susceptible to road hazards like potholes, slick pavement conditions, uneven road surfaces, and debris. These hazards can cause a motorcyclist to lose control easily. In some cases, a government agency or road construction crew may be liable for a motorcycle crash in Connecticut.

Connecticut is a Fault-Based Motorcycle Crash Jurisdiction

In Connecticut, there is a fault-based system that governs motorcycle crashes and catastrophic injuries from the accident scene. The party responsible for causing the accident is also liable for any resulting damages. Under the law, if a motorcyclist is involved in an accident, the ability to recover compensation for injuries and damages from their motorcycle accident lawsuit depends on proving that another party was at fault. Parties who can be held liable for a crash include:

• Drivers;
• Truck companies;
• Manufacturers;
• Highway road companies; and
• Motorcyclists.

Every motorcycle crash in New Haven County should be comprehensively investigated by a skilled Waterbury, CT motorcycle accident lawyer. Injured motorcyclists should not rely on an insurance company. Your motorcycle injury lawyer and legal team will gather and secure all of the evidence that you need to prove fault and secure the maximum financial compensation in your motorcycle accident cases to take care of medical bills and lost wages.

What to Know About Comparative Negligence in Connecticut

Comparative negligence is a legal principle that is used in Connecticut to determine the degree of fault in personal injury cases in the insurance claims process. Under Connecticut law (C.G.S.A. § 52-572(h)), the compensation awarded to a plaintiff can be reduced if they are found to be partially at fault for the incident.

Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which allows a damaged party to recover compensation only if their degree of fault is less than that of the opposing party. If the plaintiff is found to be 51 percent or more responsible for the accident.

The approach aims to allocate fair compensation and damages based on the level of responsibility each party holds in causing the accident. It is crucial for individuals involved in personal injury cases in Connecticut to understand this concept, as it directly impacts the potential compensation they can receive.

You Have Two Years to Bring a Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim in Connecticut

How long do you have to file a motorcycle crash injury claim? Under Connecticut law (C.G.S.A. § 52-584), there is a two-year statute of limitations for motorcycle accident injury claims. If motorcycle riders wait too long to act, you may lose the right to bring a claim at all. Take a proactive approach: Consult with a top tier Waterbury, CT motorcycle accident attorney today. You do not want to fall behind an insurance company in the motorcycle accident claims process.

We Help Injured Motorcyclists in Waterbury Secure the Maximum Compensation

A serious motorcycle wreck in Waterbury can bring your entire life to a screeching halt. Financial compensation can help you put the pieces back in place. Under Connecticut law, motorcycle accident victims have the right to pursue compensation for economic losses and for non-economic damages. Insurers are not known for making things easy on the people who need help. Our Waterbury, CT motorcycle accident accident lawyers go the extra mile to help our clients secure every penny of financial compensation that they deserve. You may be eligible to obtain money damages for: 

• Motorcycle repairs; 
• Emergency room care; 
• Hospital bills and other medical damages; 
• Loss of wages and loss of earning power; 
• Pain and suffering & emotional anguish; 
• Long-term disability or physical disfigurement; and
• Wrongful death of a family member. 

Some Notable Things to Know About Connecticut Motorcycle Laws

As a motorcyclist who rides in Waterbury, New Haven County, and elsewhere in the state, it is important to understand Connecticut law for motorcycles. There are some state-by-state differences in motorcycle regulations. Here are key things to know about the law in Connecticut:

• Motorcyclists Can Control an Entire Lane: In Connecticut, motorcyclists have the same rights to lane usage as any other vehicle. A motorcycle is entitled to the full use of a lane—and other vehicles are not permitted to drive in a way that deprives a motorcyclist of this right. It is important for motorcyclists to assert their presence within a lane, as it enhances visibility and reduces the risk of an accident.
• Motorcyclists Must Comply With Standard Traffic Laws: Similar to all other road users, motorcyclists are required to adhere to all traffic laws and regulations. Examples include obeying speed limits, complying with traffic signals/signs, and following laws pertaining to turning and passing. Compliance with these laws not only ensures the safety of the motorcyclist but also that of other road users.
• Motorcyclists Cannot Engage in Lane-Splitting: Lane-splitting, the practice of moving between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, is not legal in Connecticut. While this practice can be seen in some other regions, it is important for motorcyclists in Connecticut to understand that engaging in lane-splitting can lead to legal repercussions.
• Motorcyclists are Not Required to Wear a Helmet—But They Should: In Connecticut, motorcyclists are not legally required to wear a helmet if they are over 18 years of age. However, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended. Indeed, motorcyclists in Waterbury should always wear a properly fitting safety helmet. They help to prevent brain injuries.

Why Rely On the Waterbury Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Etemi Law

Motorcycle accident injury cases are complicated. Too many riders face unfair stereotypes from insurance companies. Our attorneys have experience handling motorcycle collisions, including scene investigation, consultation with accident reconstruction witnesses, and studying data including, but not limited to scene evidence (vehicle debris, yaw marks, skid marks), sight distance, perception/reaction timing, property damage and other environmental factors. We are proactive, results-focused, and by your side each and every step of the way. When you contact us at our Waterbury law office, you will have a chance to connect with a motorcycle crash lawyer who can:

• Hear your story and answer questions about your motorcycle crash claim;
• Investigate your collision—with a focus on securing the evidence you need;
• Represent you in personal injury settlement negotiations; and
• Take aggressive action to help you maximize your financial compensation.

Our law firm knows that every motorcycle accident claim involves its own facts. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach that works for every motorcycle accident case. As Etemi Law, we are devoted to personalized representation. With a proven history of client reviews and a well-documented record of case results, injured victims count on our Waterbury motorcycle accident attorneys when it matters most.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Waterbury: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I Give a Statement to an Insurance Company After a Motorcycle Crash?

It is advisable not to provide a statement to an insurance company following a motorcycle accident—at least without first consulting with a Waterbury motorcycle accident lawyer. You are not required to give a statement immediately after your crash. An insurance representative might use your words against you to minimize their liability.

How Much Can I Expect to Get in a Motorcycle Accident Settlement?

It depends. The amount you can expect to recover as part of a motorcycle accident settlement varies greatly depending on the specific facts of your case. Some relevant considerations include your ability to prove fault and the extent of your damages. Do not agree to settle your motorcycle accident injury claim for less. An attorney can help you secure the maximum compensation. 

Can I Recover Compensation If I Am Partially At Fault for a Motorcycle Crash?

Yes. In Connecticut, injured victims can still recover compensation if they are partially at fault for a motorcycle crash—as long as they are not liable for 51 percent or more of the accident. That being said, even when they can recover in a partial liability case, their financial compensation will be reduced by their degree of blame on the grounds of comparative negligence.

Will My Motorcycle Injury Claim Go to Trial?

Probably not. Most motorcycle injury claims are settled out of court and do not go to trial. Still, it is important to be prepared for the possibility of a trial, especially if there is a significant dispute over liability or the compensation amount. A trial-tested Waterbury motorcycle accident lawyer can protect your rights and your interests no matter where your claim goes.

Contact Our Waterbury, CT Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today

At Etemi Law, our Waterbury motorcycle accident injury lawyers at our law firm fight aggressively to ensure that victims and families with serious injuries are able to secure justice and the absolute maximum financial compensation. Contact us today for a free, no commitment case review. From our Waterbury law office, our law firm represents motorcycle accident victims in New Haven County and throughout the wider region.

Call our law firm at (203) 680-8080, email, or via our online Free Case Evaluation Form to set up your free consultation today.

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