In an accident between a motorcycle and any other type of vehicle, the potential for serious injuries is extremely high. Without the frame and body to protect them, motorcycle riders can suffer back and spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, broken bones and other serious injuries. When these accidents occur because of another driver’s negligence, motorcycle riders have the right to seek full compensation for their losses.
At our New Haven personal injury law firm, the Law Office of Carl A. Secola, Jr., LLC, our New Haven motorcycle accident attorneys have been fighting to protect the rights of injury victims across Connecticut for more than 30 years. It is not enough for drivers to simply say that they did not see your motorcycle. As a rider, you have the same rights as any other vehicle on the road. You can rely on us to be there to protect them.
Examples of New Haven Motorcycle Accidents
Some examples of accidents a New Haven motorcycle accident lawyer on our team has seen at the Law Office of Carl A. Secola, Jr. LLC include:
- Intersection Collisions: A motorcyclist is involved in a collision with a vehicle at an intersection. This can happen due to factors such as a driver failing to yield, running a red light, or making a left turn without yielding to oncoming motorcycles.
- Lane Change Accidents: A motorcyclist is struck by a vehicle that changes lanes without properly checking for the presence of motorcycles. This can occur when a driver fails to use their mirrors or fails to check their blind spot before changing lanes.
- Rear-End Collisions: A motorcyclist is rear-ended by a vehicle. This can happen when a driver fails to maintain a safe following distance or becomes distracted while driving.
- Road Hazards: A motorcyclist encounters road hazards, such as potholes, debris, or uneven surfaces, which can cause them to lose control and crash.
- Distracted Driving Accidents: A motorcyclist is involved in an accident caused by a driver who is distracted by texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other activities while behind the wheel.
- Single-Vehicle Crashes: These accidents involve only the motorcycle, where the rider loses control due to factors such as excessive speed, road hazards, or inclement weather conditions.
- Sideswipe Accidents: These accidents occur when a vehicle strikes the side of a motorcycle while passing or merging. Sideswipe accidents can lead to the motorcyclist losing control and crashing.
- Dooring Accidents: These accidents happen when a driver or passenger opens a car door without checking for approaching motorcycles, causing the motorcycle to collide with the door.
- Head-On Collisions: These are among the most severe and deadly motorcycle accidents. They occur when a motorcycle and another vehicle collide head-on, often resulting from a driver crossing the center line or driving the wrong way.
- Motorcycle Lane Splitting Accidents: Lane splitting refers to a motorcyclist riding between lanes of slow or stopped traffic. Accidents can occur if drivers are not aware of or fail to yield to lane-splitting motorcycles.
Laws on New Haven Motorcycle Accidents
There are laws specific to motorcyclists in New Haven under the Connecticut motor vehicle code. A failure to follow these rules that lead to an accident can be a strong determination in the outcome of the case. Some specific laws include:
- Motorcycle License: To operate a motorcycle in Connecticut, riders must possess a valid motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsement on their regular driver’s license. Riders are required to pass a written knowledge test, an on-cycle skills test, or complete a motorcycle safety course to obtain the license or endorsement.
- Helmet Law: Connecticut law requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets while riding. The helmets must comply with the standards set by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT).
- Eye Protection: Motorcycle operators are required to wear eye protection unless their motorcycle is equipped with a windshield or screen.
- Lane Sharing: Lane sharing, also known as lane splitting, is not legal in Connecticut. Motorcycles are expected to operate within a single lane and are not allowed to pass vehicles within the same lane.
- Equipment Requirements: Motorcycles in Connecticut must be equipped with certain safety features, including working headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, mirrors, and a muffler that meets noise regulations.
- Insurance: Connecticut law requires motorcycle owners to carry liability insurance coverage for bodily injury and property damage. The minimum insurance requirements for motorcycles are the same as those for other motor vehicles in the state.
- Operating Rules: Motorcycles must follow the same traffic laws as other vehicles in Connecticut. This includes obeying speed limits, yielding to pedestrians, signaling when changing lanes or turning, and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.
Why Choose The Law Office of Carl A. Secola Jr., LLC? How We Can Help
Understanding the full extent of the victim’s injuries is extremely important in these cases. Insurance companies will frequently a make settlement offer that only covers the victim’s current medical bills and time away from work without making any allowance for future care or loss of income. Our car accident lawyers in New Haven are diligent in our pursuit of full compensation for every client, and we will not hesitate to take your case to court if the insurance company is not willing to negotiate fairly.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, we will pursue the following damages:
- Medical Care: In the context of personal injury claims, medical care refers to the treatment, services, and expenses related to the injured person’s physical injuries. This includes hospitalization, surgeries, medication, diagnostic tests, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any other necessary medical interventions to address the injuries sustained in an accident.
- Assistive Medical Equipment: Assistive medical equipment refers to devices or tools that aid in the recovery or management of an individual’s injuries or disabilities. This can include items such as crutches, wheelchairs, prosthetics, orthotics, hearing aids, or any other specialized equipment prescribed by healthcare professionals to assist the injured person in their daily activities and mobility.
- Future Care: Future care refers to the estimated medical treatments, therapies, and assistance that an injured person may require in the future as a result of their injuries. It takes into account ongoing medical needs, long-term rehabilitation, specialized care, and any anticipated medical expenses that the injured person may incur in the future.
- Property Damage: Property damage refers to the harm or loss suffered by an individual’s personal property as a result of an accident. In the context of personal injury claims, property damage typically includes damage to the injured person’s vehicle or any other belongings that were damaged or destroyed in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering encompass the physical and emotional distress experienced by an injured person as a result of their injuries. This includes physical pain, discomfort, emotional anguish, mental distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages that are not easily quantifiable.
- Loss of Income: Loss of income refers to the financial impact suffered by an injured person due to their inability to work or earn wages as a result of accident-related injuries. It includes the wages or salary that the injured person would have earned during the period of their recovery or disability.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: Loss of earning capacity refers to the long-term impact on an injured person’s ability to earn income in the future as a result of their injuries. It takes into account factors such as permanent disabilities, reduced work capacity, limitations on career opportunities, and any other factors that may affect the injured person’s earning potential.
Statute Of Limitations for New Haven Motorcycle Accidents
In New Haven and throughout Connecticut, there is a statute of limitations that sets a time limit for filing motorcycle accident claims. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including motorcycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that injured parties have two years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for their injuries and damages.
It’s important to understand that adhering to the statute of limitations is crucial because if a claim is not filed within the specified time frame, the injured party may lose their right to pursue legal action and seek compensation. It’s worth noting that there may be exceptions or variations to the statute of limitations depending on the specific circumstances of the case. For instance, if the accident involves a government entity or if the injured party is a minor, different rules and deadlines may apply.
Schedule A Free Consultation With Our New Haven Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident in New Haven, it is crucial to seek the help of experienced legal professionals who specialize in motorcycle accident claims. The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, with physical injuries, property damage, and financial losses to contend with.
At the Law Office of Carl A. Secola, Jr. LLC, our team of dedicated New Haven motorcycle accident lawyers is here to provide you with the support, guidance, and advocacy you need during this challenging time. We have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations governing motorcycle accidents in Connecticut and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact our office to discuss your motorcycle accident injuries. We represent clients throughout the New Haven area and across Connecticut. Reach us by phone at 203-891-5265 or schedule a free lawyer consultation.