Hamden Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Advocate for Injured Clients

Dedicated New Haven County attorneys seek fair compensation for bikers

Motorcycles share the road with other, larger vehicles and can be particularly vulnerable to collisions and injuries that result from them. Connecticut riders can be even more subject to danger when traveling on high-speed arteries like as I-95, I-84, I-91 and Route 15. At Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C., you can trust us to aggressively seek fair compensation for victims of motorcycle accidents. From our offices in Hamden and East Haven, we provide strong advice and advocacy to injured bikers throughout Connecticut.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Connecticut

Many motorcycle collisions are the fault of the other vehicle’s driver. Common reasons for these accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Impairment from drugs or alcohol
• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Running a stop sign or red signal

Accidents can also result in part from poor road conditions, low visibility, heavy winds and mechanical failures in vehicles.

Our team thoroughly investigates the facts of your crash to determine if another party is at fault. We then work tirelessly to hold that defendant fully accountable.

Determining fault in motorcycle accident cases

Under Connecticut’s comparative fault rules, even motorcyclists who are partially responsible for a crash may be able to recover partial damages for their injuries. A rider who is found to be 50 percent at fault for the collision or less can win a judgment that is reduced by their share of responsibility. A rider who is more than 50 percent at fault, however, gets nothing. We will investigate the facts of the accident to assess the likelihood of a favorable result and will work diligently to secure appropriate compensation.

What you should know about motorcycle laws in Connecticut

For your own safety and that of others on the roads, you should obey all laws pertaining to motorcycles in Connecticut. They include taking the following measures:

• Register the bike with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Obtain an endorsement on your driver’s license by passing the written and road tests.
• Carry the requisite insurance, which consists of $25,000 bodily injury per person/per accident, $50,000 bodily injury total per accident and $25,000 property damage per accident
• Wear a helmet. Though the law requires a helmet only for riders under 18 years of age, it is a good idea for anyone, because failure to wear a helmet could limit the amount you are able to recover for a head injury.
• Wear eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windshield.
• Make sure your bike is equipped with rearview mirrors, fenders on both wheels, handlebar grips no higher than your shoulders, turn signals and daytime headlights.

Obeying these laws can show that you are a responsible rider and might help you fend off allegations that you were negligent in the collision.

Common injuries from motorcycle accidents

Motorcycle riders often sustain these types of injuries in a crash:

• Concussions and traumatic brain injury
• Neck and back injuries, including spinal cord injuries
• Skin lacerations, i.e. road rash
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Crush injuries

Because motorcycle riders are so exposed, even a moderate-speed accident can produce a catastrophic injury. Our team has a strong track record in cases of serious injury, so you can have confidence in our ability to assert your rights and secure a fair settlement or verdict at trial.

What damages are you entitled to in a motorcycle accident case?

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident caused primarily by another driver, you are entitled to at least partial compensation for the following:

• Health care expenses — These include hospital bills, rehabilitative services and the cost of caring for you while you are disabled.
• Lost earnings — These are wages you lost if you were forced to take time off from work as a result of injuries suffered in your bike crash. Surviving family members can also seek damages in a wrongful death action for income and benefits the victim would have been expected to earn.
• Loss of earning capacity — You may recover damages if a physical or mental limitation associated with your accident reduces the amount of pay you can earn going forward. The amount can be calculated by consulting with an expert.
• Non-economic damages — This includes compensation for physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, permanent impairment or loss of the function of a body part, disfigurement, loss of the enjoyment of life and impact on family members.

Our attorneys will collect the evidence necessary to support a strong argument during in settlement negotiations and litigation.

Contact an experienced Connecticut motorcycle accident lawyer

Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. advocates on behalf of Connecticut clients injured in motorcycle accidents. To discuss your case, please call 203-745-0942 or contact us online. We have offices in Hamden and East Haven.