Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Bridgeport, CT

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Bridgeport, Connecticut?

  Bridgeport Police Department's non-emergency phone number is 203‑576‑7671.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Bridgeport, Connecticut?

  You can get a copy of a motor vehicle accident report by going in person to the PD Records Division and paying .50 per side. Motor vehicle accident reports can be acquired online for an extra cost. Please wait five business days for your report to be available online.

• What are the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Bridgeport/Connecticut?

  Speeding is the top cause of fatal motorcycle accidents in Connecticut, according to Ride Connecticut.

  The majority of the increase is related to speeding during the height of COVID. Nick Just, who leads the Rider Education Program for the Connecticut DoT, wrote in an email to Ride Connecticut, "Traffic numbers were extremely low, but the vehicles that were on the road were traveling at high speeds." During the same time period, the number of collisions was significantly reduced, but the severity of those accidents increased significantly.

  Other common causes of driver-motorcycle collisions include failure to yield in intersections, distracted driving, drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and changing lanes.

• Is Bridgeport's minimum insurance requirement the same for drivers and motorcyclists?

  Yes, the same minimum insurance requirements apply to both motorcyclists and motor vehicle drivers in Bridgeport under Connecticut State law. All licensed drivers in Connecticut must have at least $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident, $25,000 in personal injury coverage per individual accident victim, and $50,000 in total personal injury coverage per accident.

  Furthermore, almost all insurance companies offer underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage for an extra price, which can be critical in the aftermath of a major motorcycle accident. If the at-fault party's insurance coverage is insufficient to reimburse an injured person for all of their losses, the injured person's underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage may be their only option to obtain a full recovery.

• What Is the Bridgeport compensation claim statute of limitations?

  Bridgeport motorcycle accident victims have two years to file a lawsuit. This statutory term begins on the day of the accident.

  This two-year deadline also applies to wrongful death lawsuits resulting from motorcycle accidents. However, it begins counting from the date of death. Notably, you cannot sue for wrongful death more than five years after the underlying injury occurred.

• Can I claim damages if I was not wearing a helmet during a motorbike accident in Bridgeport?

  Yes, but the insurance company would almost certainly try to argue that you should be compensated less because you were not wearing a helmet. Connecticut is a modified comparative fault state, which means that an accident victim's reimbursement amount will be reduced by their proportion of fault. In some ways, this is excellent because it means that even accident victims in Bridgeport who bear some culpability for the disaster can seek compensation for their injuries. Meanwhile, insurance companies may attempt to exploit this by unfairly transferring blame to accident victims. Of course, helmets cannot protect against every type of injury.

• What are my options if I was hurt as a passenger in a single-vehicle motorcycle accident in Bridgeport?

  As a passenger injured in a single-vehicle motorcycle accident in Bridgeport, you can sue the driver, your insurance company, or, in some cases, another third party. In a single-vehicle motorbike collision, the most typical claim is against the driver. Possibly, the driver lost control of the bike or traveled too fast around a turn, resulting in a crash. In either situation, the motorbike operator may be held liable for your injuries.

  It is critical to remember that filing a claim against the driver does not obligate the driver to pay for your injuries out of pocket. If the motorist has insurance, the insurance company is liable.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.