Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Hartford

FAQs

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

  (860) 757-4000 is the non-emergency contact number for the Hartford Police Department.

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

  Copies of police reports for motorcycle accidents can be obtained from the City of Hartford Police Department's Records Division. Before submitting a report request, motorcycle accident victims must call the Records Division at 860-757-4150. Reports are reviewed and processed through the Crime Analysis Unit before they can be released to the public.

• What are the factors that determine the worth of a motorcycle accident case in Hartford?

  Medical expenses, property damage, and mental anguish are among the factors that help Hartford motorcycle victims and their attorneys determine how much a settlement is worth. Pain and suffering are considered the most challenging losses to prove because insurance carriers are not always willing to pay them in a settlement and try to minimize them as much as possible.

• What are the most dangerous roads for motorcycle riders in Hartford?

  The Hartford Courant has cited Farmington Avenue/Route 6 in Bristol, Routes 69, 72, and 229 in Bristol, and the interstate highways in Harford as the areas where injuries and deaths from motorcycle accidents happen. According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, 68 motorcycle accident deaths were recorded in the state in 2021.

• What are the common types of injuries suffered by motorcyclists in Hartford?

  Motorcycle riders in Hartford may suffer a partial or complete severed spinal cord, which can result in permanent or temporary paralysis. They may also suffer internal injuries due to organ perforation or blunt force trauma. Motorcyclists not wearing proper clothing are vulnerable to road rash.

• What are the common causes of catastrophic motorcycle accidents in Hartford?

  The common causes of devastating motorcycle accidents in Hartford that may be due to another's negligence include improper lane changes, sudden vehicle stops, and dangerous road conditions like road debris and fallen branches. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol also puts people on the road at risk.

• Should motorcycle accident victims in Hartford accept settlement offers from insurance companies?

  No, because insurance companies make a profit by presenting injured motorcyclists in Hartford quick and low-ball settlement offers that might not cover long-term costs and losses from injuries. To obtain just compensation from negligent parties and insurance carriers, victims must consult with motorcycle accident attorneys.

• 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.