Motorcyclists face unique dangers every time they hit the road. Unlike cars or trucks, motorcycles provide little protection in the event of a crash, making riders more vulnerable to serious injuries.
While riding a motorcycle is thrilling, the risks are real, and accidents can lead to life-changing consequences. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to know your legal rights and get help from a New London motorcycle accident lawyer who understands these cases.
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we focus on helping motorcycle accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. Our motorcycle accident attorney in New London, CT, knows the challenges riders face and the legal process involved in ensuring victims get the financial help they need.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are often a result of actions that are out of the rider’s control. Some of the most common factors in motorcycle crashes include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, eating, or otherwise failing to pay attention to the road ahead can easily miss a motorcyclist, leading to dangerous collisions that could have been avoided.
- Failure to Yield: Many motorcycle accidents happen because car drivers do not yield the right of way to other motorists, especially at intersections. Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible, drivers might not see them until too late.
- Speeding: High speeds reduce the time a driver has to react, making accidents more likely. For motorcyclists, any collision at high speed can be devastating due to the lack of protection.
- Road Hazards: Potholes, loose gravel, or debris on the road can easily cause a motorcyclist to lose control. Unlike cars, motorcycles are more susceptible to these hazards because they have less stability.
Motorcyclists are often at a disadvantage on the road because of their smaller size and lack of physical protection. However, when these accidents happen, it’s usually due to driver negligence.
If you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by another driver, our New London motorcycle injury lawyer can help you pursue a claim.
Injuries and Long-Term Impact of Motorcycle Accidents
The injuries motorcyclists sustain in accidents are often severe. Riders don’t have the protection of a vehicle frame or airbags, so they’re more likely to suffer life-altering injuries. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
Broken Bones
Since motorcyclists are thrown off their bikes during accidents, broken bones are common. These injuries can be serious, sometimes needing surgery and months of physical therapy to heal properly.
Many broken bones also mean the person will have to wear a cast for several weeks after the accident to help the bones heal correctly. Recovery can take a long time, and the injured person may have to adjust their daily routine while they heal.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Even when motorcyclists wear helmets, they can still get head injuries. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can happen, and this type of injury might affect how someone thinks, remembers things, and even how their brain works in the long run.
While helmets help protect against some injuries, they can’t always stop the damage from a strong impact or accident. TBIs can seriously affect a person’s ability to focus, make decisions, or remember things.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Injuries to the spine can be very serious and sometimes cause paralysis, which means losing the ability to move parts of your body. This can significantly affect how a person gets around and changes their life.
Paralysis can make it difficult or impossible to walk, move arms, or even do simple daily tasks, impacting their overall quality of life. This type of injury often requires long-term care and lifestyle adjustments.
The long-term impact of a motorcycle accident goes beyond physical injuries. Many victims face emotional trauma, such as anxiety or depression, as well as financial instability due to medical bills and lost income. If you’re dealing with these consequences, a motorcycle wreck attorney near me in New London can help you seek compensation for your medical treatment, rehabilitation, and other related costs.
Legal Rights of Motorcycle Accident Victims
In Connecticut, motorcyclists have legal rights just like any other driver on the road. If you’re injured in an accident, you can pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. Drivers are legally obligated to share the road and be aware of motorcyclists, avoiding negligent actions that could cause harm.
Our New London motorcycle accident lawyer protects your legal rights throughout the claims process. We fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and ensure motorcycle accident victims receive the justice they deserve.
Liability in Motorcycle Accidents
Determining who is at fault for a motorcycle accident can sometimes be complicated. In Connecticut, liability is based on comparative negligence, meaning fault can be shared between the parties involved.
If you’re found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
Liability in motorcycle accidents can involve multiple parties, such as:
- Drivers: If the accident was caused by a car driver’s negligence, such as distracted driving or speeding, they can be held responsible. This means they would be responsible for paying for your damages through their insurance.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: The manufacturer may be liable if a mechanical defect in the motorcycle or another vehicle contributed to the accident. The manufacturer could be required to cover your medical bills and other costs.
- Government Entities: In cases where road hazards or poor road conditions led to the accident, a government entity responsible for road maintenance could be held accountable. If the roads weren’t maintained properly, you could file a claim against the government for the damages.
Our top-rated motorcycle accident lawyer in New London will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all parties who may be liable. This helps ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
The Role of Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers in Motorcycle Accident Cases
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we understand the challenges motorcycle accident victims face, both in terms of their injuries and the legal hurdles they must overcome.
Our New London motorcycle accident injury attorney will work tirelessly to build a strong case by:
Gathering Evidence
We collect police reports, medical records, and witness statements to establish fault and demonstrate the extent of your injuries.
Interviewing Witnesses
Our legal team will speak with anyone who witnessed the accident to get a clear understanding of what happened.
Working with Experts
We may consult accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and others to strengthen your case.
In addition to gathering evidence, our no-win, no-fee motorcycle accident lawyer in New London will negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you get a fair settlement. We’re prepared to take the case to trial if the insurance company doesn’t offer a reasonable amount.
Compensation Available for Motorcycle Accident Victims
After a motorcycle accident, victims may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: This covers emergency room visits to long-term rehabilitation and therapy.
- Lost Income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost wages and potential future earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: This non-economic damage compensates for the emotional and physical pain caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: You can also seek compensation for the damage to your motorcycle and other personal property.
Our best motorcycle accident lawyer in New London will calculate the full value of your claim, ensuring you’re compensated for economic and non-economic damages.
The Legal Process for Motorcycle Accident Claims
When you file a motorcycle accident claim, several important steps must be taken. First, you’ll have an initial consultation with a lawyer who will listen to your story and carefully review the details of your accident. During this meeting, they will explain your legal options, such as whether you should file a claim for compensation and how the entire process works.
Next, your lawyer will start the investigation. They will gather evidence to support your claim, including accident reports from the police, medical records describing your injuries, and statements from any witnesses who saw the accident. This evidence is essential in proving who was responsible and how the accident impacted you.
Once everything is ready, your lawyer will file the claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This official request asks for compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. After filing, the settlement negotiation begins. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement. If the offer is too low, your lawyer may advise trialing the case.
If it comes to a trial, your lawyer will represent you in court, fighting for the compensation you deserve. Throughout the process, your motorcycle accident attorney in New London, CT, will guide you and make sure everything is done on time.
Why Choose Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers?
Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases. We’re committed to getting the best results for our clients, providing personalized attention and aggressive representation. With our top-rated motorcycle accident lawyer in New London, you can trust that we’ll fight for your rights every step of the way.
Contact Our New London Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Motorcycle accidents can be life-altering, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. By hiring a New London accident lawyer, you can ensure your legal rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation and get started on your case.
