Hartford Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Call Us After Being in a Wipeout
You need to know you can count on your legal counsel after being in a terrible motorcycle accident. The other motorist involved in your crash is more than likely going to blame you, even if they know that they are the one who caused the accident. Insurance companies who aren’t presented with convincing evidence of liability might take the easy way out and decide to blame you, too, just because you ride a motorcycle. Without a strong motorcycle accident attorney in Hartford representing you, your case could turn upside-down before you know what happened.
Stand up for yourself and pursue the compensation that is owed to you by teaming up with RisCassi & Davis, P.C. and our Hartford motorcycle accident attorneys. We are happiest when we know we have done an outstanding job for a client in need, which entails progressing their claim with as little stress for them as possible and securing the largest possible compensation, either through a settlement or an award.
Let us help you with your motorcycle accident claim. Contact us by calling (860) 245-2412.
On This Page:
- Are Drivers Always Responsible for Motorcycle Accidents?
- What Damages Can You Recover?
- How Much Is a Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
- Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
- Can I Still Recover Damages If I Wasn't Wearing a Helmet?
- Hartford Motorcycle Laws
- Should I Sue After a Motorcycle Accident?
- Get Help Today
Are Drivers Always Responsible for Motorcycle Accidents?
As a motorcyclist, you have probably felt frustrated by the reckless and negligent driving behaviors of motorists around you. Many drivers seem to not even realize that your smaller vehicle is even near them while they are driving. Indeed, many motorcycle accidents can be attributed to this exact issue.
Drivers have trained themselves to look for and notice car-sized vehicles with two headlights. When they look at a smaller motorcycle with one headlight, it is possible they don’t even “see” it, especially if they are already distracted by other things like their smartphones. This type of negligence creates “invisible” motorcycles that motorists are more likely to hit without ever noticing they are there.
Motorcycle accidents are often caused by drivers who:
- Turn left in front of approaching motorcyclists
- Change lanes without checking for motorcyclists
- Fail to stop soon enough at red lights when behind a motorcycle
- Overcorrect and swerve into a motorcyclist who is passing them
Understanding these common causes can help motorcyclists be better prepared and vigilant on the road. It’s crucial to ride defensively and always anticipate potential sudden moves by other drivers. Awareness and caution can sometimes mean the difference between a close call and a preventable crash. Moreover, knowing these patterns of driver negligence can aid in gathering evidence and testimonies that might prove crucial in legal proceedings.
What Damages Can You Recover?
After a crash, motorcyclists are often diagnosed with severe injuries. Brain damage, spinal cord damage, and road rash are all common forms of injuries suffered by motorcyclists. Treating such injuries can get expensive, and the consequences of them can be widespread and varied. For these reasons, it is common for motorcycle accident claims to have steep values that insurance companies want to fight to keep low.
Damages in your motorcycle accident claim could include:
- Vehicle repairs
- Medical treatment costs
- Lost wages and income
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- And more
What Sets Us Apart
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Significant Honors & Recognition
In our 70+ years of experience, we have received both national & regional recognition for our handling of injury cases, and many honors from our legal colleagues.
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An Expert Team Approach
We have an extensive national network of experts available to us in the fields of medicine, engineering, traffic safety, accident reconstruction, and more – each available to work on your case should it require their expertise.
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Over Half a Billion Dollars RecoveredWe've taken hundreds of cases to trial and we've won some of the largest personal injury verdicts and settlements in Connecticut history.
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Board-Certified Trial LawyersOur seven attorneys who have achieved this honor demonstrated they have the training & depth of experience to help you get the best possible outcome for your case.
How Much Is a Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
In general, a typical motorcycle accident lawsuit can settle for $2,500-$10,000 for minor injuries, and can sometimes settle for $100,000+ for more serious injuries. The best way to determine how much your case is worth is to reach out to your motorcycle accident lawyer at RisCassi & Davis, P.C. and discuss your injuries in a free, no-obligation consultation. We can help evaluate the different factors of your case and help you determine whether or not your claim is worth pursuing.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Can I Still Recover Damages If I Wasn't Wearing a Helmet?
In most cases, if you weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of your accident, that doesn’t mean that you can’t still pursue compensation for your injuries. This is especially true if the other party was primarily at fault for the accident. However, if you weren’t wearing a helmet and you suffered serious head injuries, there’s a chance that the at-fault party could argue that your injuries wouldn’t have been as severe if you had been wearing a helmet. In some cases this may reduce the amount of compensation you’re eligible to receive.
It’s critical to understand that every case is unique. While not wearing a helmet might influence the outcome of a settlement or award, it doesn't automatically negate the possibility of receiving compensation. Legal professionals will closely analyze factors such as the behaviors of other drivers, road conditions, and the extent of the injuries sustained, to build a compelling argument. Consulting with a seasoned motorcycle accident attorney will help you navigate these complexities and safeguard your interests.
Motorcycle Accident Concepts You Should Know
A few important things about motorcycle accidents that you should know are:
- Motorcycle helmet use: Motorcyclists in Connecticut do not need to wear helmets when riding unless they are a minor. However, all motorcyclists are encouraged to wear helmets at all times to drastically increase their safety.
- Lane splitting: Connecticut has no law that legalizes lane splitting. You should not lane split because drivers in the state won’t expect you to ride between lanes to pass them.
- Increased visibility: You should use ways to increase your visibility to other motorists, like wearing bright colors, placing reflectors on your motorcycle, using your turn signals whenever needed, and always keeping your headlight on, even during the day.
Additionally, understanding the local motorcycle laws and regulations can profoundly affect your riding experience. Familiarize yourself with Hartford's specific traffic rules, which can vastly differ from other areas. Awareness of local nuances in motorcycle laws ensures you are not only riding within the legal limits but also enhancing your safety by adapting to local traffic norms. Utilizing resources like community rider groups, local DMV resources, or legal consults can provide ongoing education and awareness to keep your skills sharp and informed.
Should I Sue After a Motorcycle Accident?
Determining whether or not it’s worth filing a lawsuit for your motorcycle accident can sometimes be a hard decision. You may feel that your injuries aren’t serious enough to merit a trial, or you may be concerned about how much it could cost to hire a lawyer. At the end of the day, before you make a decision you should ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you know how much your injuries may be worth? This doesn’t just include immediate medical treatment, but also missed work, long-term physical therapy, and even pain and suffering. A lawyer can help you determine the actual value of your case.
- Are you confident in your own ability to obtain a fair settlement from the insurance company? If not, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer to represent you.
- Do you have the time and energy it takes to navigate the lawsuit process on your own? Not only are you recovering from your injuries, but in all likelihood you haven’t filed a lawsuit before. The legal process can be complicated and time-consuming, so hiring a lawyer can allow you to focus on recovering while we handle the day-to-day.
At the end of the day, if you were hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you should at the very least talk with an attorney in a free consultation to get their input on whether or not they think your case is worth pursuing. From there, you can make the decision yourself on what you think is best for you.
Let Us Take Your Claim & Elevate It
Two motorcycle accident claims will never be identical due to the details that go into the case. But the way a claim is handled will also make it stand out from others. Make certain your claim is being developed correctly and effectively by handing it to your motorcycle accident attorneys in Hartford. We can manage your claim as if we were representing a close friend or even ourselves!
Ready to get started on your motorcycle accident claim? FREE consultations are available. Schedule one by dialing (860) 245-2412and speaking to our motorcycle accident lawyers in Hartford.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
Recent Case Victories
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$40 Million Truck Accident
Pedestrian injured by a delivery truck resulting in paralysis.
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$12.6 Million Wrongful Death
Injury and death damages as a result of an explosion at the Kleen Energy plant.
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$11 Million Truck Accident
Collision with commercial delivery truck results in brain injury.
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$9 Million Paralyzed Worker
$9,000,000 settlement for a paralyzed construction worker.
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$8.1 Million Medical Malpractice
Improperly performed biopsy lead to wrongful death.
