Motorcycle Accident Attorney In Branford, CT
If you have been involved in a motorcycle crash in Branford, whether on the scenic Shoreline Drive, Route 1, or on a weekend ride through Stony Creek, you need a Branford motorcycle accident lawyer who knows not only the streets you ride every day but also the laws that can help you. Motorcycle crashes can be catastrophic, often leaving victims seriously injured and permanently disabled.
About Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC
At Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC, we put you first. Your needs, your recovery, and your legal rights are our priorities. Experienced New Haven personal injury, wrongful death, and professional malpractice attorneys at Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC, offer skillful, compassionate, and personalized legal service.
As committed negotiators and trial attorneys, we work relentlessly to secure optimal results for your motorcycle accident case throughout every stage of the legal process. Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC, helps riders get the compensation they deserve.
We handle all of the hassles and stress of insurance claims and legal proceedings on your behalf. If you’ve been injured, it’s important to have a motorcycle accident attorney who is familiar with Branford’s roads, intersections, and common accident patterns.
Relevant Motorcycle Accident Laws in Connecticut
Connecticut has several statutes in place to protect motorcyclists. For example, the law requires all motorcyclists under age 18 to wear a helmet. However, helmet use is highly advisable for all riders, regardless of age. Motorcycle operators must stop and yield when necessary and comply with all traffic regulations, including stop signs and speed limits.
Connecticut’s comparative negligence statute also comes into play with motorcycle accident claims. If you are partially at fault for the crash, you may still be able to collect compensation from the other driver. However, your award would likely be reduced by the percentage of fault attributable to you.
The severity of the injuries typically depends on several factors. The key is to thoroughly investigate your accident and gather evidence, such as the police report, witness accounts, and dashcam or traffic camera footage, to support your claim.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Branford
Every year, more than fifty motorcycle riders in Connecticut lose their lives in collisions. According to preliminary data, the state recorded 59 motorcycle-related deaths in 2023. Despite motorcycles making up a small portion of all traffic, 6,335 motorcycle riders died in crashes nationwide in 2023, accounting for 15% of all traffic fatalities.
Motorcycle crashes in Branford happen in relatively small places. Some of the accident spots are on Route 1 near the South Main Street intersection. Motorists and bikers alike have to deal with heavy traffic and complicated turn maneuvers. Motorcycle accidents are also reported near the Stony Creek Train Station, where visibility is limited, and roadside parking is available. Additional common causes are:
- Driving distracted. It is easy for drivers to miss a motorcycle when they are texting, using a GPS, or interacting with passengers.
- Failing to yield. On curves, such as those along Shoreline Drive or close to Short Beach Road, drivers may misjudge the speed or distance of motorcycles.
- Reckless driving. Although motorcyclists are required to obey speed limits, other drivers’ careless behavior often leads to collisions.
- Poor road conditions. There may be potholes or uneven surfaces on Branford’s roads, especially close to seasonal construction zones or older bridges, which could cause a rider to lose control.
Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
When you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Branford, you may want to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer. Motorcycle accident cases are often more complex and serious than other types of car accident cases. This is because bikers who are injured in a crash can suffer life-altering, catastrophic injuries. Liability is often contested in these cases, and insurance companies are aggressive in getting accident victims to accept lowball settlements.
A Branford motorcycle accident attorney is well-versed in Connecticut motorcycle accident law, prior cases and verdicts, and insurance industry practices, so you can rest assured your rights will be protected from day one.
When settlement discussions stop making progress, or insurers refuse fair settlements, having an experienced attorney who often represents cases in New Haven Superior Court can lead to better results for your claim. Engaging a lawyer enables you to concentrate on your health recovery while they take care of your case details.
FAQs
What Is the Average Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accident settlements differ greatly. While factors vary from case to case, it is also important to note that motorcycle collisions often result in more severe injuries than common car accidents, so the typical settlement may be higher.
Since each case varies widely in its circumstances, there cannot be a standard average settlement amount applicable to motorcycle accident cases. Only by considering the specific details of a case can an accurate valuation be made.
Should I Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?
Yes, it is recommended that you get a lawyer for a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle accident claims are often complicated by the severity of injuries and the likelihood that insurance companies will fight over liability. Lawyers know motorcycle-specific laws and can help you seek out complete compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and other long-term consequences.
What Is the Most Common Injury in a Motorcycle Crash?
Fractures are the most common type of injury resulting from a motorcycle crash. Fractures of the legs, arms, and wrists are extremely common because the rider is exposed to the outside environment on impact. Broken bones in the extremities happen very commonly upon hitting the ground, a vehicle, or a roadside object. Road rash, head injuries, and soft-tissue damage are also very common injuries.
What Is the Hardest Injury to Prove?
Traumatic brain injuries and other invisible injuries, such as nerve damage, chronic pain, and psychological trauma, can be the most difficult to prove. These injuries may not be obvious on imaging studies, and symptoms may come and go over time. Insurance companies may dispute their severity or cause, so it’s often necessary to have strong medical documentation and professional testimony to substantiate the long-term effects and ensure fair compensation.
Contact Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC, can help you advocate for compensation for your damages. Contact us today for a consultation.
