Motorcycle Accident Attorney In Bridgeport, CT
Motorcyclists are at a higher risk than passenger car occupants of being severely injured in accidents. If you’ve been in a crash that occurred due to another driver’s negligence, you can work with a Bridgeport motorcycle accident lawyer to recover the compensation you need to pay medical bills, make up for lost wages, and find ways to move on with your life.
Work With Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC
Here at Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC, we have developed a reputation for providing compassionate, client-focused legal services. With over 150 years of combined experience in personal injury law, we have what it takes to assist clients with even complex motorcycle accident claims. You can trust us to help you find a successful outcome in your case.
Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
In 2025, there were 52 crashes involving motorcycles in Bridgeport, CT. Of those, 38 caused possible or suspected injuries. This may not sound like many motorcycle accident cases, but if you’re one of the people who was injured, you already know that one case is too many.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash within the past two years, you could be eligible to receive compensation. You can hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to help you determine who was at fault and file a claim against the liable party or parties. Having a Bridgeport motorcycle accident attorney on your side who can assist you with all the details of your case will make it easier for you to focus on more important things, like healing from your injuries.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
One of the top reasons that drivers give for getting into accidents with motorcycles is not seeing the smaller vehicle. A failure to take the surroundings, including the presence of motorcycles on the road, into account is not a legal excuse for hitting someone. It’s also just one of many common causes of motorcycle crashes. Others include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Failures to yield
- Lane splitting
- Lane changes
- Aggressive driving
As you can see, not all of these reasons for motorcycle accidents place the drivers of passenger vehicles at fault. Motorcyclists can contribute to accidents, as well, particularly if they are engaging in on-road behaviors that are illegal in Connecticut, such as lane splitting.
The good news is that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation. Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence rules allow riders to seek compensation as long as they were less than 51% at fault. Just keep in mind that your settlement amount will be decreased by the percentage of fault you’ve been assigned.
Ways Motorcycle Riders Are Found Liable
Connecticut does not have a helmet law for riders over the age of 18, so failing to wear a helmet does not make you liable for injuries incurred as a result of an accident, even head injuries. There are, however, other ways that insurance companies can try to claim that you caused the accident, whether it occurred on I-95 or Cesar Batalla Way. Some of the things riders do to contribute to their crash risk include:
- Speeding
- Distracted riding
- Failing to respect the right-of-way
- Failing to stop at traffic signals
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Ignoring local traffic laws
It’s often the case that insurance companies try to make illegitimate arguments that motorcycle riders caused their own crashes to avoid liability. We can protect your rights and interests when dealing with insurance companies, helping to improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement. You should never accept a settlement without speaking with a lawyer first.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcyclists have less protection in the event of a crash than passenger car occupants. They’re more likely to sustain injuries as a result, even if they are wearing helmets and other protective gear. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Organ damage
- Road rash
- Burn injuries
The settlement should be worth more if you have sustained more serious injuries that require ongoing medical attention.
FAQs
Who Is at Fault in a Motorcycle Accident?
Who is at fault in a motorcycle accident depends on whether it was the motorcycle rider or the driver of a passenger vehicle whose negligence caused the crash. In many cases, motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligence of passenger car drivers, who may not be paying enough attention to their surroundings. However, bikers are sometimes found liable for their own crashes, as well.
Is Connecticut a No Helmet State?
Connecticut is not entirely a no-helmet state. However, adults are allowed to ride motorcycles without head protection as of 1976. In 1989, the state enacted a partial helmet law. Under this law, riders under the age of 18 are required to wear approved helmets when on motorcycles. People riding on training permits are also required to wear helmets.
What Is the Four-Second Rule for Motorcycles?
The four-second rule for motorcycles is a safety guideline that recommends riders maintain a minimum of a four-second gap between their bikes and other vehicles in front of them to make sure they have enough time to react to hazards. This rule is important because motorcycles offer far less protection to riders than larger motor vehicles do to drivers and passengers.
How Much Compensation Do You Get for a Motorcycle Accident?
How much compensation you get for a motorcycle accident varies depending on the specifics of the crash. You’ll most likely receive more compensation for a crash that caused catastrophic injuries than one that led to only a little road rash. Your final settlement can also be reduced if you’re found to be partially at fault for the accident.
Your Bridgeport Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle accidents often lead to serious injuries. If you’ve been involved in one, you should hire a Bridgeport motorcycle accident lawyer right away. The team here at Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC, is ready to help. We have a deep understanding of how to leverage motorcycle accident laws to support our clients’ claims and extensive experience with all aspects of personal injury law, including motorcycle crashes. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.
