State law defines a motorcycle as any two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle that does not have a driver’s seat that is enclosed or designed to be enclosed, and that produces more than a two-brake horsepower. If the vehicle is under 50 cc, it would be classified a motor scooter or a moped. If it is over 50 cc, it is going to be considered a motorcycle.
Because these vehicles tend to be smaller than other cars on the road, motorcyclists may be more vulnerable to colliding with another driver. Motorcyclists potentially avoid an accident by staying aware of their surroundings anytime that they are operating their bike. However, when crashes do occur the results can be overwhelming. If you suffered injuries while riding your motorbike, a seasoned attorney could help you file a claim for damages and understand Glastonbury motorcycle accident cases.
Unique Aspects of Motorcycle Collision
What tends to make motorcycle accidents different from automobile wrecks is the severity of injuries involved when a driver is violating traffic laws. The consequences a motorcycle rider may experience are generally far greater than those seen in car accidents.
These differences impact the kinds of injuries that occur. Unfortunately, in motorbike accidents, a rider may suffer broken legs, scarring, burns, road rash, and fatal injuries, which may not be as common in car wrecks.
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What are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
The most common cause of these accidents is drivers who make left-hand turns in front of motorcycles. Drivers tend to think that motorcycles are further away than they are and cause a collision as a result. Another common type of motorcycle accident is a rear-ender, which happens when motorists are not paying attention. These distracted drivers come to a stoplight and hit a motorcycle from behind.
Motorcycle collisions may happen more frequently than pedestrian accidents because drivers encounter motorcyclists more often. Pedestrians tend to be on sidewalks, on the side of the road, or crossing in a crosswalk. Therefore, there are fewer opportunities for pedestrians to get hit versus somebody who is on a motorcycle.
Establishing Fault
It is important to understand how the court establishes fault and gives compensation in motorcycle accident cases in Glastonbury. Connecticut is a modified contributory negligence jurisdiction, which means that if a plaintiff is more than 51 percent at fault, they cannot recover any damages for the result of the accident.
Contributory negligence reviews the conduct of the person riding the motorcycle to see if they were, in any way, at fault. For example, in a left-hand turn accident, was the motorcycle operating with his headlamp on? Was the motorcyclist operating at a safe rate of speed? Any of those actions, as well as others, could be contributing factors to the accident. It is important to note that anybody who is at fault for causing an accident can have an insurance claim or lawsuit filed against them for a motorcycle accident.
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Laws for Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists are held to no different standards than any driver. They have to follow the rules of the road and exercise reasonable judgment under varying circumstances such as weather, conditions, and visibility.
If someone commits an infraction, the police could enforce the rules of the road by issuing tickets and citations or even an arrest in the event of a drunk driver. If somebody has been injured as a result of the negligence of another driver, they could file a civil suit, and the negligent driver could be held civilly accountable.
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Role of an Attorney
An attorney considers the various dynamics of a motorcycle accident in Glastonbury when trying to understand a case. They try to assess all of the potential causes and circumstances of an accident. To do this, they may ask:
- What is it that the driver of a vehicle could have done differently?
- What, if anything, could the motorcyclist have done differently?
- Who was the first person who could have prevented this accident?
- What were the road and weather conditions?
- What did the 911 call say?
- Were there any witness statements?
- Is there any surveillance video?
Establishing who is at fault for causing the injuries and the accident has a significant impact on a personal injury case. An attorney must understand how the accident happened, who caused it, and all the various facts to litigate a claim successfully.
Hiring a motorcycle injury lawyer should not cost anything upfront. Nobody plans on being in an accident, so personal injury lawyers work on contingency. This means that they only get paid when they recover money for somebody who has been injured. State law sets this fee and it cannot exceed 33% of any gross settlement amount.
Contact an Attorney for Help Understanding Motorcycle Wreck Cases in Glastonbury
Understanding Glastonbury motorcycle accident cases can be difficult without an experienced attorney. Fortunately, the lawyers at CT Trial firm could help you through the claims process while you focus on your recovery. For more information, call today.
