Motorcycle accidents often result in devastating injuries for those involved, particularly the motorcyclists themselves. Unfortunately, the careless or negligent actions of vehicle drivers on the roadway often lead to catastrophic motorcycle crashes. At Jacobs & Jacobs, we are here to help if you need a New Haven motorcycle accident attorney by your side. Our team fully investigates every case that we take, and we know how to recover maximum compensation on behalf of our clients.
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Why Choose Jacobs & Jacobs?
How Will an Attorney Help With a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle Accidents Are Not Uncommon Throughout Connecticut
Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in New Haven
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
Types of Compensation Available in a Motorcycle Accident Case
Does New Haven Have Motorcycle-Specific Laws?
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycles in Connecticut
Call Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
A New Haven motorcycle accident lawyer is going to be your advocate throughout the entire case. Whereas most individuals do not have the resources necessary to take on insurance companies, an attorney will be fully prepared to handle every aspect of the claim. Our law group can:
Being involved in a motorcycle accident in New Haven is overwhelming. It is important, however, to take certain steps in the immediate aftermath of the collision to protect yourself. Put your personal safety first. Get to a safe location, out of the road, and move your disabled motorcycle, if possible. Then, take the following steps:
The most important thing is to protect your physical and emotional well-being, then your rights as a crash victim. Do so by retaining a New Haven injury lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accidents in New Haven to represent you as soon as possible.
When examining data presented by the Connecticut Crash Data Repository (CTCDR), we can see that there were 2,275 total people involved in motorcycle collisions during the latest reporting year across the state. Out of these incidents, there were:
When we compare motorcycle-involved crashes to non-motorcycle-involved crashes over the same timeframe, we can see that a significantly higher percentage of motorcycle-involved incidents resulted in wrongful death or other types of injuries.
This higher fatality and injury rate is the result of the vulnerabilities of the motorcyclist themselves. Unfortunately, even when a motorcyclist is wearing protective gear and a helmet, they face an increased risk of severe injuries or death when an accident occurs. There is simply no way for their bodies to protect themselves against a vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds of slamming into them. It is not uncommon for the New Haven motorcycle accident lawyers at Jacobs & Jacobs to help clients who have sustained the following injuries:
Motorcycle accidents can occur in a variety of ways and in around the New Haven area. These incidents can be caused by the negligence of a motorcycle rider, a vehicle driver, or both. Sometimes, hazardous road conditions, poor weather, or road defects contribute to the crash. Often though, we discover that motorcycle crashes are caused by the careless or negligent actions of vehicle drivers operating around the motorcyclists. This can include the following types of behaviors:
Motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to various types of compensation for their losses. At Jacobs & Jacobs, our New Haven car accident attorneys strive to recover various types of economic and non-economic compensation on behalf of motorcycle accident victims. This can include, but is not limited to, the following:
The total amount of compensation paid to New Haven motorcycle accident victims will vary depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding each particular case. This can include the severity of the injuries, whether or not a victim can work while they recover, and the level of the victim’s pain and suffering.
Compensation could also be limited if the motorcyclist played a role in causing the accident. Under Connecticut’s “modified comparative negligence” system, a motorcyclist can still recover compensation if they are partially at fault, so long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. However, the total amount of compensation the motorcyclist receives will be reduced based on their percentage of fault. That is why it is so crucial to have a personal injury attorney who can fully investigate the incident and push back against any insurance company or other party who tries to place the blame on the motorcyclist.
Motorcycles provide an efficient, exhilarating method of travel. However, there are many risks associated to riding a motorcycle, as they lack the protections offered by a traditional motor vehicle. Connecticut has several motorcycle-specific laws that riders need to be aware of, such as:
What type of license do you need to ride a motorcycle in Connecticut?
You must first possess a standard Connecticut driver’s license. Then, you must get a motorcycle (“M”) endorsement. This requires passing a motorcycle knowledge test, a vision test and attending an approved novice motorcycle safety course. You can also obtain an optional motorcycle learner’s permit to practice before you get your endorsement. The prices are $40 for the tests, $30 for the endorsement and $16 for an optional learner’s permit.
Where can I apply for a motorcycle endorsement or learner’s permit in Connecticut?
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can obtain your Connecticut driver’s license, submit your application for a non-commercial driver’s license, and take the motorcycle knowledge and vision tests at a local DMV office. The knowledge test has 16 questions that are based on information that you can find in the Connecticut Motorcycle Manual and Driver’s Manual. Finally, you must visit a DMV HUB office to get your M endorsement.
If I’m a minor, do I need a parent’s consent to get a motorcycle permit?
Yes. If you are under the age of 18 and attempting to get your motorcycle endorsement, you will need to have your parents’ permission. You must present a notarized Certificate of Parental Consent Form to the DMV. A foster parent, legal guardian, spouse over the age of 18 or another relative who is your guardian could also sign.
Are there motorcycle passenger restrictions for permit holders?
Yes. With a motorcycle learner’s permit in Connecticut, you can drive a motorcycle without an endorsement but with restrictions as you gain experience. These restrictions include a rule that the motorcyclist cannot carry passengers. Other prohibitions are leaving Connecticut, riding at night and riding on limited-access highways.
Do I have to wear a helmet on a motorcycle in Connecticut?
It depends on your age. If you are 16 or 17, you legally have to wear an approved motorcycle helmet while riding in Connecticut. If you are over the age of 18, a helmet is only required if you are driving on a learner’s permit. Otherwise, wearing a helmet as a motorcyclist is not required, but is highly encouraged to prevent a serious brain injury in an accident. Vision protection is also required of all motorcyclists unless their motorcycles have a windshield.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by the careless or negligent actions of another driver in the New Haven area, contact the team at Jacobs & Jacobs for help today. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys have a track record of success handling complex vehicle accident claims, and we know what it takes to help our clients receive compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering damages, and more. When you need a New Haven or Milford motorcycle accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at (203) 777-2300.