Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Hartford, CT
Hartford is the capital of Connecticut and a major financial services hub of the United States. Commonly called the insurance capital of the world due to the various insurance companies headquartered in the area, Hartford is a busy place, and locals and visitors alike contend with traffic. Those who ride motorcycles are especially vulnerable when accidents happen, and a Hartford motorcycle accident lawyer can help if you are injured in such an accident.
Representing Motorcycle Accident Victims in Hartford, CT
The team at Appleton & Appleton, LLC, has years of experience representing injured vehicle accident victims in the Hartford area. While motorcycle accidents are less common than passenger vehicle accidents, they tend to result in far worse injuries. Even the most experienced and cautious riders can suffer life-changing harm due to the negligence or misconduct of other drivers.
The Connecticut Crash Data Repository recorded a total of 1,257 motorcycle crashes involving 1,338 people throughout Connecticut in 2024. In Hartford alone that year, there were 70 motorcycle crashes involving 83 people. While these accidents can happen for the same reasons that all other vehicle accidents happen, they have a much higher chance of resulting in catastrophic or fatal injuries.
The National Safety Council reported that while motorcycles only accounted for 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States in 2023, motorcyclists accounted for 3.4% of all vehicle accident injuries and 15.5% of accident fatalities. The injury rate for motorcycle accident victims increased by 19% between 2022 and 2023.
Appleton & Appleton, LLC, understands how traumatic and damaging a motorcycle accident can be. You’re likely to have many pressing legal questions about who is liable for your accident and how you will recover your damages, and we will do everything we can to maximize your recovery.
Proving Liability for a Motorcycle Accident in Hartford
In Connecticut, the fault rule applies to all vehicle accident cases involving more than one driver. If an injured driver believes someone else caused their accident, they will need to prove fault before they can claim any compensation for their losses. Motorcycle accidents in Hartford and throughout Connecticut can happen due to driver negligence, such as speeding or distracted driving, and they also occur due to illegal misconduct, such as intoxicated driving.
Your Hartford motorcycle accident lawyer can gather evidence for you to establish fault for the accident. Drivers’ cell phone records, traffic camera footage, if available, the police report from the crash, and eyewitness statements are typically some of the most important evidence in this type of case.
It is important to remember that Connecticut upholds a modified comparative negligence law, meaning it is possible for multiple parties to share fault for the damages cited in a civil suit. If a plaintiff is found partially at fault, their fault percentage is deducted from the case award, and they keep the remainder, but only so long as their fault percentage does not exceed the defendant’s.
Your Hartford motorcycle accident lawyer at Appleton & Appleton, LLC, can help you understand the issues you could face when seeking accountability and compensation for your accident. Once fault is established, your attorney can begin pursuing compensation for the damages you suffered.
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Recovering Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident in Hartford
Every driver in Connecticut is required to have auto insurance that includes bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage. When a driver causes an accident, their insurance can pay for the resulting damages up to the coverage limits of the policy. However, most insurance companies will try everything they can to avoid paying out maximum settlements.
You should expect the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier to push back against your claim in whatever way they can. They may attempt to use your own words against you in settlement negotiations, so it’s a good idea to have an experienced attorney handle your claim negotiations with the insurer.
Your Hartford motorcycle accident lawyer at Appleton & Appleton, LLC, can make sure that you receive fair treatment and receive an acceptable offer from the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier.
If you must file a personal injury suit against the at-fault driver, success with your claim will hinge on your ability to prove the defendant caused your claimed damages, and you must prove the full extent of those damages. If successful, it’s possible for a personal injury plaintiff in Connecticut to claim compensation for:
- Property damage, such as vehicle repair costs.
- Medical expenses, including the cost of future medical care if they are severely injured.
- Lost wages. You can hold the defendant accountable for the income you cannot earn due to the accident. It is also possible to claim compensation for lost future earning capacity if your accident resulted in any permanent damage that diminishes your ability to work.
- Pain and suffering. Connecticut law allows a personal injury plaintiff to claim compensation for physical pain and emotional distress. Generally, the amount of pain and suffering compensation a plaintiff receives is proportionate to the severity of their injury.
Motorcycle accidents can be life-changing in many ways. Whether you remember how the accident happened or you have no recollection of the event due to your injuries, it is crucial to contact an experienced Hartford motorcycle accident lawyer at your first opportunity after receiving medical treatment. This ensures your attorney has adequate time to gather evidence and prepare a strong case for you.
Find Your Hartford Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
During your initial consultation with Appleton & Appleton, LLC, our team will listen to your story, identify your greatest challenges and opportunities when it comes to claiming compensation for your damages, and explain the legal services we can provide that may help with your recovery. Our goal in every case we accept is to help our client maximize their compensation as swiftly as possible.
Our firm provides client-focused legal counsel, meaning we take time to develop individualized legal strategies to suit each client’s individual needs. You can expect close attention to detail, responsive communication, and compassionate legal guidance through all stages of your case when you choose our team to represent you. If you are ready to learn how a Hartford motorcycle accident lawyer can help with your case, contact us today and schedule a free consultation.
