Involved in a Motorcycle Accident in Norwalk, CT? Injury? We Can Help

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Norwalk, Connecticut?

Motorcycle accidents can be serious and life-threatening. Motorcycle riders are 28 times as likely as passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle traffic crash. Although the number of motorcyclists killed in crashes dropped to 4,985 in 2018 – almost a 5% decrease – motorcycle riders are still significantly overrepresented in traffic fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In Connecticut, there has been 4,154 crashes involving motorcycles since 2017.

If you and/or a loved one has been injured in motorcycle accident in Norwalk caused by another driver’s negligence, our experienced personal injury attorneys at Lemberg Law are equipped to get you the compensation you deserve. We understand that motorcycle accidents can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, resulting in serious impacts on your health and finances; which is why you may need help as soon as possible.

Navigating insurance companies that may be at fault for your injury can be a scary and frustrating experience, but it doesn’t have to be. For 13 years, Lemberg Law has made legal representation a pain-free and easily accessible process. We have successfully recovered more than $50 million in damages for more than 25,000 clients across the nation. Our track record speaks for itself.

You may be compensated for damages or losses associated with the accident, which can include but are not limited to:

• Medical expense reimbursements
• Payment of lost wages
• Compensation for future medical costs
• Payment for future earnings
• Damages for pain and suffering

Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

Injuries from motorcycle accidents tend to be much more serious and debilitating than a car accident, and because of that, your medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation may be more costly. Some common injuries include:

• Head and brain injuries
• Neck and spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Bruising
• Abrasions
• Death

Injuries Resulting from Motorcycle Crashes in Connecticut

Wearing a helmet can save your life. Helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders and 41% for motorcycle passengers. Since 2017, out of the 2,069 people involved in a motorcycle accident in Connecticut who were not wearing a helmet, 87 died and 1,270 suffered a suspected minor or serious injury.

Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

No matter how careful you ride, accidents can happen, sometimes due to other automobile drivers, road design, or poor weather conditions. A motorcyclist may also be at fault for the accident or injury. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Left-Hand Turns: A vehicle turns directly in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
• Lane Switching: A car merges into your lane when they are right next to a motorcyclist. Due to the narrow shape of the bike, a motorcycle can easily be hidden in a car’s blind spots.
• Head-On Collision: The front ends of two vehicles crash into one another, which often results in injuries, fatalities, and property damage – especially to the motorcyclist who is the most vulnerable and least protected.
• Lane Splitting: A motorcyclist drives between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving vehicles, generally during traffic light or traffic congestion. Each state has different laws regarding whether lane splitting is permitted.
• Driving Under the Influence: Motorcycle riders in fatal crashes in the U.S. in 2017 had higher percentages of alcohol impairment than any other type of motor vehicle driver. The helmet use rate for alcohol-impaired motorcycle riders killed in traffic crashes were 53%, compared to 67% for those who had no alcohol on their system.

The Most Dangerous Routes and Roads in Connecticut

The number of accidents on routes and interstates in Connecticut decreased slightly from 113,759 in 2018 to 112,459 in 2019, but the most dangerous roads where the most crashes occur remain the same year after year. Popular interstates and routes that run through our state, such as I-95 and I-84, are very likely to contain a multitude of trucks and vehicles. Here are the nine most dangerous roads and interstates in Connecticut in the last three years:

Although the number of motorcycle accidents in Connecticut increased only slightly from 2018 to 2019, the most dangerous roads where the most crashes occur remain the same year after year. Here are the 9 most dangerous roads for motorcyclists in Connecticut in 2019.

2019 Motorcycle Crash Locations – Connecticut 

1. Route 1 – 50 crashes
2. I-84 – 32 crashes
3. I-95 – 31 crashes
4. Route 6 – 27 crashes
5. I-91 – 25 crashes
6. Route 14 – 22 crashes
7. Route 10 – 18 crashes
8. Route 44 – 15 crashes
9. Route 5 – 15 crashes

Are You Road Ready?

Of the motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2017 in the U.S., 29% were riding without valid motorcycle licenses. Taking all of the necessary precautions before operating a motorcycle is a crucial component in reducing the likelihood of being involved in an accident. Before operating a motorcycle, you should:

• Get your motorcycle license: All states require a motorcycle license endorsement to supplement your automobile driver’s license. To receive the proper motorcycle license, you will need to pass written and on-cycle skills tests administered by your State’s licensing agency. Some states every require you to take a rider education course.
• Take an educational course: Completing a motorcycle rider education course is a smart and effective way to ensure that you have the correct instruction and experience to safety operate a motorcycle
• Practice, practice, practice: Make sure to ride a new or unfamiliar motorcycle in a controlled area in order to get comfortable riding the bike. Then, with more practice, you can take the motorcycle into more complex conditions, such as into traffic. It is also crucial to know how to handle a motorcycle in a vast range of circumstances, such as during bad weather conditions or when encountering road hazards, such as potholes.
• Before you ride: Check the tire pressure and tread depth, hand and foot brakes, headlights, signal indicators, and fluid levels. You should also check for signs of oil or gas leaks. If you are carrying any type of cargo, secure and balance the load on the cycle, then adjust the suspension and tire pressure for the extra weight. If you have a passenger, they should mount the motorcycle only after the engine has started. Your passenger should sit as far forward of possible, directly behind you, and should keep both feet on the footrests at all times – even when the motorcycle is stopped.
• Wear the proper protection: If you are in a serious motorcycle crash, wearing a helmet can protect your brain and save your life. The NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,872 motorcyclists in 2017. If all motorcyclists had worn helmets, an additional 749 lives could have been saved. Helmets come in different shapes and sizes; therefore, it is important to determine the shape of your head before purchasing a helmet. Focus on your head shape, not the shape of your face. Arms and legs should be completely covered when riding; boots or shoes should be worn that is high enough to cover the ankles. Gloves also provide a better grip and protect your hands.

FAQs about Motorcycle Accidents:

What should I do if I am involved in a motorcycle accident?

First and foremost, you should check to see if you or anyone else is seriously injured and call the police for help. If you are safely able to, get off the road and out of oncoming traffic. Keep your helmet and safety gear on; this will keep your neck and spine protected until paramedics arrive.

You should also get the information of everyone involved, including their full name, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, general descriptions of each vehicle, insurance information, and driver’s license information. Try to get as much information as possible to show that you are not liable for the accident, such as photographs of the scene and testimonies from witnesses.

Is there anything I should not say during the motorcycle accident or to insurance companies?

You should not apologize to anyone or admit fault or blame for the accident, as this can be misinterpreted by the insurance companies and used against you. You may be contacted by an adjuster from the other side’s insurance company, but you should not answer their questions. Consult with a lawyer before talking to any insurance company or before accepting any type of initial settlement. Your lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation into what caused the crash and help calculate your losses from the accident.

Should I see a doctor after the motorcycle accident, even if I do not think I’m seriously injured?

You should absolutely visit a doctor after being in any type of accident. While you may feel like the injuries are minor or not there, you could have injuries that may become serious if not treated. It’s better to take precautions when dealing with your health. Seeing a doctor will also create medical documents that can serve as evidence if you do decide to peruse legal action.

I wasn’t wearing a helmet; am I still entitled to compensation from a driver who at fault?

Whether or not you were wearing a helmet is irrelevant in determining the damages that you may get from the driver at fault, however insurance companies may use your lack of wearing a helmet in attempt to reduce the amount that they play in your claim.

How much compensation am I entitled to for being injured in a motorcycle accident?

No two claims are the same. How much you may receive in damages depends on a variety of factors, such as the sum cost of your injuries. The effects of an injury also vary from person to person. Once our lawyers get all of the necessary information from you, we will evaluate your case tailored to your needs. We provide personalized representation to our clients and make sure to keep them informed about any updates in their case.

How much time to do I have to file a motorcycle personal injury claim in Norwalk?

If you were hurt by a vehicle that is owned or operated by a district or government entity, in many states, there is only a brief period—sometimes less than 60 days—in which a claimant can sue a government body who may be responsible for an accident.

If you are pursuing a personal injury claim that is not against a government body, under Connecticut law, you must file a personal injury or property damage claim within two years of the date of the accident. If someone suffers a wrongful death, the two-year limit starts on the date of the victim’s death from their injuries.

You should reach out to an attorney sooner, rather than later, in order to have plenty of time to build a strong case. Our attorneys are knowledgeable about the entire process, including state, local, and national transportation laws.