
While motorcycles offer a practical way to travel and a sense of freedom and self-expression, they can be extremely dangerous when other drivers act negligently. If you are injured after another driver’s actions caused a crash, a Niantic motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover.
At Suisman Shapiro, we have 80 years of experience working to bring justice to accident victims. Motorcycle accidents often involve serious injuries, which is why we apply our knowledge of motorcycle accident laws and negotiation skills to secure fair compensation for every client. If you are facing damages after a crash, contact us for guidance throughout Connecticut’s motorcycle accident claims process.
Unfortunately, motorcyclists face a high risk of a crash. Connecticut had 1,292 total crashes involving a motorcyclist in 2024, with motorcyclists accounting for 19% of all traffic accident deaths. These accidents are often hard to predict, though many factors can lead to a crash, such as:
Motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere, though there are certain trends. In Niantic, Many accidents happen on Route 156 or along Main Street due to the frequent stopping and turning. Generally, intersections are one of the most dangerous areas.
According to Connecticut’s motorcycle accident laws, the at-fault driver’s insurance is typically responsible for covering your damages. However, at-fault claims can be complex, which is why a Niantic motorcycle accident lawyer’s guidance is important. At Suisman Shapiro, an experienced lawyer can help you establish the at-fault driver’s liability, prove your damages, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Acting quickly allows your attorney to gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and build a strong case before this deadline. Missing this deadline can leave you unable to recover compensation.
Motorcyclists are much more likely than drivers to suffer from catastrophic injuries and even death. There are 31.39 motorcyclist fatalities and 1.13 passenger car occupant fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles travelled. Survivors are often left with injuries such as:
By filing a claim, you can recover compensation for these injuries and other damages. A Niantic motorcycle accident attorney can work to understand your unique losses and include them in your claim. Beyond your physical injuries, victims often face damages such as:
How much compensation you can get for a motorcycle accident depends on your damages. Your compensation should cover your economic losses, like medical bills or lost income, while also including additional compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. If you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer, they can calculate a fair award based on your damages and negotiate for a settlement that reaches that amount.
Yes, punitive damages may be included in your compensation, though it depends on your case. Punitive damages are not available in all cases, as they are designed to punish the at-fault driver for extreme recklessness or negligence. Examples of cases that may have punitive damages include if the at-fault driver hit you in an act of road rage or was drinking and driving. A lawyer can explain whether you can claim these damages.
Yes, you can file a claim if you were partially at fault for the motorcycle accident, as long as you are less than 50% responsible. Connecticut uses a modified system of comparative negligence that assigns percentages of fault to each party, allowing the party under 50% of the fault to file a claim. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% responsible, your total compensation is reduced by 30%.
While having sufficient evidence to prove the at-fault driver’s negligence and prove your damages is important, a variety of evidence can be used to do this. A Niantic motorcycle accident attorney can help you gather essential evidence for your case, which may include police reports, photos of the accident scene, witness statements, surveillance footage, medical bills, and pay stubs.
A motorcycle accident can leave you struggling to maintain your physical health, emotional well-being, and financial security. At Suisman Shapiro, we understand the challenges you are facing and can help you file a claim that holds a negligent driver accountable for your damages. Contact us today for a free case consultation to learn how we can provide the support and legal advice you need after a crash.