West Haven Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Expert West Haven Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycles are a fast and economical way to travel, all while offering a sense of freedom and adventure. However, when a motorcycle is struck by a negligent driver, motorcyclists often face devastating injuries that can create lifelong disability. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, a West Haven motorcycle accident lawyer can seek the compensation you deserve.

At Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law, we’ve been advocating for the rights of the injured in Milford, Branford, Norwalk, and the surrounding area for over a decade, along with clients in West Haven and the greater New Haven area. We can travel to you to discuss the details of your case and offer guidance through every step of your motorcycle accident claim. While it may seem daunting to take legal action, negligent drivers must be held accountable. We can do so on your behalf.

Factors in Motorcycle Accidents

When traveling through southern Connecticut, motorcycles are a common sight. Beautiful views of Long Island Sound and our many scenic roadways offer motorcyclists a variety of options for a weekend ride. However, a fun Sunday trip along the coast can quickly turn dangerous, leading to catastrophic accidents. In 2023 alone, there were over 300 motorcycle fatalities in the state.

Several factors contribute to motorcycle accidents, including:

• Speed. Speed is a major factor in many accidents, but when a speeding vehicle collides with a motorcycle, the results can be devastating.
• Impaired driving. Many people visit the coast on weekends and holidays, and some may indulge in alcohol before getting behind the wheel. Alcohol is a factor in many motorcycle accidents, and the risk increases at night.
• Driver distraction. Distracted driving, whether because of cell phone use or another factor, such as eating and driving or GPS use, accounts for a significant number of motorcycle accidents in Connecticut.
• Weather conditions and road conditions. Snow, ice, rain, and wind can all be contributing factors in motorcycle accidents, decreasing visibility and reaction time. Construction zones, potholes, and loose gravel on the shoulder can also create unsafe conditions for motorcyclists and drivers. Nevertheless, 94% of fatalities happened in good weather.
• Cars executing left-hand turns. Motorcyclists are exceptionally vulnerable to vehicles attempting to execute left-hand turns at intersections, especially in “yield on green” situations, because the driver may be distracted by oncoming traffic and may not notice a motorcyclist.
• Rural vs urban areas. Motorcycle accidents are more likely to occur in urban areas due to increased traffic volume, more intersections, and distractions. However, rural areas present their own dangers, including narrow, two-lane highways where drivers are more likely to cross the center line, and rugged terrain, such as hilly, mountainous roads and curves.
• Diminished visibility. Motorcycles are much smaller than cars. As such, they are less visible to motorists. Motorcycles are not as noticeable at a distance, so motorists are more likely to misjudge the speed and time required to pass a vehicle when executing a lane change, putting a motorcyclist directly in their path.
• Intersections. Intersections present the highest odds of a crash. The volume of traffic at an intersection, the decisions that must be made when executing turns, and the multiple distractions that occur when several vehicles are moving at the same time can create confusion and slower reaction times.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Because of the amount of force exerted when a vehicle strikes a motorcycle, injuries are amplified. They can present a significant reduction in mobility, quality of life, and future earning capacity, making these injuries costly as well as physically devastating.

Some common injuries in motorcycle accidents:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can create lifelong disability, with victims dependent on caregivers to meet their basic needs
• Spinal cord injuries, which sometimes lead to partial or total paralysis or spinal stenosis
• Severe fractures and crushing injuries, sometimes requiring amputation
• Road rash and friction burns due to abrasive contact with pavement
• Severe lacerations, bruises, and partial degloving
• Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash
• Severe psychological trauma and PTSD

Broken bones are common motorcycle injuries, especially in the lower extremities.

Liability in Motorcycle Crashes

Connecticut follows an at-fault rule for accidents, along with a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that the party found more liable for the accident is responsible for compensating the other party for injuries and property damage. The process of proving that the other party carries a higher degree of negligence for a motorcycle accident is complex, as it involves presenting adequate evidence to support the plaintiff’s claim.

This evidence can include:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Vehicle damage patterns
• Surveillance footage
• Photographs and videos of the accident site
• Crash reconstruction analysis

All these can be used to determine which party carried a higher degree of fault. When you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer from Sorrentino Legal, we can: 

• Thoroughly investigate the details of your claim.
• Build an effective case based on the state’s motorcycle accident laws.
• Gather the necessary evidence to support your claim.
• Present a compelling argument for compensation.

After an accident, it’s important to focus on your health and recovery above anything else. Let us be your West Haven motorcycle accident attorney as you move forward after your accident.

Insurance Adjusters Are Not on Your Side

Many accident victims think they should contact the other party’s insurance company after an accident. This can be a costly mistake. Insurance companies are focused on one thing: getting you to settle as quickly as possible, for as little money as possible. Insurance claims agents will attempt to coerce you into admitting fault for the accident or making damaging statements that could compromise your settlement amount.

Motorcyclists are often unfairly scrutinized by insurance companies, which use manipulative tactics to infer or imply a higher degree of negligence because of their chosen vehicle, citing motorcycle use as a reckless activity. These kinds of biases can influence the outcome of your settlement and sow doubt as to your degree of responsibility, which is exactly what insurers want.

As soon as you can, after getting immediate medical attention following your accident, seek the counsel of a qualified motorcycle accident attorney. They can advocate on your behalf against aggressive insurance adjusters and claims agents. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not owe any upfront costs if your case qualifies.

Motorcycle accident injuries often present ongoing, severe symptoms that may require years of therapy, rehabilitation, costly surgeries, and other medical treatments. You may also face unemployment or reduced earning capacity because of your injuries.

While it may be tempting to accept an insurance company’s initial settlement offer, it is in your interests to contact a lawyer, as they can seek the full amount of compensation you are entitled to by law. While taking legal action may delay your settlement temporarily, the benefits of seeking legal representation outweigh the immediate relief of a fast settlement.

Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Claims

In Connecticut, plaintiffs in motorcycle accident cases can usually recover two categories of damages: economic damages, which are quantifiable, documented expenses, and non-economic damages, which are intangible losses.

Economic damages include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Diminished earning capacity

Non-economic damages encompass:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Long-term disability
• Diminished quality of life
• Anxiety and psychological trauma

Damages awarded in motorcycle accident cases can be significant, given the catastrophic nature of the types of injuries sustained in these accidents. The cost of treating these injuries frequently exceeds the maximum allowable coverage in most insurance policies, which is why legal action is required.

Costs for medical care can quickly compound, especially if you or your loved one needs daily healthcare, which can happen in circumstances involving severe head trauma and paralysis. Your quality of life matters. Having your financial burdens reduced can help you focus on healing and recovery, as a claim can prevent you from suffering extreme economic hardship throughout the process.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Many people erroneously believe that hiring a lawyer makes them seem “sue-happy” or greedy, but the laws in Connecticut support your right to seek legal compensation for a reason. Legislators and the justice system recognize that the long-term physical and financial hardships brought about by a motorcycle accident can result in devastating consequences for you and your family.

If you cannot work or function at your full capacity after a motorcycle accident, your debts, loss of income, and expensive medical bills can create a snowball effect that compounds over time, resulting in potential job loss and even the loss of your home. The laws around personal injury compensation were established to benefit the victims of accidents, not insurance companies, which are a multi-billion-dollar industry. You are harming no one by seeking legal action.

A knowledgeable, experienced attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. They can also litigate aggressively should it become necessary. Our goal, as your legal counsel, would be to increase your chances of a favorable settlement that adequately addresses your long-term needs.

At Sorrentino Legal, we are a confident, strategic team that works together to effectively represent our clients. Our firm can create a solid, evidence-based case that can stand up in any Connecticut courtroom.

FAQs

How Much Are Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements?

Accident settlement amounts depend on the:

• Severity of the injuries
• Extent of non-economic damages, which can be significant
• Ongoing anticipated costs the plaintiff is expected to endure because of their injuries

When you meet with your Sorrentino Legal team during your consultation, we can present you with the outcomes of cases similar to yours. Then, we can discuss the potential settlement you might expect to obtain.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

There is no upfront cost to hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer. Personal injury lawyers in Connecticut work on a contingency fee basis. If we decide to offer you representation after our initial consultation, we will take your case without preliminary charges. We do not get paid unless we obtain compensation, and our percentage of your settlement is regulated by law, meaning the bulk of the money in a motorcycle accident case goes exactly where it should: you.

Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur?

Most motorcycle accidents occur at intersections, representing 35% of all motorcycle accidents. Motorists making left-hand turns are the most prevalent sources of accident liability. Intersections involve multiple vehicles moving in four different directions, stopping, and executing turns. Motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are incredibly vulnerable at intersections, as this is where most accidents generally occur.

Can Motorcyclists Be Liable for an Accident?

Motorcyclists can be liable for an accident if they engage in negligent or reckless behavior. Insurance companies will attempt to put as much blame on you as possible to reduce any potential payout they owe you, per Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence laws. You need a knowledgeable attorney who can work to reduce or eliminate your fault rating.

Do Insurers Pay Out for Whiplash?

Yes, but insurers will sometimes resist paying for whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries, as these injuries do not always present immediately and develop over a period of time. However, whiplash can present ongoing chronic pain and mobility issues, including migraine, occipital and trigeminal neuralgias, vestibular issues, and other serious conditions. Never allow an insurance representative to diminish your symptoms. Do not agree to a settlement until you speak to an attorney.

Hire a Trusted Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in West Haven, CT

At Sorrentino Legal, we know how devastating a motorcycle accident can be. If you are looking for a legal advocate for your motorcycle accident claim in New Haven County, we can represent you. Our client-first, comprehensive approach considers all aspects of your case, along with the long-term consequences of your motorcycle accident.

You don’t have to settle for less than you deserve. Irresponsible drivers must be held accountable, and we can seek justice and compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. We offer consultations in Spanish and English.

At Sorrentino Legal, we know you’re worried about the future, but you don’t have to face the legal system alone. We can listen and answer all your questions with clarity and compassion.

Milford Office

Bridgeport Office