Bridgeport Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Getting on a motorcycle to explore the beautiful Connecticut countryside is a thrilling experience. However, it is important to keep in mind that riding on a motorcycle can also come with its own set of risks and potential threats. If you have been injured while on a motorcycle by the recklessness or negligence of another party, a Bridgeport motorcycle accident lawyer can prove to be vital.
The dedicated legal team at Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law has helped clients resolve their personal injury claims for almost a decade, including those who have suffered in motorcycle accidents. If you or someone you love has been injured or even killed in a motorcycle accident, Sorrentino Legal is here for you. We are passionate about standing up for and protecting the rights of motorcyclists and are ready to serve you in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
In Bridgeport, Connecticut, motorcycle accidents are a significant concern with hundreds of crashes reported annually. In 2024, Bridgeport alone recorded over 5,500 total crashes involving more than 11,000 vehicles and over 13,000 people. These accidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities, reflecting a statewide trend where 67 motorcyclists died in 2022. Safety awareness and cautious driving are vital to reducing these incidents in Bridgeport.
Motorcycle accidents sometimes occur through circumstances that no one could have prevented. However, in many other cases, the root cause of the accident is some form of human error. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Bridgeport, Connecticut, include the following:
- Car doors. One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is when a driver opens the door of their parked car into the path of oncoming motorcycles. One way to reduce your chances of becoming involved in this type of accident is to drive at a further distance from parked vehicles.
- Defective parts. When a motorcycle has a defective or malfunctioning part, this can cause severe accidents. In some situations, the manufacturers of these defective parts can be held liable for the damages caused, especially if the driver of the motorcycle had no reasonable way of knowing there was an issue with the part.
- Impaired drivers. When a driver operates their vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this can cause them to have slower reaction times and poor judgment. Under these circumstances, potentially devastating and fatal accidents can occur.
- Lane splitting. Due to a motorcycle’s small size, they can sometimes drive between two lanes of traffic in order to pass by other vehicles. This can lead to an increased risk of accidents and is also an illegal maneuver in the state of Connecticut.
- Left turns. Turning left can sometimes be dangerous, and drivers can make mistakes when it comes to yielding correctly or understanding the right-of-way. Especially when turning into lanes of oncoming traffic, a driver may not yield or see a motorcycle and a terrible accident can occur as a result.
- Poor driving. Drivers with poor driving skills can make unexpected or dangerous actions while on the roadway. This is especially common with newer or young drivers who don’t yet have much experience driving on the roadway and sharing the road with motorcycles.
- Road conditions. Poor conditions such as potholes, debris, snow, or ice can directly lead to motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles are more susceptible to the effects of bad road conditions, which can lead to an increased risk of accidents.
- Speeding is a form of reckless driving, and when a motorcyclist or other driver is speeding, the risk of serious accidents can increase. Speeding vehicles have a more difficult time responding to vehicles or conditions around them.
- Unsafe lane switches. When a driver moves their vehicle directly into the path or physically into the side of a motorcycle, this can cause devastating injuries and even fatalities. This most often happens when the driver of the other vehicle fails to check their blind spots or signal that they are about to make a lane change.
- Sudden stopping. When a vehicle makes an unexpected or sudden stop, this can cause rear-end collisions to occur. It is possible to avoid these by not driving too closely behind another vehicle.
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Damages Recoverable in Motorcycle Accident Claims
There are several forms of recoverable damages in a motorcycle claim, including the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future anticipated medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of the enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages
- Punitive damages
FAQs
When a loved one is injured and killed in a motorcycle accident claim, certain family members may be able to seek wrongful death damages. These damages can include the lost wages of the deceased individual, any medical costs they might have incurred prior to death and related to the accident, and any funeral or burial costs.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, there are several things you will want to do, if you are physically capable, that can help protect your own safety and increase your chance of a successful future claim. First, move yourself to a place of safety and call the police and any necessary medical emergency services. Then gather evidence and collect the information of any involved parties.
There can be several injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident, each one varying in its degree of severity. The most common injuries include broken bones, fractures, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding or blood loss, road rash, severe burns, loss of limbs or amputations, cuts, bruises, lacerations, and damage to internal organs.
There are certain safety tips all motorcyclists can adhere to that can help them stay safe while on the road. These can include wearing a helmet, taking a safety course that can help you learn defensive riding skills, wearing safety gear, avoiding operating your motorcycle in bad weather like rain or heavy wind, avoiding drinking and driving, and taking measures to be more visible on the roadway.
Reach Out to a Skilled Bridgeport Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of a motorcycle accident, Sorrentino Legal is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help you and to schedule your initial consultation with our personal injury lawyer.
Sorrentino Legal has a proven track record of successful personal injury case results, including:
- $1.75 million settlement for a premises liability case in Monroe, CT, involving a client who suffered a wrist fracture and traumatic brain injury after tripping on an unpainted speed bump.
- $300,000 settlement for a client with pre-existing spinal issues, whose condition was aggravated in a car accident in Bethel, CT.
- $250,000 settlement for a car accident in Fairfield, CT.
- $185,000 settlement for a dog bite incident in Milford, CT.
- $140,000 settlement for a hit-and-run car accident in Bridgeport, CT.
- $500,137 court award for a motorcycle crash in Hartford, CT.
- $236,350 settlement for a premises liability case in Greenwich, CT, involving a client who slipped on wet leaves.
If you have been injured in an accident in Bridgeport, Connecticut, then please contact Brad Sorrentino, Esq. of Sorrentino Legal. Please contact us today for a free consultation or call (475) 262-9122.
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If you are looking for a personal injury lawyer or accident attorney in Connecticut, Sorrentino Legal can provide you effective advocacy.