Motorcycle Accident Laws in Connecticut [Updated]

Many people in Connecticut enjoy riding motorcycles, but it is important for every rider to acknowledge the risks they face on their bikes. When it comes to motorcycle accident laws in Connecticut, all accidents involving multiple vehicles are resolved based on fault. If you believe another party is responsible for causing your recent accident, you will need to prove fault before you can claim compensation for your damages.

Understanding Motorcycle Accident Laws in Connecticut

According to the Connecticut Crash Data Repository, there were 1,257 motorcycle-involved crashes throughout the state in 2024. These accidents most commonly occur because of driver negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or moving violations, such as failure to yield the right-of-way. If you are hurt in a motorcycle accident and you believe another driver is to blame, proving fault will be an essential first step in resolving your case.

Connecticut also follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning that when multiple parties share fault for an accident, each party will be assigned a fault percentage. When a plaintiff shares fault with a defendant, they can still claim compensation for their damages as long as they are found less at fault than the defendant. If they are assigned a higher fault percentage, they lose the right to claim compensation from any other liable party.

It’s a good idea to hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident so they can begin gathering the evidence you need to establish liability. A skilled attorney can potentially secure evidence you would not know how to obtain on your own, and once you establish fault, your attorney can determine the optimal path to recovering compensation for your damages.

Recovering After a Motorcycle Accident

If you can prove another driver is responsible for causing your accident, you can hold them accountable for any economic and non-economic damages they caused. You may have grounds to claim compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and for your pain and suffering. Your first option for recovering your losses is likely to be an auto insurance claim. Connecticut law requires every driver to have auto insurance.

Your Connecticut motorcycle accident attorney can negotiate with insurance carriers on your behalf and help you obtain a fair settlement. If necessary, your attorney can also build a personal injury suit to maximize your recovery. Success with this case requires proving that the defendant’s negligence or misconduct directly caused your claimed damages.

You need to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer with proven experience to have the greatest chance of successfully resolving your case and securing maximum compensation for your damages. Bartlett & Grippe can help you build a personal injury case for a motorcycle accident, and we can also provide wrongful death representation if you have lost a loved one in a fatal collision.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim for a Motorcycle Accident

The National Safety Council reported that in 2023, motorcycles only accounted for about 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States, but motorcyclists accounted for almost 16% of all traffic accident fatalities. The risk of severe or fatal injury is much greater in a motorcycle accident than it is in most other accidents, and you will need to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer with proven experience handling wrongful death cases after losing a loved one in a fatal crash.

Ultimately, the motorcycle accident laws in Connecticut allow an injured rider to pursue compensation for their damages through auto insurance or a personal injury case, depending on how their accident happened. If you have questions about your legal options following such an accident in Connecticut, reach out to Bartlett & Grippe to learn how we can help. Our team can determine your most viable recovery options and explain the legal services we offer.

FAQs

How Can I Prove Fault for a Motorcycle Accident in Connecticut?

To prove fault for a motorcycle accident in Connecticut, you may need various forms of physical and digital evidence that a skilled attorney can obtain on your behalf. Drivers’ cell phone records, vehicle computer data, police reports, and eyewitness statements are often some of the most valuable pieces of evidence one can have after any accident. Hire a motorcycle accident lawyer at your first opportunity so they can immediately begin building your case.

How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Motorcycle Accident?

The amount of compensation you can claim for a motorcycle accident in Connecticut depends on the severity of your injuries. State law allows you to claim full repayment of any economic losses you suffered, such as your vehicle repair or replacement costs, medical expenses, and lost income if you cannot work due to your injuries. Additionally, you also have the right to claim pain and suffering compensation from the at-fault driver.

Are There Penalties for Causing a Motorcycle Accident in Connecticut?

Penalties can come into play for causing a motorcycle accident in Connecticut if the at-fault party broke the law in causing the accident. For example, when a driver causes an accident due to typical negligence, they face civil liability for the damages they caused, but if they broke the law by drinking and driving, they also face criminal prosecution. Your attorney can explain what any such details could mean for your case.

Why Should I Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to have the greatest chance of success with your recovery efforts after an accident in Connecticut. The right attorney can not only help you prove liability for the accident, but they can also help you accurately calculate your total damages and determine the most efficient way for you to maximize your recovery. You are more likely to succeed with your case and obtain maximum compensation with an attorney’s help.

The team at Bartlett & Grippe can help you understand the motorcycle accident laws in Connecticut as they apply to your situation. We are confident that we possess the skills and experience necessary to guide you to a positive conclusion to your case, and we are ready to fight on your behalf through every stage of your proceedings. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Connecticut motorcycle accident lawyer and learn how we can help.