Table of Contents
- How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Connecticut?
- Most Common Ways Other Drivers Cause Connecticut Motorcycle Accidents
- What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
- How To Seek Compensation After You’ve Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
- Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C. – Your Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Connecticut?
Due to poor road conditions, negligent motorists, and harsh weather, motorcycle accidents are extremely common in Connecticut. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 59 deaths resulted from motorcycle crashes in the state in 2023. Among the fatal accidents, 29 involved riders wearing helmets, and 24 did not.
Because motorcyclists do not have the same protections as vehicle occupants, they are statistically more likely to suffer a fatality in a crash. The NHTSA notes that motorcyclists are estimated to be 29 times more likely than car occupants to die in a crash, and four times more likely to suffer injuries.
Most Common Ways Other Drivers Cause Connecticut Motorcycle Accidents
There are many different reasons motorcycle crashes occur in Connecticut. Common causes of accidents brought on by other drivers include the following:
- Distracted driving: When motorists text, talk on their cellphones, or are distracted for another reason, they may be less likely to observe motorcycles on the road.
- Drivers not seeing motorcycles: Motorcycles are much smaller than other vehicles on the road, making it harder for motorists and truck drivers to see them in their blind spots.
- Drunk driving: When a motorist drives while intoxicated, it can interfere with their ability to make safe driving decisions and react properly.
- Failure to yield the right of way: Because motorcycles are less visible than larger vehicles, a motorist may not see them and fail to yield the right of way at an intersection or while merging.
- Speeding and reckless driving: When another motorist speeds or operates their vehicle recklessly, they may collide with an oncoming motorcycle.
Other common causes of motorcycle accidents include hazardous road conditions and brake defects.
Types of Accidents
Motorcycles are frequently involved in the following types of collisions:
- Head-on collisions: If a careless driver swerves into oncoming traffic, it may prompt a head-on collision with another vehicle or motorcycle.
- Hit-and-run accidents: A hit-and-run accident happens when a vehicle driver strikes a motorcycle and flees the scene without reporting the crash or providing contact information.
- Rear-end collisions: A rear-end accident can occur if a car ahead of the motorcyclist stops short or a vehicle follows a motorcycle too closely.
- Rollover accidents: Rollover accidents involving cars, trucks, or SUVs can leave debris in the road, increasing the risk of a motorcycle crash.
- Truck accidents: Trucks are difficult to stop quickly and must make wide turns. As a result, there is a higher risk of an accident if a motorcycle is in its path.
What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Any motorcycle accident can cause injury, regardless of whether you were wearing a helmet. The most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Back, neck, and spine injuries
- Broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Road rash and burns
- Soft tissue injuries
- Head or brain injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injury
- Arm and leg injuries
- Amputation
- Internal injuries
The type of injury typically depends on the force of impact, the speed of the vehicles involved, and the use of protective gear. In the worst-case scenarios, motorcycle accidents can result in death.
Symptoms To Monitor
Some motorcycle accident injuries are not readily apparent and may take weeks, or even months, to develop. Check for the following symptoms after a Connecticut motorcycle accident:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Severe headaches
- Dizziness or fatigue
- Weakened arms or arm pain
- Soft tissue or nerve damage
- Blurred vision
- Anxiety or depression
- Excessive stress or post-traumatic stress disorder
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Numbness or tingling
- Difficulty breathing
- Abdominal pain
The above symptoms can potentially indicate a severe injury. Even if you don’t think you were badly hurt, seek medical attention immediately. By doing so, you can get necessary treatment before your injuries worsen. Additionally, medical documentation can help strengthen any personal injury claim you may file.
How To Seek Compensation After You’ve Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
The best way to seek compensation after a motorcycle crash is to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer to learn about your rights and available options. A lawyer will assess your case to determine whether you are eligible to receive compensation. Although you are not required to have legal counsel to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit, high-quality representation gives you the best chance of proving your case and obtaining the maximum recovery.
At KJSR, we’ve secured millions of dollars in case results for injured Connecticut residents, including a recent $890,000 settlement for a motorcycle police officer who required surgery for severe injuries sustained in an on-the-job collision.
You have nothing to lose by contacting our team of motorcycle accident lawyers for a case evaluation. We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
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Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C. – Your Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Over the past 35 years, our firm has secured millions of dollars for Connecticut accident victims. We represent clients in the New Haven, Norwalk, Stamford, and West Hartford areas, as well as throughout the state.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident and have questions about receiving compensation, contact us online or call us at 203-865-8430.