Motorcyclist dies from severe injuries after collision with car

Monday June 10, 2013

When a car and motorcycle are approaching each other and end up in a collision, the motorcycle will almost always get the worst of it. Unfortunately for a 25-year-old Connecticut man who was recently operating his motorcycle in New Haven, that statistic proved true. The man died of severe injuries from a collision, opening the possibility of a wrongful death claim against the car’s driver.

The car, driven by a 30-year-old male of West Haven was traveling north on Dixwell Ave. in New Haven at about 7 p.m. The motorcycle was heading south on Dixwell Ave. The car made a left turn into the path of the motorcycle, and it didn’t stop in time to avoid a collision with the car. After being ejected, he also was hit by the car.

Police are still investigating – there were no arrests or citations so far. This motorcycle accident follows the common pattern of two vehicles approaching each other in their respective lanes when one of them makes a precipitous turn into the path of the other. The vehicle that continues straight forward has to contend with a vehicle right in front of it, and very often cannot stop in time.

Usually, the person making the left turn is considered the negligent party. In this accident, the events appear to follow the above pattern, but a final determination is premature prior to evaluation of the final police reports and any witness interviews. If the turn was the primary cause of this accident, then the decedent’s estate may prevail in a wrongful death claim. Notably, even if the motorcycle was speeding, the car’s driver had a reasonable chance to see that and hold up on his turn.

Connecticut recognizes that one who suffers severe injuries or death in a car or motorcycle accident can bring a damages claim against the at-fault driver. If the injured person was himself primarily at fault for the accident, then there is no legal right to recover. The modern laws of comparative negligence generally allow the injured party to collect if he or she shares some lesser degree of fault with a wrongdoer or wrongdoers that are primarily at fault in causing the accident.

Source: wtnh.com, “Motorcyclist killed in New Haven crash,” June 6, 2013

Get in Touch

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation

At Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, L.L.C., we handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not get paid unless and until you receive a settlement or a jury award.

Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a skilled Connecticut personal injury lawyer today.

News & insights
Meta Inc. Files Motion to Move CT Product Liability Case to MDL
News

Meta Inc. Files Motion to Move CT Product Liability Case to MDL

23

March
2023

Is It Illegal To Drive With Your Hazard Lights On?
Articles

Is It Illegal To Drive With Your Hazard Lights On?

23

March
2023

How to Handle Chemical Exposure in the Workplace
Articles

How to Handle Chemical Exposure in the Workplace

20

March
2023

Brain Injury Awareness Month: March 2023
News

Brain Injury Awareness Month: March 2023

16

March
2023

Dram Shop Laws in Connecticut
Insights

Dram Shop Laws in Connecticut

28

February
2023

The Leading Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents
Articles

The Leading Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents

20

February
2023

Upcoming Bipartisan Congressional Bills Focused on Protecting Children Online
News

Upcoming Bipartisan Congressional Bills Focused on Protecting Children Online

20

February
2023

KJSR Files Suit Against Meta Platforms Inc., Snap Inc.
News

KJSR Files Suit Against Meta Platforms Inc., Snap Inc.

6

February
2023

Wrong Way Accidents: What They Are and How They Occur
Insights

Wrong Way Accidents: What They Are and How They Occur

23

January
2023

Crosswalk Laws in Connecticut
Articles

Crosswalk Laws in Connecticut

6

January
2023