Connecticut Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

What helmet rules apply to Connecticut riders?

Riders and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet, and so must riders holding a learner's permit. Adults with a full motorcycle endorsement may legally ride without one.

For adults, riding without a helmet is a lawful choice, and it does not make the rider responsible for the crash. Insurers sometimes argue that a head injury would have been less severe with a helmet. That argument requires medical proof and, at most, relates to the extent of certain injuries, not who caused the collision. Injuries to the legs, arms, spine and chest are unaffected by helmet questions.

Why are spring and fall rides especially risky in Connecticut?

Connecticut's freeze-thaw cycle leaves roads full of sand, frost heaves and potholes, and wet leaves cover pavement in the fall. Drivers who have not seen motorcycles all winter are also slow to notice them in April and May.

Popular routes add their own hazards. Route 169 through the Quiet Corner, the winding roads of the Litchfield Hills, and Route 9 along the Connecticut River bring tight curves, limited sight lines and shared space with farm equipment and tourists. On I-95 and I-84, sudden congestion and drivers who change lanes without checking mirrors cause many collisions.

When a pothole or broken pavement causes a crash, Connecticut's highway defect statutes come into play. A written notice must generally be given to the town or the state within a short period, in some cases as short as 90 days, and it must describe the defect, the injury and the time and place. Read more about government and public property claims.

How does the 51% bar affect a motorcycle claim?

Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault, and you recover nothing if your fault is greater than the defendants' combined fault. Because of bias against riders, defense lawyers often claim a motorcyclist was speeding or weaving.

Here is a typical example. A driver pulling out of a gas station in Danbury strikes a rider who was going slightly above the limit. A jury finds damages of $300,000.

• Rider 20% at fault: recovery of $240,000.
• Rider 50% at fault: recovery of $150,000.
• Rider 51% at fault: recovery of zero.

We answer speed and visibility arguments with physical evidence, such as crush analysis, skid marks and camera footage from nearby businesses. Many modern motorcycles and cars also store electronic data on speed and braking, and some riders use helmet cameras or GPS apps that record a ride. That data can be lost if a bike is salvaged or a phone is reset, so we secure it early. Bright gear, a working headlight and a steady lane position all help show the rider was visible and riding responsibly.

Is lane splitting allowed in Connecticut?

No. Connecticut does not permit riders to travel between lanes of traffic or to squeeze past cars in the same lane.

If a crash happened while a rider was splitting lanes, the rider will likely be assigned some fault. That does not end the claim if the other driver was also careless, for example by changing lanes suddenly without signaling. The percentages decide the outcome under Connecticut's rule.

What insurance covers a Connecticut motorcycle crash?

The at-fault driver's liability insurance pays first. Your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which Connecticut requires on motor vehicle policies, can step in when the other driver has little or no insurance.

Riders sometimes buy lower limits for their motorcycles than for their cars. We check whether household auto policies offer additional coverage and review any written forms that reduced UIM limits. Connecticut does not cap damages in typical injury cases, so the full value of medical care, lost income and pain and suffering can be pursued. When a rider was hit by a reckless or drunk driver, Connecticut law may allow increased damages.

What should you do after a Connecticut motorcycle crash?

Get medical care and protect the physical evidence before the bike is repaired or sold.

1. Report the crash to police and request the report.
2. Keep the motorcycle, helmet and gear unrepaired until inspected.
3. Photograph the road surface, including sand, potholes or leaves.
4. Collect witness names, including other riders in your group.
5. Contact our team for a free case review. Our motorcycle accident practice, Connecticut car accident page and Connecticut injury overview cover related questions.