The average motorcycle accident settlement in Connecticut differs widely depending on numerous factors, including the victim’s injuries and losses, applicable insurance policies, and Connecticut liability laws.
Learn which circumstances affect a Connecticut motorcycle collision settlement and what you can do to improve your chances for a higher payout. A Connecticut motorcycle accident attorney can review your case and the potential losses you could seek.
Your Motorcycle Crash Settlement Depends on Your Injury Severity
One of the greatest predictors of a settlement value is the victim’s injury severity. If your injuries are catastrophic or life-altering, your associated losses for medical treatment, pain and suffering, and other damages will be correspondingly greater.
Since the goal of a personal injury lawsuit is to recover compensation for the losses you sustained, higher losses typically equal a higher settlement. Types of damages that could affect your motorcycle accident claim include:
Medical Bills and Expenses
Medical expenses for a motorcycle accident can include hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. You can seek compensation for any medical procedures, treatments, supplies, equipment, and medications you need to recover from your motorcycle accident injuries.
Motorcycle accident victims with serious long-term injuries often have higher medical bills. As a result, you can generally expect a higher settlement for more serious injuries like traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, and limb loss that require long-term care, assistive equipment, or accessibility modifications.
Current and Future Income Loss
More serious injuries typically result in higher income losses. Victims who can return to work after six months of treatment and rehabilitation typically require less compensation for lost income than someone who is unable to return to work for years.
Part of a motorcycle accident settlement for lost income may involve recovering diminished earning capacity. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or career, you could seek compensation for the income you would have earned if you hadn’t been injured.
Property Damage
Your settlement value is also affected by the amount of damage to your motorcycle, gear, and other personal belongings. The cost of repairs and replacement can vary depending on your vehicle’s value and customization. A property damage expert can review vehicle estimates and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Pain and Suffering
Just as medical bills and income loss will be greater for a catastrophic injury, so too are the pain and suffering damages you can recover. Physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, and other subjective losses are typically considered greater when the victim has more serious long-term injuries. So, someone who sustained permanent brain damage may receive greater compensation for pain and suffering than someone with whiplash or road rash.
These non-economic damages are very personal and unique to each case. A dedicated lawyer from our team can discuss the full extent of damages you can claim for your motorcycle collision.
Connecticut Liability Laws Can Change Your Motorcycle Settlement Value
CT Gen. Stat. § 52-572h limits the amount a victim can recover if they share liability for the collision. To recover maximum compensation, you must be able to prove that the other party was at fault for the motorcycle crash. Bikers are often blamed for their accidents—motorists may try to claim that you were driving recklessly in an attempt to reduce their own liability and your potential payout.
This tactic can prevent victims from fighting back and make them feel like they have to accept unfair settlements. A personal injury lawyer in Connecticut can help you navigate these legal complexities, gather evidence that demonstrates the other driver’s fault, and build a compelling claim for compensation.
Insurance Coverage May Limit Your Financial Recovery for a Motorcycle Crash
Drivers in Connecticut are required to carry liability insurance for bodily harm with a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. You must also have property damage liability of at least $25,000 per accident.
Liability coverage is designed to cover the victim’s losses up to the policy limit when the policyholder causes an accident. Some people choose to carry higher insurance coverage, and others fail to meet legal limits. If the at-fault party’s insurance policy is not sufficient to cover your damages, it could limit your motorcycle accident settlement value.
An accident lawyer can help you seek additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit or claim with your uninsured/underinsured coverage.
Quality Evidence is Crucial for Securing a Fair Connecticut Motorcycle Accident Settlement
The quality of your evidence can have a significant effect on your motorcycle accident claim resolution. Your settlement value often depends on proving that the other party was responsible for the crash. You must also show that you suffered losses because of the accident.
Evidence you can use to support your claim includes:
- Medical bills and records
- Income documents, pay stubs, and financial statements
- Witness statements and police reports
- Photos and videos of the collision
- Testimony from medical and economic experts
When you are recovering from a serious motorcycle accident, gathering evidence can be a challenge. The lawyers at Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC know how to get the evidence you need to establish fault and support your claim for damages.
A Connecticut Motorcycle Accident Attorney Helps Fight for a Fair Settlement
Recovering fair compensation is easier when you have a lawyer on your side. Finding an accident attorney in Connecticut gives you an advocate who can manage all communication, case building, and legal filings, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Our lawyers know how to negotiate with stubborn insurers and make sure you don’t leave money on the table. We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of our motorcycle accident clients. You can rest assured that we will not settle for less than you deserve for your motorcycle injuries.
Speak With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Connecticut About Your Claim
Connecticut’s statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents is typically two years, but the circumstances of your case could affect how long you have to act. Prompt attention is critical if you want to maximize your potential settlement value. Contact Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC today to schedule a free consultation with a Connecticut motorcycle accident lawyer.
