You followed all traffic signals, looked both ways, but that car came out of nowhere. Even defensive motorcycle drivers following all Connecticut’s traffic and helmet laws can be struck and injured by a careless or inattentive motorist. Unfortunately, you’re more exposed on a two-wheeled vehicle, which means you’re more susceptible to serious or even fatal injuries.
In the event of a motorcycle collision in Connecticut, take these steps to protect your health and legal rights.
1. Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Motorcyclists have very little protection from the force of an impact with a larger motor vehicle. If your bike was struck by a motorist, you may have extensive injuries, including:
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Internal injuries
Detecting and treating these and other injuries requires a skilled professional, so get medical attention as soon as possible. Some of these injuries may not be immediately obvious and can quickly get worse, even life-threatening, without proper treatment. Prompt medical treatment also creates critical documentation you will need for your motorcycle accident claim.
2. Report the Motorcycle Accident to the Police
Parties involved in a motor vehicle accident must report the accident to the police. If your injuries permit, call 911 from the accident scene. The attending officer will create a police report that you will need for your motorcycle accident insurance claim.
The report will usually include basic accident details, contact information for the involved parties, and witness information your Connecticut motorcycle accident attorney can use to obtain statements and establish fault.
3. Start a Motorcycle Accident Claim with Your Insurance Company
After you seek medical attention, contact your insurance company to report the accident and open a claim. Your insurance company may ask for details about the crash, but consider your words carefully. Avoid these common missteps when speaking with insurers after a motorcycle collision:
Admitting Fault
Connecticut’s negligence laws only let victims seek compensation as long as they are no more than 50 percent responsible for the collision. Any apology or admission of fault could compromise your ability to recover compensation, as insurers may try to pin more of the blame on you to reduce or deny a payout.
Signing an Agreement
Insurers aim to protect their own profits, which means paying as little as possible for claims. Avoid agreeing to any settlement verbally or in writing until you talk to an accident lawyer. Your attorney can review the offer to see if it is fair or if you should fight for a higher settlement or verdict.
Discussing Preexisting Conditions or Downplaying Your Injuries
Insurance adjusters may try to use preexisting injuries, medical conditions, or statements minimizing your pain to reduce the value of your claim. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, avoid saying you feel fine or downplaying your symptoms. Such statements can be used as evidence that your injuries are not serious, potentially resulting in a lower settlement offer.
Speaking to the Other Party’s Insurer
The other insurance carrier may use leading questions and other tactics to assign blame to you. They are motivated to protect their own client and their own profits. Let your Connecticut personal injury lawyer handle communication with the at-fault party’s insurance company instead.
4. Document the Scene of the Accident
Part of starting a claim, and eventually working on a case with a lawyer, involves putting together the scene of the accident. What happened, down to the details, is especially important. Whether you’re remembering it, have pictures from the scene, or get witness statements, try to piece together:
- Which lane you were traveling in.
- The weather and road conditions that day.
- The time of the accident.
- What the traffic flow was like.
- What safety equipment and clothing you wear wearing.
- Property damage done to your vehicle.
- All injuries you sustained.
If taking pictures, make sure to get shots of your vehicle, your injuries, and the scene from multiple angles. Documenting the scene provides critical evidence for your personal injury case.
5. Keep Track of Your Injury Treatment
Insurance companies expect you to follow through with a treatment plan. Should your personal injury claim go to court, following the doctor’s advice – or ignoring it – could later be used as evidence to reduce your insurance settlement.
As you recover, make sure to document:
- Your treatment program.
- Medical expenses related to your motorcycle collision.
- Any medications, with all dosages.
- All doctors’ visits.
- Any rehabilitation to recover from injuries.
- How you feel, and if and how your injuries affect your daily activities.
Attend all follow up appointments, medical treatment, and rehabilitation appointments, even if you start to feel better. These medical bills and records will support your claim for damages, including medical care, lost wages, loss of consortium, and pain and suffering.
If you’re worried about affording care, your motorcycle accident attorney can obtain a letter of protection (LOP), for the medical treatment you need while your case is in progress.
The LOP is an agreement between you, your attorney, and your doctor agreeing to pay for the medical treatment upon completion of the claim. Generally, proceeds from the insurance settlement are allocated to pay for current and future medical bills for your motorcycle accident injuries.
6. Hire a Connecticut Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Unfortunately, many riders learn the hard way that insurance companies aren’t on their side. An insurer may offer a settlement that falls far short of what your claim is worth, dispute the severity of your injuries, or attempt to shift blame onto you. Dealing with these tactics while recovering from serious injuries can be overwhelming.
Here at Trantolo & Trantolo, we’re not just motorcycle accident lawyers. While we’ve represented many motorcyclists in court, our staff includes motorcycle riders. This gives us direct insight into how motorcycles operate, the unique hazards and injuries, the injuries they often suffer, and the challenges they’re likely to encounter after a crash.
Our personal injury attorneys are deeply familiar with Connecticut’s motorcycle accident laws and legal processes. We are prepared to assist with every aspect of your claim while you focus on your recovery, including
- Obtaining the police report
- Taking witness statements
- Consulting economic, medical, and accident reconstruction specialists
- Securing available surveillance footage from the accident scene
- Filing insurance claims
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Filing a lawsuit when necessary
- Representing you throughout the legal process
Rest assured, we will not settle for less than you deserve.
7. Don’t Wait to Start Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
Taking action promptly after a motorcycle accident can make a significant difference in your case. Important evidence can disappear, witness memories can fade, and delays can make it more difficult to build a strong claim.
In Connecticut, the statute of limitations generally gives injured victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could prevent you from pursuing compensation altogether.
Starting the process early allows your legal team to investigate the crash, preserve critical evidence, and protect your right to seek damages.
Your Next Steps Can Make a Difference
Knowing what to do after a Connecticut motorcycle accident can protect both your health and your legal rights. From seeking medical attention and documenting the crash to preserving evidence and obtaining legal guidance, each step plays an important role in your recovery and your ability to pursue compensation.
If you were injured because of another driver’s negligence, Trantolo & Trantolo is ready to stand by your side. Our team has helped accident victims throughout Connecticut for more than 85 years and is committed to providing the personalized attention and strong advocacy clients deserve. Contact the firm today to learn how we can help you move forward after a motorcycle accident.
