This is the final post in a series discussing motorcycle accident cases in Hartford, Connecticut. The goal of this series has been to provide basic information about what victims or their families may expect after the occurrence of a serious motorcycle accident. Another objective has been to review Connecticut’s laws related to liability, comparative fault, helmets, etc., and how these laws may impact a victim’s recovery of damages. Given the complexities that often arise in motorcycle accident cases, it is imperative to select a personal injury attorney with experience in all stages of litigation to assist you. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact our office today to speak with a Hartford lawyer.
Throughout this series we have reviewed the following topics:
- How Connecticut’s comparative fault laws may impact motorcycle accident cases
- Dealing with the defendant’s insurance company
- Why determining a victim’s damages may take a significant period of time
- The importance of conducting of discovery
- What to expect from the trial process
- How failure to wear a helmet may impact one’s recovery of damages
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating for the injured party and their family members. The legal process can seem overwhelming. It is important, therefore, to have a basic understanding of the points outlined in this series if you have been involved in an accident. First, under Connecticut’s comparative fault laws, it is possible to recover damages even if the victim was partially responsible for the accident. The amount of damages may be reduced proportionately to the victim’s percentage of responsibility. Second, dealing with a defendant’s insurance company after an accident can be a challenging task. It is important to retain an attorney as soon as possible after the crash to represent your interests with the insurance adjusters. Third, depending upon the severity of the injuries, a victim’s long-term health prognosis may not be ascertained for a long period of time. For this reason, settlement discussions and calculations of damages may also be a lengthy process. Fourth, an essential part of any case is gathering evidence to support each party’s claims. Using the discovery process, attorneys from either side can question witnesses, obtain documentary evidence from third parties and more. Fifth, if a settlement is ultimately not reached, one should have a general idea of what to expect should the case proceed to trial. Finally, in some cases, a cyclist’s failure to wear a helmet may impact their ability to recover damages.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is imperative to contact a law firm with experience in serious injury cases. Our firm has over 50 years of experience with personal injury cases in Hartford, Connecticut. Call us today to speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer. We also service the areas of Wethersfield, New Britain, Rocky Hill, East and West Hartford, Bristol, Glastonbury, and Manchester, as well as the Middlesex County cities of Middletown and Cromwell.