Norwalk Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than other types of vehicles. Motorcycle riders lack the physical protection that other motorists enjoy. This can lead to catastrophic and fatal injuries in motorcycle accidents. Unfortunately, even the most seasoned motorcycle rider cannot prevent every accident.
If you or a loved one was recently injured in a motorcycle crash in Norwalk, contact the Law Offices of James A. Welcome for a free consultation. If another party’s carelessness or recklessness caused your crash, you could be eligible for financial compensation.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
Although you do not need an attorney for every motorcycle accident, hiring one can be critical if you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury. In this case, an insurance company will most likely try to devalue your claim. Negotiating a settlement without an attorney could lead to accepting less than you deserve—making it impossible to afford your necessary medical care, including physical therapy and rehabilitation. With a lawyer investigating your case, gathering evidence and negotiating for you, however, you can rest assured of the fairness of your outcome.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcyclists do not have hard metal shells protecting them from impacts with the road or other objects. This can lead to serious injuries to all parts of the body in a collision. If a motorcyclist gets into an accident, he or she can suffer many types of serious or life-changing injuries, including:
- Compound or multiple bone fractures
- Skin injuries, road rash and traumatic tattooing
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Traumatic brain injuries and head trauma
- Back injuries, spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Internal organ damage or internal bleeding
A motorcycle accident can affect a rider for life. In the most severe cases, motorcycle accidents in Norwalk are fatal. The injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident can cost thousands of dollars in medical bills, on top of lost wages from the victim having to take time away from work. They can also cause great emotional and psychological suffering.
Who Is Liable?
Liability refers to financial responsibility for the losses associated with a traffic accident. In Connecticut, the fault-based insurance system places liability on the driver or party that caused the crash. If a drunk driver crashes into you while you are riding your motorcycle in Norwalk, for example, that driver is liable for your medical bills and property repairs.
The identity of the liable party will depend on who or what caused your wreck. You may need an in-depth investigation to determine the cause of your crash. Common causes include distracted drivers, drunk drivers, speeding and failing to yield to motorcyclists’ right-of-way. An attorney can investigate your crash to help you identify the liable party, as well as collect evidence against that party to build your claim.
What If You Weren’t Wearing a Helmet? Are You Still Eligible for Compensation?
Like many states, Connecticut makes it mandatory for all motorcycle riders and their passengers under the age of 19 to wear a helmet. If you chose not to wear a helmet while riding your motorcycle, this could affect your injury claim. The defense may try to use this as a reason to avoid liability for head, brain or face injuries.
You are not barred from recovery simply for not wearing a helmet. There is a possibility, however, that not wearing a helmet could reduce your recovery by the percentage of fault allotted to you for the absence of a helmet.
Contact a Norwalk Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you were recently injured in a motorcycle accident in Norwalk, Connecticut, don’t hesitate to contact Attorney James A. Welcome. During a free consultation, our Norwalk personal injury lawyer will listen to your story and let you know if your case has merit. Then, if we believe we can help, we may offer you our services.
Our Norwalk motorcycle accident lawyers always fight relentlessly to obtain the best possible results for those injured by the wrongdoing of others. Learn more about how we can help you today. Contact us online or by calling (203) 753-7300 anytime.