Your Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers in Waterford, CT
Losing loved ones in fatal motorcycle accidents in Waterford often leaves families in a difficult position. Medical bills, funeral costs, and pressure from insurance companies can quickly overwhelm you. At a time when you are trying to cope with loss, you may also have questions about accountability and what steps to take next.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney at Polito & Harrington could explain your options and help you make informed decisions that protect your rights. Our team could investigate the crash, coordinate with experts, and communicate with insurers on your behalf. As a private law firm, we could bring resources and flexibility that self-representation does not, offering guidance tailored to your family’s circumstances.
State law allows the estate of a deceased person to bring a wrongful death action under Connecticut General Statutes § 52-555. That claim can cover medical bills, lost earning capacity, funeral costs, and the loss of enjoyment of life. A separate claim for loss of consortium may also be available to a surviving spouse.
Negligence is the most common legal basis in motorcycle accident cases. This could involve speeding, failing to yield, reckless lane changes, or even roadway hazards. Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule, as stated in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-572h. This means families can pursue recovery as long as the rider was not more than 50 percent responsible for the crash. Details such as helmet use, lighting, or maintenance can affect how fault is determined. If fault is shared, damages are reduced according to the percentage assigned.
A Waterford lawyer could evaluate whether additional parties might be liable for a fatal motorcycle crash. These could include an employer if the responsible driver was working, a bar under the dram shop law in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 30-102, or a municipality responsible for dangerous road conditions.
Practical steps that help preserve a claim include:
Thorough documentation gives investigators and experts the information they need to determine how the accident occurred and who should be held responsible.
State law requires most wrongful death claims to be filed within two years of the death and no more than five years after the event that caused it. The estate representative appointed in probate is the one who brings the claim. Evidence often includes accident reconstruction, phone records, toxicology reports, and compliance with traffic rules. Insurance companies frequently dispute fault or the extent of damages, which can make cases complex.
A Waterford accident attorney could assess what insurance coverage may apply after a motorcyclist’s death. This may involve the at-fault driver’s liability policy, employer policies, underinsured motorist benefits, or other sources. The state does not cap damages in wrongful death cases, but punitive damages are rare and require special proof. Building a case involves balancing all of these elements while keeping families informed about risks and options.
Families affected by fatal motorcycle accidents in Waterford do not need to face these challenges alone. Speaking with a lawyer could help you understand deadlines, important evidence, and which claims may apply to your family’s situation.
If you are seeking legal support after a loved one’s accident, our team at Polito & Harrington could offer guidance on how state law applies and what practical steps could help protect your rights. Call today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your legal options.
We are committed to provide personalized attention to each and every client’s case – no matter how large or small– because that is each client’s only case. We are proud of our firm’s reputation of combining integrity and compassion with an unflinching dedication to getting the right result. We will do what we say.
