Your Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers in Waterford, CT
The scenic roadways and supportive riding community make riding a motorcycle a popular pastime in Waterford, in addition to a common and affordable mode of travel. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are far more likely to be injured in accidents than the occupants of other types of motor vehicles due to less stability, less visibility, and fewer protective features such as enclosed cabins and seat belts. If you have been injured in an accident while riding a motorcycle, an experienced lawyer can help you understand how Waterford motorcycle traffic laws are used to determine liability and what it means for your ability to file a claim seeking compensation for the expenses and impacts of your injury.
Motorcycles are an approved form of transportation on public roadways in Waterford, and riders are required to follow the same laws as other travelers, such as yielding the right-of-way, not driving impaired, and avoiding excessive speed, distracted operation of the vehicle, and other behaviors that may result in an accident. Here is a look at specific requirements for motorcyclists.
Riders and passengers who are under 21 must wear a helmet, and helmets are encouraged for all riders. All riders must have eye protection, such as goggles or a face shield.
Most motorcycles approved for use on public roads must have daytime running lights and mirrors on both sides. If a passenger is being carried, there must be a seat and footrests provided for them. The handlebars cannot be higher than the rider’s shoulders, and there must be a muffler to limit the noise of the vehicle.
Motorcyclists are required to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage levels of $25,000 bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability.
The traffic laws for motorcycles in Waterford are designed to keep riders and other roadway travelers safe. However, when an accident occurs, there are other state laws in place to protect the rights of injured riders to seek compensation if the accident was the result of someone else’s negligence. These laws include the ability to seek compensation from the at-fault party’s auto insurance provider and, if the provider fails to compensate the claim, file a lawsuit in court within two years of the date of the accident (in most cases).
Riders who are filing personal injury claims or family members who are seeking compensation after a rider is killed in a traffic accident caused by someone else can claim and attempt to recover both economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or loss of the enjoyment of life.
Injured riders have the right to seek assistance from an experienced lawyer as they navigate the claims process. The legal team at Polito & Harrington, LLC provides free case evaluations and works on a contingent fee basis, meaning injured riders or their family members are not required to pay anything upfront to receive guidance and services from a lawyer.
Connecticut uses modified comparative negligence in order to determine the amount of compensation available for someone who is injured in a motorcycle accident. What this means is that eligibility to seek compensation is determined based on the level of fault that an individual has. Those who are more than 50 percent at fault are no longer eligible to seek compensation from other at-fault parties. To learn more about how Waterford motorcycle traffic laws may impact your claim and how our team can help, contact us for a free case evaluation.
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.
