Motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in death than ordinary car collisions. Riders, even with full safety gear, are vulnerable to significant injuries in an accident. Those involved have a greater chance of experiencing catastrophic injuries, which requires extensive time away from work and results in high medical bills. Yet, as is the case with all motor vehicle claims, you’ll face an insurance company that wants to delay payments and deny responsibility.
These cases can be quite complex, and an accident lawyer can offer valuable legal representation. However, finding a lawyer can be quite overwhelming, especially when you are trying to recover or help a loved one cope with injuries. Continue reading below for some tips for finding a motorcycle accident lawyer in Connecticut.
Discuss the Firm’s Experience with Motorcycle Claims
Any motor vehicle accident lawyer ought to be experienced in the field. They should be familiar with state and national transportation laws and understand how to deal with insurance and healthcare companies directly.
With motorcycle claims, however, a lawyer should be familiar with a range of accident types, including:
- Hit and runs
- Rear-end collisions
- Failure to yield and stop sign accidents
- Left-turn collisions
- Drunk driving
- Defective products and parts
- Accidents resulting from poor visibility
Every type of case comes with its own complexities, and the right motorcycle accident firm should be able to help you with your accident, no matter how complex.
Look for Case Results
Law firms often share case results on their website and highlight major victories and practice areas they focus on. Of course, prior results are no guarantee of success. Even people in similar accidents can have totally different losses and needs.
You can review these victories to get a sense of the firm’s ability to handle motorcycle accident claims, and the types of claims they take on. You can ask about the circumstances of these cases, any difficulties they experienced, and how they handled themselves.
The Firm’s Approach to Client Representation and Satisfaction
Beyond experience, any personal injury attorney should have a “no fee” until a case is won payment structure. To know how he or she will handle your case, get answers to questions like:
- How much of your practice is devoted to motorcycle injuries?
- What is the typical settlement?
- Who do you represent – the plaintiff or the defendant?
- What is your fee structure?
You can always review the firm’s testimonials on their site or online reviews to get a sense of other clients’ experiences working with the firm. Additionally, it’s recommended that you ask others in the motorcycle community about whom they have used for legal representation.
Ask About Anything You Can Do to Support Your Claim
When you find a firm to work with, speak to your lawyers to see if you can give them any valuable information or take any actions to support your case. Here are just some of the things you can do:
- If you were able to gather evidence, like photos or witness names, let your lawyer know. This information can be a helpful starting point for the accident investigation.
- Bring or send important information, like insurance policy information and medical records, to your lawyers.
- Direct any insurance communications to your lawyer. Insurers may use your statements against you to try and weaken your claim for damages, so it’s best to let your legal team handle it. Do not admit blame, accept a settlement, or sign paperwork until a lawyer gets involved.
- Avoid making statements on social media. Insurers are looking for a reason to deny your claim, and social media posts could be used against you if they think you are faking your injuries.
Your motorcycle accident attorney can provide additional guidance after they begin working on your Connecticut claim.
Ask About Deadlines for Your Connecticut Case
The Connecticut statute of limitations will limit how long you have to take civil action. While not every claim needs to go to court, it’s important that you are aware of this deadline. Many motorcycle accidents have a two-year statute of limitations, but the circumstances of your accident could change this.
If possible, start seeking out legal representation within a week of the incident. If you file your suit after this window of time ends, you may not be able to recover compensation. The sooner you can get started, the better. A lawyer can review your case and determine how long you have left to act.
Ask About Other Laws That Can Affect Your Motorcycle Collision Case
In addition to filing deadlines, you can ask the law firm about other Connecticut laws that can impact your claim.
One law that may be relevant to your case is the modified comparative negligence law outlined in CT Gen. Stat. § 52-572h. This law gives accident victims the right to seek damages if they are partially at fault. However, those more than 51 percent at fault are not eligible for damages.
While this law gives accident victims some hope for damages if they contributed to the accident, the at-fault party can use this against victims, too. They may blame victims for the accident to reduce how much they owe the victim, or they may try to deny them a payout altogether. These and other laws can make a difference in your case, so make sure to ask your lawyer any questions about these factors.
Find a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer with Our Connecticut Law Firm
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC has multiple staff members who ride, and we know the odds you might be facing. We’re dedicated to making Connecticut a safer place for riders like you, and we use our experience in personal injury to seek justice.
Motorcycle accident cases can become long and complex ordeals, as the insurance company often low-balls the claimant at first. Rather than accepting it, work toward a fair and just amount with Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC. Contact our office to learn more from a Connecticut motorcycle accident lawyer. We offer free consultations.
