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Connecticut Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Last updated on February 24, 2025

Riding a motorcycle isn’t just about getting around—it’s about the experience, the lifestyle, and, for many, a sense of freedom. But that freedom comes with risks. A motorcycle accident can leave you with serious injuries, a long and painful recovery, and a financial burden from medical bills and lost wages that can be overwhelming.

At Mancini Law, we know the unique challenges injured riders face. Motorcyclists often deal with bias from insurance companies, police reports, and even juries, who wrongly assume they take unnecessary risks. But the reality is that most motorcycle crashes aren’t the rider’s fault—they happen because of a driver’s inattention, failure to yield, or reckless behavior.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, Mancini Law is here to help you. We will fight for your right to compensation, ensuring you get the financial support you need to recover and move forward with your life.

The Reality of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle crashes aren’t like typical car accidents. The injuries are more severe, the recovery is longer, and too often, motorcyclists get unfairly blamed. Many drivers don’t take the time to watch for motorcycles, and when an accident happens, insurance companies may try to shift the blame onto the rider. That’s why it’s important to have a lawyer who understands the unique challenges motorcyclists face.

Why Choose Mancini Law?

Insurance companies project a wholesome “we’ll take care of you” image, but when you need them most, these multibillion-dollar corporations are more focused on protecting their bottom line than on helping you recover. They have teams of adjusters, investigators, and lawyers working to minimize your compensation or deny your claim altogether. If you don’t have your own professional fighting for you, you’re at a major disadvantage.

At Mancini Law, we level the playing field. We know the tactics insurers use, and we don’t let them take advantage of injured motorcyclists. Here’s why riders trust us with their cases:

We focus on serious injury cases. Our experience handling complex personal injury claims gives us the edge in negotiations and in court.
We know how to fight insurance companies. We’ve seen every strategy they use to avoid paying fair settlements, and we know how to counter them.
We investigate promptly and thoroughly. Preserving evidence and establishing liability early makes all the difference in securing maximum compensation.
We handle everything for you. From accident investigations to paperwork, negotiations, and, if necessary, litigation, we take care of it all so you can focus on healing.
We don’t get paid unless you do. We work on a contingent-fee basis, meaning if we take your case, you don’t need to pay attorney fees upfront. We are only paid if we win compensation, providing a powerful incentive for us to build strong cases for every client.

Motorcyclists deserve the same legal protections and respect as any other driver on the road. If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, we’re ready to fight for the compensation you need.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are at risk of accidents occurring in a variety of situations. Common ones include:

A driver turning left in front of a motorcycle, striking the motorcycle or causing the motorcycle to strike the vehicle
A car changing lanes without checking blind spots
Drivers following too closely and rear-ending a motorcycle
A distracted driver not seeing a motorcyclist, quite often at an intersection
Road hazards like potholes, loose gravel, or debris

Another factor that frequently leads to motorcycle accidents is dooring, which occurs when a parked driver or passenger opens their car door directly into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist. Unlike cyclists, who may have dedicated bike lanes, motorcyclists often ride closer to parked vehicles in urban settings, making them especially vulnerable to this type of accident. Dooring incidents can send a rider flying over the handlebars, leading to serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and severe road rash.

Motorcyclists are also at risk when riding near large commercial trucks. Semi-trucks and other oversized vehicles have large blind spots, making it difficult for truck drivers to see motorcycles riding beside them. A truck making a wide turn, changing lanes abruptly, or braking suddenly can be especially dangerous for a motorcyclist caught in a blind spot.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash

The moments after an accident are overwhelming, but what you do next can make a huge difference in your health and your ability to recover compensation.

Get Medical Attention – Even if you feel okay, you should get checked out. Many injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, don’t show symptoms right away. Seeing a doctor ensures your injuries are documented, which is critical for your claim.
Call the Police – Having an official police report is important when dealing with insurance companies. The report will document what happened and include witness statements, which can help prove fault.
Gather Evidence – If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, your motorcycle, the other vehicle, and any visible injuries. Get the contact information of witnesses and make notes about what happened while it’s fresh in your mind.
Avoid Talking to Insurance Companies – Insurance adjusters will call quickly, sometimes within hours, asking for a statement. They may sound friendly, but their goal is to pay you as little as possible. Don’t admit fault or speculate about what happened. Instead, refer them to your attorney.

What Not To Do After A Motorcycle Accident

The actions you take immediately following a motorcycle accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

Don’t Leave the Scene of the Accident – Even if you think the crash was minor, it is unwise to leave the scene without calling the police and getting an accident report. Leaving before law enforcement arrives could lead to legal consequences and make it harder to prove what really happened. Staying put ensures that evidence is preserved and your side of the story is documented.
Don’t Admit Fault – It’s human nature to say things like “I didn’t see them” or “I’m sorry” after an accident, but even an innocent comment can be used against you later. Stick to the facts and let your attorney determine liability.
Don’t Decline Medical Treatment – Some injuries—like internal bleeding, concussions, or soft tissue damage—don’t show symptoms right away. If you refuse medical treatment at the scene, the insurance company may later argue that you weren’t really injured. Always get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel fine.
Don’t Do This Alone – Insurance adjusters may call you within hours or days of the accident, asking for a recorded statement. They often sound friendly. You should hire an attorney and then politely direct insurance adjusters to speak with your lawyer.
Don’t Post About the Accident on Social Media – Insurance companies and defense attorneys actively monitor social media for anything they can use to challenge your claim. A simple post saying you’re “okay” or a picture of you out with friends can be misinterpreted to suggest you aren’t as injured as you claim. The safest approach is to avoid posting anything about the accident until your case is resolved.
Don’t Accept a Quick Settlement Offer – Insurance companies sometimes want to settle fast—not because they care, but because they want to pay you as little as possible for your injuries. Early offers may fail to address the full extent of your injuries. They rarely cover long-term medical costs, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Once you accept, you can’t go back and ask for more. Always consult with your lawyer before agreeing to any settlement.
Don’t Repair or Get Rid of Your Motorcycle Right Away – Your damaged motorcycle is a crucial piece of evidence. If you repair or dispose of it too soon, you may lose valuable proof of how the crash happened and the severity of the impact. Wait until your attorney and accident investigators have inspected it before making any repairs.
Don’t Assume You Don’t Have a Case – Many motorcyclists wrongly assume that because they didn’t have insurance, weren’t wearing a helmet, or might have been speeding, they can’t file a claim. This isn’t always true. Connecticut follows a comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% at fault.

Always consult with a qualified personal injury attorney before making decisions about your accident claim.

The Devastating Impact of Motorcycle Injuries

Even with protective gear, riders in a motorcycle accident can suffer severe trauma, leading to costly medical treatments, surgeries, and rehabilitation. We often see traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries and road rash.

Recovery from these injuries often involves months of physical therapy, surgeries, and lost time at work. That’s why you need an attorney who can account for all of these factors and expenses and pursue the correct amount of compensation on your behalf.

What You Can Recover in a Motorcycle Accident Claim

A motorcycle accident affects more than just your physical health—it impacts your finances, mental well-being, and future. If someone else was responsible for your injuries, you have the right to pursue compensation for:

Medical expenses – Hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical care
Lost wages – If your injuries prevent you from working, you deserve compensation for lost income
Pain and suffering – The physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident
Property damage – Repairs or replacement of your motorcycle
Long-term disability – If the accident leaves you with a permanent injury, you deserve compensation for the loss of quality of life

Insurance companies will try to settle quickly, but that is usually to their advantage. You may not know the full extent of your injuries and what the cost and duration of treatment may be. That’s why working with an attorney with extensive motorcycle accident experience is important.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident

Tragically, many motorcycle accidents result in fatalities. When a motorcyclist is killed due to another driver’s negligence, their family has the right to file a wrongful death claim. Surviving spouses, children, or other close family members may recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, medical bills, and the emotional pain of losing a loved one.

Wrongful death claims are among the most emotionally challenging cases we handle, but we approach them with the compassion and dedication they deserve. If you’ve lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, we’re here to help you through the legal process and seek justice in their memory.

How Insurance Companies Try to Undercut Motorcyclists

Insurance companies don’t make life easy when it comes to motorcycle claims. They know juries and others often have biases against riders, so they may try to take advantage of that. Here’s how they try to minimize or deny motorcycle accident claims:

Blaming the motorcyclist – They argue that riders take more risks, even when the accident wasn’t the rider’s fault.
Low settlement offers – Insurers often offer quick settlements that don’t cover future medical costs or lost wages.
Denying claims outright – They might claim there’s no proof the driver was at fault or that your injuries aren’t as serious as you say.

At Mancini Law, we don’t let insurance companies push you around. We fight for the maximum compensation available, ensuring you get what you need for medical bills, lost income, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured.

Call Mancini Law Today for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait to get legal help. We understand that this is a challenging time for you and your family, and we approach every case with care and compassion. While we work to secure the compensation you deserve, we also make it a priority to accommodate your needs. Whether meeting at your home, in the hospital, or another convenient location, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Call 860-325-7347 today for a free consultation, or complete our Click Here to schedule an appointment.

You focus on healing—we’ll handle the rest.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I wasn’t wearing my helmet?

Connecticut law requires helmets only for motorcyclists under the age of 18, meaning adults are not legally required to wear one. If you weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, you can still pursue compensation. However, if you suffered a head or facial injury, the insurance company may argue that wearing a helmet would have reduced the severity of your injuries. This could impact the amount of compensation you receive, but it does not prevent you from filing a claim.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for a motorcycle accident claim is two years from the date of the crash. If you don’t file a lawsuit before the deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Some exceptions apply, such as cases involving government liability, which may have shorter deadlines. It’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Connecticut follows a comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the crash. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were found to be 20% at fault, for example, your settlement or court award would be reduced by 20%.

Can I still file a claim if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

Yes. If the at-fault driver cannot be found, you may be able to seek compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage. Many motorcyclists don’t realize that their own insurance policies may cover hit-and-run accidents. An attorney can help you explore all available options to recover damages.

Do I need a lawyer if the accident wasn’t my fault?

Even if the other driver was clearly at fault, insurance companies will look for ways to minimize or deny your claim. A lawyer can handle negotiations, gather evidence, and push back against any attempts to blame you for the crash. Without legal representation, you may not receive the full compensation you are entitled to.

What if the accident was caused by poor road conditions?

Hazardous road conditions, such as potholes, loose gravel, or missing traffic signs, can contribute to motorcycle accidents. If a government agency or private contractor was responsible for maintaining the road and failed to do so, you may have a claim against them. These cases can be complex, and government-related claims often have strict deadlines, so consulting an attorney as soon as possible is critical.

Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t carrying motorcycle insurance?

Connecticut law requires all motorcyclists to carry liability insurance, but not having insurance does not automatically prevent you from seeking compensation. You may still be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. However, if you were uninsured, you may not be eligible for certain types of compensation, such as uninsured motorist benefits.