Motorcycle accidents are among the most serious traffic accidents, often resulting in severe, life-changing injuries. The fact that the vast majority of motorcycle wrecks are preventable makes these accidents even more frustrating and emotionally troubling. If you or someone you care about has recently been involved in a motorbike collision, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries or losses.
At Berkowitz Hanna, our Norwalk motorcycle accident lawyers provide skilled, compassionate, and aggressive representation to accident victims and their loved ones. Reach out to a dedicated injury lawyer today to discuss your case.
Every motorcycle accident is different, and every accident victim is unique. Naturally, no two cases are the same, and accident victims face unique challenges in the aftermath of a serious collision. While medical bills may initially seem to be the most pressing issue for many, these are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to motorcycle accident damages. Under state law, Connecticut injury victims may be eligible for a variety of damages. The two basic types of damages are compensatory damages and punitive damages.
If you have been in a Norwalk motorcycle accident, the most common type of award consists of compensatory damages. Compensatory damages emphasize making you “whole” again, and are divided into two categories, special and general damages. Special damages are those tied to a specific, identifiable loss. For example, past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and any decrease in earning capacity are all special damages.
General damages are those related to non-economic losses and are more difficult to quantify. General damages include compensation for your physical pain, disfigurement, emotional suffering, and lowered quality of life. Unlike some other states, there are no damages caps in Connecticut, meaning a jury can award a Norwalk motorcycle accident victim whatever compensatory damages it deems appropriate. At Berkowitz Hanna, our experienced team of injury advocates aggressively pursues maximum compensation for our clients through settlement negotiations or by taking your case to trial.
The second type of damages you may be entitled to after a motorcycle accident is punitive damages. Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages focus on punishing the defendant for particularly outrageous actions. The idea being, that by imposing these additional damages, the defendant and others will think twice before engaging in the conduct that caused the accident. While rare and difficult to obtain, punitive damages can be substantial.
Generally, punitive damages are awarded in situations where the defendant’s conduct was reckless or intentional. However, certain statutes provide for punitive damages in specific cases. For example, under Connecticut General Statutes § 14-295, you may be able to recover double or triple damages if the accident was due to the defendant’s violation of certain traffic laws, including drunk driving, speeding, or reckless driving.
Motorcyclists are overrepresented when it comes to fatal traffic accidents. Motorcycles make up just 6 percent of all registered vehicles in the state. However, in 2018, 49 people were killed in Connecticut motorcycle accidents, representing more than 17 percent of all fatal traffic accidents. So, while motorcycles account for only 6 percent of all vehicles on the road, 17 percent of all fatal traffic accidents involve motorcyclists.
If you lost a loved one in a Norwalk motorcycle accident, a wrongful death claim could ease the financial burdens associated with your loss. A wrongful death claim is essentially an injury case brought by the executor or administrator of your loved one’s estate. If your loved one failed to name an executor in their will or did not have a will, the court will appoint one. It will be up to that person to file a wrongful death claim. An estate’s executor or the administrator has only two years to bring a wrongful death claim, so acting quickly is crucial.
If you were seriously injured or lost a loved one in a Norwalk motorcycle accident, the attorneys at Berkowitz Hanna can help. Our team of dedicated Norwalk motorcycle accident lawyers has successfully recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients through our unique form of client-centered representation. We start every client relationship by taking ample time to get to know you so we can better understand what is important to you and your family and more effectively advocate on your behalf.
Our experienced accident attorneys also handle all types of injury cases, such as auto accidents, trucking accidents, and medical errors. To learn more, and to schedule, a free consultation with a knowledgeable accident lawyer, call today. You can also contact us through our online form.
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