CONNECTICUT Motorcycle Laws*

 

Connecticut motorcyclists are protected under Connecticut motorcycle law that makes negligent drivers responsible and liable to Connecticut motorcyclists. A biker who is involved in a Connecticut motorcycle accident may obtain compensation for his or her injuries that were caused by the other driver’s negligence. Damages may include payment for pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, economic loss, no fault benefits, and more. What follows are some of the relevant law involving motorcycles in the State of Connecticut

 

If you sustained an injury due to a Connecticut motorcycle accident and you haven’t contacted a lawyer about your Connecticut motorcycle accident, the best thing you can do for yourself is contact us NOW. We’ll listen to you and help you understand your options. If you have a case, we’ll help you find the best motorcycle accident injury attorney or law firm in your area. As an attorney who litigates these cases, I belong to many trial lawyer and motorcycle lawyer groups and have gone out of my way to find the best motorcycle attorneys in each state. Even the phone call is free, and there is no obligation. Don’t wait until it’s too late, make a simple call and talk to attorney Jason Waechter, The Motorcycle Lawyer.   1-877-Biker-Law (1-877-245-3752).

 

Ø      Connecticut Motorcycle Definition:

C.G.S.A. § 14-1

§ 14-1. Definitions

 

(49) "Motorcycle" means a motor vehicle, with or without a side car, having not more than three wheels in contact with the ground and a saddle or seat on which the rider sits or a platform on which the rider stands and includes bicycles having a motor attached, except bicycles propelled by means of a helper motor as defined in section 14-286, but does not include a vehicle having or designed to have a completely enclosed driver's seat and a motor which is not in the enclosed area;

           

Ø      Connecticut Helmet Law: Helmet required under age 18. Helmet required for instructional permit holders.

 

Title 14. Motor Vehicles. Use of the Highway by Vehicles. Section 14-249. Protective headgear for motorcyclists and passengers under eighteen years old.

"(a) On and after January 1, 1990, no person under eighteen years of age may operate a motorcycle, as defined in section 14-1, and no person under the age of eighteen may be a passenger on a motorcycle, unless such person is wearing protective headgear of a type which conforms to the minimum specifications established by regulations adopted under subsection (b) of this section. (See "Standards" below.)

(c) . . . Any operator or passenger of a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle who is under eighteen years of age shall at all times, while operating or riding on such motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, wear a protective helmet on his head in an appropriate manner safely secured."

Ø      Connecticut Motorcycle Eye Protection: When riding on or operating a Connecticut motorcycle, you must wear eye protection if the Connecticut motorcycle is not equipped with a windscreen.

 

Ø      Connecticut Motorcycle Minimum Insurance Requirements: Compulsory Liability Insurance is required by law for Connecticut motorcycles.

C.G.S.A. § 14-289f
Liability insurance required for motorcycles
No owner of any motorcycle, as defined in section 14-1, registered in this state may operate or permit the operation of such motorcycle unless it has been insured for the amounts required by section 14-112 with an exclusion in personal injruy coverage for passengers. Violation of any provision of this section shall be an infraction.

 

Ø      Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage for Connecticut Motorcycles: This insurance coverage is not mandatory. It is a good idea because UIM will cover you when the at-fault party has no insurance, or inadequate insurance, to pay for your injuries. It will also cover you in a hit & run situation where the at-fault driver cannot be identified.

 

Ø      Connecticut Comparative Negligence: When bringing suit against the at-fault party for injuries resulting from your Connecticut motorcycle accident, Connecticut uses a “Purse comparative fault” system. This means that your damages will be reduced by the percentage of your own fault in the Connecticut motorcycle accident.

 

Ø      Connecticut Motorcycle Accident Statute of Limitations: Suit for injuries arising out of your Connecticut motorcycle accident must be brought within 2 years from the date of accident.

 

Sec. 52-584. Limitation of action for injury to person or property caused by negligence, misconduct or malpractice.

No action to recover damages for injury to the person, or to real or personal property, caused by negligence, or by reckless or wanton misconduct, or by malpractice of a physician, surgeon, dentist, podiatrist, chiropractor, hospital or sanatorium, shall be brought but within two years from the date when the injury is first sustained or discovered or in the exercise of reasonable care should have been discovered, and except that no such action may be brought more than three years from the date of the act or omission complained of, except that a counterclaim may be interposed in any such action any time before the pleadings in such action are finally closed.

 

*There are many exceptions, special definitions and complex issues that cannot be explained in this material. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice. Your legal rights greatly depend on the facts of your accident.

 

*Law changes constantly. Do not rely on this information. Law is vast and can not be covered in this limited space.

 

***Law portion of site in progress. Connecticut motorcycle law regarding Connecticut motorcycle accidents is being drafted and will be updated soon. Please call our firm for a free consultation to see if you have a case.