Hartford Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Hartford’s Most Dangerous Roads For Motorcycles

The Connecticut Department of Transportation reports that despite decreased traffic rates in 2020, traffic deaths were approximately 20 percent higher than the previous year. Less traffic and other conditions led to more speeding and more driving while intoxicated, which likely contributed to many of these crashes, including motorcycle crashes. In 2020 alone, 907 motorcyclists lost their lives on Connecticut roads; 87 were passengers, and the remaining were operators.

Without the protection of seatbelts, airbags, crumple zones, and other safety features found in passenger vehicles, motorcycle accidents can result in severe or even fatal injuries.

Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable on certain roadways in Hartford, and the most dangerous streets and intersections in Hartford include:

• Interstate 84
• Interstate 91
• Route 2
• Wilbur Cross Highway (part of Route 15)
• Conlin–Whitehead Highway
• Route 44
• Route 173
• The intersection of Ella T. Grasso and Columbus Avenue
• Main Street
• Market Street
• Garden Street and Liberty Street

Streets and intersections can be dangerous for several different reasons. For example:

• Numerous exits on highways
• Worn pavement
• Roads and intersections with poor design
• Roads and bridges that aren’t structurally sound
• Narrow roads stressed by local traffic capacity
• Roads lacking necessary safety features
• Frequent road construction projects
• Weather and roads that aren’t adequately cleared or treated for ice and snow

Keep in mind that it’s not always poor road conditions that lead to accidents. Many times, it’s the sheer negligence of other motorists. No matter what caused your accident, you can rely on a Hartford motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm to help you recover your damages.

Causes of Hartford Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents in Hartford can be the result of many factors. Some of the most common ones we deal with are:

Bad Weather

While Connecticut offers beautiful scenery for motorcyclists in almost every season, winters can be treacherous. Winter weather such as cold temperatures, ice, snow, sleet, hail, and fog can reduce visibility and make it harder to stop for other drivers, making the roads even more dangerous.

Distracted Driving

We cannot say it enough times – distracted driving causes accidents. Whether it’s texting, talking, eating, reaching for something in the backseat, or taking care of personal hygiene tasks, there’s no excuse for inattentive driving. Safe driving requires eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and mental focus for unexpected situations.

Operating Under the Influence (OUI)

While most drivers stay away from alcohol and drugs when they plan to get behind the wheel, some don’t. The few that don’t put motorcyclists at an increased risk of a crash. Far too many motorcyclists die or suffer injuries each year due to this avoidable cause.

Road Conditions and Design

Some of Connecticut’s roads are more than 300 years old. Many of them are narrow as they were built for horses and carriages and also lacking structural integrity. Even the newer roads in this state can have design faults leading to accidents. If your accident involved road defects or poor design, you may have a claim against the government. It’s crucial to work with an x to ensure a successful claim.

Defective Vehicles

Sometimes, a motorcycle accident can arise from a defective vehicle or its parts. The defect could be in your motorcycle or other vehicles that share the roads with you. Either way, the manufacturer could be liable for your collision.

High Traffic

Hartford has a significant suburban population, with suburban populations exceeding the city population by almost tenfold. Because of this, Hartford’s highways and major roads are increasingly dangerous during the morning and afternoon rush hours. More traffic on the road means more opportunities for accidents to occur.

Determining how your accident occurred and its causes are crucial to holding the right people or parties responsible for your injuries. The good news is that you don’t have to make these determinations on your own. You provide us with your statements and the details you know. We go from there using accident reports, accident reconstructionists, and other resources to collect the information we need.

Hartford Motorcycle Accident FAQs