Motorcycle accidents occur frequently in Connecticut, and these crashes have the potential to lead to catastrophic injuries for bikers and their passengers. Understanding what the state’s laws require of motorcycle riders can help you stay safer on the roads and protect your rights if an accident does occur.
Connecticut’s motorcycle helmet and traffic laws are complex, and while knowing the laws is a good first step toward making informed decisions, consulting with a seasoned motorcycle accident attorney may be necessary if you are injured in a collision.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that, in 2022, the number of deaths on motorcycles on America’s roads was over 20 times higher than deaths in cars. Wearing a helmet is one of the most significant safety steps a motorcyclist can take to protect themselves from life-threatening head and brain injuries.
Helmets save lives. Head injuries are the most common cause of death in motorcycle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, bikers who do not wear helmets are 15 percent more likely to experience a head injury than helmeted bikers and 40 percent more likely to experience a fatal head injury. Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle reduces the chance of a fatal crash by 37 percent.
Despite the added safety that helmets provide for riders and passengers, not all states require motorcycle helmets.
All adult motorcyclists are not required to wear a helmet in Connecticut, as the state has what is known as partial helmet laws. Helmets are required for:
These motorcycle operators and passengers must wear protective headgear that fits snugly and adheres to the minimum specifications in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Specifically, 49 CFR Part 571 states that motorcycle helmets must meet the following requirements:
There are also certain testing requirements for helmets, including penetration and impact tests.
In addition to the helmet laws, there are other important laws to be aware of if you plan on cruising down Connecticut’s streets on your motorcycle.
Connecticut uses a system called modified comparative fault, which states that more than one person can be found at fault for an accident and that you may still be able to recover damages even if you contributed to the cause of the collision. As long as your percentage of negligence is not greater than that of the other motorist(s), you will qualify for a financial award to compensate you for your economic and non-economic damages; but the award of damages would be reduced by your percentage share of negligence. Your damages could include:
The accident lawyers at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, have over 100 years of combined experience advocating for injured motorcyclists in Connecticut. Our extensive experience and targeted, in-depth knowledge of Connecticut motorcycle helmet and traffic laws help us create winning legal strategies for our clients. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case with one of our skilled motorcycle accident lawyers.
