Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Vermont or New Hampshire? We Can Help.

Vermont and New Hampshire are both great states for motorcycle enthusiasts. That being said, Vermont’s relatively short warm seasons mean thousands of riders have a precious few months to enjoy getting out on their bikes, whether to ride to work, around the corner, or take a cruise or long trip. As motorcycle riders have limited protection, motorcycle safety is paramount. When accidents happen, injuries often occur. 

At Sabbeth Law, our Vermont motorcycle accident lawyers are skilled, experienced, and reliable advocates for injured riders and their families. If you or your loved one was hurt in a motorcycle crash, we are more than ready to help you fight for justice and full financial compensation. To set up a free, no-obligation initial consultation with a top-rated Vermont motorcycle accident lawyer, please call us now or contact us directly online.

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Motorcycle Collisions are Disproportionately Likely to Result in Serious Injuries

Motorcycle collisions are hazardous and are more likely to result in severe injuries compared to other types of accidents. This is due to the lack of protective barriers and the vulnerability of motorcyclists in the event of a crash.

According to federal highway safety data, nearly 80 percent of motorcycle collisions lead to rider/passenger injuries. Some of the most commonly reported motorcycle accident injuries in Vermont include: 

  • Road rash; 
  • Cuts/lacerations; 
  • Biker’s arm; 
  • Broken bones; 
  • Soft tissue damage; 
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs); 
  • Facial injuries; 
  • Spinal cord injuries;
  • Amputations; and
  • Fatal injuries. 

Why Motorcycle Accidents Occur in Vermont and New Hampshire

Many factors contribute to the high rate of motorcycle accidents, including: 

  • Driver inattention or distraction; 
  • Speeding/reckless driving; 
  • Failure to yield right-of-way; 
  • Road hazards or defects; 
  • Inclement weather conditions; and
  • Vehicle equipment failure. 

These are just a few examples of potential causes for motorcycle accidents, but our experienced Vermont motorcycle accident lawyers understand that there can be other contributing factors as well.

Understanding Motorcycle Accident Liability in Vermont  

Hurt in a motorcycle wreck in Vermont? An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you understand how liability works in our state. You can be sure that all insurance companies involved in your case will waste no time protecting their own interests. Here are three critical points to understand about motorcycle injury claims in Vermont: 

  1. Motorcycle Accident Liability is Based On Fault: Vermont is an at-fault state for motorcycle crashes. All parties should be treated equally in the eyes of the law, including motorcyclists and other drivers. Every motorcycle crash requires an in-depth, detail-driven, and independent investigation to determine fault. 
  2. Vermont Uses Comparative Negligence: Under Vermont law (Vt. Stat. Ann. Tit. 12, § 1036), all motor vehicle accidents, including motorcycle crashes, are handled under comparative negligence. Each party to a motorcycle accident in Vermont will be held proportionately liable. You could face partial liability for your own damages. Imagine that you sustained $30,000 in damages in a crash in Windsor County. If you are found at fault for 20 percent of your motorcycle accident, you would be liable for 20 percent of your own damages. In this case, that means $6,000 taken out of your settlement or verdict.  
  3. A Three-Year Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Crashes: Be proactive after a motorcycle wreck. Under Vermont law (Vt. Stat. Ann. 12 § 512(1)), there is a strict three-year statute of limitations to bring a motorcycle accident claim. That being said, you do not want to fall behind the insurance company. Get started with your case right away. 

We Help Motorcycle Accident Victims Maximize their Compensation

In Vermont, injured motorcyclists can bring a claim to pursue financial compensation for economic and non-economic damages. However, the insurance companies that defend these cases will try to limit payouts. Our Vermont motorcycle accident lawyers fight hard to ensure injured riders secure every penny they deserve. You may be able to recover money damages for: 

  • Motorcycle repairs or replacement; 
  • Emergency room treatment; 
  • Medical bills and other health care costs;
  • Long-term physical therapy or mental health support; 
  • Loss of wages and loss of future earnings; 
  • Pain and suffering & mental distress; 
  • Disability or disfigurement; and
  • Wrongful death. 

Motorcyclists May Have Unfair Stereotypes from Law Enforcement and Insurers

At Sabbeth Law, we have a healthy respect and understanding of motorcycle riders. Unfortunately, not everyone shares that level of respect for riders. For any number of bogus reasons, sometimes officers or members of the public will harbor a bias against motorcycle riders and assume they’re at fault when involved in a collision.

Contrary to these biases, any motorcycle rider knows that a motorcycle rider is typically the most careful driver on the road because they have the most to lose – as their bodies are exposed without the benefit of a steel cage and seat belt that a car or truck provides — should someone cause a collision.

Why Hire the Vermont Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Sabbeth Law

Motorcycle accident claims are complicated. Our founder and lead attorney, Michael J. Sabbeth, is a devoted advocate for victims and families.

We at Sabbeth Law are intimately aware of the sometimes tragic outcomes that often accompany motorcycle crashes at any speed, even when the rider or passenger is kitted out with full protective gear. These are some of the most heartbreaking cases we have handled. We have also handled many motorcycle collisions where the physical injuries sustained were, quite fortunately, not so severe, but the psychological effects that remain caused significant barriers in the rider’s life, often leading them to quit riding altogether.

We are proactive and committed to personalized legal representation. Our Vermont motorcycle accident lawyers will: 

  • Answer your questions and explain your options during a free case review; 
  • Carefully investigate the motorcycle crash, gathering evidence of liability/damages; 
  • Handle the legal claims paperwork and represent you in settlement negotiations; and
  • Put together a motorcycle accident claims strategy designed to maximize your recovery. 

One truth that applies universally to all motorcycle collision cases is that they’re all unique. At Sabbeth Law, we examine each case individually and make sure to tell the injured rider’s story in a way that people who don’t ride can relate to. In fact, this is often the most challenging part of presenting a Vermont motorcycle case.

Our ability and dedication to making that connection, to present our client’s case in a way an insurance company, mediator, or jury will relate to, is a skill we pride ourselves on. It’s a duty we genuinely believe in and take to heart.

We Represent Injured Motorcyclists in Vermont On Contingency 

Our law firm represents injured motorcyclists on a contingency basis, which means that you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. We understand the unique challenges that motorcyclists face on the road, and we are committed to fighting for your rights and getting you the compensation you deserve. Consultations are free, and there are never any obligations. 

Contact Our Vermont Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

At Sabbeth Law, we are standing by, ready to protect your rights. If you or a loved one have been injured, please click the “What to Do When You’ve Been Injured” link, and give us a call at 802-230-1845 or get a free evaluation by clicking here.  Our commitment as Vermont personal injury lawyers is to provide you with our top-notch legal analysis, always at no cost.  Whether or not I agree to take your case, I will at least be sure to set you on the right path to help to make sure you’re not taken advantage of. With an office in White River Junction, we handle motorcycle accident claims in Vermont and New Hampshire.

If you were a motorcyclist or passenger and were injured because of another party’s negligent conduct—such as a vehicle operator failing to yield, poor road maintenance, or defective equipment—you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. Claims can also apply to loved-ones in wrongful-death scenarios.

In Vermont you generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting beyond that statute of limitations may prevent you from recovering compensation, so acting promptly is vital.

Victims may recover for: medical bills and future care; lost wages and reduced earning capacity; property damage (e.g., the motorcycle); pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life; and in fatal cases, damages for loss of support or companionship. The specific amount depends on case details. 

Liability may attach to multiple parties depending on the facts: the driver of another vehicle whose negligence caused the crash; a property owner responsible for unsafe road conditions or defects; an equipment manufacturer whose defective part contributed; or a rental company or fleet operator if applicable. Each scenario requires a careful investigation.

Important evidence includes: the police or accident report; photographs or video of the scene, vehicles, and road conditions; witness statements; medical records showing injury severity and treatment; proof of lost income; and maintenance or repair records if equipment failure is alleged. Protecting such evidence early can be critical.