Motorcycle Accident Claims in Connecticut
The Connecticut helmet law, whether lane splitting is legal, how fault is shared after a motorcycle crash, and the deadline to sue.
Short answer: Motorcycle helmets: in Connecticut, riders under 18, whether operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, must wear protective headgear meeting federal standard 49 CFR 571.218; Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-289g
| Motorcycle helmet law | Motorcycle helmets: in Connecticut, riders under 18, whether operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, must wear protective headgear meeting federal standard 49 CFR 571.218; a violation is an infraction with a fine of at least $90. Riders 18 and older are not required to wear a helmet. The section does not address damages. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-289g |
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| Lane splitting | Lane splitting is illegal in Connecticut: a motorcyclist may not operate between lanes of traffic or pass, in the same lane, any motor vehicle other than a motorcycle. Motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane, and no more than two may ride abreast in one lane. Police officers on duty are exempt; a violation is an infraction. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-289b |
| Fault rule (comparative negligence) | Modified comparative negligence (51% bar). In negligence cases, an injured person can recover if his or her negligence was not greater than the combined negligence of the defendants (including settled or released parties). Damages are reduced by the injured person's percentage of negligence. Each defendant is generally liable only for its proportionate share of damages. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-572h |
| Minimum car insurance | Auto liability policies must provide at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25). |
| Deadline to sue for an injury | A lawsuit for personal injury caused by negligence or by reckless or wanton misconduct must be filed within two years from the date the injury is first sustained or discovered (or reasonably should have been discovered), and no more than three years from the date of the act or omission. Other tort claims not covered by that rule (for example, many intentional torts) have three years from the act or omission. |
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FAQ
Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Connecticut?
Motorcycle helmets: in Connecticut, riders under 18, whether operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, must wear protective headgear meeting federal standard 49 CFR 571.218; a violation is an infraction with a fine of at least $90. Riders 18 and older are not required to wear a helmet. The section does not address damages.
Is lane splitting legal in Connecticut?
Lane splitting is illegal in Connecticut: a motorcyclist may not operate between lanes of traffic or pass, in the same lane, any motor vehicle other than a motorcycle. Motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane, and no more than two may ride abreast in one lane. Police officers on duty are exempt; a violation is an infraction.
Can you recover damages if you were partly at fault in Connecticut?
Modified comparative negligence (51% bar). In negligence cases, an injured person can recover if his or her negligence was not greater than the combined negligence of the defendants (including settled or released parties). Damages are reduced by the injured person's percentage of negligence. Each defendant is generally liable only for its proportionate share of damages.
What is the minimum car insurance required in Connecticut?
Auto liability policies must provide at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25).
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Connecticut?
A lawsuit for personal injury caused by negligence or by reckless or wanton misconduct must be filed within two years from the date the injury is first sustained or discovered (or reasonably should have been discovered), and no more than three years from the date of the act or omission. Other tort claims not covered by that rule (for example, many intentional torts) have three years from the act or omission.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.