Boston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Boston Motorcycle Accident Attorney Helping Injured People Across Massachusetts
Representation In Your Boston Motorcycle Accident Case
If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash, Boston motorcycle accident lawyer Smith and his team of attorneys can help you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Mr. Smith focuses his practice on representing the injured and disabled. He has counseled and advocated for the rights of his clients for the last 15 years. With his significant courtroom experience, Mr. Smith can effectively fight for your interests, whether it is at trial or during settlement negotiations. Call us today if a motorcycle accident caused your injuries.
The Severity Of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists often suffer serious, and sometimes fatal, injuries when they are involved in an accident. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that motorcycle fatalities accounted for 15 percent of motor vehicle crash deaths in 2012. Approximately 93,000 motorcycle occupants were injured in accidents that year. In Massachusetts, 51 motorcyclists died in accidents in 2012.
Although Massachusetts requires motorcycle riders to wear helmets, they do not always prevent death or catastrophic injuries in crashes. Motorcycles do not have the structural protections that prevent some car accident victims from serious injuries. As a result, motorcyclists are more likely to suffer life-altering injuries, including severe head trauma, fractures, and paralysis.
Liability For Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries
If you were involved in a motorcycle crash, you can potentially hold the motorist that caused the collision responsible for your injuries. A negligent driver in Massachusetts can be held accountable if the plaintiff in a personal injury suit can establish the following elements:
- A duty of care owed to the plaintiff by the defendant;
- Breach of the duty (for example, if the driver was distracted and failed to see the motorcyclist);
- A causal connection between the breach and the plaintiff’s injuries; and
- Actual damages sustained by the plaintiff as a result of the injuries (such as medical bills).
In some cases, a motorcyclist may be struck by more than one vehicle. For example, a victim may be thrown off the motorcycle into oncoming traffic and then struck by another car or truck. In cases where more than one party may be liable, Massachusetts allows a plaintiff to hold defendants jointly and severally liable. This means that you can recover the full amount of damages for your injuries from either party, regardless of their proportion of fault. If you are able to recover damages from one party, it then becomes his or her responsibility to seek contribution from anyone else who is responsible for your injuries.
If you partially contributed to the accident, you may still recover damages, but only to the extent you are not at fault for your injuries. Some states allow a plaintiff to recover regardless of their degree of fault. This is not, however, the case in Massachusetts. Massachusetts is a comparative fault state, which means that a plaintiff will only be allowed to recover if his or her degree of fault is not more than that of the defendants.
Recovering Damages In Your Motorcycle Accident Case
Motorcycle accident victims can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. This includes both past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. The relatives of a motorcycle accident victim can recover damages from the liable parties through a wrongful death claim. Recoverable damages include medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of consortium. Massachusetts has a three-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims. Prompt action on your claim will help build a strong case and preserve your rights under Massachusetts law.
Experienced, Reliable Representation
Boston motorcycle accident attorney Smith and his team of attorneys can provide you with the legal guidance and advocacy you need to get results in your motorcycle accident matter. Mr. Smith personally handles each case, so your case will get the attention and experienced representation it deserves. He will review the facts of your case, discuss the legal options available to you, and answer any of your questions. If there is a mutual agreement to move forward, you can depend on Mr. Smith’s extensive advocacy skills to pursue the best possible outcome for your case. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, call our office today at 617-263-0060 or reach us via our online form for a free initial consultation.
Experienced Boston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Serving Massachusetts Residents
A motorcycle accident can cause devastating injuries in seconds. Unlike people inside passenger vehicles, motorcycle riders have considerably less physical protection when a collision occurs. A crash can result in broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, road rash, permanent disability, or other serious conditions.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Boston or elsewhere in Massachusetts, Mass Injury Group Injury and Accident Attorneys can help you understand your legal options. Our Boston motorcycle accident lawyers represent injured riders and work to protect their rights when another driver, business, manufacturer, or other party may be responsible for the crash.
Depending on the circumstances and applicable Massachusetts law, an injured motorcycle rider may be able to seek compensation for certain accident-related losses.
Potential damages may include:
✓ Medical expenses
✓ Future medical treatment
✓ Lost wages
✓ Loss of earning capacity
✓ Motorcycle repair or replacement costs
✓ Physical pain
✓ Emotional suffering
✓ Disability-related losses
✓ Other legally recoverable damages
What Compensation May Be Available After a Motorcycle Accident?
Mass Injury Group Injury and Accident Attorneys’ motorcycle accident materials identify medical expenses, lost income, motorcycle damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses among potential categories of damages.
The value of a motorcycle accident claim cannot be determined from the type of accident alone. The severity of the injuries, liability, insurance coverage, medical treatment, financial losses, and other factors may all affect the potential value of a claim.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Boston
Motorcycle crashes can occur for many reasons. Identifying the cause of the collision can be critical when determining whether another person or entity may be legally responsible.
Failing to See Motorcycles
Motorcycles are smaller than passenger vehicles and can be more difficult for drivers to notice, particularly when a motorcycle is located in a vehicle's blind spot.
Left-Turn Collisions
A vehicle making a left turn in front of an approaching motorcycle is a common type of motorcycle collision.
Distracted Driving
Texting, using a mobile phone, adjusting navigation, eating, or other distractions can prevent a driver from properly observing motorcycles and other road users.
Speeding
Excessive speed can reduce reaction time and increase the severity of a motorcycle collision.
Following Too Closely
A driver who follows a motorcycle too closely may not have enough time to react if the rider slows or stops suddenly.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol or drug impairment can affect a driver's judgment, coordination, perception, and reaction time.
Unsafe Lane Changes
A driver who changes lanes without checking surrounding traffic can collide with a motorcycle traveling nearby.
Road Conditions
Potholes, debris, poor roadway maintenance, inadequate signage, and other road conditions may contribute to motorcycle crashes.
What If the At-Fault Driver Leaves the Scene?
✓ A hit-and-run motorcycle accident can create additional challenges because the responsible driver may not immediately be identified.
✓ After a hit-and-run collision, report the accident, obtain medical attention, document your injuries and motorcycle damage, and preserve any information that could help identify the vehicle or driver.
✓ Potential insurance options may depend on the circumstances and applicable coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boston Motorcycle Accident Attorney
You should consider contacting a Boston motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after a serious collision, especially if you suffered significant injuries, missed work, or are facing substantial medical expenses. Early legal guidance can also help preserve important evidence.
A personal injury attorney in Boston can investigate the accident, review medical records and other evidence, communicate with insurance companies, evaluate your losses, and explain the legal options that may be available under Massachusetts law.
A Boston motorcycle accident attorney may review police reports, photographs, witness statements, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, surveillance footage, medical records, and other evidence to determine how the collision occurred and who may be responsible.
Yes. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Boston can examine the available evidence to determine whether the facts support your version of what happened. Evidence such as photographs, witness accounts, accident reports, and video footage may help establish liability.
When choosing a motorcycle accident attorney in Boston, consider the lawyer’s experience with motorcycle injury cases, knowledge of Massachusetts personal injury law, communication practices, and ability to handle insurance negotiations and litigation when necessary.
Potentially. Massachusetts applies comparative negligence rules, so being partly responsible does not automatically eliminate a potential claim. A Boston motorcycle crash lawyer can review the evidence and explain how your percentage of fault could affect potential compensation.
A Massachusetts motorcycle accident lawyer can evaluate whether you may be entitled to compensation for legally recoverable losses, which may include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and certain future losses depending on the circumstances.
A Boston motorcycle injury lawyer can help document the extent of your injuries, investigate the accident, communicate with insurance companies, assess financial losses, and pursue an appropriate legal claim when another party may be responsible.
When searching for a motorcycle accident attorney near you in Boston, look for an attorney who handles motorcycle accident and personal injury cases in Massachusetts and has experience with claims similar to yours. A consultation can help you determine whether the attorney is a good fit.
You should consider speaking with a personal injury attorney in Boston if you have serious injuries, disputed liability, significant medical bills, lost income, permanent impairment, or complicated insurance issues. An attorney can review your circumstances and explain your potential legal options.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Real Stories from Real People
I got in an accident and Tyler took care of me. He was quick to respond when I had questions. He didn’t let the insurance company take vantage of me.Tyler got me what I deserved. I definitely recommend him.
– Brian Derosier
Tyler Langlais esq., quickly litigated and settled my case. He was extremely professional, down to earth, and very smart. I would recommend Tyler and his team of law professionals to all family and friends of mine.
– Jim DeStefano
This Law office is great, Tyler A. Langlais was able to help me each step of the way after my car accident. Very responsive, professional, and outstanding support. Process was quick and simple, and same goes to the rest of the Attorneys. I strongly recommend it 🙂
– Alex Ventura
Attorney Michael Smith was very accommodating. I hate traveling into the city dealing with traffic, so he met me locally. He negotiated a fair settlement and I’m satisfied with his counsel.
– Myrienne