Top Boston, MA Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Boston, Massachusetts?

  343-4500 is the non-emergency number of the Boston Police Department. This line is open 24/7.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Boston, Massachusetts?

  You can get your police report from the Boston Police investigating officer or an officer of the Massachusetts State Police. They fill out the official accident report known as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Crash Police Report.

• How dangerous are motorcycle accidents in Boston?

  Motorcycle crashes comprise some of the deadliest motor vehicle accidents in Boston. Attorneys in the area take on a significant number of such cases, with the National Highway Safety Administration recording approximately 5,014 fatalities in such incidents within a year. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety noted that motorcycles were involved in 14% of fatal crashes during that time.

• What is the leading cause of fatalities in motorcycle crashes in Boston?

  Statistics show that head injuries could be the number one reason for motorcycle crash fatalities in Boston. One report stated that this accounts for approximately 37% of all motorcycle fatalities. This is one of the reasons why there is a lot of focus on requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets. States that have helmet laws have shown a significant reduction in motorcycle fatality rates. The CDC says that helmets lessen the risk of head injury by 69% and the risk of fatality by 37%.

• What are the reasons why motorcycle accidents occur in Boston?

  The top ten causes have been shown by recent statistics in Boston and are as follows:

  1. Crashing into car doors when people open them without looking
  2. Unsafe lane changes when riders are in blind spots
  3. Speeding
  4. DUI, which occurs in 43% of motorcyclists
  5. Sudden stops resulting in rear-end accidents
  6. Driver inexperience in 29% of motorcyclists
  7. Various road hazards
  8. Motorcycle defects
  9. Lane splitting, which is illegal in Massachusetts
  10. Left turn accidents

• What factors determine the worth of a motorcycle accident personal injury claim in Boston?

  The amount of compensation varies greatly depending on multiple factors. These include who the at-fault party is; the number of defendants; the insurance coverage of both parties; whether the accident was due to negligence or willful, reckless, or wanton acts; the severity of victims’ injuries; the amount of lost time at work; the cost of present and future medical bills; and the impact of the injury on the victims’ life.

• What factor determines who is at fault in a motorcycle accident in Boston?

  According to Massachusetts law, a party is at fault if their driving behavior during the time of the accident was over 50% of the reason why the accident occurred. It is estimated that in approximately 40% of motorcycle accidents, the motorcyclist was partly at fault for the accident. Motorcyclists in Boston can still collect compensation even if they share a portion of the liability if the percentage of the fault is below 50%. Their compensation will then be reduced by the percentage of their shared blame.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.