Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Worcester

FAQs

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

  508-799-8606 is the non-emergency complaint line of the Worcester Police Department.

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

  Call 508-799-8630 to request a copy of the accident report from the Worcester Police Department Records Bureau. You can also drop by the police department or mail your request to: Worcester Police Department Attn: Records Bureau 9-11 Lincoln Square Worcester, MA 01608

• What should you do after a motorcycle accident in Worcester?

  Keep in mind the following if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Worcester:

  1. Stay at the accident scene. Massachusetts law deems leaving the accident scene a criminal offense.
  2. Call 911 and get immediate medical attention. Don't chase a hit-and-run motorist. You may be injured or get into another accident while chasing.
  3. Avoid apologizing or assuming fault in the accident. This could negatively affect your personal injury claim.
  4. Limit interaction with the other motorist involved in the accident. Just get their name, contact details, driver's license, and insurance policy information. Avoid expressing anger at the other motorists or the police.
  5. File a Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report within five days of the accident, as required by Massachusetts law.
  6. Take photos for evidence

• Do you need to file a lawsuit immediately after a motorcycle accident in Worcester?

  Under Massachusetts law, you have three years from the date of an accident to file a claim for personal injuries.

• How do you calculate the amount that you can claim as compensation for a motorcycle accident in Worcester?

  You can get the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer to determine the value of a personal injury claim. The computation of damages includes several factors, such as the severity and permanency of your injuries, the medical expenses you have incurred, the impact of your injuries on your work capacity and daily living, and whether you are partly at fault for the accident.

• Can you recover damages if you were not wearing a helmet during a motorcycle accident in Worcester?

  You can file a claim even if you were not wearing a helmet during the accident. However, the damages you can recover may be reduced if the defendant can prove that your not wearing a helmet led to your injuries or made them worse. Massachusetts General Law Section 7 requires motorcycle riders, including passengers, to wear helmets. Violating this law can make you partially at fault in a motorcycle accident and affect your claim for compensation.

• Where do most motorcycle accidents occur in Worcester?

  Left-turning cars at intersections are one of the common causes of motorcycle crashes in Massachusetts. In Worcester, most crashes happen at the intersections of Southbridge Street and Hammond Street, and Chandler Street and Mason Street. Route 146, a.k.a. The Worcester-Providence Turnpike, and Interstate 290 are also high-risk roads for motorcycle riders.

• 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.