Boston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you are involved in a motorcycle crash, you need an attorney on your side. In Massachusetts, motorcyclists often face unfair scrutiny and stereotyping during an insurance claim or lawsuit. You need a lawyer who can represent your best interests during these processes—and the Cashman Law Firm can help.

Our Boston motorcycle accident lawyer has years of experience representing Massachusetts motorcycle riders in their accident claims as plaintiffs. We will fight diligently for the highest possible settlement and advocate for your rights from consultation to settlement. 

If you’ve been in a crash, call the Cashman Law Firm today for a free consultation and learn more about our services and how we can help with your motorcycle accident claim.

Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Boston

• Our law firm is dedicated to helping you secure the settlement that you need to recover. In a four-year period alone, we recovered over $7.5 million on behalf of our clients.
• We understand how complicated a motorcycle crash can be. We will leverage the full extent of our firm’s knowledge and resources to craft a compelling case in your favor.
• Our Boston personal injury attorney has received multiple awards recognizing his track record of success. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, he was selected by Super Lawyers Magazine as a Rising Star.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Boston

Motorcycle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. In some cases, poor weather conditions and low visibility cause these collisions. Rain, snow, hail, and fog can pose a significant risk.

Motorcyclists are also more susceptible to road hazards like gravel or potholes compared to motorists, so these conditions may also lead to a collision. Motorcycle parts can malfunction, causing a motorcycle rider to lose control. Between 2014 – 2018, there were over 250 motorcyclist fatalities in the state of Massachusetts.

Distractions, such as text messages, can divert a motor vehicle driver’s attention, significantly increasing the likelihood of accidents. Consequently, many motorcycle accidents are the fault of driver negligence. Common examples of such negligence include the following:

• Failure to yield the right of way
• Distracted driving
• Driving over the speed limit
• Fatigued or drowsy driving
• Unsafe lane changes
• Tailgating or following too closely
• Aggressive or reckless driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Turning without checking for motorcyclists
• Opening a car door into the path of a motorcyclist

Most Common Injuries Following a Boston Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycles are a fun way to experience the great outdoors, but if an accident happens, the lack of protection can lead to catastrophic injuries. Some common injuries bikers experience are listed below:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common injuries in motorcycle crashes. These can lead to death or permanent brain damage. In Massachusetts, motorcyclists are required to wear helmets by a helmet law. Helmets can minimize the severity of a head injury, but concussions and fractures are still common.
• Another common injury bikers frequently suffer is cervical spine fractures.
• Whiplash is a common neck injury where the neck is whipped back and forth with great force, creating a hyperextension situation. This can be a terribly painful injury.
• Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis, loss of function, and sensation.
• Bone fractures frequently happen because of the impact of the collision. Bones break, causing immobility, inflammation, and pain. Common fracture locations are the pelvis, arms, legs, and ribs.
• Leg or foot injuries occur because the biker is trapped beneath the bike, another vehicle, or a guardrail. These injuries can range from minor sprains to substantial dislocations or breaks.
• Injuries to the abdomen can occur when the torso impacts the handlebars or the gas tank in a motorcycle wreck. Injuries may be as minor as bruising or as severe as organ damage. Medical professionals will need to evaluate the severity of your injuries and if you suffer internal bleeding.
• Arms and hands can sustain injuries in motorcycle accidents. Often, when falling, the biker will try to break their fall by putting their hands out. “Biker’s arm” commonly happens when the motorcyclist’s arm lands beneath the bike leading to nerve damage.
• Burns can be among the most painful motorcycle injuries. Exhaust pipes are scorching hot, and if the biker comes in contact with it, they could suffer up to third-degree burns, which commonly lead to substantial scarring.
• When ligaments, tendons, and muscles are stretched past their normal extent of mobility, strains, sprains, ruptures, and tears can easily occur.
• Probably one of the most common bike accident injuries is road rash. When the biker has an accident, and their skin makes contact with the pavement, lacerations can occur. These abrasive injuries can become dangerously infected if not properly treated.

Get Treatment Immediately

Following a motorcycle accident, take measures to get treatment immediately. This is important for various reasons that are listed below:

• Though you may not feel injured, you could be in shock or be experiencing a surge of adrenaline that masks the way you feel physically. Let a medical professional determine if you are actually injured.
• If you do not take your treatment seriously and demonstrate this to the insurance companies and the court by getting treatment, they may discount the extent of your injuries.
• Internal injuries can take days to present, and seeking medical treatment can head off severe damages by intervening early.
• If you wait to seek medical attention, the insurance companies may charge that you hurt yourself another way, at another time. By discrediting when your injuries occurred, they might be able to get away with paying far less.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, do not delay in seeking medical attention. Your health is paramount, and treatment can head off problems later. Furthermore, you will have the documentation necessary to prove your injuries in court or before the insurance adjusters if necessary.

Legal Options for Injured Motorcyclists in Boston

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible for compensation through an insurance claim or motorcycle accident lawsuit. Massachusetts is a no-fault accident state, which means that drivers are typically responsible for their own injuries in a collision and can recover compensation under their required personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. 

While state law does not require motorcyclists to have PIP insurance, it does mandate liability insurance as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Motorcyclists could also purchase optional Medical Payments (MedPay) policies that operate similarly to PIP.

If you are injured in a motorcycle collision, you could recover compensation following your accident by filing one of three types of claims.

• You can file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance policy.
• You can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party in Massachusetts civil court.
• You can file a claim under your own insurance policy, as long as you have the appropriate coverage.

An attorney from the Cashman Law Firm can evaluate your motorcycle accident case and help you identify your optimal path to recovery.

What Types of Compensation Are Available After a Massachusetts Motorcycle Accident?

Pursuing a motorcycle accident lawsuit may enable you to recover damages suffered for all losses you have if another party caused those losses. A personal injury lawsuit may be applicable in some situations, which could mean that you may be able to provide evidence of the losses you suffered and force the at-fault party to pay them.

Every case is different. However, under the state’s laws, you may be able to recover losses such as:

• Medical bills: Extensive medical bills for your accident, hospitalization, and following rehabilitation could be a component of your claim.
• Loss of wages and benefits: Most often, wages lost due to being unable to work after a motorcycle accident may be included in your claim.
• Property damage: The damage to your bike may also be a factor, especially if you need to replace your motorcycle because the damage is simply too significant to repair.

In addition to these losses, many individuals also suffer non-economic damages. This includes pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and ongoing loss of quality of life. You may suffer from chronic pain, may not be able to work any longer, or may struggle with emotional turmoil that makes relationships challenging.

When you meet with a Boston motorcycle accident attorney, our legal team will talk to you about all of the ways this accident impacted you, including physically, emotionally, and financially. This allows us to create a more accurate and detailed claim that is hard for insurance companies and at-fault parties to deny.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim for Motorcycle Accident Losses in Massachusetts?

Most people have 3 years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a claim for their losses. This applies in situations where the victim is at least 18 years of age. If you are a minor and hurt in such an accident, you have until you reach your 21st birthday to file a claim.

Suffering a motorcycle accident can be life-changing. It will take some time to determine what all of your losses are. Keep in mind that waiting too long is worrisome. Not only does it make it challenging for you to recover losses, but much of the evidence in your case becomes harder to obtain. Witnesses may not remember details and medical files may get lost.

For this reason, we strongly encourage you to reach out to our motorcycle accident attorney in Boston now. We will never rush you into making a claim before you know what all of your losses are. 

You should also be aware of insurance companies who try to pressure you into filing a claim too soon. They may believe you are owed more compensation, especially if you have complex medical conditions or a long-term recovery ahead of you. 

With the help of an attorney, you can reduce the risk of not receiving fair compensation for your losses. Even if you are unsure if you have a case, contact us to learn more.

Contact the Cashman Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation

Were you involved in a motorcycle accident in Boston? The Cashman Law Firm can help you secure the compensation that you need to recover. Contact us today at (978) 595-0601 to discuss your case with a Boston motorcycle accident lawyer and strategize your next steps.