In Massachusetts, motorcycle riders have a higher risk of being involved in a serious accident than someone in a passenger car or truck. Most of the time, the accident isn’t the fault of the rider. If you or someone you love is hurt in a motorcycle accident, you could be eligible to receive financial compensation for your injuries and the damage to your bike and gear. Don’t wait to contact an experienced Boston motorcycle accident lawyer from Jim Glaser Law. You only have a limited amount of time to make your claim, so call us now to schedule your free consultation.
Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident?
After a motorcycle accident, Jim Glaser Law is here to help bring you the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Get a free case review from a Boston motorcycle accident lawyer and take the first step towards receiving justice.
1
It’s Easy to Get the Help You Need
The legal process of recovering damages after your accident may seem daunting, but Jim Glaser Law is here to help you every step of the way.
2
You Have Rights
You’re entitled to compensation for the injuries caused by your accident. We work hard to protect your rights and bring you every dollar you’re due.
3
No Upfront Costs
We believe that every New England citizen deserves affordable, experienced legal representation. We work on contingency, meaning you never pay unless we win compensation for you. The initial consultation is free, so don’t wait! Contact Jimmy today to get help with your claim.
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Do You Have a Motorcycle Accident Case?
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Massachusetts, it’s important to understand whether you have a viable case. Several factors determine the strength of a motorcycle accident case, such as who was at fault, the extent of your injuries, and whether you are within the legal timeframe to file a claim. Answer the questions below then contact Jim Glaser Law to determine if you have a valid case.
In many instances, passenger vehicle drivers may fail to respect the space and rights of motorcyclists on the road. However, liability can also arise from other sources:
- Driver negligence: If the driver of another vehicle was driving recklessly, under the influence, or distracted, they are likely to be held responsible for the accident.
- Road conditions: Poorly maintained roads, debris, and insufficient signage may also contribute to an accident. In such cases, local government agencies or construction companies could be partially at fault.
- Mechanical failure: Sometimes, accidents result from mechanical failures or defects in the motorcycle itself. If that is the case, the manufacturer or mechanic who last serviced the motorcycle could be liable.
Under Massachusetts’ comparative negligence system, you can only receive compensation for your losses if you hold 50% or less of the responsibility for the accident. Whatever percentage of the blame you are found to hold will be deducted from your final settlement. In other words, if you’ve suffered damages worth $100,000 but you are found to be 20% responsible for the crash, your final payment will be reduced by 20% and become $80,000.
It is essential to have a fierce Boston legal defense team behind you to protect yourself as insurance adjusters will attempt to blame YOU for your own injuries. Jimmy has your back!
Motorcycle accidents in Massachusetts often cause serious injuries or even death to bikers. Statistics show that the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include one or more of the following:
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving, including texting and driving, is usually done by the driver of the passenger vehicle or truck.
- Failure to yield or obey traffic signals: Many drivers incorrectly assume that it’s easy for motorcyclists to stop on a dime. Sometimes, drivers of passenger vehicles simply don’t pay enough attention to the other vehicles on the road and assume that others will be able to react quickly if they make a mistake.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven shoulders, and poorly managed road construction can also cause motorcycle accidents. When a motorcycle tire hits an obstacle or some debris in the road, it can cause the wheel to stop, but the motorcycle and its rider keep moving.
- Speeding: Riding at excessive speeds reduces the ability to respond to unexpected obstacles, increasing the chances of accidents.
- Lane splitting: Motorcyclists who ride between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic are at a higher risk of accidents, as cars may not anticipate a motorbike passing between them.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drug impairment reduces a rider’s coordination and reaction time, making accidents more likely.
- Inexperienced riders: New or inexperienced motorcyclists may lack the skills needed to safely handle their bikes in complex traffic or challenging weather conditions.
- Sudden stops: Sudden braking by cars in front can lead to rear-end collisions, which are especially dangerous for motorcyclists.
- Left-turn accidents: Many accidents occur when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, often due to the driver not seeing the rider.
- Inclement weather: Rain, fog, or snow can significantly decrease visibility and traction, making it harder for motorcyclists to maintain control.
Motorcycle accidents frequently lead to severe injuries, which may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, motorcyclists are vulnerable to head injuries that can result in permanent cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries: These types of injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, significantly affecting the victim’s quality of life.
- Broken bones and fractures: The impact of being thrown from a motorcycle often results in multiple fractures, which can require extensive recovery time and surgeries.
- Road rash and lacerations: Sliding across the pavement can cause painful skin injuries that may lead to infections or permanent scarring.
- Emotional trauma: Accidents can also cause emotional and psychological trauma, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
In addition to physical injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for other losses such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. We understand the long-term impact of these accidents and will work tirelessly to recover maximum compensation for you.
In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally 3 years from the date of the accident. However, if your accident involved a government entity (for example, poor road conditions due to municipal negligence), the time frame could be significantly shorter, sometimes as little as 2 years or less.
Failing to file your claim within the legal timeframe could mean forfeiting your right to seek compensation. Jim Glaser Law will ensure all deadlines are met, so you don’t miss your chance to pursue justice.
Massachusetts Motorcyclist Fatalities by Helmet Use, 2020
The state of Massachusetts mandates helmet use for all motorcyclists, and for a good reason. Helmets are proven to reduce the severity of motorcycle accident injuries and save lives. Even with this protection, fatalities still occur, often accompanied by severe brain trauma. The data below highlights the impact of helmet use on motorcyclist fatalities in Massachusetts for the year 2020.
| Helmeted | Unhelmeted | Unknown | Total # of Fatalities |
| 90% | 4% | 6% | 52 |
Data from NHTSA’s Traffic Safety Facts, 2020 Data
What Compensation Can Be Recovered?
If you or someone you love is hurt or killed in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Depending on the facts of your case, you could be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Medical bills, prescriptions, hospital stays, surgeries, and physical therapy
- Loss of both past and future wages
- Pain and suffering, including loss of consortium and diminished quality of life
- Funerals and burial costs
- Punitive damages are rare and typically only awarded in the case of wrongful death
A motorcycle accident can permanently change your life. Internal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, paralysis, and disability can cause you and your family to face mounting medical bills. Families who lose a loved one in a motorcycle accident also face the harsh financial reality of what it costs to bury their loved ones. You could face hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid bills.
Jim Glaser Law is here to help. An experienced Boston motorcycle accident lawyer, Jim Glaser helps those injured in accidents that weren’t their fault get the compensation that they deserve.
Our Results Speak For Themselves
Massachusetts Motorcycle Laws
Massachusetts motorcycle laws are outlined in M.G.L. Chapter 89 & M.G.L. Chapter 90, and include the following:
- Lane use: Motorcyclists must ride within a single lane and cannot pass other vehicles within the same lane, except for other motorcycles. They must ride in single file when passing other vehicles.
- Tire safety: Tires used on motorcycles must meet minimum safety standards prescribed by the registrar, and violations can result in fines or imprisonment.
- Motorcycle passenger requirements: Motorcyclists cannot carry passengers unless the motorcycle is designed for 2 persons or has a firmly attached second seat with footrests.
- Equipment requirements: Motorcycle riders must have:
- A braking system sufficient to stop the motorcycle within a proper distance (split service brake system or 2 independently actuated systems)
- At least 1 white headlamp, a rear red light, and a stoplight visible from 200 feet
- A muffler to prevent unnecessary noise
- Mirrors to provide a clear view of the rear and left side
- Protective headgear (helmets) and, if there is no windshield, eye protection (glasses, goggles, or face shield)
- Annual inspections: Motorcycles are subject to annual inspections between June 1 and May 31 to ensure they meet safety and emissions standards.
- Motorcycle license for minors: Minors under 18 can obtain a motorcycle license or endorsement by meeting junior operator license requirements and completing a basic rider course.
Insurance Adjusters Don’t Want To Help You
The at-fault party’s insurance company will always be on the hunt for ways to pay your lowest possible settlement if any. Our experienced motorcycle accident injury attorneys know what evidence to look for, how to handle the insurance companies, and how to make sure you are not blamed for your accident. Jimmy knows ways to increase your final settlement by recovering damages you didn’t think you could be compensated for.
Don’t let the insurance adjuster bully you into accepting less than your claim is worth. When the insurance company calls, the best thing to do is send them to your advocates at Jim Glaser Law.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident That’s Not Your Fault
- Stay Calm and Avoid Removing Gear: Staying calm helps you think clearly. Don’t remove your gear, as it could protect you from further injury, and a medical professional should evaluate you before taking it off.
- Move Your Bike Only If Safe: Move your motorcycle only if it’s necessary to avoid danger, like traffic, but prioritize your safety.
- Call Emergency Services and Get Medical Help: Contact emergency services to report the accident and seek immediate medical attention. This ensures your health is prioritized and the accident is officially documented.
- File a Police Report: Filing a police report creates an official record of the accident, which can be vital for insurance claims and legal action. Never apologize or admit fault, as determining fault can be a complicated process and apologies can affect possible litigation.
- Exchange Information: Getting contact details from the other driver and witnesses is important for filing claims and proving fault.
- Collect Evidence: Taking photos of damages, road conditions, and injuries helps support your case and can be used to prove negligence or unsafe conditions.
- Report to Insurance and Get Repairs: Notify your insurance provider quickly to start the claims process. Get a damage estimate to repair your vehicle and ensure it’s safe to drive.
- Continue Medical Treatment and Keep Records: Follow your doctor’s orders to increase your chances of a full recovery. Keeping detailed records of medical visits, expenses, and accident-related info helps with insurance claims and legal actions.
- Contact an Attorney: A lawyer can help you pursue compensation for injuries, lost wages, and vehicle damage, ensuring your rights are protected.
What To Expect After You Contact Jim Glaser Law
- Free Consultation: You’ll get a no-cost consultation to evaluate your case and options.
- Start Collecting Evidence: If you choose to work with us, we will start gathering the necessary evidence to support your case.
- Handle Insurance Negotiations: We manage negotiations to relieve you of the burden and fight for fair compensation.
- Go to Court if Needed: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your attorney from Jim Glaser Law will represent you in court to secure the compensation you may deserve.
- Receive Your Settlement: Once a settlement offer is made, we help you decide whether to accept it, working to ensure timely payment.