Here is a list of the common types of motorcycle accidents our personal injury law firm has handled:

• Car-on-motorcycle accidents
• Single motorcycle accidents
• Drunk driving accidents
• Injured motorcycle passenger
• Distracted driving/texting accidents
• Motorcycle defects
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Drivers who leave the scene after causing a motorcycle crash
• Truck accidents

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a number of factors, such as:

• Drivers not keeping an eye out for motorcycles
• Drivers cutting off the motorcycle while turning left
• Drivers cutting off the motorcycle coming out of a driveway or parking lot
• Motorcycle passengers injured by speeding or careless motorcycle operators
• Improper or careless lane changes without signaling
• Failure to stop at stop signs
• Drunk driving
• Drugged driving
• Distracted driving – texting, eating or drinking while driving
• Driving while tired
• Roadway hazards, such as potholes, debris on the road, snow and ice on the road.
• Road construction sites
• Defective motorcycle parts, such as tires, brakes or steering

Our motorcycle accident attorneys handle cases involving all type of injuries, from very serious or even fatal injuries, to relatively minor injuries. Some motorcycle accidents result in so-called “soft tissue” injuries, such as sprained and strained necks, backs, shoulders and knees. We know these injuries are just as painful as a fracture and usually take a lot longer to recover from. We take the time to learn how these injuries affect our clients and then demand our clients be compensated fully and fairly for all they have gone through. The following are common injuries we see in our cases:

• Road rash is a type of injury that occurs when a motorcyclist’s skin comes into contact with the road surface, resulting in abrasions and lacerations. Severe cases may require skin grafts and other medical treatments.
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries: Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, are common in motorcycle accidents. Wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of severe head injuries; however, even if you wear a helmet serious injuries can still result.
• Broken Bones: Fractures and broken bones are common in motorcycle accidents, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs. These injuries can be painful and may require surgery and physical therapy.
• Shoulder injuries, such as fractures or a torn rotator cuff
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis, numbness, or tingling in the extremities. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
  Ruptured or herniated discs in the spine are common spinal cord injuries.

• Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. These injuries may not be immediately apparent, making prompt medical evaluation crucial.

Motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to various types of damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor visits, and rehabilitation costs. These expenses can add up quickly, especially in cases involving severe injuries.

• Lost Wages: Victims may be entitled to compensation for lost wages or income due to their inability to work following the accident. This includes both past and future lost earnings if the injuries result in long-term disability.

• Pain and Suffering: Victims may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, including emotional distress and mental anguish. The impact of a motorcycle accident can extend beyond physical injuries, affecting a victim’s quality of life.

• Property Damage: Victims may be entitled to compensation for property damage, including damage to their motorcycle or other vehicles involved in the accident. Repair or replacement costs can be significant, and compensation can help cover these expenses. Motorcycle insurance plays a pivotal role in compensation for property damage the motorcycle accident caused regardless of who is at fault. A motorcycle accident attorney can quickly determine the auto insurance coverages available.

• Wrongful Death Claim: When an auto accident results in fatal injuries, it is critical to get the best motorcycle accident attorney available with a full legal team to recover full compensation for the family who has lost a loved one and everything they provided from love and support to financial lost wages and more.

Our motorcycle accident lawyers have handled cases involving motorcycle accidents from Cape Cod to the Berkshires, and every place in between. Certain roads and highways seem to have more than their share of motorcycle accidents, such as the following:

• The Mass Pike
• Southeast Expressway, particularly the Boston sections
• Route 24 in and around Fall River
• Interstate 95
• Interstate 93
• Route 1 on the North Shore

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s essential to take the right steps to ensure your safety and protect your rights. Here are some steps to follow:

• Move to a Safe Location: If you’re able to do so, move your motorcycle to the side of the road or a safe location to avoid further accidents or injuries. Ensuring your safety and that of others is the top priority.

• Call the Police: Report the accident to the police and provide them with as much information as possible, including the location, time, and details of the accident. A police report can be crucial for your motorcycle accident claim.

• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical professional can assess your condition and provide treatment.

• Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to your motorcycle or other vehicles involved. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses and exchange information with the other parties involved. This evidence can be vital for your motorcycle accident case.

• Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident and provide them with the necessary information to process your claim. Prompt communication with your insurance company can help expedite the claims process.

All lawsuits for injuries caused by Massachusetts motorcycle accidents must be filed in court within three years of the date of the crash. However, it is always best to get an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer involved in your case as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident. Sometimes important evidence can be lost if an investigation of the accident is delayed.

An injured person may recover as long as he or she is not found to be more at fault than the other persons who caused the injury. In other words, if the injured person and another person are equally at fault, the injured person can still recover, but their recovery is reduced by their own percentage of fault. So, if a jury decides the injured person was 25% at fault, that person’s recovery is reduced by 25%. If the jury decides that the injured person was 51% or more at fault, he or she recovers nothing. For additional information on how courts compare the fault of persons involved in motorcycle accidents, see our blog post on that topic here.

Massachusetts law requires all drivers to have a minimum amount of motorcycle insurance coverage of $20,000. This amount is not enough to cover anything but minor injuries. In addition, if the other driver’s insurance has been cancelled, or if the car was stolen, there will likely be no insurance at all. In situations like that, we can recover from your own insurance policy, under what is known as uninsured motorist benefits coverage. It is well worth spending the extra money to purchase higher limits to make sure you are properly covered in case you are injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver. For additional information on Massachusetts auto insurance, see our recent blog article here.

Motorcycle accident attorneys must be experts in motorcycle law to maximize your personal injury case. Motorcycle accident laws and regulations vary by state, but some common laws and regulations include:

• Helmet Laws: Some states require motorcyclists to wear helmets, while others do not. Wearing a helmet is a critical safety measure that can prevent severe head injuries in the event of a motorcycle accident. Massachusetts requires motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear a helmet.

• Licensing Requirements: Motorcyclists must obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license to operate a motorcycle. This ensures that riders have the necessary skills and knowledge to ride safely.

• Insurance Requirements: Motorcyclists must carry liability insurance to cover damages in the event of an accident. Having adequate insurance coverage is essential for protecting yourself and others on the road.

• Right-of-Way Laws: Motorcyclists must follow right-of-way laws, including yielding to other vehicles and pedestrians. Adhering to these laws helps prevent accidents and ensures the safety of all road users.

Determining fault in a motorcycle accident can be complex and may involve multiple parties. Some factors that may be considered when determining fault include:

• Driver Error: If one or more drivers involved in the accident were negligent or reckless, they may be held liable for damages. Evidence of speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield can be critical in establishing fault.

• Road Conditions: If the road conditions contributed to the accident, the government or other parties responsible for maintaining the road may be held liable. Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, and inadequate signage can all play a role in motorcycle accidents.

• Vehicle Malfunctions: If a vehicle malfunction contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or other parties responsible for the vehicle may be held liable. Defective parts or improper maintenance can lead to dangerous situations on the road.

• Witness Statements: Witness statements can provide valuable information about the accident and help determine fault. Eyewitnesses can offer an unbiased account of the events leading up to the motorcycle crash.