When filing a motorcycle accident claim, it can be helpful to have an experienced motorcycle wreck lawyer. Find out how an attorney can help with your injury claim.
Boston is a beautiful city with landmarks and tree-lined landscapes that give you a unique experience when driving through. Most motorcycle riders enjoy exploring the city on their bike. However, this makes them vulnerable to motorcycle accidents.
As a motorcycle accident victim, you might be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, etc. However, pursuing damages without a motorcycle accident attorney by your side can be a long and unfruitful road. A motorcycle wreck lawyer in Boston can help you fight to hold the at-fault party accountable.
Our personal injury attorneys at Kelly and Associates Injury Lawyers will fight for fair compensation for your losses. In addition, we offer a free initial consultation to all potential clients to review the details of your case.
Top Causes of Boston Motorcycle Accidents
There are varying factors that result in motorcycle accidents. However, the leading cause of a motorcycle crash is negligence, and it manifests as:
- Illegal turns
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Driver inexperience
- Unsafe lane changes
- Defective motorcycle
- Dangerous road conditions
- Terrible weather conditions
- Road hazards
- Speeding
Finding out the factors responsible for motorcycle wrecks is vital because multiple parties might be responsible for the accident. At Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers, our motorcycle accident attorneys put in the necessary work to find out what happened. Knowing the real cause will make it easier to pursue compensation from the liable party.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration records show that 5,579 people died in motorcycle accidents in 2020. Statistics also show that motorcyclists are more likely to die in a crash than those in a motor vehicle accident. In 2019, the fatality rate for motorcycle riders was 58.3% for every 100,000 registered motorcycles.
The case isn’t different in Massachusetts, with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation crash report recording over 59 motorcycle fatalities in 2018, accounting for 16% of all motor vehicle-related fatalities.
Who Is Responsible for Your Injuries After a Boston Motorcycle Accident?
Knowing who the negligent party is will help you file a legal claim to recover damages. In most accidents involving a motorcycle, it’s the motorcyclists who suffer severe injuries. Your motorcycle wreck lawyer will ensure all the negligent parties are held accountable for their actions.
The liable parties for a Boston motorcycle accident could include:
- The vehicle driver
- Employers of the negligent party
- Bicyclists and pedestrians
- Manufacturers of defective motorcycle parts
- The government transit authorities
Taking an aggressive approach to pursuing damages for motorcycle crash victims is essential. Our legal professionals understand that a motorcycle accident injury can be severe. In addition, the recovery period can be difficult for you and your family. That’s why we’ll do everything to ensure the compensation award is worth it all.
How a Motorcycle Wreck Lawyer in Boston Can Help
Motorcycle accident victims often struggle through financial crises due to injuries from the accident. The accident could render them unable to work while the medical expenses pile up. If you’re not responsible for the accident, then you don’t need to handle the financial strain it brings on your own.
However, the negligent driver and the insurance company could put up a fight. Even when the driver responsible admits fault, their insurance adjuster could try to undervalue your personal injury claim to reduce the compensation. Although this is not fair, there’s little you can do about it on your own.
With an experienced motorcycle wreck lawyer representing you, the insurance company will find it difficult to reduce your compensation. Our accident attorney will ensure you recover a fair settlement. When you hire our personal injury attorneys to protect your right, we will:
- Properly investigate the case to determine what caused the accident
- Discover who is responsible for the crash
- Protect your interest when the insurance company tries to undervalue your claim
- Discuss settlements with the insurance company to help you recover maximum compensation
- Utilize our knowledge of Boston motorcycle laws to defend your rights as a motorcycle accident victim
- Effectively communicate with you every step of the way so you can stay informed on what’s happening
Filing a personal injury lawsuit can be exhausting, but with an experienced attorney, the process will be simpler. A skilled lawyer by your side can significantly influence the process of recovering compensation to cover your financial needs. Moreover, you don’t have to wait till full recovery to take action. Contact our law firm to schedule a free case evaluation.
Damages You Can Recover as a Boston Motorcycle Accident Victim
The amount you’ll recover as compensation after a motorcycle collision varies depending on the damages and details of your case. Generally, you can claim the following compensation:
Economic Damages
It is referred to as special damages, which are your financial losses. Also, economic values are quantifiable, making them easy to calculate. Examples include:
- Cost of physical therapy
- Present and future medical expenses
- Cost of medical equipment
- Lost wages and reduced future earning potential
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
This is another type of damage your experienced motorcycle wreck lawyer can help you recover. We also refer to them as general damages, which usually don’t have an exact monetary value. Most times, the compensation awarded for these damages relies on the strength of your personal injury case.
Examples of non-economic damages are:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement and scars
- Wrongful death damages
- Mental anguish
Punitive Damages
Although this isn’t common, the jury could also award you punitive damages. For example, if the driver was extremely reckless, the court could award punitive damages to punish them for recklessness. It is a deterrent to ensure the defendant doesn’t engage in such actions again.
Note that insurance companies often try to offer a quick settlement after the accident; be wary when this happens. Although the idea of quick settlements might be appealing, you might settle for less than your case is worth.
The insurance company determines your injuries’ worth when you accept without seeking legal counsel. Instead, contact Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers for legal advice when the insurance carrier makes an offer. Our experienced motorcycle crash attorneys will bring in financial experts to help you determine the real worth of your case.
How to Determine Fault in a Boston Motorcycle Accident
Determining the responsible party after a motorcycle accident is essential. It will help you secure compensation for your injuries. There is usually physical evidence to determine who the at-fault party is. The police report also serves as helpful evidence in attributing fault to the responsible party.
However, despite the evidence, you have to prove the following:
- You are owed a duty of care
- The responsible party didn’t show reasonable care and acted negligently
- Their negligent actions caused the accident and resulted in your injuries
The at-fault party will be held liable for your loss if you can prove this. However, you should note that the legal process can be complex and long. Gathering witness testimonies, photos, and many more can be difficult on your own.
However, having a qualified motorcycle accident attorney makes it easier. They possess the resources and knowledge required to gather evidence and build a solid motorcycle accident claim that would establish liability and help you secure a fair settlement.
What Is the Statute of Limitation for Motorcycle Accidents Lawsuits in Boston?
Most motorcycle accident victims do not know there’s a time limit on seeking compensation after a motorcycle accident in Boston. The Statute of Limitations places a time limit on your right to sue the negligent driver for damages. Under Massachusetts law, you must file within three years of the motorcycle accident.
You cannot file a lawsuit once these three years are up, even if you suffered severe injuries from the accident. However, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney is aware of this and ensures you commence the legal action before the Statute of Limitations runs out.
How To Determine the Value of Your Boston Motorcycle Accident Claim
Many factors come into play when determining the value of your accident claim. These includes:
- The type and severity of your injury
- Comparative fault
- Loss of income
- Need for future medical care
- Property damage
Contact a Motorcycle Wreck Lawyer in Boston Today!
The days after an accident is complicated and could get even more challenging as the expenses pile up. Most motorcyclists do not know their legal rights and might settle for less than their claim is worth. If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle crash, you should seek legal representation immediately to secure compensation for your losses.
At Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers, we can help answer some of your legal questions. Our motorcycle accident lawyers will meticulously investigate your case to determine the liable party and ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries. We utilize every resource to build a strong motorcycle accident claim for our clients. Connect with us to book a free consultation and discuss your case today.
