Motorcycle accidents can be devastating for victims. The last thing you should have to worry about after a motorcycle accident is fighting the at-fault driver and insurance companies for the compensation you need and deserve to cover your losses. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Boston, let the lawyers at Steinger, Greene & Feiner handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery.
Why Choose a Boston Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable groups of people when it comes to traffic collisions. They don’t have the protection of a vehicle, and motorists often travel too closely behind them.
They tend to suffer the most severe injuries, but they’re not entitled to no-fault, personal injury protection (PIP) benefits that are available to injured motorists and bicycles. This makes it difficult for motorcyclists to get the compensation they need and deserve to cover damages and medical bills following an accident.
An experienced attorney can establish fault in an accident, hold negligent drivers responsible, and negotiate with insurance companies for a proper payout to cover a victim’s losses.
The expert motorcycle accident attorneys at Steinger, Greene & Feiner have handled countless motorcycle accident claims, bringing them to court if necessary. We understand the hazards motorcyclists face in Boston and how Massachusetts laws affect their ability to collect compensation. We’re dedicated to fighting for your rights as a motorcyclist on Boston roads.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Boston
Motorcycle accidents are most often the result of another driver’s negligence.
Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:
- Cutting off a motorcyclist at an intersection
- Failing to yield
- Following too closely
- Swerving in front of a motorcyclist
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Boston
Get Medical Attention
If you’re involved in an accident, you should be evaluated by a doctor, whether you think you’re injured or not. You should inform the doctor that you’ve been in a motorcycle accident and be checked for head injuries or internal injuries.
Contact a Boston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
An experienced lawyer will protect your interests after an accident, while authorities and insurance companies are investigating. Your lawyer will advocate for you and your rights throughout the process and ensure that negligent parties are held accountable.
Additionally, medical bills will likely not be the only expenses you have. If you have to take off work, you’ll need to seek compensation for lost wages and potentially, loss of earning capacity and future medical expenses. A lawyer will estimate all the damages you have suffered and fight to recover maximum compensation.
Understanding Your Rights & Compensation
If you’re injured in an accident, you have the right to hold the at-fault parties responsible. If necessary, you and your lawyer can take your case to court, prove liability, and have the judge award damages paid by the at-fault driver and their insurance company. To receive compensation, you must prove that the other driver was “liable,” which can be affected by Massachusetts helmet laws.
To prove that a driver is responsible for a motorcycle accident, you must show four elements of “negligence”:
- The defendant owed a duty to the victim/plaintiff
- The other driver did not fulfill this duty
- The plaintiff’s injuries were caused by the driver’s breach of duty
- The victim suffered losses because of the injuries sustained in the accident
Proving “negligence” doesn’t mean you have to show that the driver intended to cause an accident. You just need to show that they engaged in reckless behavior while driving, like speeding, texting, or failing to signal before turning. Other behavior that doesn’t necessarily violate traffic laws can still show a “breach of duty.” This includes being occupied with screens and vehicle controls or a passenger.
In many cases, the driver who hit you will try to claim that they’re not solely at fault and that your actions played a role in the accident. Your lawyer will fight against baseless arguments to protect your rights.
However, if the at-fault driver is able to prove that you are partially responsible, by violating traffic laws or making other mistakes while operating your motorcycle, the court may agree and reduce the amount of damages you can receive. This is the concept of comparative negligence. For example, if you are found to be 50% liable for the accident, your damages will be reduced by 50%.
The amount of compensation you can receive depends on your overall losses. Injuries from motorcycle accidents are typically very severe and long-lasting, which increases the amount of damages you can claim. Your current medical care, future medical care, lost wages, loss of ability to work, and more, will be factored into your claim. For victims facing permanent injuries or disabilities, potential compensation can be very high.
Here are some common recoverable damages:
- Lost wages during your recovery
- Loss of earning capacity (future lost wages)
- Medical bills from emergency treatment, rehabilitation, ongoing care needs, and other costs
- Childcare expenses
- Medical Transportation
- Loss of consortium
- Other economic damages
- Damages for physical pain
- Damages for mental suffering
- Damages for emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Other non-economic damages
Navigating Massachusetts Motorcycle Laws
One law that is highly relevant to motorcycle accident claims is the Massachusetts helmet law. Enacted in 1967, this law states that any person who operates a motorcycle or is a passenger on one must wear protective headgear that meets the minimum safety requirements established by the Commonwealth.
Based on the comparative negligence standard, failing to wear a helmet can reduce the amount of compensation you’re able to receive after an accident. This is because not wearing a helmet can greatly increase the severity of your injuries.
For example, a victim who suffered a head injury because they did not wear a helmet can potentially be found 50% liable for the injury. You can still recover compensation if you are found to be 50% at fault, but if you are found more than 50% at fault, no damages will be awarded.
Massachusetts insurance laws also come into play when filing a claim after a motorcycle accident. The state requires that all auto insurance policyholders carry a minimum amount of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP covers the cost of medical bills, lost wages, and funeral expenses up to a certain amount for those who are insured, regardless of fault.
However, insurers are not required to provide PIP coverage in policies covering motorcycles. This means the rider or passenger of a motorcycle will most likely not be able to collect PIP coverage in the event of an accident. To protect themselves, motorcyclists should carry adequate health insurance and also look into other forms of coverage. A motorcyclist who is at fault for an accident may be personally liable to cover the costs of a passenger’s injury.
When motorcyclists are not at fault for an accident, they need to collect compensation from the at-fault driver and their insurance company. To do so, they must establish negligence on the part of the other driver. Hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney is the best way to protect your interests as a motorcyclist and receive compensation when another person causes an accident. Insurers often try to pressure victims into accepting low-ball settlements immediately after accidents and having an attorney by your side gives you leverage in negotiations with insurance companies.
Building Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
First, a Boston motorcycle accident lawyer will help make sure you receive the medical care you need, and that the bills for it are covered and submitted in a timely fashion. They will also create an accurate estimate of the damages you have suffered, taking into consideration physical injuries, emotional pain, lost wages, and more. You should discuss the particulars of any damages you may be able to claim with your lawyer. Every case is different, and you should never rely on standard descriptions of damages to tell you what you can claim.
You should also avoid allowing insurance companies or the at-fault driver to tell you what your case is worth. Your lawyer will determine this information and prevent you from being pressured into accepting a settlement that is less than you deserve.
In addition to the estimation of your losses, an attorney will use all relevant evidence to build your claim. This includes bringing in medical experts to analyze how the accident is directly related to your injuries, accident reconstruction teams to gather evidence from the accident scene, and any other experts who can help build a compelling case.
How a Boston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Working with an attorney after a motorcycle accident allows you to focus on your recovery. At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we’re available around the clock to answer any questions you have and keep you updated on the status of your case. We make sure you know your rights and fight for the best possible results for your case.
You should know that you must file a personal injury claim within three years from the date of your accident, which is the statute of limitations in Massachusetts. If you don’t file within this period, you will be barred from recovering damages for your injuries, even if someone else was at fault for the accident. There are some exceptions to the statute of limitations that can affect the deadline, so you should contact a lawyer to discuss the timeline for your particular case. A lawyer will inform you of all your legal options and avenues to pursue compensation.
Client Testimonials
Our former clients reported complete satisfaction with how we’ve handled their cases. Hear why Steinger, Greene & Feiner is the #1 personal injury attorney in Boston.
Client Testimonials
1645 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard #900, West Palm Beach
-
I hired them around 5 months ago, and I do not regret it at all. They are super responsive, communicative, and trustworthy. I will hired them again without hesitation. I really appreciate what attorney Michael E Glazer and his paralegal … More Lillian Perez did in my case -
I was very pleased with my Attorney. He was very attentive to my case and made sure that I understood what was going on every step of the way. If I had any questions he always answered them and made sure that I understood everything. I … More would highly recommend him to anyone that is in need of an attorney.
-
I highly recommend JEREMY LARA at Steinger, Greene, and Feiner at the San Antonio, TX office. After being told by another law firm that I had no case and feeling disheartened, I turned to Steinger, Greene, and Feiner for a second opinion. … More From the very beginning, Mr. Lara was professional, compassionate, and dedicated to seeking justice on my behalf.I not only won my case but also received a settlement that exceeded my expectations. I am incredibly grateful for their exceptional legal representation and would highly recommend them to anyone seeking outstanding legal services.Thank you, Steinger, Greene, and Feiner for your professionalism, expertise, and outstanding results!L. Garza Family
Choosing the Right Boston Motorcycle Accident Attorney
To get the best outcome for your motorcycle accident case, you should choose an attorney who has a proven track record of securing victims’ maximum compensation and winning cases in court. Our attorneys hold years of experience bringing motorcycle accident claims against negligent drivers, and we’re dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you don’t pay us anything until we win your case.
Let Our Lawyers Help With Your Motorcycle Accident Case in Boston
If you were injured in a Boston motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Motorcyclists are among the least protected motorists on the road, and potential injuries are not covered by PIP. Instead of worrying about getting the compensation you deserve, contact an experienced Boston motorcycle accident lawyer.
At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we will prove the negligence of the other driver and handle all negotiations with insurance to get you the compensation you need to cover all of your losses, present and future.
Contact us for a free, no-obligation case consultation today.