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Riding a motorcycle can be a great way to explore Boston. However, bikers have fewer protections than drivers and are at a higher risk of injuries in accidents.
Sometimes, no matter how safe you are while riding your motorcycle, someone else may neglect their duty to care for your safety. If you suffered injuries due to another person’s careless actions, our Boston motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help.
In our 45 years of experience, we have helped motorcycle victims seek justice and receive the compensation they deserve.
We take a compassionate and personalized approach to every claim, creating a unique plan based on your needs and goals. Our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys handle every aspect of your claim, so you can focus on recovery instead of worrying about the complicated legal process.
We offer a free consultation to all potential clients, during which we listen to your story and determine the best path to secure a fair settlement. To schedule yours, call (617) 391-9001 or fill out our contact form.
After a motorcycle accident, you may feel overwhelmed and stressed as you consider your next steps in the days and weeks following the incident. While it is also important that you begin to consider your legal options, your recovery should be your top priority. However, this can be difficult if you attempt to handle your claim yourself. For that reason, it is important that you know you never have to go through the Massachusetts personal injury claims process on your own. Our Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers give you the best chance of achieving a successful outcome by managing every aspect of your motorcycle accident claim, including the following:
Our Boston motorcycle accident lawyers also help you file your claim on time, adhering to all of the timelines set by Massachusetts personal injury laws. Massachusetts law only gives victims three years to file a personal injury claim from the date the incident occurred. This may seem like a lot of time, but the process can be complicated, and your recovery can be extensive.
With our unmatched legal services and efficient approach, we file your claim swiftly so that you can receive compensation as soon as possible.
Furthermore, contacting a Boston motorcycle accident lawyer allows you to take advantage of your opportunity to defend your rights and achieve a fair settlement.
In the moments following a motorcycle accident, you may feel devastated as you assess the injuries and losses you have suffered. While you may be experiencing feelings of confusion and hopelessness, it is important that you know you are not alone.
Following a motorcycle accident, there are several resources available to individuals who are dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident. Aside from the medical care you will need to recover from your injuries, you may also require help recovering from emotional trauma as well. The resources can help you get back on your feet and back to your regular, day-to-day life quicker as you go through the process of filing your claim and pursuing justice.
The resources available to Boston motorcycle accident victims include any of the following:
In addition to the above listed resources, one invaluable resource that can help you throughout the process of healing and pursuing justice for your injuries is to retain the legal counsel of a trusted attorney from Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers. Our team of trusted lawyers have extensive experience handling various types of personal injury claims, including those involving motorcycle accidents in Boston, Massachusetts. Because of this, we have the empathy and experienced understanding to provide you with personalized legal care and guidance every step of the way.
Motorcycles are one of the most popular modes of transportations amongst motor vehicle users. Often drawing in riders due to the exhilarating experience that comes with driving a motorcycle through the scenic roads of Boston, these motor vehicles may be enjoyable, but there are still inherent risks associated with riding one. Aside from the fact that motorcycles provide significantly less protection to riders than cars or trucks, these vehicles may bring about other dangers if the motorcycle malfunctions or if another driver does not notice the smaller vehicle. Unfortunately, these factors, along with many others, make motorcycle accidents in Boston, Massachusetts much more common than one would hope.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data shows that 5,932 were killed in motorcycle accidents across the United States in 2021, which contributed to 14% of all traffic fatalities for the year and was also an 8% increase from 2020. This was the highest recorded number of motorcycle fatalities since 1975. In addition to that, an estimated 82,686 motorcyclists were injured in 2021, which was a 5% increase from 2020.
Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to be killed in a crash when compared with occupants in passenger vehicles. Nationwide, the fatality rate for motorcyclists is approximately 57.52 per every 100,000 registered motorcycles. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Boston, you do not have to go through the claims process alone. Our team of trusted motorcycle accidents will help guide you through every step as you pursue the justice you are owed.
As a driver, you have probably been told to drive safely more times than you can count. However, driving safely is not the only thing in your power to protect you when riding your motorcycle. The reality is that while you may be driving safe, other drivers or parties may be acting negligently while out on the roads. As a result of their negligent actions, they may cause an accident that can leave you seriously injured.
To ensure you are doing everything in your power to protect yourself while riding a motorcycle, there are several tips you can follow. These motorcycle safety tips are as follows:
Anytime an individual operates a motor vehicle of any kind, it is crucial that they keep in mind it is a privilege and not a right. No matter how experienced one may be, operating their vehicle with the utmost level of care and respect to other drivers is crucial. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident despite doing everything in your power to be as safe as possible, it is crucial that you work with one of our trusted legal professionals to help you achieve the justice you deserve for the injuries and losses you have suffered.
After you suffer harm due to a motorcycle accident, you may feel unsure of what your next steps should be in the moments, days, weeks, and even months after the crash. To mitigate any stress you may be feeling following your motorcycle crash, our team of legal professionals can help guide you through the steps you should take to ensure your overall health and well-being.
The steps to take after a Boston motorcycle accident are as follows:
Immediately following a motorcycle accident in Boston, Massachusetts, it is crucial you first check yourself and any passengers for serious injuries and safely exit the vehicle if you are able to do so.
You should never assume that someone else will call law enforcement. If you are able to do so, you should immediately call the police and emergency services to the scene of the accident. This is not only important for your own safety, it is also crucial to document that an accident occurred when you file your motorcycle accident claim.
Photos and videos are some of the most reliable forms of evidence for a motorcycle accident claim. Once it is safe to do so, you should take photos and videos of any visible injuries you or a passenger have suffered, damage to your motorcycle or other property, and obvious signs of the accident like skidmarks on the road or bent signs from the crash.
If there were witnesses to the accident, you should request their brief statement of what they say occurred along with their name and contact details. You may also request security footage that may have captured the accident if there were any buildings nearby with cameras.
It is crucial that you file an accident report after you have been harmed in a motorcycle accident in Boston. This report will allow you to provide your recollection of events on the day of the accident. This document will be a crucial piece of evidence when it comes to helping you build a strong motorcycle injury case.
Even if you believe you were not badly injured in the accident, you should always seek medical care after a motorcycle crash. Sometimes your symptoms may not immediately appear if you suffered internal injuries or are going through shock. For this reason, along with also having a record that the accident directly affected your health and caused your injuries, it is vital that you see a medical professional after a Boston motorcycle crash.
One of the most important steps following a motorcycle accident is to contact a trusted Boston lawyer. While you may be solely focused on your recovery, it is crucial you begin the motorcycle accident claims process as soon as possible. Our team of legal professionals will provide you with trusted and dedicated representation as we help you fight for the justice you are owed after a negligent party caused the motorcycle collision that left you with injuries and losses.
While there is extensive info regarding motorcycle accident statistics above, you may be wondering about those same statistics for the entire state of Massachusetts. Unfortunately, as is the case with the city of Boston, the state of Massachusetts sees much more motorcycle crashes than one would hope. This is commonly due to the negligence of other drivers or party’s that failed to uphold the duty of care owed to the victim of the crash.
According to crash data published by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, there were a total of 1,731 motorcycle accidents in the Commonwealth in 2019.
That included:
In 2020 despite the fact that the nation was essentially shut down because of a pandemic, there were still 1,644 motorcycle accidents in Massachusetts. After being injured in a damaging motorcycle accident, it is crucial you know that you have options to pursue legal action against the liable party and get the fair compensation you are owed for your motorcycle accident injuries and losses.
Finally, Mass.gov reports that there have been over 50,000 motor vehicle accidents in Massachusetts in 2024 to date, with 410 of them involving at least one motorcyclist.
Motorcycle accidents can be highly damaging to victims. This is often due to the fact that motorcycles offer little protection for riders and passengers. Aside from the safety gear you wear, if you are hit and thrown from the motorcycle, there is nothing to stop you or protect you from the impact of the accident. As a result, many victims of Boston motorcycle accidents suffer serious injuries and losses and may incur costly expenses as a result of their recovery journey.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle wreck that someone else caused, you’re entitled to financial compensation for your out-of-pocket costs and inconvenience. The exact amount will vary from case to case, but you may be entitled to compensation for:
The insurance company might put a settlement check on the table quickly after your accident. If this happens, be suspicious. While getting money in your pocket right away is appealing, you might be settling for far less than what your case is worth. Insurance companies bank on the fact that motor vehicle accident victims need cash now.
By accepting without legal advice, you’re letting the insurance company decide what your injuries are worth. Instead, you can take action and call Sweeney Merrigan Law for help. When you hire us, we bring in experts who can find out what your case is really worth. Our trusted team of legal professionals will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you are able to pursue the maximum possible settlement for your motorcycle accident case. Even better? We work on a contingency basis, so you don’t have to worry about paying us anything up front. Just give us a call today to learn more about establishing an attorney-client relationship.
When beginning the process of filing your motorcycle accident case, you may wonder what your first steps should be as you pursue justice. Determining fault is a crucial aspect of securing compensation for your motorcycle accident. You must be able to attribute fault to the party whose negligence caused your accident through a solid claim strengthened by evidence. In a motorcycle collision, there are many different parties who could be held liable for your injuries and losses. These parties may include any of the following:
Once the liable party has been identified, the next step that one of our trusted attorneys will take is to prove their liability. As the plaintiff, you bear the burden of proving that the other party was acting negligently at the time of the accident. To prove liability, your lawyer must collect proof of the four factors of negligence. The four factors of negligence are as follows:
If these four requirements are met, they will likely be found at fault and liable for your losses. Unfortunately, fault determination can be a complex and lengthy process. It could involve multiple liable parties, and gathering sufficient evidence such as testimonies, photos, witness statements, and reports can require significant skill and foresight.
Experienced Boston motorcycle accident lawyers can be a helpful resource. They may have the knowledge and resources necessary to help you gather evidence, build a claim that will effectively establish liability, and secure the highest possible settlement for you. Reach out to our team of knowledgeable lawyers today to begin the process of identifying the liable party in your case.
The value of a motorcycle accident claim is determined by numerous factors related to the damages the plaintiff has suffered. In a personal injury case, your losses are usually divided into economic and non-economic damages. An experienced Boston motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to estimate the value of your claim by evaluating these damages and the influence of other crucial factors.
Economic damages, also known as special damages, are essentially the victim’s financial losses with an exact dollar value, like lost wages and medical expenses incurred due to the accident. Economic damages can also include losses such as:
At Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers, our team of motorcycle accident attorneys can help you prove these damages by gathering evidence like quotes, medical bills, and pay stubs.
Non-economic damages, sometimes called general damages, typically refer to losses that don’t have an exact monetary value, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Our experienced lawyers understand how to calculate these damages and accurately determine your claim’s worth. One way we do this is by having you journal how your injuries make you feel, the appointments you attend each day, and other ways your life has changed since the accident. This helps convey these more abstract damages and prove their existence.
If the at-fault driver was acting with malicious intent, the court might award you punitive damages to penalize the defendant for their recklessness. These damages serve as a punishment for the liable party instead of a reward for the victim. While you cannot request these damages, we can collect evidence that proves the negligent party acted maliciously.
It’s also crucial to note that Massachusetts uses a modified comparative negligence system when awarding damages in motorcycle accident claims. Each party receives a percentage of fault for the accident, which gets deducted from their damages. With this system, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, those with over 51% of the responsibility cannot collect damages.
For example, if your claim is worth $100,000, and you are 20% at fault for veering slightly into another lane, you will receive $80,000 for your injuries. Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to assign victims an unfair fault percentage so that they don’t have to give them the compensation they deserve. We are familiar with these tactics and know how to fight back to protect your rights and achieve a fair settlement. Reach out to our Boston law firm as soon as possible to learn more about how we can help you recover the compensation you are owed.
Some victims who have been injured in a motorcycle accident may be more focused on their recovery period and not as focused on the legal processes necessary to get justice. However, filing your personal injury claim after a Boston motorcycle accident case does not have to be as stressful as you may think it will be.
When you exercise your legal right to file a personal injury claim after being injured in an accident caused by a negligent party, you have the right to pursue compensation for the losses you have suffered at the hands of their reckless actions. When you work with a trusted legal professional like one of our Boston motorcycle accident lawyers, we have the skills and experience to guide you through the legal process as quickly and stress-free as possible.
After a motorcycle accident occurs, one of the first things our team of trusted lawyers will review in your case is who is at fault for the crash and your injuries. There are some cases in which the victim of a motorcycle collision could bear some of the liability for the crash. If you believe you may hold some liability for the motorcycle accident that has left you injured, it is crucial you understand how the state’s laws on shared fault may impact your motorcycle accident case. Massachusetts follows modified comparative negligence rules. Sharing fault doesn’t automatically disqualify you from recovering compensation. However, you will lose your right to compensation entirely if you’re found to be 51% or more “at-fault” for the crash.
Even if you only played a minor role in the accident, your damages award can be reduced in proportion to your share of the blame. Say you were found to be 20% responsible. A $100,000 compensation award can be reduced by 20%, to $80,000. Insurance companies know this. They’ll try to blame you for causing the accident or making your injuries worse. For example, they might argue that your helmet did not comply with state helmet laws. They might even try to accuse you of lane splitting, which remains illegal under Massachusetts law.
Our Boston personal injury lawyers at Sweeney Merrigan Law are familiar with these tactics. We know how to fight back and protect your right to fair compensation. We will launch a full investigation into the details of what occurred and apply any key evidence that may help us determine how fault should be split when you bear some of the liability for the crash. Our goal is to ensure you are able to achieve justice.
Motorcyclists make up less than 4% of all registered vehicles in the United States, but they make up approximately 14% of traffic deaths. You’re over 28 times more likely to be in a fatal crash on a motorcycle than in a passenger car. While human negligence is often to blame for motorcycle accidents, there are various ways a crash may occur.
Many different factors can cause a motorcycle accident, some of which include:
Motorcycle accidents often occur due to the negligence of multiple parties, so it’s essential to examine every detail of the crash. Our hardworking lawyers do everything they can to discover what happened, so we can hold the liable parties accountable for their careless actions.
It is no secret that motorcycles present riders with many potential risks due to the lack of protection offered by these vehicles. As a result, it is more imperative than with other motor vehicles to utilize the safety gear available to you in order to best protect yourself in the event of a crash.
Obeying the helmet laws in Massachusetts can save lives. The state of Massachusetts requires all riders and motorcycle passengers to wear a helmet.
Unfortunately, even with proper protective gear, many motorcyclists suffer serious injuries every year.
At Sweeney Merrigan Law, LLP, our Boston motorcycle accident attorneys represent clients who have suffered:
Some motorcycle crashes are so serious that riders don’t survive these common motorcycle accident injuries. If that’s the case, our legal team can help surviving family members recover compensation for the wrongful death of a loved one.
Motorcycle accidents often happen quickly, making it challenging to determine who was at fault right away. Our experienced lawyers can help you evaluate the details of the crash to identify a liable party. Once we know whose negligence caused the accident and your injuries, we can help you gather evidence that fulfills your burden of proof. This is your responsibility as the victim filing a claim to prove that the other party was negligent.
Fault determination can be a complex and lengthy process. It could involve multiple liable parties, and gathering sufficient evidence such as testimonies, photos, witness statements, and reports can require significant skill and foresight.
When our motorcycle accident lawyers in Boston investigate your claim, we will collect all the evidence necessary to support your claim. It is our goal to provide you with the strong claim necessary to ensure the liable party is held responsible for their actions that have left you with serious injuries and losses.
Our dedicated lawyers can be helpful resources by using their knowledge and resources to build a strong claim and secure a fair settlement.
In the days and weeks following a motorcycle accident, thinking about the legal process of filing a claim may seem like a lot as you recover from your injuries. While you should take the time to receive necessary medical care and begin the recovery process, it is importantd you start the process of filing a claim as soon as possible.
It’s important not to let much time go by if you were hurt in a motorcycle accident. We know it’s a difficult time for your family, but you might lose your right to compensation if the statute of limitations runs out.
The statute of limitations puts a time limit on your right to sue for damages. Under Massachusetts law, you’re required to file your personal injury lawsuit within three years of the motorcycle accident.
Once three years are up, you’re generally barred from filing a lawsuit–even if your injuries were severe. When you work with our Boston lawyers, we will ensure that you adhere to all timelines as they relate to your motorcycle accident case.
While there are many risks that are out of our control, especially when it comes to personal injury accidents like those involving motorcycle crashes, there are some things we can do that may decrease our risk of being injured in a motorcycle accident. While these tips may not guarantee that you will not be involved in an accident, it can help you operate your vehicle in the safest possible manner.There are some key findings on increasing motorcycle safety including the following:
While these precautions can save lives, there isn’t much a motorcyclist can do about other careless drivers on the roads.
If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve top-notch representation that will handle every aspect of the legal process while you take the time to heal.
Our Boston motorcycle accident lawyers can help you do just that with our high-quality legal services Massachusetts residents have trusted for over 45 years. We have worked on all types of motorcycle accidents, so we can take on your case with passion and drive.
With professionals like Peter M. Merrigan and Kyle A. Camilleri on your side, you receive top-tier, personalized attention. We listen to your story during your free consultation to understand your unique needs and what we have to do to achieve full compensation for your injuries.
We maintain consistent and transparent communication throughout the entire process so you understand the full scope of your claim and your legal options. To schedule your complimentary case consultation, call (774) 341-5778 or fill out our contact form.
After a motorcycle accident in Boston, immediately prioritize safety by assessing injuries and moving to a safe location if possible. Call emergency services to report the accident and seek medical attention promptly, even for seemingly minor injuries.
Exchange contact and insurance information with other parties involved, document the accident scene with photos, and notify your insurance provider. Consider consulting with an attorney for guidance on your legal rights and next steps.
Recovery time from a serious motorcycle accident varies greatly depending on the severity of injuries sustained. It can range from several weeks to months or even years for complete recovery.
Factors such as the extent of physical injuries, rehabilitation needs, and individual health play significant roles in determining the duration of recovery. It’s essential for individuals to follow medical advice closely and engage in rehabilitation programs to facilitate the recovery process.
In Boston, you may still be able to recover damages after a motorcycle accident even if you weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Massachusetts follows comparative negligence laws, which means that your compensation could be reduced if your lack of helmet contributed to your injuries.
However, this doesn’t necessarily prevent you from seeking damages altogether. It’s crucial to consult with a motorcycle accident attorney familiar with Massachusetts laws to understand how helmet use may impact your case and potential compensation.
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Attorneys at Sweeney Merrigan Law, LLP have been recognized and honored by several of the top legal associations, including SuperLawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association, and Best Lawyers.
Sweeney Merrigan Law, LLP is a highly successful personal injury law firm serving Massachusetts since 2011.
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