Motorcyclists have the same rights to Massachusetts roads as any driver, but they are far more vulnerable in a crash. From the Berkshires to Cape Cod, riders face drivers who fail to yield, distracted motorists, and road hazards that would be minor in a car but catastrophic on two wheels.
The Dangers Massachusetts Riders Face
Massachusetts riding season is concentrated into the warmer months, when traffic and tourism peak. Riders contend with potholes and frost heaves left by harsh winters, sand and debris in the road, aggressive urban traffic, and drivers who simply do not look for motorcycles. The most common motorcycle crashes happen when a driver turns left across a rider's path or fails to see a motorcycle at an intersection.
Because a rider has little protection, even a low-speed collision can cause road rash, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or death. Helmets are required by Massachusetts law and save lives, but they cannot prevent every serious injury.
Overcoming Bias Against Riders
Insurance companies and even some jurors carry an unfair bias that motorcyclists are reckless. Adjusters may try to blame the rider regardless of the facts. An experienced attorney counters this bias with hard evidence — crash reconstruction, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and the at-fault driver's own admissions — to show what actually happened.
Under Massachusetts' comparative negligence rule, an insurer that can pin even part of the blame on a rider reduces what it pays. Protecting against unfair fault-shifting is one of the most important things a lawyer does in a motorcycle case.
Compensation for Massachusetts Motorcycle Injuries
Motorcycle injuries are often severe and expensive. You may recover past and future medical costs, lost income and reduced earning capacity, the cost of rehabilitation and assistive devices, motorcycle and gear damage, and non-economic damages for pain, suffering, scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life. Wrongful death damages are available when a crash is fatal.
What to Do After a Massachusetts Motorcycle Crash
Get medical attention immediately, even for injuries that seem minor. Document the scene with photos of the vehicles, the road, and your gear. Collect witness contact information and the other driver's insurance details. Avoid giving a recorded statement to the other insurer, and contact an attorney before accepting any settlement offer. Massachusetts generally allows three years to file suit, but acting quickly preserves the evidence that wins cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Massachusetts law requires helmets. Wearing one protects your health and your claim; failing to wear one can be used to reduce compensation for head injuries under the comparative negligence rule.
Often yes. Riders frequently face unfair blame. As long as you were not more than 50 percent at fault, you can recover compensation reduced by your share. An attorney can fight back against unjustified fault-shifting.
Generally three years from the date of the crash under Massachusetts law. Act sooner to preserve evidence.
Nothing upfront. Our network attorneys work on contingency — no fee unless they win compensation for you.
Injured in Massachusetts? Your free case review is one call away. Reach us at 973-566-5599 — available 24/7, no fee unless you win.