motocycle
Boston Motorcycle Accidents

Boston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

The legal support you need after a motorcycle accident in Massachusetts

Motorcycle accidents often cause life-altering or even fatal injuries. Although many would argue that motorcyclists engage in risky behaviors on the road, the truth is these accidents are most often caused by negligent motorists. And a motorcyclist with little to no protection is no match for a traditional passenger car or truck. If you or a loved one are injured while out on your motorcycle, make no mistake – the medical bills are going to be high.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to find a lawyer with strong experience representing other motorcyclists. The Boston lawyers at Breakstone, White & Gluck have over 100 years combined experience representing riders who have been injured across Massachusetts. In recent years, our attorneys have settled cases for $3.75 million, $3.5 million and $1.25 million. Get in touch with us today to learn your rights during a free and personalized consultation.

Common questions from injury clients

How do motorcycle accidents happen?

The majority of motorcycle accidents involve a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle. Drivers are accustomed to looking for other cars and trucks on the road, but they do not always watch out for motorcyclists in the same way. Accidents can result when drivers overcrowd motorcyclists, speed or cross the vehicle lane. Drivers can injure a motorcyclist by crashing into their bike or by operating in a negligent manner causing a fall or crash, even if there is no contact with the motorcycle. Distracted driving, cell phone use, and texting while driving by motorists also lead to many motorcycle accidents.

While motorcyclists travel the same roads as other drivers and follow most of the same regulations, they still suffer a disproportionate number of the accidents and injuries in Boston and throughout the country. In Massachusetts, 52 people died in motorcycle accidents in 2020. Motorcycle accidents can be traumatic, both physically and emotionally. Those who are injured may face long hospital stays and months of medical treatment.

What are the most common types of motorcycle accidents?

A collision between a car and a motorcycle running at high speeds usually results in a catastrophe. The most common causes of these crashes include:

  • Encountering a Negligent Driver. The culprit of most road accidents involving motorcycles versus cars is the car driver’s negligence. When a car driver fails to exercise caution on the road, everyone is at risk, especially motorcycle riders. They are more likely to die or experience a debilitating injury than car drivers and their passengers.
  • Failing to Yield the Right-of-Way. Accidents between cars and motorcycles frequently occur in road intersections. Hence, all drivers must proceed with caution at an intersection, especially if you are behind handlebars because you are more at risk of sustaining severe injuries. Usually, a collision happens because cars making a left turn at an intersection fail to yield the right-of-way.
  • Forgetting to Factor in a Blind Spot. A car is a big machine. Despite the rearview and side mirrors, there are too many blind spots in a vehicle. For example, a car driver may fail to see a smaller motorcycle near the car’s periphery. This makes changing lanes dangerous for the one on the bike.
  • Facing a Poor Speed or Distance Perception. It is common to incorrectly judge the distance or speed of a motorbike. As a result, many drivers pull out in front of the bike. They should wait for any motorcycle to pass before entering any street.
  • Dealing with Distracted Drivers. Distracted driving is an endemic problem because drivers cannot resist looking at their smartphones while on the road. Using a smartphone while on the wheel is as dangerous as driving under the influence.
  • Driving Under the Influence. Drinking and driving has been a problem since time immemorial. Unfortunately, despite the public safety advertisements and other campaigns, many irresponsible people keep drinking and driving.
  • Driving When Drowsy or Exhausted. Driving when you are sleepy, drowsy, and exhausted is irresponsible. It is akin to driving under the influence. When you are sleepy, your judgment is impaired. As a result, your reaction time may be reduced or you can drift into another lane and hit a motorbike.

Every time you ride your motorcycle, you must be extra vigilant and stay mindful of your surroundings at all times. Although you have no way of knowing if the driver next to you is tired or had a few shots, staying alert can help you react to situations and avoid accidents.

It only takes a split second to change your life. Remember: reckless drivers, are everywhere. Even if you are the most cautious motorcycle rider who practices defensive driving, you can still encounter a negligent car driver on the road.

How can your Boston motorcycle accident attorneys help?

Consider working with an experienced attorney if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident. An attorney can review the facts of your case with you and explain your right to recover compensation for your injuries. If you have a potential claim, our motorcycle crash law firm can start to investigate and gather the evidence needed to prove your case.

We relentlessly represent our clients. Our motorcycle accident lawyers will thoroughly review all the available motor vehicle insurance coverages, including the at-fault driver’s policy, as well as your own. We will gather the evidence to secure the maximum award possible. Whatever led to your motorcycle crash, our attorneys will work closely with you and review your short- and long-term medical and financial needs.

At Breakstone, White & Gluck, our attorneys work to settle personal injury cases out of court when possible, but we prepare every case as if it will go to trial.

In Massachusetts, motorcycle accident victims have a three-year statute of limitations to file a negligence lawsuit against responsible parties. To allow time to prepare and negotiate the best case, however, contact our offices as soon as possible.

Our record of successful results

Breakstone, White & Gluck has obtained several major awards for injured motorcyclists:

Check out some kind words from our clients on our Testimonials page.

Katelyn Ludwig

"I knew that Ron had my best interests at heart, and that I could trust him to help me make the right decision."

What are Boston motorcycle accident injuries?

Injuries from motorcycle crashes tend to be severe or fatal, due to a biker’s lack of protection. Without a metal frame or safety features like airbags, motorcyclists are vulnerable to serious physical trauma, including:

  • Bone fractures and breaks
  • Head injuries
  • Internal injuries and organ damage
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Broken ribs and injuries to the chest

Is lane-splitting legal in Massachusetts?

Lane splitting is riding between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. Usually, this is done by a motorcycle, but it could also be done by a bicycle. Instead of riding in one lane, the motorcyclist rides on the white or yellow line dividing two lanes of traffic.

Why do motorcyclists do this? Mostly, they split lanes to pass slow-moving traffic. Rather than having to wait behind a long line of cars, especially if traffic is crawling along, they can move to the front. It’s also easier for motorcyclists to ride this way. Stopping and starting in traffic is much more work for a motorcyclist than for the driver of a car. It’s preferable for them to keep moving so they don’t have to throttle down, stop, put their feet down, and start moving all over again.

As easy as splitting lanes may be for motorcycle enthusiasts, it is definitely not legal on the roadways of Massachusetts. The state forbids lane splitting in M.G.L. c. 89, Sec. 4A which states that motorcyclists must ride entirely in a single lane on any road with two or more lanes. Drivers cannot deviate from their lanes until they check to make sure it is safe to do so.

In Massachusetts, motorcyclists may not use the same lane to pass other vehicles, nor may they split lanes. They must pass in a single file. The only time they can share a lane with another motor vehicle is when they ride next to another motorcycle.

motorcycle-rider

Are motorcycle helmets mandatory in Massachusetts?

Yes, you must wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle in Boston and throughout the rest of the state. Your passenger must also wear a helmet. Read the full law here.

What should I do after a Boston motorcycle accident?

Many times, motorcycle accidents result in a rider leaving the scene in an ambulance. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and have not visited the hospital emergency room, you should seek immediate medical attention, even if you do not believe you have been seriously injured. The emergency room staff will evaluate you for broken bones, concussions and internal injuries, and will document any injuries you sustained.

What is the value of my Boston motorcycle accident claim?

If you are injured while riding your motorcycle and another driver is at fault, you may be entitled to damages for:

  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Medical expenses
  • Scarring
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Punitive damages, when applicable (in wrongful death cases)

In Massachusetts, motorcyclists are not entitled to receive no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits under the law. This is one of the first and most basic types of benefits provided to car and bicycle accident victims in Massachusetts and they are provided regardless of fault. This absence of benefits and the severity of injuries motorcyclists often suffer make it critical to contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer immediately following a crash.

Do you have a motorcycle accident injury attorney near me?

Breakstone, White & Gluck has an office in Boston at 2 Center Plaza #530 in Government Center. We’re within walking distance of the John Adams Courthouse and Suffolk County Superior Court. There’s a parking garage in the building. The MBTA Green Line and Blue Line are right across the street at the Government Center T station, and there’s a bus stop almost in front of our office. If you are unable to travel because of your injuries, we can arrange a phone or video conference, or a hospital visit.

Center Plaza

Boston motorcycle accident lawyers representing clients throughout Massachusetts

Motorcycle accidents almost always result in serious injury and work disability, along with significant property damage. After a motorcycle accident, it is vital that you act immediately to protect your legal rights. The attorneys at Breakstone, White & Gluck won’t back down and will fight to secure you the compensation you deserve. To set up a free consultation in our Boston office, call us or fill out our contact form.

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