Drinking and Driving a Motorcycle in MA
Motor Vehicle Collision Attorneys Serving Boston and Surrounding Cities
Drinking and driving a motorcycle is just as dangerous as operating a regular passenger vehicle while intoxicated. The alcohol impairs many of the rider’s faculties and may lead him or her to make poor decisions that compromise his or her safety, a passenger’s safety, or the safety of other people around him or her, such as pedestrians. At Breakstone, White & Gluck, our Boston motorcycle accident lawyers pride ourselves on ensuring that victims who are injured as a result of another person’s negligence receive the treatment that they deserve. If you were injured in an accident involving a drunk motorcycle operator, you probably have many questions regarding your rights and whether you may be able to seek compensation. We have the experience that it takes to hold a negligent individual responsible for your injuries.
Understanding the Dangers of Drinking and Driving a Motorcycle
The number of motorcycle riders who are injured in alcohol and drug-related accidents has increased steadily in recent decades. There are many different reasons why driving a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs can create serious dangers and lead to accidents. When an intoxicated rider takes to the road, he or she may not even be aware that he or she is intoxicated. The injuries that result from a drinking and or drug-related motorcycle crash can be devastating. They often happen suddenly and without warning. Many motorcycle collisions happen in intersections or other places where one driver must yield the right-of-way. If a motorcyclist is too intoxicated to see a red light or stop sign, he or she will likely proceed into the intersection and cause a collision.
Motorcycles are much smaller in stature than passenger vehicles, which makes them more difficult to see in some instances. This can be even more of a contributing factor when the rider is intoxicated and navigating through roadways or areas where other drivers would not normally anticipate seeing a motorcycle. In some unfortunate circumstances, drinking and driving a motorcycle can result in a fatality, especially when a T-bone collision is involved, or when a motorist swerves out of the way to avoid a motorcyclist.
Determining Liability for a Motorcycle Accident
If you were injured in an accident involving an intoxicated motorcycle operator, such as if you were a passenger or a pedestrian, you may be able to bring a claim against the individual responsible for your injuries to recover compensation. Having a seasoned accident attorney on your side can help you gather evidence and negotiate with insurance companies, which may not always have your best interests in mind. If you decide to proceed with a lawsuit, your lawyer must prove that the defendant failed to use due care at the time of the incident and that this failure was the direct cause of your injuries. In general, the standard of care requires people to use reasonable care and skill when operating a vehicle and to refrain from engaging in activities that would place others at unreasonable risk, such as drinking and or using drugs and driving a motorcycle.
After establishing that the defendant did not use adequate care at the time of the crash, your attorney must prove that this failure was the cause of your injuries. If we are able to prove causation, the focus of the dispute will turn to determining how much compensation you are entitled to receive. Common categories of recovery include past and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and lost earning capacity.
Contact a Knowledgeable Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in the Boston Area
Drunk driving accidents are common and can lead to life-changing injuries. If you were harmed as a result of an intoxicated motorcycle rider, you may be eligible for compensation. Knowing how to protect your rights is often challenging, especially if you are suffering from painful injuries and serious disruptions to your daily life. Our personal injury lawyers are ready to help you explore your legal options. We proudly represent people in Boston, Cambridge, Waltham, Lowell, Newton, Somerville, Quincy, Dedham, Norwood, Brookline, Attleboro, Barnstable, Brockton, Plymouth, Worcester, Lawrence, and Springfield, among other Massachusetts cities. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 1-800-379-1244 or contact us online.