MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Every year, motorcyclists are either severely or fatally injured by irresponsible drivers. What's worse, motorcycle injuries are almost always more severe than other motor vehicle accidents. With such high stakes and complicated laws, it is easy to make mistakes in the personal injury claim process. And, although insurance companies may offer you a settlement, it is nowhere near what you deserve.
Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer is the best way to prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of you in such a difficult time.
Snook Law Office Understands the Challenges Motorcyclists Face
We understand the freedom and the dangers that come with riding a motorcycle. Attorney Douglas Snook is a motorcycle enthusiast who brings his personal and professional experience to representing his clients.
As a motorcycle accident lawyer, he knows that injured motorcyclists face unique and very difficult challenges that create unnecessary obstacles to getting the compensation they deserve, including:
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Unique Laws: Motorcyclists in Massachusetts must comply with unique state laws, including laws regarding minimum insurance, protective gear, and behavior on the road.
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Increased Dangers and Higher Claims: Motorcyclists face additional dangers on the road that can lead to catastrophic injuries. Due to their being completely exposed, motorcycle accident injuries are usually much more severe than the average car accident injury. This increases the complexity of the case as other motorists may not have enough coverage, or insurance company may try harder to deny any claims.
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Bias Against Motorcyclists: Motorcyclists also often face unwarranted biases from first responders and in court. Motorcyclists are stereotyped as reckless and irresponsible. This can lead to unfairness in the claims process.
As a seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer, Attorney Snook knows the stakes are high and he will face these unique challenges for you. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure maximum compensation from those responsible.
Massachusetts Motorcycle Laws
Licensing & Mandatory Rider Education
If you would like to operate a motorcycle, you must obtain a motorcycle license (Class M). Before obtaining a license, however, you must first obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit. Learner’s permits are obtained through the Massachusetts DMV. For more information about how to obtain a permit, visit Mass.gov’s Motorcycle learner’s permit page.
Once you have obtained your learner’s permit, you can apply for a motorcycle license. All motorcyclists under the age of 18 must complete rider education. If you are over the age of 18, you have two options to obtain your motorcycle license: either complete Motorcycle Rider Education Program (MREP) or a road test.
Motorcyclists Must Wear Helmets
Wearing a helmet is mandatory in Massachusetts pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 90, Section 7 since it substantially reduces the risk of head injury and death. If the helmet does not have a windshield, riders must wear protective eye gear.
No Lane-Splitting
Lane splitting, which is the practice of riding between two lanes to pass along-side other vehicles moving in the same direction, is prohibited in Massachusetts. (M.G.L. Chapter 89, Section 4A)
Mandatory Motorcyclist Insurance
Motorcyclists in Massachusetts must purchase specific insurance. Their plan must include:
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liability insurance (minimum coverage: $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident);
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personal injury protection (minimum coverage: $8,000); and
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property damage coverage (minimum coverage per accident: $5,000).
These laws can have a large impact on your claim depending on the circumstances. A Motorcycle accident lawyer will be well versed in these other laws specific to motorcyclists.
Motorcyclists Face Increased Dangers on the Road
The Motorcycle Accident Statistics on motorcycle accidents are sobering. Consider these facts from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about the risks of motorcycle riding:
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1 in 7 of all traffic fatalities are motorcycle riders and passengers
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You are 35 times more likely to be killed in a crash than if you were an occupant in a passenger vehicle
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At least 80% of motorcycle accidents result in an injury to the rider or passenger
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Motorcycle passengers face an even greater risk of sustaining a fatal injury than the rider
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60% of motorcycle accidents occur at night
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Massachusetts averages around 46 motorcycle fatalities each year
Even though helmets are mandatory in Massachusetts, in any collision, you are practically guaranteed to be ejected from your seat where you will either contact the road at a high speed; collide with another vehicle, median, tree, or other objects; or suffer a crush injury if you do manage to stay with your bike.
Survivors often suffer permanent and debilitating injuries to their face, limbs, or torso if not a traumatic brain injury.
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Factors in Motorcycle Accidents
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Intoxicated motorists
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Distracted motorists
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Slippery road conditions
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Excessive speeds
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Failure to see a motorcycle in blind spots resulting in unsafe lane change
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A sudden stop by motorists with a motorcycle in front of them
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Defective road maintenance or design
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Equipment failure
Motorcyclists Face Unfair Biases
In many motorcycle accidents, the issues are different from those found in typical car accidents. Your motorcycle accident lawyer may have to deal with biased and skeptical traffic officers and insurance adjusters. It is not unusual for your attorney to retain an expert in motorcycle accident reconstruction to prove liability.
You will also need a seasoned and experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who can document and support the serious nature and extent of your injuries, the reasonableness of your medical expenses and care, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
Let our experienced team fight for you!
Contact our office today for a Free Consultation.