Massachusetts

Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Helping You Hold The Negligent Party Accountable For Your Injuries

Motorcycles can be a fun way to get around in Massachusetts. Whether you ride a motorcycle for recreation or it serves as your primary mode of transportation, it’s essential to be aware of the risks involved. Motorcyclists don’t have the added protections of airbags or the frame of a car. When another vehicle collides with a motorcycle, it can result in severe and debilitating injuries or fatality for the operator or any passengers. Dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle crash can be overwhelming. However, if another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you need to make sure your rights are protected and the negligent party is held accountable for your damages. Riccio Law provides aggressive representation for motorcycle accident victims and can help you recover the maximum compensation available for your injuries. Liability in Massachusetts Motorcycle AccidentsMotorcycles share the

Liability in Massachusetts Motorcycle Accidents

same roads as cars, trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles that are much larger than them. This can make motorcycle riding extremely dangerous. The impact of being hit by another vehicle while riding a motorcycle can have devastating or deadly consequences. Even if you operate your motorcycle with care and take the necessary safety precautions, accidents can still happen. Motorcycle crashes in Massachusetts can occur due to another driver’s negligence, carelessness, or recklessness. Another vehicle may collide with a motorcycle due to: SpeedingInattentivenessFailure to obey traffic signalsCell-phone use while drivingDistracted drivingFaulty brakesDriving under the influence of drugs or alcoholIf you suffered motorcycle injuries or lost a loved one due to the

  • Speeding
  • Inattentiveness
  • Failure to obey traffic signals
  • Cell-phone use while driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Faulty brakes
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation. However, determining liability in a Massachusetts motorcycle collision can be complicated. Massachusetts follows the rule of comparative negligence when it comes to motor vehicle and motorcycle accidents — your financial recovery is limited in proportion with the percentage you are found at fault for the accident. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you are barred from any recovery by law. This is why having an experienced and skillful motorcycle accident attorney on your side is essential. Fighting for Your Right to Fair CompensationA motorcycle accident can take a substantial toll on you

Fighting for Your Right to Fair Compensation

A motorcycle accident can take a substantial toll on you physically, emotionally, and financially. Since “PIP” (Personal Injury Protection) benefits generally don’t apply to injured motorcycle operators and their passengers in Massachusetts, you could incur thousands of dollars in medical bills. You may also lose time from work while you’re recovering from your injuries. Your daily life and relationships with family members can be altered forever due to a motorcycle crash. Tragically, some motorcycle accident victims are left with injuries that leave them permanently disabled and unable to return to their employment or participate in activities they once enjoyed. Filing a personal injury action in court may allow you to recover your economic and non-economic damages that resulted from the accident. Compensation for motorcycle accidents can include the costs of unreimbursed medical treatment, future medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. You may also be entitled to recover damages for emotional distress, loss of consortium, as well as pain and suffering.

Massachusetts Motorcycle Accident Injuries & Treatment

If you were in a motorcycle crash or collision, you should seek medical attention immediately. Injuries in a motorcycle accident can include broken bones, internal damage, concussion, traumatic brain injury, paralysis, road burn, and death.

Depending on their assessment of your injuries, your doctor will advise a course of treatment. Typically, this can involve X-rays, MRIs, EMG-NCVs, or other diagnostic testing. Your motorcycle accident medical treatment can also include pain medication, physical therapy or other rehabilitation, chiropractic care, hospital stays, surgeries, office visits, and medical devices. Following your doctor’s treatment guidelines is crucial to help you recover from your injuries. In addition, medical treatment and records are one of the most critical components of a motorcycle accident case.

Motorcyclists Exempt From Personal Injury Protection (PIP) In Massachusetts Under M.G.L. Ch. 90 §34M

In Massachusetts, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is mandatory on all auto insurance policies. Pursuant to M.G.L. c.90 Section 34M, PIP benefits pay up to $8,000.00 in medical bills and lost wages caused by a motor vehicle accident regardless of fault. If you have health insurance, PIP generally pays up to the first $2,000.00 in medical bills and the remaining bills should be submitted to your health insurance carrier for coverage.

Despite being at a higher risk of an accident and more likely to suffer serious injuries, motorcyclists are exempt from Personal Injury Protection in Massachusetts and therefore not afforded the same coverage for medical bills and lost wages. Adding insult to injury, being at a higher risk of an accident means your motorcycle insurance could be more expensive than your car insurance despite not offering the same protections.

Although motorcycle riders are not afforded PIP coverage in Massachusetts, they are still entitled to compensation from the liable party for damages related to their injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The small size of motorcycles often makes it difficult for drivers in cars and trucks to see motorcyclists and commonly results in accidents between the two. The strong likelihood of being thrown off the bike in a motorcycle crash leads to increased chances of sustaining serious injury, including broken bones, head injuries, permanent scarring and disfigurement.

In 2018, there were 59 motorcyclist deaths in Massachusetts, accounting for 16% of all motor vehicle-related fatalities. Keeping in mind the limited protections and heightened risk of accident and injury for motorcycle riders, below are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Wear a Helmet(Massachusetts has a mandatory helmet law: M.G.L. c.90 §7)
  • Avoid Riding in Bad Weather
  • Wear Proper Protective Gear
  • Take a Motorcycle Safety Course
  • Do Not Ride More Bike (Motorcycle) Than You Can Handle
  • Know Your Skill Level
  • Ride in the Middle Lane where you are more visible to drivers

If you, a family member, or friend have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Massachusetts contact Riccio Law today at (508) 226-4500 to speak with a Massachusetts Motorcycle Lawyer and schedule a free case evaluation. Anthony Riccio understands that motorcycle accidents can have a catastrophic

Dependable Legal Representation for Your Massachusetts Motorcycle Accident

impact on victims and their families — each case receives the utmost compassion, care and attention. As a former prosecutor and insurance defense attorney, Anthony knows how to effectively maximize financial recovery for those who have been injured due to the negligence of another.

Anthony is skilled at obtaining clients fair compensation in even the most complicated cases. Whether it comes to negotiating a settlement for your motorcycle accident with the insurance company, attending mediation, arbitration, or litigating at trial, Riccio Law is devoted to making sure clients are vigorously represented and fairly compensated.

With offices in Attleboro and Quincy, Riccio Law represents clients in motorcycle accident cases in southeastern Massachusetts, the greater Boston area, and throughout the Commonwealth. Call to schedule a complimentary consultation concerning your motorcycle accident case today.