Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Chelsea, MA
Recovering damages for those injured in motorcycle crashes
Across the country, motorcycle ridership is increasing. This growing popularity is partly due to economy, since motorcycles are cheaper to operate than automobiles, but also due to the sheer enjoyment riders get from touring on a bike. Unfortunately, some Massachusetts drivers don’t share the road as they should, leading to motorcycle accidents. If you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle accident, due to someone else’s negligence, Georges Cote LLP can help you pursue justice. Our dedicated attorneys have extensive experience in motorcycle accident cases. We thoroughly investigate each claim, and work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Common causes of Massachusetts motorcycle accidents
Across the United States, 5,014 motorcyclists were killed in crashes in 2019, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which more than doubled the figure from 18 years earlier. In Massachusetts, there were 59 motorcyclist fatalities in 2018, which accounted for 16 percent of all motor vehicle crash fatalities.
But it’s not just that there are more bikes on the road. Drivers of cars and trucks might not understand that bikers have the same road rights as them. In other cases, someone behind the wheel who is distracted by a cell phone or something else might see a car while paying partial attention, but not a bike. Other common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Aggressive car drivers
- Poor road conditions
- Weather and visibility
- Defective or poorly maintained equipment
When warranted, our personal injury attorneys consult with accident reconstruction experts to determine precisely who caused your accident.
What are the helmet requirements for motorcyclists in MA?
Massachusetts has a universal helmet law, which means all riders and passengers must wear an approved helmet. There are no exemptions for age or skill. Wearing a helmet is not just good for your safety; it can also help your legal case. If, after an accident, you claim a head injury, but you weren’t wearing a helmet, your damage award could be reduced based on comparative negligence. This means that if you suffer a brain injury that results in $100,000 of damages, but the jury decides that you are 20 percent at fault because you were not wearing a helmet, your award would be $80,000.
Damages available in a motorcycle injury case
Victims of motorcycle accidents can recover the full range of personal injury damages. These include your economic losses, such as medical bills, lost earnings, the costs of rehabilitation and the costs of personal care if you are disabled. These losses can be projected into the future if you are not expected to make a complete recovery. You can also claim noneconomic damages, which include compensation for your pain and suffering, your loss of quality of life, and your loss of enjoyment of life. As your advocates, we fight to recover the maximum amount possible under the facts of your case.
Contact a proven Massachusetts motorcycle accident lawyer for a free consultation
Georges Cote LLP represents victims of motorcycle accidents throughout Massachusetts. To make an appointment for a free initial consultation, please call 617-884-1000 or contact us online. Our office is in Chelsea, but we can come to you if your injuries require you to remain at home.
