Victoria writes about people management, legal practice, technology, and the future of work. Her diverse career has included experience as a US employment lawyer and various roles in human resource management, including a strategic HR role at The Walt Disney Company. Now living in the UK, Victoria provides unique insights on the world of work in the US, UK, and EU.
Victoria Pearce
Victoria writes about people management, legal practice, technology, and the future of work. Her diverse career has included experience as a US employment lawyer and various roles in human resource management, including a strategic HR role at The Walt Disney Company. Now living in the UK, Victoria provides unique insights on the world of work in the US, UK, and EU.
Jeffrey Johnson has written novels and movies in addition to legal analyses of eminent domain and immigration law. His experience in writing engaging fiction makes him uniquely capable of making the most dry and academic legal topics interesting (or as interesting as possible).
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Jeffrey Johnson, J.D.
Jeffrey Johnson has written novels and movies in addition to legal analyses of eminent domain and immigration law. His experience in writing engaging fiction makes him uniquely capable of making the most dry and academic legal topics interesting (or as interesting as possible).
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Boston is a beautiful and historic city that is one of the top ten safest cities for motorcycle riders. Accidents can still happen though, so it’s a good idea to narrow down your legal options if you find yourself recovering from a motorcycle accident.
We’ve listed the 10 best motorcycle accident lawyers in Boston who have the experience to assist with insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits. We also cover the laws governing motorcycle riding in Massachusetts that could impact your case.
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Best Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Boston
Compare Top Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Other Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Massachusetts
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, there are many steps to recovery. You will want to focus on healing first, but you also have to navigate insurance claims and you might be wondering whether you should file a lawsuit. An attorney experienced with motorcycle accidents can help you sort through the details and identify any compensation to which you may be entitled.
Massachusetts Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations to file a motorcycle accident claim is three years. This limited time begins from the date the accident occurred. Working on a claim sooner helps to ensure there are no expiration issues and makes it more likely you can recover monetary compensation for expenses like medical bills and lost wages.
Additional damages are sometimes awarded in cases where a motorcycle accident has affected a rider’s quality of life or resulted in a wrongful death.
Massachusetts Laws for Motorcycle Drivers
In general, motorcycle drivers in Boston must follow the same laws that apply to other motor vehicles in the state.
State laws that apply to Boston motorcycle drivers include:
- Helmets. All motorcycle riders must wear a DOT-approved helmet. This applies to drivers and passengers.
- Handlebar height. The motorcycle’s handlebars may not be higher than the driver’s shoulders when they are properly seated.
- Noise restriction. A motorcycle may not exceed 82 decibels when traveling 45 miles per hour or under. When traveling above 45 miles per hour, the sound may not exceed 86 decibels.
- Lane splitting. Motorcycle drivers may not ride in between lanes of traffic. This practice is illegal throughout Massachusetts regardless of the road conditions.
- No-fault insurance. In the event of an accident, motorcycle drivers must first file a claim with their insurance provider to recover damages. A personal injury lawsuit for a motorcycle accident can only be filed if your injuries cost more than $2,000 in reasonable medical expenses or the injuries are permanent and severe.
Identifying Fault for a Motorcycle Crash
Massachusetts applies a modified comparative negligence standard when evaluating motorcycle accidents. This means that you can only recover for your injuries if you are found to be 50% at fault or less. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, then you are barred from recovering anything.
The amount you can recover is determined by your amount of fault as well. For example, if you have $100,000 in damages and are found to be 10% at fault, then the most you can recover would be $90,000.
How Can an Attorney Help You?
An experienced personal injury attorney who is familiar with motorcycle accidents can help you evaluate your claim and prove your case if another driver’s negligence led to your injuries. They can also explain the range of compensation you may be entitled to and evaluate your chances of success in pursuing a lawsuit.
Cases often resolve without going to a trial. Having an attorney can streamline insurance claims and ensure your claim is taken seriously. If you receive a settlement offer that doesn’t seem fair, then your attorney can take the next steps to pursue your claim through a formal lawsuit.
How to Find the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Boston, MA
Ready to find a motorcycle accident lawyer, but not sure how to pick the best one for you? Keep these qualities in mind to help you find the best fit for your situation.
- Similar case experience. Motorcycle riders need advocates who understand the laws regarding motorcycle accidents, as well as the challenges that arise when pursuing motorcycle accident claims. Ask about recent cases and settlements that involved motorcyclists to ensure the lawyer has the knowledge you need.
- Reasonable fees. Most motorcycle accident attorneys charge contingency fees. This means that you pay them a percentage of your final settlement or judgment. You are only charged when you win. Attorney fees for these cases typically range from 25% to 35%.
- Communication that makes you comfortable. You will rely on your attorney to provide you with honest and helpful advice. Ask them how they prefer to communicate with you, and how long they typically take to respond to questions.
Methodology
To come up with the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Boston in 2024, Forbes Advisor considered many factors. Forbes Advisor’s mathematical module considers and weighs the information collected to calculate a specific rating and reviews these results to find the best attorneys in a given practice area.
Within the model, we take into account factors that legal professionals and consumers value in an attorney’s qualifications. After assigning weighted scores to hundreds of data points, we narrowed the field down to our top choices based on:
- Legal experience
- Special licenses & certifications
- Ethics and bar disciplinary measures
- Legal thought leadership
- Education & employment background
- Scholarly lectures & writings
- Awards & Honors
Forbes Advisor collects public data from a variety of sources, including state bar associations, court records and other published sources on the internet. This information should not be considered comprehensive, however. It might not include additional relevant information on an attorney’s legal skills and experience.
Each lawyer listed here has their own merits. Bear in mind that our list relates to these lawyers’ legal backgrounds, but does not evaluate their personalities or their knowledge of the law. One attorney may be more suitable than another for your specific legal situation.
One thing that can’t be quantified, though, is the rapport you establish with your attorney. Personality goes a long way when teaming up with an attorney, especially when going through a potentially difficult legal situation. These rankings should serve as a reference and potential starting point in your search for the right lawyer for you and your legal concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is at fault in most motorcycle accidents?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the majority of multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes occur when a car or truck driver does not see the motorcyclist. Taking proactive safety measures like wearing a DOT-approved helmet and riding sober help to prevent accidents, but sometimes accidents can occur even for safe motorcycle drivers.
What happens to the human body in a motorcycle accident?
Motorcycle accidents can cause a range of injuries, or even death. The most common injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident are road rash and broken bones. Internal bleeding and dismemberment are also possible and require immediate medical attention. Skull fractures are also a risk, although wearing an appropriate helmet can sometimes avoid this injury.
While Boston is one of the 10 cities with the lowest number of motorcycle fatalities, serious injuries and fatalities can still occur.
Where do most motorcycle accidents occur?
As with car and truck accidents, motorcycle accidents can occur in many places and situations. However, the NHTSA estimates that 42% of fatal motorcycle crashes occur at intersections. Taking extra care to check blind spots and proceeding cautiously can help limit your chances of experiencing an intersection motorcycle accident.
