Find The Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Boston, MA (2024)

How Much Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Cost in Boston, Massachusetts?

Most Boston attorneys handle motorcycle accident lawsuits and other personal injury cases on a "contingency" basis. This means they don’t charge by the hour or send you regular bills for services. Instead, they take a percentage of the settlement or verdict they win for you. You don’t owe them any fees if they don't recover anything.

The Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct spell out the requirements for contingency fee contracts, including that they be in writing and signed by both you and your attorney. It’s important to read an agreement closely to understand who will cover any costs related to pursuing your case (such as filing fees and other expenses) and whether you’ll be responsible for those costs if the case isn’t successful.

How to Hire a Boston Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Massachusetts requires all drivers to carry four types of insurance coverage on their registered vehicles. One of these is "personal injury protection" (PIP) coverage. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, your own insurer will pay your medical bills and expenses regardless of who is at fault. This "no-fault" insurance coverage reduces or eliminates the need to hire an attorney for most minor accidents, but motorcycle accidents often cause severe injuries.

PIP only covers up to $8,000 of damages. If your injuries exceed that amount, which is likely the case if you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you must notify the at-fault driver's insurer and make a claim for your damages. This process can be complicated and confusing. An experienced lawyer can handle the insurance submissions and ensure the documentation supports the full value of your claimed losses, including anticipated future medical costs.

Look for a lawyer with experience handling motorcycle accident claims particularly. Insurance companies often vigorously defend these cases, arguing that a rider engaged in dangerous or illegal behavior like lane splitting.

Once you have a few leads on potential attorneys, set up consultations to get a feel for each attorney's approach and personality. Find one that you like who offers communication options that work for you. Many now provide video conferencing appointments, making staying in contact easier and more convenient. Ultimately, trust your instincts—choosing an attorney is as much about comfort and cooperation as it is about expertise.

Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement in Boston

Because most accident settlements are confidential, estimating the accurate "average" settlement value in a motorcycle accident case is challenging. Each person’s claim presents its own unique set of circumstances that influence its value. How severely you are injured, the extent of the property damage and many other factors contribute to how much your case is worth. Riders may suffer from PTSD and other mental distress, which are also compensable damages.

Injuries in motorcycle accident cases are often catastrophic and result in permanent disability. They can require years of rehabilitation and may necessitate permanent assistant care. If your injuries restrict your ability to work, require you to hire in-home help or make it necessary to modify your home, it's essential to retain an attorney who can help you understand the full value of your case.

An experienced attorney will use their own settlement history and litigation success and knowledge of insurance company practices to help ensure you recover the full value of your losses. Your settlement should ensure you are financially secure enough to manage your future medical needs.

Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Boston

If your medical expenses from a motorcycle accident are more than $2,000, you can file a lawsuit in the Massachusetts District Court or Massachusetts Superior Court. In addition to recovering any out-of-pocket medical costs, you may also seek compensation for pain and suffering. There are also some exceptions that automatically allow you to pursue a lawsuit, including loss of sight or hearing, disfigurement and loss of a limb.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident, an attorney can help you file a wrongful death case. This type of lawsuit allows you to pursue reimbursement for medical expenses, burial costs and compensation for the loss of their companionship, among other damages.

Most personal injury cases, including motorcycle accident cases, settle without going to trial. If you have been injured in an accident, you can negotiate directly with the at-fault driver's insurer if you prefer. However, retaining an attorney can increase the amount of your recovery.

Experienced attorneys understand how insurers try to minimize what they pay in a motorcycle claim. They will use detailed medical records, expert opinions and accident reports to demonstrate the true extent of your injuries and the impact on your life. These persuasive tactics can help them recover a settlement that compensates you for the actual value of your losses.

How Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Work in Boston?

You can file a civil lawsuit to recover damages if someone else is legally responsible for the accident that caused your injuries. You may recover both economic losses (like medical costs, vehicle damage and lost wages) and non-economic losses (like pain and suffering or emotional trauma). A Boston motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine the value of your claim and understand your options for pursuing fair compensation.

The Massachusetts statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the injury. You must file a lawsuit within the allowable time, or you will lose the right to do so. Certain situations allow more time for an injured victim to file a claim. An experienced attorney will help you understand your legal options and the time limits that apply.

Types of Motorcycle Accident Cases in Boston

Boston has a Vision Zero plan that works towards eliminating traffic fatalities and accidents by improving infrastructure systems. Unfortunately, there are still many motorcycle accidents in the Boston metro area. Motorcycle riders are less visible to cars and trucks on the road. Escooter accidents are also common, as riders may have less experience and skill than licensed motorcyclists.

Although many motorcycle accidents are caused by vehicle drivers failing to notice motorcycles, other common causes include speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, failure to yield, improper lane changes and aggressive driving. A Boston motorcycle accident attorney will help you understand your options, discuss the value of your case and help you pursue compensation for your damages.