Cambridge Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Ready to Protect Your Rights & Best Interests

Motorcycle accidents are devastating events that can lead to serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. In Cambridge, MA, where motorcycle riding is a popular mode of transportation, the risks associated with riding are unfortunately prevalent. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, you need an experienced and skilled legal team by your side to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. At Georges Cote Law, we specialize in helping motorcycle accident victims in Massachusetts navigate the complex legal landscape and fight for their rights.

Call (617) 229-6720 or contact us online today to schedule a free case review.

Massachusetts Motorcycle Laws

In Massachusetts, motorcycle riders and drivers must follow specific state laws that govern their safety on the roads. Understanding these laws is crucial for both motorcyclists and motorists to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with traffic regulations.

Licensing Requirements

To legally ride a motorcycle in Massachusetts, a rider must obtain a Class M license. To do this, they must pass a written exam, a road test, and a vision test. Additionally, riders under the age of 18 are required to complete a motorcycle safety course before they can obtain their license.

Helmet Laws

Massachusetts has a strict helmet law that requires all motorcyclists, regardless of age or experience, to wear a helmet while riding. This law is enforced to protect motorcyclists from head injuries in the event of an accident.

Motorcycle Insurance

Motorcycle owners in Massachusetts must carry liability insurance that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements. This includes coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and uninsured motorist protection.

Lane Splitting and Riding Laws

Massachusetts does not permit lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) or riding two abreast (riding side by side in a lane). Riders must always obey traffic laws and keep within the designated lane.

Adhering to these laws is crucial to both preventing accidents and avoiding legal trouble. However, even with safety measures in place, motorcycle accidents can still occur due to factors outside of the rider’s control.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Below are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Cambridge, MA:

• Distracted Drivers: One of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents is distracted driving. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or engaged in other distractions often fail to notice motorcycles on the road. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars, which makes them more prone to accidents when drivers are not paying attention.
• Poor Road Conditions: Road conditions play a significant role in motorcycle accidents. Potholes, loose gravel, uneven pavement, and wet or icy roads can create hazardous conditions for motorcyclists. Riders who encounter these conditions unexpectedly may lose control of their motorcycle and crash.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Speeding and aggressive driving are significant contributors to motorcycle accidents. When drivers are speeding or engaging in reckless behaviors such as tailgating, they create dangerous situations for all vehicles on the road, including motorcycles. High-speed crashes are often more severe and result in serious injuries.
• Failure to Yield or Stop: Motorcycle accidents can occur when other vehicles fail to yield the right of way or run red lights. Drivers who don’t observe traffic signals or stop signs can cause severe collisions with motorcyclists, especially at intersections. Since motorcycles are smaller, they can be harder for other drivers to see, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Drunk or Impaired Driving: Drunk driving remains one of the most significant causes of motorcycle accidents. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are impaired and often fail to properly judge distances, control their vehicles, or react in time to avoid an accident. This makes them a danger to all road users, including motorcyclists.

Why Insurers Will Deny Motorcycle Accident Claims

Dealing with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident can be a frustrating experience. Many insurance providers are quick to deny or undervalue claims, especially when it comes to motorcycle accidents.

Below are some of the reasons why insurers may deny a motorcycle accident claim:

• Lack of Evidence: Insurance companies may deny claims if there is insufficient evidence to support the motorcyclist’s version of events. In motorcycle accident cases, it is crucial to gather evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, and police reports to establish the facts and strengthen the claim.
• Fault of the Motorcyclist: In many motorcycle accidents, insurers will argue that the motorcyclist was at fault, even if they were not. Insurance companies may try to claim that the motorcyclist was speeding, not wearing a helmet, or engaging in reckless behavior. This can be particularly frustrating if the rider was not at fault.
• Comparative Negligence: Massachusetts follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that if the motorcyclist is found partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them. Insurers may try to shift a portion of the blame onto the motorcyclist to reduce their payout.
• Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies often argue that the injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident were due to a pre-existing medical condition rather than the accident itself. This tactic can be used to deny compensation for medical treatment and lost wages.
• Delayed Reporting: In some cases, insurers may deny a claim if the motorcyclist delays reporting the accident. It is important to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible after the incident.

Let Our Firm Help You Today

Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be challenging, especially when dealing with insurance companies and legal processes. Hiring an experienced Cambridge motorcycle accident lawyer from Georges Cote Law can help you:

• Maximize Your Compensation: Our lawyers are skilled at negotiating with insurance companies and ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Investigate Your Accident: Our team will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your accident, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Handle Complex Legal Issues: Motorcycle accident cases can involve complex legal issues, including comparative negligence and insurance disputes. Our team is well-versed in Massachusetts motorcycle accident law and will handle all legal matters on your behalf.
• Provide Peace of Mind: At Georges Cote Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a motorcycle accident can take. Our team will provide the support and guidance you need, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal details.

Fight for a fair recovery by calling us today at (617) 229-6720. We are ready to get started on your case!