Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Chelsea, MA

Recovering Damages for Those Injured in Motorcycle Crashes  

If you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, the Chelsea motorcycle accident lawyers at Georges Cote Law can help you pursue justice. Our dedicated attorneys have extensive experience in personal injury cases involving motorcycle accidents. We thoroughly investigate each claim, working tirelessly to seek fair compensation on your behalf.

Our attorneys are committed to your case. We will investigate your accident comprehensively. When warranted, we will consult with accident reconstruction experts to determine precisely who or what caused your accident. 

Have you recently been involved in a motorcycle accident? Call us at to schedule a free consultation.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are often more catastrophic compared to car accidents due to several factors. For instance, motorcyclists have little protection beyond their protective gear (helmet, gloves, jacket, etc.). In a collision, they are directly exposed to the impact, making them more prone to serious injuries, including head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and road rash.

Additionally, motorcycles are smaller and lighter than cars. When a motorcycle collides with a car or other vehicle, the motorcyclist is at a significant disadvantage in terms of mass. This can result in the rider being thrown off their bike or crushed between vehicles.

Lastly, motorcycles have only two wheels, making them less stable than four-wheeled vehicles. This instability can lead to loss of control, especially in adverse weather conditions or when navigating uneven road surfaces.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents involving motor vehicles include:

• Left-turning cars: One of the most common scenarios involves cars making left turns in front of oncoming motorcycles. Drivers may misjudge the motorcycle's speed or fail to see it altogether, leading to a collision.
• Rear-end collisions: Motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars, and if a car follows too closely or doesn't react in time, it can rear-end a motorcycle, potentially causing the rider to be thrown from their bike.
• Lane changes: When a car changes lanes without properly checking blind spots, it can collide with a motorcycle in the adjacent lane.
• Distracted driving: Drivers distracted by texting, talking on the phone, or other activities are less likely to notice motorcycles, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Intoxication: Both alcohol and drug impairment can impair a driver's judgment and reaction time, making them more likely to cause accidents involving motorcycles.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver's ability to react to unexpected situations. Speeding cars can collide with motorcycles at intersections or while merging onto highways.
• Failure to yield: Drivers failing to yield the right of way to motorcycles at intersections or when entering or exiting driveways can result in collisions.
• Sudden stops: Motorcycles can stop more abruptly than cars. If a car suddenly stops in front of a motorcycle, the rider may not have enough time to react, leading to a rear-end collision.

What Are the Helmet Requirements for Motorcyclists in Massachusetts?

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 essential for your safety and immensely important for 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.

Who is Liable for a Motorcycle Accident in MA?

In Massachusetts, liability in a motorcycle accident, as in any motor vehicle accident, is determined based on the principles of negligence and fault. Liability typically falls on the party whose negligent actions or failure to act caused the accident and resulting injuries or damages.

Here are some potential parties who can be held liable in a motorcycle accident in Massachusetts:

• At-Fault Motorist: If the accident was primarily caused by the negligent actions of another motorist, such as a car or truck driver, that driver may be held liable. Common examples of driver negligence include speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving), drunk driving, and failing to yield the right of way.
• Motorcyclist: In some cases, the motorcyclist may be partially or entirely at fault for the accident. For example, if the motorcyclist was speeding, ran a red light, or made an unsafe lane change, they could be held liable.
• Government Entities: If the accident was caused by a dangerous road condition, such as a pothole, inadequate signage, or poorly maintained road surfaces, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road (city, county, or state) may be held liable. However, government entities are often protected by certain legal immunities, so pursuing a claim against them can be complex.
• Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defect in the motorcycle or its components (e.g., brakes, tires) contributed to the accident, the motorcycle manufacturer or manufacturer of the defective part may be held liable under product liability laws.
• Mechanic or Repair Shop: If the accident resulted from improper maintenance or repairs, the mechanic or repair shop responsible for the motorcycle's maintenance or repair work may be liable.
• Passenger or Pedestrian: If a passenger on the motorcycle or a pedestrian's actions contributed to the accident, they could be held liable if their negligence can be established.

It's important to note that Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means that if both parties involved in the accident share fault, the damages awarded will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the injured party. However, if the injured party is found to be more than 50% at fault, they may not recover any damages.

If you're involved in a motorcycle accident in Massachusetts, it's essential to gather evidence, report the accident to the police, seek medical attention, and consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. Our firm can help you understand your rights and options, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue a legal claim if necessary to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

Damages Available in a Motorcycle Injury Case

Victims of motorcycle accidents can recover the full range of personal injury damages. These include economic losses, such as medical bills, lost earnings, rehabilitation costs, and personal care if you are disabled. These losses can be projected into the future if you are not expected to make a full and permanent recovery. You can also claim noneconomic damages, including compensation for your pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and loss of enjoyment of life. 

As your advocates, we will always attempt to maximize the potential compensation available to you. We will consult with medical professionals and expert witnesses and deal directly with insurers so that you do not say something that could adversely affect your claim. 

Contact Our Chelsea Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today

The Chelsea motorcycle accident lawyers at Georges Cote Law represent motorcycle accident victims throughout Massachusetts. We will make every effort to make the process of filing a claim or lawsuit as easy as possible for you. After all, you should be focused on healing—we will take care of the legal minutiae. Offering compassion, experience, and innovative legal strategies, our attorneys are here for you.

To schedule a free initial consultation, please call (617) 229-6720 or contact us online.