Dedham's roads see countless motorcyclists each day, riding for recreation, commuting, or simply enjoying the freedom that comes with two wheels. Unfortunately, motorcyclists face significant dangers due to the negligence of other motorists who fail to watch for bikes or respect their right to the road. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, you may have grounds to pursue compensation through a motorcycle accident claim.
At Brooks & Crowley LLP, our dedicated Dedham motorcycle accident lawyer understands the unique challenges motorcyclists face both on the road and in the legal system. We're committed to protecting your rights and securing the full compensation you deserve.
Understanding Liability in Dedham Motorcycle Accidents
Determining who bears responsibility for a motorcycle crash is essential to recovering damages. Under Massachusetts law, injured parties can seek compensation from those whose negligence caused their injuries. Our personal injury attorney in Dedham will help you establish liability by demonstrating four critical elements:
- Duty of Care: All drivers owe a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic regulations.
- Breach of Duty: The at-fault party failed to meet this standard through actions like distracted driving, speeding, improper lane changes, or driving under the influence.
- Causation: The breach directly resulted in the collision and your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered actual harm, including physical injuries, financial losses, or emotional trauma. In cases involving fatal accidents, families may also be entitled to pursue wrongful death damages.
- Common examples of driver negligence include failing to check blind spots before merging, running red lights, making unsafe left turns in front of oncoming motorcycles, following too closely, and driving while impaired or distracted.
Comparative Fault and Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means you can still recover damages even if you share some responsibility for the accident, provided that you are not more than 50% at fault.. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For instance, if you're determined to be 20% responsible for the collision, your damage award will be decreased by 20%. If you're found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any compensation. Our Dedham motorcycle accident attorney works diligently to minimize any allegations of shared fault and maximize your recovery.
Massachusetts Helmet Requirements and Their Impact on Claims
Massachusetts motorcycle laws mandate that all motorcycle operators and passengers wear helmets meeting Commonwealth safety standards. While helmet use is required, failure to wear one typically won't prevent you from filing a claim, as not wearing a helmet doesn't cause accidents.
However, if you sustained head or facial injuries while not wearing a helmet, the defense may argue that your injuries would have been less severe with proper headgear. This could potentially increase your assigned percentage of fault for your injuries specifically, though not for the accident itself. Brooks & Crowley LLP will work to separate the cause of the crash from the extent of injuries and ensure you receive fair treatment under the law.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
Understanding how most motorcycle accidents occur can help establish liability in your case. Frequent accident scenarios include:
- Left-Turn Collisions: Drivers making left turns often fail to yield to oncoming motorcycles, misjudging their speed or simply not seeing them.
- Lane Change Accidents: Motorists who fail to check their blind spots may merge directly into motorcyclists, causing devastating side-impact crashes.
- Rear-End Collisions: Following too closely leaves insufficient time to stop, resulting in rear-end impacts that can throw riders from their bikes.
- Intersection Crashes: Traffic signal and stop sign violations frequently result in T-bone collisions with catastrophic consequences for motorcyclists.
- Door Strikes: Parked car occupants who open doors without checking for traffic can cause serious accidents when motorcyclists cannot avoid the suddenly opened door.
- Road Hazards: Poor road maintenance, including potholes, uneven pavement, or debris, poses greater risks to motorcycles than to cars and may create municipal liability.
Each type of accident presents unique factors affecting liability determination. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Dedham from our firm will thoroughly investigate your crash to identify all responsible parties.
Compensatory Damages Available in Motorcycle Accident Cases
Motorcycle crashes often result in severe, life-altering injuries due to the limited protection bikes provide. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, severe road rash, internal organ damage, and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Our motorcycle accident attorney in Dedham will pursue comprehensive compensation covering:
- Economic Damages: Hospital bills, surgery costs, rehabilitation expenses, prescription medications, future medical care, lost income during recovery, diminished earning capacity, property damage to your motorcycle and gear, and home modification costs if disabilities require accessibility changes.
- Non-Economic Damages: Physical pain and suffering, emotional distress and mental anguish, loss of life's enjoyment, permanent disability or disfigurement, and loss of consortium for affected spouses.
In wrongful death settlements involving fatal motorcycle accidents, surviving family members may recover funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship and guidance, and the deceased's pain and suffering before death.
Why Choose Brooks & Crowley LLP as Your Dedham Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle accident claims require attorneys who understand both the legal complexities and the biases motorcyclists often face. Insurance companies frequently attempt to minimize payouts by perpetuating stereotypes about riders or arguing that motorcycles are inherently dangerous.
Our legal team at Brooks & Crowley LLP stands firmly against such prejudice. We know that motorcyclists have every right to use public roads safely, and we hold negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause. With extensive experience handling motorcycle crash cases throughout Dedham and the surrounding areas, we have the knowledge and resources to build compelling cases that achieve favorable outcomes.
Take Action Today: Contact Brooks & Crowley LLP
Time is critical after a motorcycle accident. Evidence disappears, witnesses' memories fade, and Massachusetts law imposes strict deadlines for filing injury claims. Don't wait to protect your rights and your financial future.
Brooks & Crowley LLP offers a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your motorcycle accident claim. We'll review the circumstances of your crash, explain your legal options, and outline how we can help you pursue maximum compensation.
Contact Brooks & Crowley LLP now to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Dedham motorcycle accident lawyer. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve while you focus on healing and recovery.