What happens after you’ve been critically hurt in a motorcycle accident? You probably have plenty of questions that you want answered as soon as possible, but you don’t know how to move forward or what your first steps should be. If this applies to your case, you’re probably on the hunt for the best motorcycle accident lawyer in Waltham to help you. If you have been hurt, you have grounds to file for legal recovery if you can show that another person caused your injuries and pain. In these situations, you need to be able to move forward as soon as possible to protect your interests. But it’s not always easy to find the best motorcycle accident lawyer in Waltham.
A motorcycle accident lawyer is the person who assists you with every aspect of your legal claim when you have been seriously hurt. It is essential to find someone who has extensive experience in the law and who deeply understands the state courts and their likely view towards victims.
Motorcycle accidents can and do happen every day and when they could have been prevented or caused by another person's negligence the victim may have grounds to file a lawsuit. In these circumstances, it is essential for the victim to get help as soon as possible because failing to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations could be extremely problematic. This means that you will be blocked from filing a lawsuit and getting the support that you need. Every state has laws in place around this concept and violating the Massachusetts laws could block you from getting the support that you need to move on with your life. This is because motorcycle accidents often come with extensive injuries and damages and it can be difficult for a victim to navigate this legal process on their own.
You are strongly recommended to seek out the best motorcycle accident lawyer in Waltham as soon as possible so that you can protect your interests and have a clear understanding of what is involved when you get hurt in a wreck. Waltham, like many other places throughout Massachusetts, is home to motorcycle accidents most frequently in the summer. When these accidents occur and another driver was not paying attention or was driving recklessly, the motorcycle accident victim is likely the person who pays the price. They will be left with devastating injuries that can follow them for many years after the accident. This is why it is so important to find the best motorcycle accident lawyer in Waltham who can represent the interests of an injured victim because the victim may be unable to get support on their own. Approximately 4 million motorcycles are registered throughout the entire United States but thousands of motorcyclists suffer fatal injuries every single year and many more are critically injured in traffic accidents. Campaigns to raise awareness around motorcycle safety and rules like speed limits are designed to help decrease vehicle and motorcycle accidents but this is no match for someone who is not paying attention or who is drunk behind the wheel.
According to research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were approximately 200 motorcyclists who died in fatal accidents between 2010 and 2013. This tracks with national data for motorcycle accident fatality likelihood since motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in accidents than are automobile passengers. More often than not, motorcycle accidents can be traced back to another driver's negligence. Some of the most common causes for motorcycle accidents include distraction, speeding, driving under the influence, swerving in front of the motorcyclist, failure to yield, following too closely or cutting off a motorcyclist at an intersection. Too many drivers are not paying attention but this is no excuse for failing to share the road and to abide by general safety principles and laws.
How Does Personal Injury Protection Affect My Lawsuit?
As you'll discover when you are seeking out the best motorcycle accident lawyer in Waltham, there are specific rules at the state level that will influence your ability to file a lawsuit. Trying to get compensation from your insurance company is one of the most frustrating aspects of filing a legal claim. All too often insurance companies make it very difficult for seriously injured victims to get the compensation they need in the form of damage payments. Laws in Massachusetts require personal injury protection coverage for all car insurance policies. This covers the vast majority of lost wages, funeral expenses and medical bills for insured parties regardless of who is at fault for the accident. However, insurance companies are not required to maintain PIP coverage in policies covering motorcycles in Massachusetts. This means that a passenger or rider on a motorcycle who is hurt in an accident will be less likely to collect PIP coverage in the event of a crash. This is why it is vital for motorcyclists to have their own thorough health care insurance and car insurance coverage. A motorcyclist who is found at fault for an accident could also be held personally liable to cover the cost of a passenger’s injury. In far too many Waltham motorcycle accidents, however, the motorcyclist is not at fault.
This means as the injured party they are eligible to seek damages from the at fault driver and that person’s insurance company. However, it is essential to approach these cases by hiring the best motorcycle accident lawyer in Waltham. Because there is so much at stake and a victim likely needs the support from their damage payments to be able to move on with their life, it is critical to be able to hire support from an attorney as soon as possible.
By contacting the best motorcycle accident lawyer in Waltham, you will have much greater support and leverage in negotiations with your insurance company especially if they are ignoring or trying to minimize your claim. Refrain from making any discussions or decisions with your insurance company immediately after you have been hurt until you have had the opportunity to speak with an experienced lawyer. Your lawyer can tell you more about the Waltham specific laws and can protect your interests in these situations.
How to Find a Lawyer
When seeking the best motorcycle accident lawyer in Waltham, there are a couple of different things that you need to look for. First of all, you need to look for someone who has extensive experience in the realm of motorcycle accidents. This is because motorcycle accidents often require an advanced level of being able to paint the picture of how the accident happened.
When who is at fault matters significantly for your injuries in the opportunity to recover compensation, you need to make sure that your lawyer is there to support you in each aspect of the case. There are so many different things to think about that you need to be able to consult with a lawyer who has been through this before. A knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer, for example, might be familiar with accident reconstruction in which they put together the scene of the accident to better tell the story to the insurance companies.
They will often know which insurance companies are likely to provide you with a low ball settlement offer and will be more experienced in helping you navigate this situation overall. With so much to think about in the wake of a vehicle accident, make sure you do your internet research to see if this company has a strong presence in the motorcycle accident field and has had past success with other cases. While no attorney can guarantee you a result, someone who has been working in the field of motorcycle accidents for many years will likely have much more experience and ability to support you in these circumstances. The help of a lawyer is vital when you have so much to think about already. You deserve to have an attorney who takes your case seriously and one who guides you through the process from the moment that they have been hired.
How to Know Someone Has Experience
By reading through reviews of past clients, you’ll get a better sense of what this law firm is all about and how they typically help their clients. That’s an important first step for you in doing your research on the best motorcycle accident lawyer in Waltham. The initial meeting can also tell you a lot about how they run their practice and what this means for you going forward. Ask the hard questions so that you know you’re in the right place and getting the support from a legal team who cares. It’s the only way to protect your interests in these complicated situations. Reach out to a lawyer who works with motorcycle accidents in Waltham today when you need further help. To get started, you can for a free case evaluation and an opportunity to explore your legal options.
FAQs
How much are most motorcycle accident settlements? ›
To understand what is a good settlement amount for a motorcycle accident you must first think about what the averages are for this kind of situation. The current average settlement for a motorcycle accident is approximately $80,000.
Who is responsible for most motorcycle accidents? ›Home > Blog > Who Is At Fault in Most Motorcycle Accidents? Share this: According to data from the National Safety Council, nearly 60 percent of all fatal motorcycle accidents involve at least one other vehicle. In the majority of these accidents, it is the driver – not the motorcycle rider – who is to blame.
What are most lawyer fees for car accident? ›The standard contingency fee for a car accident lawyer is between 33.3% to 40% of the settlement. The fee will vary depending on the lawyer's specific guidelines and quality of services. Many attorneys will use a sliding scale for their contingency fees based on when they get the case resolved.
What is the chance of surviving a motorcycle accident? ›The national fatality rate was just under 5 percent, meaning that the odds of surviving a motorcycle crash are just over 95 percent. There are over 8 million registered motorcycles in the United States. Only one in every 1,600 motorcyclists will die in a crash.
How much are most personal injury settlements? ›An average personal injury settlement amount is anywhere between $3,000 and $75,000. Be careful when using an average personal injury settlement calculator to give you an idea of what you may stand to collect. These numbers really depend on your individual case and are hard to predict without a professional.
What is the most common motorcycle injury? ›The most common form of motorcycle injury is road rash, which can be minor to extremely severe. Road rash is a type of skin abrasion that occurs when riders are thrown from the bike and then skid on the pavement.
What is the most common motorcycle accident? ›The most common motorcycle accident happens when a car makes a left-hand turn in front of you. This is the single most dangerous situation for motorcyclists, accounting for 42% of all accidents involving a motorcycle and car.
What is the most common type of motorcycle accident? ›Head-on crashes between a car and motorcycle are, in most cases, fatal for motorcycle riders. Records have shown that these collisions account for about 58 percent of fatalities from motorcycle crashes.
How much do lawyers take from settlement in Texas? ›Contingency fee arrangements are most common in personal injury cases and the amount is a percentage of the settlement in the case. A typical percentage is anywhere between 33.33% and 40%. Usually, a lawyer will charge a fee of 33.33% pre-suit (before trial) and 40% if the case goes into litigation.
How much does attorney charge for car accident in Florida? ›Their goal is to win or settle your case. When this happens, they'll get a percentage of your settlement. Typically, a car accident lawyer will charge about 33% for a personal injury case that doesn't go to trial. However, if you can't settle your case – or refuse to settle – this percentage will go up to 40%.
What is a major cause of death in motorcycle accidents? ›
Head injury is a major cause of death in motorcycle accidents. The Insurance Information Institute reports that helmets save the lives of many motorcyclists and that universal helmet use by motorcycle operators and passengers could save hundreds of more lives every year.
At what speed do most motorcycle accidents happen? ›The Speed at Which Most Motorcycles Crash
The average speed of impact for motorcycle accidents is 21.5 mph. Shockingly, only one out of every 1,000 motorcycle accidents occur at speeds of around 85 mph.
Depending on the severity of the injury, recovery may take a few months or years. Some victims never recover completely. Some of the most severe injuries from motorcycle accidents include: Head and neck injuries.
How long does it take to negotiate a settlement? ›The average settlement negotiation takes one to three months once all relevant variables are presented. However, some settlements can take much longer to resolve. By partnering with skilled legal counsel, you can speed up the negotiation process and secure compensation faster.
What is the most money awarded in a lawsuit? ›1998 – The Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement - $206 Billion. The Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement was entered in November 1998 and is still the largest lawsuit settlement in history.
How long does compensation take to pay out? ›After accepting an offer of settlement for a personal injury claim you will usually receive your compensation money within 14-28 days from the date of settlement.
What are the 4 types of motorcycle crashes? ›Lowside, highside, topside, and collision are the four main categories of motorcycle crash types.
Where is the most likely place for a motorcycle accident? ›One of the most common locations for motorcycle accidents is at an intersection. According to the NHTSA, nearly half of all motorcycle accidents occur at traffic intersections. Intersections require everyone to pay close attention to determine the right-of-way.
Can you get PTSD from a motorcycle accident? ›Yes, you can get PTSD from a motorcycle accident. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be caused by any traumatic event that you experience or even witness. Everyone reacts to trauma differently.
What is the average life expectancy of a motorcycle rider? ›The Average Age for Motorcycle Fatalities Is Over 40
The most common age to die in a motorcycle accident is 42.
Where do 70% of motorcycle accidents occur? ›
Be especially alert at intersections because approximately 70 percent of motorcycle-vehicle collisions occur there! Watch for vehicles that may unexpectedly turn in front of you or pull out from a side street or driveway.
What is the most reliable motorcycle brand in the world? ›Yamaha. There isn't much difference between the top three on Consumer Reports' motorcycle reliability ratings, but Yamaha is ranked the most reliable motorcycle brand with an 11% failure rate.
Do most people survive motorcycle accidents? ›Motorcyclists died in 1,159 of those wrecks, or nearly 10 percent of them, making the survival rate in fixed object collisions about 90 percent. Bikers survived crashes that did not involve a collision about 96 percent of the time.
What is the average age of a Harley owner? ›But there is another statistic associated with these legendary bikes that is startling, all the more so if you don't ride: The average age of a Harley owner these days is 44. In fact, more than eight out of 10 Harley owners are over 35; almost one in five is 55 or older.
What is the average payout for a motorcycle accident California? ›For minor injuries, the average settlement amount in California is typically between $3,000 and $10,000. These injuries may include bruises, minor cuts, and sprains.
What is the average payout for a motorcycle accident in Florida? ›According to the motorcycle accident settlement examples listed on this page, the typical Florida motorcycle accident settlement is anywhere from $799,000 to $11,000,000. Settlements depend greatly on the unique circumstances of each case.
What is the average motorcycle accident settlement in Texas? ›What is the Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement in Austin, TX? According to many statistical models, the average motorcycle accident settlement is about $200,000.
Do 80% of motorcycle accidents result in death? ›The effects of a crash involving a motorcycle can often be devastating. While 20 percent of passenger vehicle crashes result in injury or death, an astounding 80 percent of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death.
What is the statute of limitations for a motorcycle accident in California? ›With many motorcycle accident claims, the statute of limitations in California is two years, but this is not always the case. It may vary based on the defendant.
What percentage of motorcycle owners have accidents? ›The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration records that about 72 out of every 100,000 motorcycle riders will experience a crash, which is . 07% of bikers.
How rare are motorcycle accidents? ›
What is the Rate of Motorcycle Accidents? Each year there are around 89,000 motorcycle accidents on roads across America. Based on the number of registered motorcyclists this means that just over 1% of them will be involved in motorcycle accidents each year.
Why do insurance companies total motorcycles with little damage? ›Why Do Insurance Companies Total Motorcycles With Little Damage? Because most motorcycles are worth considerably less than cars, the cost of repairing a motorcycle is proportionately more than repairing a car. Therefore, motorcycles are totaled more often than cars.
What is the average settlement for car accident pain and suffering in Florida? ›According to the car accident settlement examples listed on this page, the average Florida car accident settlement is anywhere from $300,000 to $6,100,000. Settlements depend greatly on the unique circumstances of each case which is why there is no accurate average settlement amount for car accidents in Florida.
What is the average payout for a car accident in California? ›The average car accident lawsuit settlement ranges anywhere from $3,000 to $75,000, depending on the factors of your case. Your settlement may be lower or higher than the average amount based on the circumstances of your accidents.
What percentage of motorcycle accidents are rear end collisions? ›Though rear-end collisions are the most common for passenger vehicles, for motorcycles, they make up only 6 percent of all motorcycle collisions. However, when any motorcycle crash occurs—including a rear-end collision—the motorcycle rider is a much greater risk of death or injury.
What is the most common death on a motorcycle? ›By far the most common cause of motorcycle accident fatalities is traumatic brain injuries. Fatally injured motorcyclists wore helmets in 58% of accidents, and 52% of the crashes involved two vehicles. The type of collision can impact fatality rates significantly.