Does riding a motorcycle give you excitement and pleasure? While operating this type of motor vehicle is thrilling and attractive, it can cause severe injuries.
Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to get killed in an accident than people in other passenger vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle accidents represent around 14% of all traffic-related fatalities.
Motorcycle crashes have long been a national public health concern. In fact, Massachusetts has an alarming rise in fatalities from motorcycle accidents. During the first half of 2021, the state had 37 motorcycle deaths, which is a 31% increase from the past five years.
Motorcycle riders and others using the road can minimize the number of motorcycle fatalities and injuries by practicing safe riding. However, the risk of crashing will never go away. The devastating impacts of a motorcycle accident can include serious injuries, substantial medical bills, loss of wages, and even wrongful death.
If you or a loved one are injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation or file a personal injury claim. Since your actions after the accident can affect your case, it’s important to know what to do if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident.
A motorcycle accident lawyer from an established personal injury law firm in Boston can help you gather evidence to support your claim. They know what your rights are and how to enforce them, such as claiming money from the
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, seeking assistance from The Personal Injury Center will give you the best fighting chance. We will inform you of your legal rights and then get you in touch with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in your case for a free consultation.
Factors To Look Out for in a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
You can search for a lawyer for your motorcycle accident case in several ways. However, you don’t want just any legal professional to represent you. Having the right lawyer is crucial if you want a favorable outcome for your motorcycle accident injury claim.
How can you find the best motorcycle accident lawyer for your case? It’s easy to get overwhelmed by a large number of law firms and their ads everywhere. However, the most experienced lawyer knows how to negotiate and get the highest settlement. Therefore, while you rest and recover, your lawyer will take care of everything and make sure that you’re well compensated for your losses and injuries.
If you’re looking for the best advice and legal representation, here are some of the factors that you should consider when choosing a Boston motorcycle accident attorney.
Win Your Settlement With A Boston Motorcycle Accident Attorney Who Cares
Attorney and Law Office’s Location
The location of lawyers and their offices is vital, as every state has unique personal injury laws. It’s best to look for a lawyer who practices in the state where the crash occurred. Let’s say you’re in Boston or anywhere in Massachusetts. An attorney who practices personal injury law in Massachusetts is more likely to know the specific laws that apply to your motorcycle accident case.
Note that your entire case can be dismissed if there’s any jurisdictional issue. However, since local motorcycle accident lawyers know this, they will prevent your case from being dismissed and prevent delays in processing it.
Although it’s possible to work with a lawyer through phone calls and emails, face-to-face interactions allow better communication and collaboration. A qualified lawyer from a local or nearby law firm can be more valuable for your motorcycle accident case.
Not only does a local attorney know the relevant state laws, but they probably have a good rapport with judges and other attorneys and are familiar with how they think. This can make it easier for them to prepare and present your case in the best possible light.
A local lawyer can, therefore, better advance your rights while also adhering to the court’s rules of practice than a visiting attorney.Â
Experience, Skill, and Expertise
When seeking compensation, many wrongfully assume that car and motorcycle accident cases are the same. However, handling a motorcycle accident case requires unique skills, as they are different from car accidents, product liability, and other personal injury cases.
Each lawyer practices and specializes in particular areas of the law. Therefore, working with an experienced personal injury lawyer who handles motorcycle accident cases is in your best interest.
Your motorcycle accident lawyer’s skills and expertise directly affect the compensation you’ll receive. Therefore, hire an accomplished lawyer if you want the best possible settlement offer and maximum compensation.
The following are questions you should ask when you’re looking for an experienced Boston motorcycle accident lawyer:
- How long have you been practicing personal injury law?
- Are you a licensed or registered member of the American Bar Association or any legal organization?
- How many motorcycle accident cases do you generally handle every year?
- Is your practice limited to motorcycle accidents?
- What’s your record of verdicts and settlements in motorcycle accident cases?
Asking these questions will help you make a more informed decision. It’s also more beneficial to check online reviews and testimonials from reliable sources.
Trial Experience and Case Success Rate
Seeking compensation for losses following an accident is a complex matter. While most motorcycle accident cases will be settled, some will proceed to trial. You’ll need an experienced litigator to handle your case if that happens.
Going through a trial can be expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, most motorcycle accident victims want a fair settlement. Though this makes sense, it’s not always the best option. Consequently, you should beware of lawyers who are quick to accept settlement offers.
A lawyer with considerable trial experience and an excellent courtroom track record will ensure you get the compensation you deserve. They’ll reject low settlement offers and pursue higher amounts. In fact, the reputation of a trial attorney will encourage
Besides the attorney’s experience in Massachusetts motorcycle accident cases, it’s best to ask about their case success rate. Some law firms include past case information and the verdicts they’ve received on their website.
You will benefit the most by working with an experienced trial motorcycle accident lawyer. Their track record will help you secure a favorable settlement or win your case if it goes to trial. Therefore, if the lawyer doesn’t have many years of experience, it’s best to find someone else.Â
Availability and Communication Skills
An attorney’s availability and communication skills are essential for your motorcycle accident case. You shouldn’t work with a lawyer who’s not readily available to answer your questions, as this will only frustrate you and add to your stress.
When looking for a potential motorcycle accident attorney, you should also consider their current caseload. An overworked law office or lawyer may not be able to prioritize your case or give it enough attention, which could result in a loss.
Don’t hesitate to ask about their availability and when they can begin working on your file. Ask if the lawyer can attend to your matter before the statute of limitation lapses. Besides experience, choose a lawyer with enough time to take your case.
It’s also vital to consider how the attorney listens and responds to your concerns. You’ll need a lawyer who communicates with you in a way you understand. They should also know how to convey their strategies and all the case details to you. If there are any developments in the case, the lawyer must update you at the first chance they get.
Before hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer, consider asking them the following questions:
- What’s their mode of communication?
- How often will they communicate with you?
- What type of information will they share about your case?
After your initial consultation with the law office, you can test their availability by emailing them a few questions. If they take a few days to respond, then they may be too busy to make your motorcycle accident case a priority.Â
Legal Fees
While many law firms offer a free consultation or case evaluation, you’ll have to pay attorney fees later. You must be able to afford the attorney you hire. Therefore, before hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer, you should find out how much their services cost. A good Massachusetts accident lawyer will have a clear, honest, and reasonable fee structure.
Note that an expensive lawyer doesn’t mean that he or she is the best. You should look for another lawyer if the attorney’s fees don’t fit your budget. Most motorcycle accident and personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they’ll get paid only if you receive a settlement.
The average contingency fee ranges from 33% to 40%, depending on whether the case ends in litigation. However, don’t just guess about the lawyer’s contingency fee structure. Rather, discuss it with them so that you know how the lawyer will charge you.
A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Boston Can Help You Get Proper Compensation
If you, a loved one, or any other family member were injured in a motorcycle accident, you might be eligible to receive compensation. However, you may encounter several challenges, such as insufficient evidence, difficult witnesses, and multiple parties involved. You’ll need an experienced Boston motorcycle accident attorney to support your motorcycle accident claim and navigate the best possible options.
How can motorcycle accident victims ensure that they have the right type of lawyer to represent them? The Personal Injury Center can walk you through the process. We can connect you to a law firm specializing in your case in Boston or anywhere in Massachusetts. If you want the best legal help and personal injury attorney to represent you, message us today for a free case review.
Know Your Options
FAQs on Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Boston
What typically happens during the first meeting with the lawyer?
Before hiring a lawyer, you'll want to first schedule an initial consultation to get to know each other. The primary goal of the first meeting is to decide whether they're the best fit for your case. It's also the attorney's opportunity to determine if they want to take your case.Â
During the first consultation, you can expect your potential lawyer to discuss their services and how to move forward with your case. This is also the appropriate time to ask about their background and experience. Prepare a list of relevant questions to refer to as you speak to your potential attorney.
Can I still receive compensation if the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance?
Many people assume that motorcyclists and other drivers have insurance. However, that's not always the case. If the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance, you may be able to receive compensation from your insurer.Â
It's also worth noting that Massachusetts is a no-fault state, which means you can pursue a claim with your insurance company after a motorcycle accident regardless of who the at-fault driver is.
What is the Massachusetts Helmet Law?
Massachusetts has a mandatory Helmet Law. Regardless of age or experience, all motorcyclists must wear state-approved helmets and protective headgear.
