Motorcyclists are in a more vulnerable state than other motorists any time they are on the road, and unfortunately, most motorcycle accidents result from human error. Before you take your motorcycle for a ride in Boston, consider the roads labeled most dangerous for motorcyclists. If you find yourself in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact a personal injury lawyer about your case. Massachusetts tort law protects personal injury victims, allowing you to seek compensation for your losses.
What Roads Present the Most Danger for Motorcyclists in Boston?
When the weather is nice, the roads in and out of Boston can offer a motorcyclist unparalleled views of historical monuments and beautiful landscapes. However, they can also present a serious danger. So when you are out on your motorcycle, consider these dangerous roads in and around Boston:
- The Massachusetts Turnpike is a highway stretching from New York to Boston and is heavily congested, especially in the Boston Harbor area. It has several dangerous intersections with other busy highways and is known for inciting road rage among commuters.
- Interstate 495 forms the western edge of Boston and meets the Mass Turnpike in one of the most dangerous exchanges in the state. It has heavy commercial traffic and a string of ramps commonly backed up from congestion. In addition, given the number of semi-trucks using I-95, it is one of the most dangerous roads for motorcyclists in the state.
- Interstate 93 goes through downtown Boston, including a long tunnel. Certain areas often experience heavy rain pooling, and the exchange with I-495 is exceptionally congested and dangerous. Motorcyclists should avoid I-93 during the busiest parts of the day and after any inclement weather.
If you experience an accident on any of these roads, consider the steps you can immediately take to protect your physical safety and your right to financial compensation.
What Should You Do if You Are Involved in a Motorcycle Accident?
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be chaos. However, if you can, you should take the following steps to help build your personal injury case:
- Assess the situation. Before moving, check your body for any apparent injuries. If you need immediate help and cannot call for yourself, ask someone to call 911.
- Give your statement to the police. Should you not need emergency medical attention, you should still contact 911 to report the accident to the police. When they arrive, they will investigate the accident and collect their findings in an official accident report. Give your statement to the police and refrain from speaking to anyone else at the scene.
- Document what you see. Immediately take out your phone and take photographs of the accident. Include shots of vehicle placement and the surrounding road signs. You should also get pictures of your injuries if they are visible.
- Get the driver’s information. Take a photo of the driver’s license and insurance card. If there are any eyewitnesses, you also want their names and contact information.
- See a medical professional. You can see an emergency room or urgent care doctor or schedule an appointment with your primary physician. A physical examination creates a medical record of your injuries and treatment, which is substantial evidence supporting your injury claim.
- Call a personal injury attorney. With the help of a legal professional, you can get an early start on building your case for compensation.
Not every motorcycle accident victim can collect evidence. The nature of these accidents is often severe, sometimes resulting in death. If you lost a loved one due to a motorcycle accident, speak to a lawyer about the potential for a wrongful death case.
What Makes Riding a Motorcycle a Risk?
Compared to other motorists, motorcycle riders are significantly more at risk for accidents. Examples of what makes riding so dangerous include:
- No barrier from the road. In a larger vehicle, you have a metal container keeping you at least partially safe from outside elements. Bikers who choose not to wear safety gear are even more at risk.
- Rider error. Not all motorcyclists are skilled riders, and some motorcycles are more powerful than others. Driving too fast and weaving through traffic is risky behavior for anyone but especially a rider.
- Blind spots. Motorcyclists are not as visible to everyone on the road as larger vehicles. Because they are not as easily spotted, they are at a greater risk of getting hit by negligent drivers.
- Stability. High speeds and sharp curves are riskier for motorcycles because the vehicle only has two weeks and is not as easy to control as a four-wheeled automobile.
- Dangerous road conditions. Even minor debris or gravel is much more dangerous to motorcyclists than cars or trucks.
The risks and the driver’s behavior on the road play a crucial role in personal injury cases, particularly in determining liability.
Who Is Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?
The basis of any personal injury claim is the legal principle of negligence. In a motorcycle accident case, either party could be negligent. What constitutes negligence is any behavior that displays no regard for the safety of others. On the road, all drivers have a duty of care to other drivers to act reasonably and not violate the rules of the road. Breaching that duty of care can result in an accident and injure others.
If you file a motorcycle accident lawsuit against the other driver, you take on the responsibility of proving the other driver’s negligence. You must also provide evidence supporting your claim that their actions caused the accident and that your injuries came directly from that accident. The most common defense to allegations of negligence is a claim of shared fault.
It will affect your compensation if the court agrees that you are partially responsible. Massachusetts follows the modified comparative fault rule, which allows you to receive payment only if the other party is more at fault than you. For example, you can still recover a portion of your losses if you are 45% at fault. However, if you are 51%, you are no longer eligible for damages. Additionally, with 45% of the responsibility, you can only receive 55% of the total award.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?
If you suffer an injury as the result of a motorcycle accident, you should speak with a personal injury attorney about your accident. Tort law in Massachusetts allows you to recover compensation for your losses, and a personal injury lawyer will guide you through the process, protecting your rights and ensuring you get the relief you deserve. Massachusetts is a no-fault auto insurance state, meaning vehicle owners must carry personal injury protection insurance to cover their medical costs. However, the same rule does not apply to motorcyclists.
The legal team at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers has years of experience working with motorcycle accident victims and can confidently handle your case. We witness the physical, mental, and financial damages victims endure, which is why we charge no upfront fees for your consultation or our services. The first element of the Stone Cold Guarantee ensures we only get paid when you get the compensation you deserve. If you have questions about your case and what we can do for you, contact Jason Stone Injury Lawyers today for your free consultation. There’s No Obligation, Just Information(R).