Motorcycles are among the best ways to explore the open roads and see Massachusetts. Biking gives riders a sense of freedom that traveling on four-plus wheels can’t match. Unfortunately, drivers often do not look out for motorcycles as well as they should. This can lead to catastrophic accidents, severe injuries, and even death. Is it any wonder that so many people are looking for a motorcycle lawyer near me?
How To Find a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near You
After a motorcycle accident, teaming up with a personal injury lawyer is a wise move. Legal representation does not guarantee a successful outcome. The negligent person and his or her insurance company likely also have legal representation, so it does help to level the playing field. How do you find not just any attorney but a good one?
Ask Your Doctor
Not sure how to find a motorcycle lawyer near me? Start by talking to your physician and other healthcare providers about motorcycle attorneys in the area. Medical professionals often work with motorcycle accident attorneys and can point you in the right direction.
Talk To Experienced Riders
The motorcycle community is tight-knit, so you might already know someone who has been in your position and needed to work with an attorney. Ideally, you can ask in person, but online forums can also provide good sources.
Talk To Legal Aid Providers
Whether through word of mouth or an online search, contact local legal aid providers to inquire about motorcycle accident attorneys near me. They can point you in the right direction if they cannot provide direct assistance.
Research Online
Look for motorcycle attorneys and read independent, third-party reviews of their services. Also, look to see whether they have specialized experience in motorcycle accidents. Some lawyers may have more experience than others regarding your case’s particulars, which can make a big difference in the outcome.
Contact Attorneys on Your Shortlist
Call or send an email and see how long the lawyer takes to get back to you. How many steps do you take to get from admin staff to an actual attorney? Does he or she sound compassionate and ready to hear your case, or do you feel like just another case number? The answers to these questions will matter when you need their services most.
Why You Should Start Looking Before You Need One
The best time to find a motorcycle accident lawyer is long before a crash. Safe riding advocates often recommend building a contingency plan for what you will do if an accident does happen. Here are a few reasons you should take this advice seriously.
Motorcycle accidents are on the rise across America. Government agencies and safe riding advocates worry that motorcycles also make up a disproportionate number of crashes and fatalities nationwide. Motorcycle riders are four times more likely to be involved in a traffic accident than the occupants of passenger vehicles. They are also 28 times more likely to die in these accidents.
The numbers are no less dismal in Massachusetts. By September 2021, Massachusetts had witnessed a 31% increase in fatal motorcycle crashes over previous years. When riders know exactly who they will call after an accident, they might increase their chances of handling the situation well.
How an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Whether you find one before or after an accident, an experienced lawyer brings invaluable knowledge to your case. Here are some of the many reasons attorneys generally help people secure better outcomes.
No Upfront Costs
Personal injury attorneys do not typically charge upfront fees for their services. Instead, they take payment from a portion of your compensation after winning your case. If they don’t win, they don’t get paid. That provides powerful motivation while also reducing financial risks for injured persons.
Investigation
Attorneys specialize in gathering evidence, researching legal precedents, and building a case against negligent parties. Their experience in these areas often makes them invaluable partners for those injured by careless drivers or other persons.
Insurance Negotiations
Insurance companies are powerful entities with vast resources at their disposal. They don’t always act in good faith, so it’s essential to have someone on your side who is familiar with their tactics. A lawyer might help you argue for a fair settlement and protect your rights.
Expert Testimony
In more complex cases, attorneys may need expert witnesses such as accident reconstructionists or medical experts. These professionals can testify about the nature of the accident and its effects on the victim. This testimony can be vital when it comes to securing a fair settlement.
Aggressive Representation in Court
If insurance companies are unwilling to settle, injured persons may need to take their cases to court. Having an experienced lawyer who will fight for your rights is crucial in these instances. They can present the facts of your case and argue for its merits with the court.
Peace of Mind
Researching and choosing a lawyer may seem like another chore when an accident is already overwhelming. That said, knowing that you have someone on your side who will fight for what’s fair can bring a sense of peace amid the chaos or in preparation for potential accidents.
How Motorcycle Accidents Differ From Auto Accidents
Personal injury attorneys have the legal knowledge that makes them competent for handling almost any accident case, but motorcycle accidents are much different. Attorneys that focus on motorcycle accidents develop particular expertise in this area. They know the laws that dictate how motorcycle riders should behave and how to prove a defendant’s negligence in court. That kind of knowledge can be invaluable when it comes to recovering damages.
Higher Risk of Severe Injury and Death
Motorcycle riders have very little protection on the road. Motorbikes have no airbags, seatbelts, or any of the dozens of safety features standard in cars. To make matters worse, as American cars get bigger, they pose a physical threat to people on bikes. All these factors combine to increase the risk of the following:
- Dismemberment
- Broken bones
- Disability
- Death
Helmet-Wearing and Its Effect on Liability
Massachusetts generally requires motorcycle riders to wear helmets and launched several campaigns to increase buy-in. Still, many riders do not wear helmets. Studies show this can significantly increase the risk of traumatic brain injury or death. The court may determine that injured persons not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident contributed to their injuries. This can introduce more complexities in an already complicated case.
Biases Against Bikers
Negligent drivers who cause motorcycle accidents may try to shift the blame onto the rider. They might claim that bikers are reckless and irresponsible and generally don’t obey traffic laws. Personal injury attorneys understand the bias against motorcyclists, so they will work hard to shift the narrative in negotiations or court and prove that the other driver was at fault.
Why Choose Jason Stone Injury Lawyers for Your Motorcycle Accident Case
Are you still looking for a motorcycle lawyer near me? Bikers in Massachusetts have turned to our law firm for more than a decade to pursue fair compensation. We have recovered more than $60 million for our clients and look forward to serving you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
