Newton, MA Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you suffered a motorcycle accident, then you may be able to recover financial compensation for the injuries you incurred. However, your path to payment can be frustrating and complex. The defendant in your case may employ various strategies to disprove key elements of your claim.
Accordingly, support from experienced legal representation can be very helpful when seeking damages after a motorcycle crash. The team at our firm can help gather evidence and build your claim. Further, we can deal with the defendant and negotiate for the full range of compensation available in your case.
After suffering a motorcycle accident in Newton, MA, get help from our motorcycle accident lawyers at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan by dialing (617) 925-6407 to discuss your potential lawsuit for free.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Newton, MA
A high number of motorcycle crashes are related to drivers’ negligence. If you were injured because of an accident that stems from any of the following sources, then our motorcycle accident lawyers can help seek monetary damages:
Speeding
Many riders are struck by speeding drivers. While speeding, motorists are prone to veering outside of their lanes and committing reckless maneuvers. Further, when travelling at high speeds, drivers may not have time to avoid collisions when vehicles in front of them slow down or stop.
High-speed accidents are likely to result in serious injuries. Fortunately, speeding drivers may be held accountable for the collisions they cause.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another very common cause of motorcycle accidents. Motorists can become visually, manually, or cognitively distracted. While distracted, they are likely to make careless mistakes behind the wheel.
There are several examples of activities that can distract drivers. Some activities such as texting or browsing social media can involve multiple forms of distraction. If you were struck by a distracted driver, then you may be entitled to significant compensation for the harm you endured.
Running Red Lights
Also, many motorcycle collisions occur because careless drivers run red lights. These accidents are particularly common during rush hour and other periods of high traffic congestion. Impatient or careless drivers who disobey red lights can cause devastating side-impact collisions with riders travelling through intersections.
Improper Lane Changes
Many motorcycle accidents happen because drivers commit improper lane changes. Improper lane changes can happen when drivers change lanes without checking their surroundings or using their turn signals. Further, improper lane changes may also occur when drivers attempt to change lanes in illegal areas.
Accidents caused by improper lane changes regularly happen on highways and in busy urban areas. Such accidents have a propensity to produce painful and debilitating injuries.
Failing to Yield the Right-of-Way
Furthermore, motorcycle accidents often occur because motorists fail to yield the right-of-way. When drivers fail to properly yield before making a left turn, severe, head-on collisions can happen. Furthermore, some motorcycle crashes occur because drivers fail to yield before pulling into or out of parking spaces. In any case, drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way can be sued for the collisions they cause.
Drunk Driving
Finally, drunk driving is a common source of motorcycle crashes. While drunk, drivers can exhibit blurry vision, slow reaction times, and reckless decision-making abilities. Motorcycle accidents caused by drunk drivers regularly happen at night but can still occur at any time of day. Thankfully, if you were injured as the result of a drunk driver’s negligence, then you may be awarded payment for the damages you incurred.
Evaluating Settlement Offers in Newton Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
After filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit, the defendant will likely attempt to settle your case before going to trial. If you accept the defendant’s settlement offer, then you will be awarded an agreed-upon sum of damages in exchange for the dismissal of your claim. There are potential advantages to settling before going to trial. For instance, you may save on some of the costs associated with trying your case. Furthermore, by settling early, you may obtain financial compensation more quickly.
Still, settling early is not always the right decision. Many defendants in motorcycle accident cases attempt to settle their claims quickly and cheaply. Accordingly, it is imperative that you understand the true value of your case. If you are not presented with an adequate settlement offer, then you must go to trial to recover the full range of payment you are owed. The risk being that if your case does not succeed, then you may receive nothing for your injuries. Guidance from our experienced legal team can be highly valuable when evaluating settlement offers in your case.
What if You Are Partially to Blame for Your Motorcycle Accident in Newton, MA?
There are certain scenarios where fault can be shared for motorcycle accidents. For example, you may share some of the blame for a collision where you were speeding before being struck by a distracted driver. If you share for your crash, then you can still recover compensation for your injuries. However, the amount of compensation you are awarded may be limited.
Massachusetts courts adhere to the rules of “modified comparative fault.” Therefore, damages in motorcycle accident lawsuits are awarded based on each party’s percentage of blame. For example, if you are 30% at fault for your collision while the defendant is 70% responsible, then they will be ordered to pay for 70% of the damages you sustained while you must account for the remaining 30%.
Importantly, you should note that you may not recover any monetary damages if your portion of fault exceeds 50%. The defendant in your case may utilize various strategies in their attempts to shift blame. Support from the team at our firm can be very helpful when building your case and proving that the defendant is entirely responsible for your accident.
If You Need to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Newton, MA, Our Attorneys Can Help
Seek assistance from our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan by calling (617) 925-6407 today.
