Motorcycle Accident Claims in Dedham MA: What You Need to Know

The moments following a motorcycle accident are chaotic and terrifying. However, the actions you take immediately after a collision in Dedham can make or break your future personal injury claim. Knowing exactly what to do protects both your physical health and your legal rights.

Seek Emergency Medical Attention

Your health is the absolute priority. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask severe injuries like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries. Go to the hospital or an urgent care center immediately. Delaying medical treatment gives insurance adjusters an excuse to argue that your injuries weren't actually caused by the crash.

Document the Scene and Gather Evidence

If you are physically able to do so safely, collect evidence before the vehicles are moved off the road.

• Take photos of the motorcycle, the other vehicle, skid marks, and the surrounding road conditions.
• Get the names, phone numbers, and insurance information of the other driver.
• Collect contact information from any eyewitnesses who saw what happened.
• Wait for the police to arrive so an official accident report is filed.

The PIP Exemption for Motorcyclists

In Massachusetts, car accident victims automatically receive Personal Injury Protection (PIP) to cover initial medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault. However, motorcyclists are excluded from PIP benefits. This means your private health insurance must step in first, and your attorney will need to aggressively pursue the at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability coverage to pay for your remaining out-of-pocket costs.

Massachusetts follows a "modified comparative negligence" rule. You can still recover compensation if you share some blame for the crash, provided your fault is not greater than 50%.

Example: If a court finds you 10% at fault for slightly speeding, but the other driver is 90% at fault for running a red light in Dedham Square, your total compensation will simply be reduced by your 10% share of the blame.

Proving Fault in a Dedham Motorcycle Accident

To secure compensation, you must prove that the other driver's negligence caused the crash. National traffic safety statistics reveal that a significant portion of motorcycle accidents occur simply because passenger vehicles fail to yield the right of way to a rider.

Common Causes of Driver Negligence

Passenger vehicle drivers frequently cause accidents through inattention or failure to follow traffic laws.

• Left-Turn Collisions: Example: A driver turning left onto Washington Street fails to accurately judge your speed and turns directly into your path.
• Blind Spot Merging: Drivers changing lanes on Route 1 without checking their mirrors properly.
• Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or using a phone behind the wheel.

Overcoming the "Didn't See You" Defense

When a driver claims they "didn't see" the motorcycle, they are essentially admitting they failed to keep a proper lookout. We counter this inherent bias by gathering hard evidence-such as traffic camera footage and accident reconstruction data-to prove that a reasonably careful driver would have seen you.

A severe motorcycle crash can turn your life completely upside down. Our goal is to ensure you are fully compensated for every way the accident has impacted your physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

These are the quantifiable, out-of-pocket financial losses you have suffered due to the crash

• Current and future medical expenses (surgeries, physical therapy, medications)
• Lost wages from time missed at work
• Loss of future earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job
• Property damage to your motorcycle and safety gear

These damages compensate you for the intangible, subjective losses that don't come with a standard receipt.

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement (common with road rash)
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company's bottom line, not to look out for your best interests. Dealing with them alone after a traumatic event is incredibly risky.

Avoid Giving Recorded Statements

Hire a Proven Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Attorney Jason M. Ranallo has a proven track record of fighting back against aggressive insurance tactics. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. For more information on how we build strong cases for injured riders, visit our motorcycle accidents practice area page.