Massachusetts Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Thousands of motorcycle riders are injured each year in motorcycle accidents. Many of these accidents are not the fault of the motorcycle operator but the fault of other drivers. Negligent drivers frequently travel too close behind motorcyclists or pull out in front of motorcycles without concern for the riders’ safety.



Most drivers forget that they share roads with motorcyclists and the level of minimal physical protection a motorcycle rider has on the road, which leads to the high percentage of long-lasting effects to motorcyclists involved in accidents.

Unlike occupants of passenger vehicles who are surrounded by steel frames, airbags, and crumple zones, motorcycle riders have almost nothing between their bodies and the pavement. A collision that might cause only minor whiplash for a car driver can leave a motorcyclist with shattered bones, severe road rash, or a traumatic brain injury. The physical consequences are often catastrophic, and the financial fallout can be just as devastating.

Massachusetts motorcycle riders also face unique insurance challenges that make recovering compensation more difficult than in a typical car accident case. Motorcycles are excluded from the state's no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) system, which means injured riders cannot access the automatic $8,000 in medical and wage benefits available to car crash victims. If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash, working with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Massachusetts is critical to protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you're owed.

Operators of motorcycles in Massachusetts are covered under Massachusetts Motorcycle Law, which makes negligent drivers responsible and liable for their negligent actions. An injured motorcycle driver in Massachusetts can recover compensation from the responsible party and their insurance company.

Massachusetts motorcycle riders are not entitled to no-fault, Personal Injury Protection benefits (PIP) like victims in car, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents, which can pay up to $8,000 in medical and lost wages expenses. Without these available benefits, motorcyclists who have been injured in an accident may face challenges in paying medical expenses and receiving prompt reimbursement for lost wages.

Motorcycle injury claims in Massachusetts operate under a fault-based system. This means the injured rider must prove that someone else's negligence caused the crash in order to recover damages. Unlike car accident claims, where PIP benefits provide immediate relief regardless of fault, injured motorcyclists often need to rely on their private health insurance from day one while pursuing their injury claim.

Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule under M.G.L. Chapter 231, Section 85. If you are found to be partially at fault for the crash, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages at all. Insurance companies routinely try to shift blame onto motorcycle riders by claiming they were speeding, lane-splitting, or riding recklessly. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Massachusetts knows how to counter these tactics and protect your right to fair compensation.

Rider bias is a real problem in these cases. Jurors, adjusters, and even police officers sometimes assume the motorcyclist must have done something wrong simply because they were on a bike. A motorcycle crash lawyer in MA who understands this dynamic will work to present evidence that puts the focus squarely on the at-fault driver's conduct.

This is one of the most important differences between motorcycle accidents and other vehicle crashes in Massachusetts, and it's something every rider needs to understand.

Massachusetts is a no-fault insurance state. Under M.G.L. Chapter 90, Section 34A, all motor vehicle insurance policies must include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which pays up to $8,000 in medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. This coverage applies to drivers and passengers in cars, as well as pedestrians and bicycle accident victims struck by motor vehicles.

However, motorcycles are specifically excluded from this system. Under Massachusetts law, motorcycles are not classified as "motor vehicles" for purposes of no-fault insurance. That means if you're riding a motorcycle and another driver hits you, you get zero PIP benefits. There is no automatic payment for your emergency room visit. There is no quick reimbursement for the wages you lose while recovering. Nothing.

The practical consequences of this exclusion are severe. Consider what happens in the first days and weeks after a serious motorcycle crash:

• Ambulance fees, emergency surgery, and hospital stays can easily exceed $50,000 or more
• You may be unable to work for weeks or months
• Your health insurance may initially cover treatment, but co-pays, deductibles, and coverage gaps add up fast
• Medical providers sometimes hesitate to treat motorcycle crash victims who lack PIP coverage because there's no guaranteed payment source.
• The at-fault driver's insurance company is under no obligation to pay you quickly.

Because there is no PIP safety net, injured motorcyclists must pursue compensation directly from the liable party through a third-party negligence claim. This makes it essential to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Massachusetts who understands how to move quickly, preserve evidence, and apply pressure on the responsible driver's insurer. Attorney Jason Ranallo has been handling these exact cases since 2002, and he knows how to bridge the financial gap that motorcycle riders face after a crash.

Motorcycle accidents are often the result of the other driver’s negligence. Some of the most commonly-cited causes include:

• Cutting off a motorcyclist at an intersection
• Following too closely
• Speeding
• Distraction
• Driving under the influence
• Sidetracking and swiftly changing direction
• Failure to yield

Other reasons can include motorcycle manufacturing defects, improper motorcycle maintenance, or dangerous road conditions like potholes and uneven pavement. Left-turn collisions are especially deadly for riders; a car turning left across an intersection may not see an oncoming motorcycle until it's too late. For a deeper look at how and why these crashes happen, read our full guide on the causes of motorcycle accidents in Massachusetts. If you are hurt in a motorcycle accident, you should contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer right away to begin working on your case.

The numbers tell a sobering story about motorcycle safety in Massachusetts. According to data from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Massachusetts typically records between 1,500 and 2,000 motorcycle crashes annually
• Motorcycle fatalities in the state have fluctuated between 40 and 70 deaths per year over the past decade
• Motorcyclists account for roughly 14% of all traffic fatalities in Massachusetts, despite representing less than 3% of registered vehicles
• Riders are approximately 29 times more likely to die in a crash per mile traveled than passenger car occupants, according to NHTSA data

Seasonal patterns play a significant role. The vast majority of motorcycle crashes in Massachusetts happen between May and October, when warmer weather brings more riders onto the road. June through September are historically the deadliest months. Weekend afternoons see a notable spike in crash frequency.

Urban areas, particularly Greater Boston and the surrounding suburbs, account for a large share of motorcycle crashes due to heavy traffic volume, congested intersections, and distracted drivers. However, rural roads in western and central Massachusetts also pose risks because of higher travel speeds, sharp curves, and wildlife crossings. For a more detailed breakdown, see our page on Massachusetts motorcycle accident statistics.

Riding a motorcycle in and around Boston presents hazards that don't exist in most other parts of the state. The city's road network was designed centuries before motorcycles existed, and it shows. Narrow streets, rotaries, poorly marked lane merges, and aggressive commuter traffic create a hostile environment for riders.

Some of the most dangerous conditions for Boston-area motorcyclists include:

• Heavy stop-and-go traffic on I-93, I-90, and Route 128/I-95 where rear-end collisions are common
• Congested intersections in downtown Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville with limited visibility
• Ride-share vehicles stopping suddenly in travel lanes to pick up or drop off passengers
• Construction zones that reduce road width and create uneven pavement
• Trolley tracks in areas near the MBTA Green Line that can cause a motorcycle's wheels to lose traction

If you've been injured in a motorcycle crash in the Greater Boston area, you need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Boston who knows the local roads, the local courts, and the insurance carriers that operate here. Attorney Jason Ranallo serves riders throughout Boston, Dedham, Quincy, Braintree, Norwood, and all surrounding communities from his Dedham office, which is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Boston.

Even when wearing protective clothing and helmets, riders are subject to dreadful injuries in collisions and crashes. Our top motorcycle personal injury lawyers list severe injuries common in motorcycle accidents but not limited to:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including concussions and closed-head injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Severe road rash requiring skin grafts
• Broken and fractured bones, including pelvis, femur, and wrist fractures
• Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
• Amputation or crush injuries
• Disfigurement and permanent scarring
• Neck injuries, including herniated discs and whiplash
• Long-term disability requiring ongoing medical care and rehabilitation

Many of these injuries don't fully reveal themselves for days or even weeks after the crash. A rider who walks away from an accident scene feeling "okay" may later discover they have a slow brain bleed, a hairline spinal fracture, or internal injuries that require surgery. This is one reason it's so important to seek medical attention immediately after any motorcycle crash and to avoid settling quickly with an insurance company before you know the full extent of your injuries.

Such accidents often require costly medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and often, long-term care for life. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorney understands the costs associated with severe injuries, and we know the importance of having an experienced motorcycle attorney on your side.

Motorcycle accidents often require costly medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and often, long-term care for life. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorney understands the costs associated with severe injuries, and we know the importance of having an experienced motorcycle attorney on your side.

When we take on a motorcycle accident case, we pursue every category of damages available under Massachusetts law, including:

• Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care.
• Lost wages: Income you've already lost and future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and trauma resulting from the crash.
• Permanent disability: Damages for lasting impairments that affect your ability to live independently or enjoy daily activities.
• Disfigurement and scarring: Compensation for visible injuries, including road rash scars and surgical scars.
• Loss of consortium: Damages for the impact on your relationship with your spouse or family.
• Property damage: Repair or replacement of your motorcycle, helmet, riding gear, and other personal property.

If you lost a family member in a motorcycle accident caused by another person's negligence, our motorcycle accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim. The damages in a wrongful death case can include funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and the loss of companionship. These cases carry a three-year statute of limitations in Massachusetts, though claims against government entities have much shorter notice deadlines.

The steps you take in the minutes, hours, and days following a motorcycle crash can make or break your injury claim. Here's what we recommend to every rider:

1. Get medical attention right away if you need it. Even if you feel fine at the scene, adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Go to the emergency room or urgent care and tell them you were in a motorcycle crash. Your medical records from that initial visit become key evidence in your case.

2. Call the police. A police report documents the basic facts of the accident, including the other driver's information, witness names, and the officer's observations about fault.

3. Document everything at the scene. If you're physically able, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, your injuries, and any debris. Get contact information from witnesses.

4. Preserve your helmet and gear. Don't throw away or repair your helmet, jacket, gloves, or boots. These items can serve as evidence showing the force of impact and the seriousness of the crash.

5. Do not give recorded statements to the other driver's insurance company. Insurance adjusters will contact you quickly, sometimes within hours. They may sound sympathetic, but their goal is to minimize what they pay. Anything you say can be used to reduce your claim.

6. Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Massachusetts as soon as possible. The sooner legal counsel is involved, the better your chances of preserving critical evidence and avoiding costly mistakes.

For a complete step-by-step guide, read our resource on what to do after a motorcycle accident in Massachusetts.

Choosing the right motorcycle accident lawyer in Massachusetts can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case. Not every personal injury attorney understands the specific challenges that come with motorcycle accident cases. Insurance companies treat motorcycle claims differently than car accident claims, and riders need an attorney who recognizes these differences and knows how to fight back.

Here's what sets Attorney Jason Ranallo apart:

• More than two decades of experience: Attorney Ranallo has been representing injured individuals in Massachusetts since 2002, giving him deep knowledge of state personal injury law and the local court system.
• Motorcycle-specific knowledge: He understands the PIP exclusion, rider bias in insurance claims, and the unique medical issues motorcycle crash victims face.
• Insurance company experience: He knows the strategies adjusters use to undervalue motorcycle claims and has a track record of pushing back effectively.
• Trial readiness: While most cases settle, Attorney Ranallo prepares every case as if it's going to trial. Insurance companies know this, and it makes a difference at the negotiating table.
• Personal attention: You won't be passed off to a paralegal or case manager. Attorney Ranallo communicates directly with clients and is available for evening, weekend, home, and hospital appointments.
• No upfront costs: The firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless your case results in a recovery.
  

Attorney Jason Ranallo has been helping injured individuals in motorcycle accidents since 2002. You can rest assured that having the Law Offices of Jason M. Ranallo, P.C. working for you puts your case in the hands of an experienced, compassionate, knowledgeable, and aggressive attorney who knows how to get results.

The Law Offices of Jason M Ranallo will provide you with the personal attention and skill that each case needs. Our motorcycle accident attorneys will handle every aspect of your motorcycle accident case, including going to trial should a full and fair settlement agreement not be reached.

If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident, call the Law Offices of Jason M. Ranallo, P.C. today at 781-344-6200 or contact the firm online to schedule a free consultation with a motorcycle accident injury lawyer who will review your case. For your convenience, home, hospital, evening, and weekend appointments are available upon request.