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 about the level of minimal level of protection a motorcycle rider has, leading in the end to the high percentage of long-lasting effects to motorcyclists involved in accidents.

Massachusetts Motorcycle Law

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.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents

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 or improper motorcycle maintenance. So if you are hurt in a motorcycle accident, you should contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer right away to begin working on your case.