Broadside Collisions in Massachusetts
Accident Lawyers Helping Victims in Boston and Throughout MA
Motor vehicle accidents of any kind pose serious risks to a victim. When it comes to motorcycles, moreover, accident victims face higher risks of serious injuries and even fatalities. This is primarily because motorcycles do not provide the same type of protection that regular passenger vehicles provide. There are many different types of common motorcycle accidents, including broadside collisions. This type of crash, also known as a T-bone accident, takes place when a vehicle collides with the side of a motorcycle. The motorcyclist suffers the full force of the impact, which can be severe, especially if the vehicle is an SUV or large truck. It is not uncommon for motorcyclists to be thrown from their bikes upon impact. At Breakstone, White & Gluck, our Boston motorcycle accident lawyers have assisted many riders with asserting their right to compensation following a broadside collision.
Bringing a Personal Injury Case Based on a Broadside Collision
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may need to file a personal injury action against the driver who caused your injuries. In the lawsuit, you will need to show that the defendant failed to drive with reasonable care and skill, considering the roadway hazards, traffic conditions, and weather patterns at the time of the crash. Many broadside collisions occur because drivers get distracted and fail to pay adequate attention behind the wheel. Motorcycles are much more difficult to see than standard passenger vehicles. If a driver is texting behind the wheel on a busy street, for example, they are going to have a much harder time seeing a motorcycle and avoiding them. Other common causes of these crashes include drunk driving, fatigue, road rage, and a failure to yield the right of way to a motorcycle entering an intersection or merging lanes.
Once you have established that the defendant failed to drive with adequate care, you must prove that this failure was the reason why your injuries happened. In other words, if the defendant can show that some other factor was the primary reason why you were hurt, you may be precluded from recovering compensation from them. A defendant and their insurer often will try to show that they were not the main cause of the accident by offering evidence that indicates that the plaintiff also acted negligently. For example, perhaps a motorcyclist failed to yield the right of way at the time that the broadside collision occurred. Massachusetts has adopted a law that prevents a plaintiff from recovering compensation if they were more than 50% at fault for the crash. Our attorneys are alert to this defense strategy and ready to help you fight back against it.
The last phase of the lawsuit requires the plaintiff to offer evidence showing the amount of damages that they incurred as a result of the crash. Some general categories of compensation include medical bills, ongoing future medical care needs, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. If the plaintiff’s injuries are permanent, they may also be entitled to compensation for any reduction in future earning capacity and loss of enjoyment of life. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can help you ensure that you put together a strong case for the full amount of compensation that you deserve. Our firm works with a wide range of experts to support every aspect of the damages claims to help you get the best possible results.
Retain a Zealous Boston Attorney After Suffering Serious Injuries
At Breakstone, White & Gluck, we know how much you are suffering after a serious motorcycle crash. Whether you have been prevented from working or are facing a lifetime of ongoing injuries, a broadside collision may have a lasting impact on your life long after it occurs. We pride ourselves on serving clients with personalized, compassionate, and zealous legal counsel. Our motor vehicle collision attorneys can handle all of the aspects of your case, including locating witnesses, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies. We offer a free consultation and serve victims in Boston, Cambridge, Waltham, Lowell, Newton, Somerville, Quincy, Dedham, Norwood, Brookline, Attleboro, Barnstable, Brockton, Plymouth, Worcester, Lawrence, and Springfield. To schedule your consultation, call us now at 1-800-379-1244 or contact us online.