Motorcycle riders share a unique camaraderie, as few others know the joy of riding down the open road in the bright sun. However, motorcycles are among the most dangerous vehicles for riders in a crash. Due to the difference in shape and weight, the motorcycle typically receives more damage than a car in a crash between the two, leaving the motorcycle riders with devastating injuries.
If a car has hurt you while you were riding, talk to a Springfield motorcycle accident lawyer at Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C. Our team of injury attorneys could help you recover financial compensation for your injuries so you can overcome this stressful period of your life.
Motorcycles, cars, trucks, and SUVs must share the road with each other, but a motorcycle is at a disadvantage because it is smaller. This makes it harder to see and more easily hidden in a four-wheeled vehicle’s blind spot. Many crashes between a motorbike and a car are caused by the driver simply not paying attention. Actions like speeding, unsafely changing lanes, and driving under the influence of alcohol contribute to a driver’s inability to avoid a collision with a motorcycle.
Certainly, a huge part of the joy of riding a motorcycle is being exposed to the wind rather than being inside a car cabin. Unfortunately, this feeling of freedom comes with a risk, as motorcycles do not have the same safety features as cars. Seatbelts serve to keep the car’s driver in their seat, and the vehicle itself is like a shell that can absorb some of the impact before it reaches the driver.
About the only form of protection that a motorcycle rider has is their helmet. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 § 7, all riders and passengers must wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle. Eye protection, such as goggles or eye shields, is also required if the bike does not have a windshield in front.
A motorcycle crash attorney in Springfield could investigate the accident to determine who was at fault and develop a strong case to hold them accountable.
Without the same protection as a car, motorcycle riders are substantially more vulnerable to devastating injuries. Some common injuries we see in motorcycle accident cases include:
It could take weeks or months for victims to recover from injuries after a motorbike crash in Springfield, but our devoted attorneys could provide support.
Both riders and drivers have a responsibility to themselves and others on the road to operate their vehicles in a safe manner. For motorcyclists, this means wearing a helmet, obeying the speed limit, and maintaining safe distances from cars. For drivers, this could include checking blind spots to ensure it is safe to make a lane change and avoiding distractions like texting.
Even so, collisions between motorbikes and cars could still happen. Given the differences between the two vehicles, the motorcycle and its rider are more likely to end up in a worse condition.
Injured riders may be able to recover compensatory damages from the driver’s insurance after an accident. This could include compensation for hospital bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are more concerned about concluding the matter quickly and are likely to offer a settlement that is well below what the victim deserves. That is why injured motorcyclists should seek representation from a Springfield lawyer after a motorcycle collision to defend their rights and work toward fair compensation from the insurance company.
Being in a crash while riding your bike is a traumatic experience, and it is understandable not to know what to do next. A Springfield motorcycle accident lawyer from Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C. could provide advice and support during this difficult time.
By helping you negotiate with the insurance company or take the case to court, our team could advocate for your rights. Call our firm today to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
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