Springfield Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcyclists account for a small share of traffic on I-91, Route 291, the Memorial Bridge, and the bustling downtown grid surrounding Court Square. Yet, they suffer a disproportionately high number of serious injuries. When a crash occurs, the legal landscape differs dramatically from an ordinary fender bender. At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we are motorcyclists, too. Our Springfield motorcycle accident attorneys bring decades of focused experience to riders and their families across Hampden County. We explain how Massachusetts law treats motorcycle collisions, the compensation you may be entitled to, and what to expect.

Our Springfield personal injury law firm is ready to fight to get you the maximum compensation for your injuries.

Motorcycle claims are rarely straightforward because:

• Bias against riders: Insurance adjusters often assume motorcyclists are reckless, shifting fault onto the rider even when the facts suggest otherwise.
• Severe injuries: Riders lack the protective shell of a car, so medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering are typically far higher.
• Missing PIP coverage: Massachusetts Personal Injury Protection (PIP) does not apply to motorcyclists, leaving riders responsible for initial medical expenses unless they opt for optional MedPay coverage.
• Multiple liable parties: Defective Road design, faulty motorcycle parts, or commercial vehicles can expand the list of defendants and insurance policies.

Each of these factors demands meticulous evidence gathering, aggressive negotiation, and, if necessary, trial advocacy in the Hampden Superior Court on State Street or the U.S. District Court’s Springfield session.

A successful claim hinges on proving the other party’s negligence and demonstrating the rider’s compliance with state law. Key statutes include:

• Universal Helmet Requirement: G.L. c. 90 § 7 mandates a DOT-approved helmet for all riders and passengers. Failure to comply can reduce your damage award under comparative negligence.
• Eye Protection: Unless the bike is equipped with a windscreen that meets strict height criteria, riders must wear goggles or a face shield.
• Registration & Insurance: The minimum liability coverage requirements are $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for bodily injury. However, carrying higher limits and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is strongly recommended.
• Lane-Splitting Ban: Riding between lanes of traffic is illegal in Massachusetts, and violating this law can result in a fine, bar, or diminished recovery.
• Statute of Limitations: Under M.G.L. c. 260 § 2A, you generally have three years from the crash date to file a lawsuit. Missing the deadline usually ends your claim, although rare tolling exceptions exist (e.g., latent defects, minority status).

Crash investigations handled by our firm repeatedly spotlight the same negligent behaviors:

• Left-turn collisions: Drivers misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or fail to see it when turning across oncoming traffic.
• Unsafe lane changes on I-91: Large vehicles drift without checking blind spots.
• Distracted driving: Texting, making GPS adjustments, or even eating can take drivers’ eyes off the road for seconds, which can prove catastrophic.
• Drunk or drug-impaired driving: Weekend nights on Worthington Street see spikes in impaired-driving crashes.
• Dangerous road conditions include potholes on State-maintained routes, gravel spills near construction zones, and inadequate roadway lighting in rural Hampden County towns like Wilbraham or Ludlow.
• Defective motorcycle components: Brake failures or tire blowouts traceable to manufacturing or design defects.

Collecting witness statements, police crash reports, black box data, surveillance footage, and expert reconstructions, we connect each cause to a specific breach of duty in a court-ready manner.

Massachusetts follows a 50 percent modified comparative negligence rule. That means:

• If you are 50 percent or less at fault, your recovery is reduced by that percentage.
• If you are more than 50 percent at fault, you recover nothing.

Insurance carriers seize this doctrine to chip away at your claim. Our attorneys counter with scene photographs, skid mark measurements, helmet-cam footage, and sworn testimony to demonstrate the other party’s greater culpability.

Because motorcycle injuries often involve orthopedic surgery, traumatic brain injury, or spinal cord damage, potential compensation is extensive. We pursue:

• Past and future medical expenses (hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, assistive devices).
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity, supported by vocational experts and forensic economists.
• Pain and suffering, accounting for chronic pain, disfigurement, PTSD, and lifestyle disruption.
• Loss of consortium for spouses deprived of companionship and household services.
• Property damage to the motorcycle, riding gear, and electronics.
• In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded for gross negligence or willful misconduct (e.g., a drunk driver with prior OUI convictions).

Our litigation team rigorously documents every dime so insurers cannot lowball a settlement.

From our first meeting, at your home in Forest Park or virtually online, we deploy resources tailored to motorcycle litigation:

• Immediate crash-scene investigation by former state troopers and certified accident reconstructionists.
• Medical record audit to link each diagnosis to the crash, not pre-existing conditions.
• Subrogation defense to minimize health-insurance lien claims and maximize your net recovery.
• When product or roadway defects are suspected, experts in biomechanics, metallurgy, and highway engineering are called in.
• Aggressive negotiation with insurers using evidence-backed demands crafted from verdict databases and recent Hampden County jury awards.
• Trial readiness: Every file is prepared as if it will be seen by a jury, giving us leverage for full-value settlements and a roadmap if trial becomes necessary.

Your health and future claim depend on decisive action. Riders who protect their rights tend to secure higher settlements. Consider these steps (where safe and possible):

• Call 911 and insist on a police report—even for “minor” crashes.
• Seek medical attention right away; adrenaline can mask serious injuries.
• Preserve evidence: Photograph the scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and visible injuries.
• Do not repair or dispose of your motorcycle until your attorney inspects it.
• Get witness contact information before memories fade.
• Avoid posting about the crash or your condition on social media, as insurers will likely monitor these platforms.
• Contact Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers before speaking with any insurance adjuster.

Q: “How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?”

We handle cases on a contingency-fee basis. You pay nothing up front, and our fee is a percentage of the recovery. If we don’t win, you owe no attorney’s fee.

Q: “Will my case settle or go to trial?”

Most resolve through settlement or mediation. However, our readiness to try cases in Hampden Superior Court often persuades insurers to settle for a fair value earlier.

Q: “What if the driver who hit me was uninsured?”

Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage can step in to provide protection. We analyze all available policies, including those held by household members, to maximize coverage and ensure comprehensive security.

Q: “Can I file a claim if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?”

Yes, but expect the defense to argue comparative negligence. Our team collaborates with medical experts to distinguish between injury causation (the crash) and injury severity (helmet use), enabling you to recover damages.

Q: “My passenger was hurt—can they sue me?”

Passengers generally have a claim against the at-fault driver, which may include you if you contributed to the crash. Your liability carrier typically supplies the defense and pays any judgment up to the policy limits.

Time is critical. Evidence degrades, skid marks fade, and witnesses relocate. The sooner you enlist legal counsel, the stronger your claim will be. At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, our Springfield motorcycle accident attorneys combine hometown compassion with Boston-level resources to level the playing field against national insurance companies.

• We offer free, no-obligation consultations. We’ll come to you if mobility is an issue.
• 24/7 availability at (413) 278-0645and through our online form.
• No fee unless we win.

Whether your crash happened on the ramp to I-391, a back road in Sixteen Acres, or anywhere in Western Mass, we stand ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call today and let us put the law and our relentless advocacy on your side.

Springfield Office

1500 Main St, 8th floor
Springfield, MA 01115
Phone: (413) 278-0645