First, it’s highly pertinent to note that the state of Massachusetts is a no-fault insurance state. This means that you usually must pursue any insurance claims with your own insurance company after the accident. This holds no matter who was at fault for the incident.

While this is an excellent idea, at times, it may restrict you from recovering compensation for your injuries.

Any drivers on the Massachusetts roads must have a minimum auto insurance policy to operate a vehicle. Under the state’s auto insurance laws, these policies must include liability coverage and personal injury protection (or PIP) for the insured driver and his passengers.

When cars are in an accident, the drivers, and their passengers, must file claims with their own insurance companies. This must be done first to cover their bills through their PIP policies.
However, if you’ve suffered a more significant injury and your medical bills exceed $2,000, you file an auto accident claim against the other driver’s insurance company.

Also, as an automobile driver, you must have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) that must equal their liability insurance minimums. This allows you to file a claim with your insurance company if the other driver doesn’t have enough coverage, or any coverage, to cover all your costs.

Although, as a motorcyclist, you must have the same minimum liability and UM/UIM policies as auto drivers, the insurance companies are under no obligation to provide you with PIP coverage. Due to this fact alone, motorcyclists must file a claim with another driver’s insurance company to recover proper compensation if they are severely injured!

It’s also vital to know that while you (as a motorcyclist) cannot receive PIP coverage, you can purchase an optional Medical Payment policy (or MedPay). MedPay can provide you with an additional $5,000 to $10,000. MedPay is like PIP and can help you get medical treatment after a crash.

It’s challenging to get proper compensation for your injuries and recovery after a motorcycle accident. Your best option is to consult with a Boston or Framingham motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Their expertise and experience will be invaluable to you and your family, and fight the insurance company to get the compensation you need.

What Should I Do First After My Motorcycle Accident in Boston?

Most importantly, never take the attitude that your injuries are minor. Due to the immense physics, forces, and weight differential on your bike and any type of vehicle (cars, SUVs, or trucks). Head, neck, or back injuries may not immediately show severe symptoms in many cases. It may be days, weeks, or months later that you begin to know the extent and severity of the injuries. Even slight initial pain and tenderness in your neck and back may signify much more possible severe neurological damage.

There are four immediate steps for you to take following your accident. If you cannot do these, try to get help at the scene.

They are:

  • Document your accident and witness information the best you can – Try to get all the pertinent information you can, such as the exact date and time, your location, any witnesses’ and the other drivers’ information, and photos.
  • Always Seek Immediate Medical Attention and call the police – Do this as soon as possible. Obtain copies of all your injury and police reports, as these can be essential if you must file an accident claim with your insurance company or file a lawsuit.
  • Notify Your Insurance Company – Do this as soon as possible, but note that you’re not obligated to answer any questions and sign nothing.
  • Consult with a qualified Boston motorcycle accident law firm – The severity of common motorcycle injuries often involves thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars to treat and for you to recover. Your lawyer will fight for you and your family from the start!

What Things Shouldn’t I Do After My Motorcycle Accident?

After your motorcycle accident, you are hurt, but always try to never do the following:

  • Never admit fault at the scene – When it comes to determining fault in a motorcycle accident, or even what happened, very few are cut and dried or obvious.
  • Never agree to dismiss the accident or “forget about it” – If you don’t get an official report of what happened, you may be providing your insurance company with reason to deny covering your motorcycle’s damage, your medical bills, and much more.
  • Never assume that you’re not injured – At first, you may feel fine after your accident but then begin to feel the pain associated with whiplash, neck, or back injuries later. It’s always in your best interests to assume that you might be hurt.

It’s mandatory to note that when you speak with your insurance company, be careful what you say, and never sign any documents before consulting with your Boston or Brockton motorcycle accident lawyer!

What Are the Boston Requirements for Motorcycle Insurance?

Boston and the State of Massachusetts require motorcycle riders to have the following insurance:

  • Bodily injury to others: $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident
  • Damage to someone else’s property: $5,000 for property damage
  • Bodily injury caused by an uninsured motorist: $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident

However, more than 80% of motorcycle accidents result in you being seriously injured. So, it’s highly recommended that you go beyond these minimum coverage requirements. As most Massachusetts insurance companies do not provide cycle riders with PIP, it’s very highly recommended that you carry higher limits, “comprehensive coverage” (for theft, vandalism, etc.), plus “medical payments” coverage. Working on your behalf, your motorcycle accident lawyer knows how severe these cases may be. Having the right coverage is essential to obtaining the compensation you and your family may need.

I Have Been In a Motorcycle Accident in Boston; How Should I Proceed?

Motorcycle accidents can inflict untold physical harm and financial chaos on you, your family, and your future. You could face months or years of recovery, thousands of dollars in medical bills, and loss of earnings. Your Boston motorcycle accident law team will help you navigate every step of this legal process and manage all aspects of your case to have a better chance of winning what you need and deserve. Dealing with insurance companies is difficult, but you are not alone; consult your experienced lawyer first and get the winning, professional legal help you deserve.