U-Turn Accidents

Massachusetts Lawyer for Motorcycle Collision Victims

Virtually every driver has had to make a U-turn at some point in his or her driving career. Although many U-turns are executed in a safe and legal manner, there are some instances where a driver makes a careless, reckless, or illegal U-turn that results in an injury accident. Although some of these crashes can happen at low speeds and lead to minimal damage, some happen at high speed or cause head-on collisions. A seasoned Massachusetts motorcycle accident attorney at our firm is available to serve injured victims throughout the state. A vehicle accident can be a challenging and confusing experience, especially if your injuries are severe. If you have been hurt in a U-turn accident, our team of dedicated legal professionals can assist you with seeking the compensation that you deserve.

U-Turn Accidents Can Be Extremely Dangerous

Whether it’s a driver who suddenly realizes that he or she missed a turn or a driver that has changed his or her mind, U-turns that happen suddenly and without consideration for oncoming traffic or pedestrians can lead to serious harm, especially for motorcyclists. Although U-turns are incredibly common, a U-turn is one of the most dangerous maneuvers that a motorist can carry out on the road. Some studies estimate that U-turns lead to roughly 4,300 accidents each year.

When it comes to U-turn accidents, the driver who initiated the turn is often at fault. In most cases, the driver executing the U-turn does not have the right-of-way and is traveling across an oncoming lane of traffic to change directions. This can be especially dangerous to motorcyclists, who are already at a disadvantage in terms of being less visible than larger vehicles.

There are two factors that must be considered in determining whether the U-turn was performed legally. First, there are many places where a “No U-turn” side is posted, but drivers will ignore it or simply not see the sign. Some traffic signals will also indicate when it is and is not appropriate to make a U-turn. The second factor in considering whether a U-turn was legal is whether it was performed in a safe manner. This means the driver performing the turn waited to ensure that the path was clear, performed the U-turn at a safe speed, and used appropriate signals to alert nearby drivers and pedestrians that he or she intended to turn. A knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney can review the facts of your case to evaluate whether you can prove that the defendant driver executed an illegal U-turn.

Seeking Compensation

If you were injured in a U-turn accident while riding a motorcycle, your first step toward recovering compensation is to file a personal injury claim against the driver of the vehicle that caused the crash. In this lawsuit, you will need to prove that the other driver failed to use the same reasonable care and skill that a prudent driver would use when faced with a similar situation. It can be hard to understand how or why another driver caused an accident, especially if it happened at high speed. Obtaining eyewitness testimony, a police report, and a consult with an accident reconstruction specialist are a few ways that you can establish that the other driver was operating his or her vehicle carelessly.

Next, you will need to show that the driver’s lack of appropriate care caused your injuries. If there is some other factor that may have been the substantial cause, like a malfunctioning traffic light then the defendant may not be required to compensate you. The last phase of the litigation involves determining the amount of compensation that you are entitled to recover. Evidence of your direct and estimated future expenses will be evaluated to help the jury make a damages award. Common categories of damages that can be recovered following a motorcycle accident include past and future medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Massachusetts Residents

Motorcycle accidents are some of the most stressful and sudden events that a person can experience in his or her life. Our team of legal professionals offers a free consultation to help you learn more about how a Massachusetts attorney can assist you, and whether you are entitled to compensation. We serve clients in areas around Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, Waltham, Lowell, Quincy, Newton, Somerville, Dedham, Norwood, and Peabody. To schedule your appointment, call our office at  (800) 262-9200 or contact us online to get started.