Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Boston, MA
$100+
millions recovered
25+ years
in business
100+
verdicts
A motorcycle accident can leave you facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and an insurance company determined to minimize your claim. Unlike car occupants, injured motorcyclists in Massachusetts generally cannot rely on Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits to cover their immediate expenses.
At DOLAN CONNLY, P.C., our Boston motorcycle accident lawyers investigate crashes, challenge unfair allegations of rider fault, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and long-term injuries. We prepare every case for potential litigation and fight to hold negligent parties accountable.
Why Choose DOLAN CONNLY, P.C. for Your Boston Motorcycle Accident Case?
Motorcycle accident claims require more than proving that another driver caused the crash. Insurers may question a rider’s actions, dispute the severity of their injuries, or push for a settlement before the full cost of recovery is known. We build evidence-backed cases designed to withstand those challenges.
Here is what sets our Boston motorcycle accident lawyers apart:
- Veteran-Led Legal Representation: Led by a former U.S. Marine Corps Judge Advocate, our firm brings discipline, thorough preparation, and a litigation-focused approach to serious injury claims.
- Millions Recovered for Injury Victims: Our attorneys have secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured clients across Massachusetts.
- Direct Access to Your Attorney: You work directly with the lawyer handling your case, with clear communication and personal attention throughout the legal process.
- Prepared to Go to Trial: We investigate liability, document the full extent of your losses, and prepare for litigation rather than relying on quick settlements that may undervalue your injuries.
From Dorchester and South Boston to Charlestown and East Boston, our personal injury lawyers in Boston represent people whose lives have been disrupted by serious accidents. We bring that same hands-on attention and trial-ready approach to every motorcycle injury claim we handle.
Personal Injury Verdicts and Settlements
$1,006,330.03
Greg Connly of DOLAN CONNLY represented a client who was a former MBTA trolley operator and a member of the affiliated Union. She alleged in her lawsuit filed in Suffolk Superior Court that the Union had not advocated for her by failing to take her case to arbitration after she was wrongfully terminated by the MBTA. The client was a native of Haiti and alleged that this failure by the Union to advocate on her behalf, was based on her race and national origin. The client had been the subject of egregious discrimination from some members of the Union.
The trial began on October 29, 2018 in Suffolk Superior Court. The jury found in favor of the client and awarded her $490,500.00 in emotional distress damages. Prejudgment interest of $179,771.19 and statutory costs were added to the verdict bringing the total amount of the judgment to $670,556.19. The Judge then allowed an additional award of attorney’s fees in the amount of $150,000.00 plus $8,733.40 in costs. The total amount of the judgment and fees owed to the client after the Superior Court trial was $829,289.59. The Union then appealed the verdict to the Massachusetts Court of Appeals. Greg Connly represented the client during the entire appeal process. On August 4, 2020, a decision came down from the Massachusetts Appeals Court. The Appeals Court upheld the Superior Court judgment. Further, the Appeals Court awarded attorney’s fees in the Appeals Court case in the amount of $27,355.00. Post-judgment interest that accrued during the appeal was also added.
On November 24, 2020, the Union paid to the client the amount of $1,006,330.03.
This case that was handled by Attorney Greg Connly of DOLAN CONNLY went from one on the verge of dismissal, to one in which there was a recovery in excess of a million dollars. No settlement offer had ever been made by the Union prior to the Superior Court trial.
$4,426,180.35
Greg Connly of DOLAN CONNLY tried a case in September of 2018 in the Worcester Superior Court. The case alleged chiropractic malpractice. The plaintiff/client was an 81-year-old gentleman who had a manipulation to adjust his pelvis done by the defendant/chiropractor. The negligent performance of this manipulation resulted in the breaking of his prosthetic knee. The client reported that he heard an audible popping sound and felt immediate pain at the time of the adjustment. The prosthetic knee had to be surgically repaired fourteen days later. The chiropractor testified that he had no memory of the treatment and he testified that he did not perform the adjustment described by the client. Greg Connly and Barbara Connly of DOLAN CONNLY worked on the case for over seven years. During the trial, Greg Connly put together the facts and expert testimony supporting the client’s position into a coherent credible case for the jury.
On September 14, 2018, the Worcester Superior Court jury came back with a verdict in favor of the plaintiff/client. DOLAN CONNLY’S client was awarded $750,000.00 in past and future medical expenses and $3,000,000.00 in pain and suffering. Including interest, the total judgment was $4,426,180.35. No offer had ever been made by the defense to settle the case. The verdict was appealed by the defense attorney. The case resolved during the appeal process with the 88-year-old client receiving a significant financial settlement, above and beyond any other comparable Massachusetts settlement or verdict for such injuries. Click here to see the actual court docket.
$3,680,187.78
Greg Connly of DOLAN CONNLY tried a case in the Brockton Superior Court in November of 2011. The plaintiff/client was a forty-two-year-old chef working for a third-party food service company at the defendant’s corporate cafeteria. The plaintiff sustained an electric shock when a dishwasher, provided for his use by the defendant, malfunctioned when he pressed the off button on the control panel. The machine was leaking water that came in contact with a live electrical circuit behind the control panel. Greg Connly was able to prove at trial that the defendant corporation was responsible for maintenance of the dishwasher and that it was in a hazardous and unsafe condition. It was discovered that the dishwasher had various mechanical problems after its initial installation and employees of the defendant failed to properly maintain it. The plaintiff suffered a traumatic brain injury, major depression, panic disorder, cognitive impairment and post-traumatic stress disorder. Following the electric shock, the plaintiff who had received excellent work reviews over the years, struggled at his job due to the effects of the traumatic brain injury. He never regained his previous high-level functioning in his occupation and was forced to stop working altogether.
On November 29, 2011, the Brockton Superior Court jury came back with a verdict in favor of the plaintiff/client. DOLAN CONNLY’S client was awarded $2,500,000.00 in past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost earning capacity. Including interest in the amount of $1,180,187.78, the final award was $3,680,187.78. The last offer by the defendant corporation to settle the case before trial was $50,000.00. The verdict was appealed by the defense, but the judgement was paid in full after the trial transcripts were reviewed by appellate counsel. Click here to see the actual court docket.
$475,000.00
A client from Reading was injured when his vehicle was struck by another vehicle traveling in the wrong direction on a one-way street. Our client suffered a worsening of a pre-existing cervical disc protrusion that required surgical repair, as well as injuries to his lower back. He received an insurance claim settlement of $475,000.00. This amount represented the total motor vehicle insurance policy limit for the at-fault driver in the amount of $250,000.00, plus $225,000.00 from an umbrella insurance policy.
$750,000.00
A client from Windham, NH sustained a dog bite in the course of his employment as an electrician. The client was working on an electrical project outside a home when he was asked by the homeowner to enter the home to look at another project. The homeowner did not restrain his Weimaraner dog while our client was in the home, despite knowing the dog was not comfortable with unfamiliar people being present in the residence. When our client was in the process of walking from one room to another, the dog unexpectedly bit him in the back of his leg. The client tried to get the dog to unlock its grip on his leg and in the process, he twisted his back. In addition to the dog bite, the client sustained significant injuries to his low back, hip and groin, including radiating pain into his legs and feet. The client underwent treatment including fusion surgery to his back and hip surgery to repair a labral tear. We represented the client in litigation filed against the homeowner. This litigation was settled during mediation for $750,000.00.
Types of Motorcycle Accident Cases We Handle at DOLAN CONNLY, P.C.
Motorcycle accidents in Boston can occur on busy routes such as I-93, the Southeast Expressway, and Storrow Drive, as well as at intersections where drivers fail to yield or check for approaching riders. The risks are serious: according to MassDOT, 71 motorcycle operators died in crashes across Massachusetts in 2024, a 22% increase from 2023.
Our firm handles a wide range of cases, including:
- Left-turn collisions involving drivers who fail to yield to approaching motorcycles
- Lane-change and merging accidents caused by unsafe maneuvers or blind-spot errors
- Car and truck collisions involving passenger vehicles and commercial trucks
- Distracted driving accidents involving texting or other driver distractions
- Drunk driving crashes caused by alcohol- or drug-impaired motorists
- Road hazard accidents involving potholes, debris, uneven pavement, or unsafe road conditions
- Single-vehicle motorcycle crashes involving potentially negligent third parties
- Fatal motorcycle accidents resulting in wrongful death claims
Determining liability is not always straightforward. Drivers may claim they never saw the motorcycle, insurers may question the rider’s actions, and multiple parties may share responsibility for the crash.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Boston investigate these disputes, preserve critical evidence, and challenge attempts to unfairly shift blame onto injured riders. We build every case with the preparation needed to negotiate from a position of strength or take the matter to court.
What Compensation Can I Recover in a Boston Motorcycle Accident Claim?
A motorcycle crash can result in injuries that require months of treatment, prevent you from working, or permanently change your quality of life. Under Massachusetts law, injured riders may pursue compensation for both financial losses and the physical and emotional consequences of the accident.
Potential recoverable damages in a motorcycle accident claim in Boston may include:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, hospital treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and future medical needs
- Lost Wages & Reduced Earning Capacity: Income missed during recovery and long-term impact on your ability to work
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your motorcycle, riding gear, and related property
- Permanent Injury, Scarring or Disfigurement: Compensation for long-term or permanent physical effects, including scarring or disability
The value of a motorcycle accident claim depends on the severity of your injuries, available insurance coverage, evidence of liability, and the long-term impact on your life. A Boston motorcycle accident lawyer can help document your losses, evaluate settlement offers, and pursue compensation that accounts for both your immediate needs and future expenses.
How Does Motorcycle Insurance Work in Boston, Massachusetts?
Massachusetts motorcycle insurance rules differ from those for passenger vehicles, particularly when it comes to paying medical bills after a crash. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 34M, motorcycle operators and passengers are excluded from the state’s standard Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage requirements, which generally provide up to $8,000 in benefits for eligible car accident victims.
Depending on your policy and the circumstances of the accident, other sources of compensation may be available:
- Bodily Injury Liability Coverage: If another driver caused the crash, you may pursue compensation through their liability insurance for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other covered damages.
- Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage: If included in your motorcycle policy, this optional coverage may help pay medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident.
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: This coverage may apply when an uninsured or unidentified driver causes your injuries, subject to policy terms and applicable law.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: If purchased, this coverage may provide additional compensation when the at-fault driver’s liability insurance is insufficient to cover your losses.
Who Pays Medical Bills After a Motorcycle Accident?
Without standard PIP benefits, injured motorcyclists may initially need to rely on their health insurance, available MedPay coverage, or other payment arrangements while their injury claim is pending. A successful claim against the responsible driver may ultimately reimburse eligible medical expenses, although health insurers and other payers may have reimbursement rights.
A Boston motorcycle accident lawyer can review your available insurance coverage, identify potentially responsible parties, and pursue compensation for medical expenses and other losses. We work to prevent insurance disputes from standing in the way of your financial recovery.
We advance all costs.
You pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your injuries.
How a Boston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
After a serious motorcycle crash, proving who caused the accident can be just as challenging as recovering from your injuries. Insurance companies may dispute liability, question your medical expenses, or argue that your riding contributed to the collision. Our motorcycle accident lawyers handle these challenges while you focus on getting better.
Preserving Critical Motorcycle Accident Evidence
We obtain police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and available vehicle data before crucial evidence is lost. We also examine motorcycle damage, riding gear, and road conditions to establish what happened.
Investigating the Crash and Establishing Liability
When fault is disputed, we work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze vehicle movements, impact points, and other physical evidence. This is particularly important when drivers claim they never saw the motorcycle or insurers attempt to blame the rider.
Calculating the Full Value of Your Injuries
We review medical records, treatment costs, lost earnings, and the long-term effects of your injuries. When necessary, we consult medical and financial experts to document future care needs and diminished earning capacity.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Our attorneys handle adjuster communications, evaluate settlement offers, and challenge attempts to undervalue your claim. We also address allegations of comparative negligence that could reduce your recovery under Massachusetts law.
Preparing Your Motorcycle Accident Case for Trial
We prepare each case with litigation in mind, developing the evidence, expert testimony, and legal arguments needed to present your claim in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Handling a serious injury claim without legal representation means facing insurers who defend these cases every day. Our motorcycle accident lawyers understand Massachusetts liability laws and how to challenge attempts to unfairly shift responsibility onto injured riders.
Contact DOLAN CONNLY, P.C. today for a free consultation and let us start building your case.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Boston, MA
After a motorcycle accident, the actions you take in the first minutes and hours can directly affect your health, your safety, and your ability to bring a successful personal injury claim in Massachusetts. If you are physically able, here is what to do to protect your health and preserve evidence for your claim:
- Get to safety: Move away from traffic if you can do so safely. If you suspect a head, neck, or spinal injury, avoid unnecessary movement and wait for emergency responders.
- Call 911: Report the accident and request police and medical assistance. Depending on the location, Boston Police or Massachusetts State Police may respond.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel relatively well, injuries such as concussions, internal bleeding, and soft-tissue damage may not be immediately apparent. Follow up with a medical provider promptly.
- Document the crash scene: Photograph vehicle damage, your motorcycle, road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries. Collect witness contact information if possible.
- Preserve your motorcycle and riding gear: Avoid repairing or disposing of your helmet, damaged clothing, or motorcycle before important evidence has been documented.
- Report the accident: Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 26, you generally must submit a written crash report to the Massachusetts RMV within five days if the accident caused injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage. A copy must also go to the police department with jurisdiction over the crash location. Special rules apply if you are physically unable to file.
- Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer: An attorney can help preserve surveillance footage, investigate liability, and handle insurance communications before critical evidence disappears.
Some of the biggest mistakes happen in the first few days after a motorcycle accident: giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal guidance, downplaying injuries, or accepting an early settlement before the full extent of your losses is known.
A Boston motorcycle accident lawyer can handle insurance communications, push back against pressure to settle, and act quickly to preserve evidence that might otherwise disappear. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin protecting your claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Boston, MA?
Under the Massachusetts statute of limitations, most motorcycle accident victims have three years from the crash date to file a personal injury lawsuit, as established by M.G.L. Chapter 260, Section 2A. Wrongful death lawsuits generally must be filed within three years of the death, although discovery rules may affect that deadline.
Claims involving defective public roads may have additional requirements. For example, M.G.L. Chapter 84, Section 18 generally requires written notice within 30 days for certain municipal road-defect claims. Different rules may apply to state-maintained roads.
Waiting can put your case at risk long before the filing deadline arrives. Surveillance footage may be overwritten, damaged vehicles repaired, and witnesses become harder to locate. Contacting a motorcycle accident attorney in Boston, MA, early gives us more time to preserve evidence, investigate liability, and protect your right to compensation.
Real Client Testimonials
The legal council I received from DOLAN CONNLY starting with the initial office visit to the settlement of my personal injury case was very helpful when I needed it most. They helped me navigate all the options and told me in plain English what to expect. I was a cooperative client and provided them with all the documentation they required and was patient allowing the legal process to unfold all of which they appreciated. Given the extent of damages I incurred from the accident I was pleased with the total compensation I received.
Kathleen Allen has been our attorney for a few properties and we have sold and have been very happy and satisfied with her professional care in these transactions. There is a very easy way about her, as these things can be very stressful. She was always right there for any concerns or questions that we had. I would highly recommend her to my friends and family.
I have closed on two houses with DOLAN CONNLY in the past 10 years. In July 2022, I worked with Kathleen Allen on a closing and was extremely impressed with her professionalism, honestly, and attention to detail. She was the only party to notice a trust was expiring weeks before the planned closing date. Her keen eye resulted in the seller extending the trust and preventing a delay in the closing.
-Sam
Excellent service ! Barry McIsaac was prompt and effective in dealing my claim case. We need more attorneys like him to help hold big companies accountable. I’d recommend Barry and the DOLAN CONNLY firm to anyone.
I worked with Kathleen Allen to purchase my first home in Boston and she was incredible! The seller and I were not working with real estate agents, but Kathleen went above and beyond to make the closing process smooth. I was able to close on time due to her advocating and watching over me. I could not have bought this home without her help. I highly recommend anyone looking for a knowledgeable, quick, and advocating attorney to contact her to purchase a home.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
We truly understand how a motorcycle crash can impact a life. Every day you wait gives insurers more time to twist the facts and devalue your claim. Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer at DOLAN CONNLY, P.C. today, and let us protect your financial future. If you are recovering at home or in the hospital, we will come to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we have addressed some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from injured riders we represent. For personalized guidance, contact our firm to speak to a motorcycle accident attorney.
How can I find the best motorcycle accident lawyer in Boston?
Finding the right lawyer means choosing a firm that focuses on motorcycle injury claims, understands how insurers evaluate them, and knows how these cases are handled in Massachusetts courts. Our personal injury law firm brings local roots and courtroom knowledge in Massachusetts injury law, building cases around liability, medical evidence, and the full scope of damages under state law.
How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Boston?
At DOLAN CONNLY, P.C., we handle motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs and no legal fees unless compensation is recovered in your case. We will explain how our fee works in more detail during our free consultation.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for a motorcycle accident in Boston?
Fault in a Boston motorcycle accident is determined by reviewing police reports, witness statements, crash evidence, and applicable traffic laws. Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault and barred if you are found to be more than 50% responsible at trial. Your motorcycle accident lawyer can limit any unfair assignment of fault.
What are the helmet laws in Boston, Massachusetts?
Under M.G.L. Chapter 90, Section 7, motorcycle operators and passengers in Massachusetts generally must wear approved protective helmets. A limited exception applies to riders aged 18 or older participating in properly permitted public parades. Riding without a helmet does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation after an accident, but it may become relevant if the insurer argues that it contributed to your injuries.
What injuries are eligible for compensation in a Boston motorcycle accident claim?
Some of the most common injuries eligible for compensation include head and brain injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, fractures, road rash, internal injuries, and permanent disability or amputation. A motorcycle accident attorney in Boston can help you assess the full extent of your injuries and what compensation you are entitled to recover.
What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?
You may still have options for compensation. Massachusetts requires uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which can protect you if an uninsured or hit-and-run driver causes your motorcycle accident. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is optional and may provide additional compensation when the responsible driver’s insurance limits are too low to cover your injuries. A Boston motorcycle accident lawyer can review your policy and identify the coverage available for your claim.
Is motorcycle lane splitting legal in Boston, Massachusetts?
No. Under M.G.L. Chapter 89, Section 4A, motorcyclists cannot pass other motor vehicles within the same lane, making lane splitting illegal throughout Massachusetts. The law permits two motorcycles to ride side by side in one lane, but riders must travel single file when passing. If lane splitting is alleged in an accident, it may affect how fault is evaluated.
How long will it take to resolve my motorcycle accident case?
The timeline for resolving a motorcycle accident case varies depending on the case’s complexity, the severity of the injuries, and the negotiations between parties. Most cases can take several months to a year, but it may take longer if your case goes to trial. Your motorcycle crash lawyer can give you a realistic estimate for how long your case might take to resolve.
Who can be held liable for a motorcycle accident in Boston?
Depending on the circumstances, a negligent driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or government entity responsible for unsafe road conditions may be liable. Under M.G.L. Chapter 231, Section 85, Massachusetts allows injured riders to recover compensation even if they share some fault, provided their negligence does not exceed that of the parties they seek to hold responsible. Any compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. Our job is to investigate all potentially liable parties and challenge unfair attempts to blame injured riders.