Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

The Law Offices of John C. Manoog III is comprised of motorcycle accident attorneys who represent injured individuals throughout the Cape Cod area. Our lawyers understand the distinctive legal issues that often arise in these matters, as well as the stress, pain, and suffering that a collision can cause for a rider and his or her family. We are determined to help people injured through no fault of their own seek the money damages that they deserve and try to hold those responsible for a crash accountable for their actions.

Motorcycle accidents are an unfortunately common occurrence. Although any type of vehicle collision brings with it the risk of serious injury and even death, these crashes by nature have a higher potential for fatal consequences. This is because there is little or nothing protecting a rider from oncoming cars. Motorcycles as vehicles are also apt to swerve or slide out as a result of dangerous road conditions, like poorly maintained pavement.

The family of a person who has been killed in a motorcycle accident has the right, under Massachusetts law, to sue those responsible for the wrongful death. In these cases, the surviving spouse, minor children, or other heirs can sue on behalf of their loved one. State law requires that the suit be filed through the deceased person’s estate by a personal administrator deemed responsible for it.

The damages available in wrongful death cases often include any medical and other costs related to the accident, as well as the loss of the deceased person’s future income. Some family members may also seek damages for what the law calls “loss of consortium.” These claims are designed to compensate the family member for the loss of the victim’s companionship, support, love, and guidance.

Wrongful death cases related to motorcycle accidents usually involve negligence claims. To recover damages, the personal administrator has to show that the person or entity being sued (defendant) caused the accident by breaching a “duty of care” owed to the motorcycle rider. That may include the duty that car and truck drivers owe others on the road to operate their vehicles in a reasonably safe manner, or the responsibility of state and local governments to keep roadways in relatively safe condition and address hazards that arise over time. The breach of care also must have led directly to the accident, which must not have happened if the defendant had acted with reasonable care. Finally, the resulting damages must be reasonably quantifiable and not speculative.

If you have lost a loved one in a Massachusetts motorcycle accident, the wrongful death lawyers at the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III can help. Our attorneys have developed a strong track record of successes over a combined more than 146 years of experience. Our previous victories include wrongful death settlements in excess of $1.5 million, as well as a nearly $1.2 million recovery for the family of a person killed in a motorcycle crash. Our offices are conveniently located in Hyannis and Plymouth, where we are pleased to offer free consultations. We are also happy to travel to you if you cannot make it to us. We do not charge a fee in many cases unless we are successful. Call us at 888-262-6664 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Nós Falamos Português.