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24-Hour Guide · Motorcycle Crash

First 24 Hours After a Massachusetts Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycles are excluded from no-fault PIP. What that means for your claim, and how the first 24 hours change everything.

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  1. 01

    If anyone is hurt, call 911 first.

    Motorcycle injuries are disproportionately serious. Even if you walked away, get evaluated. Adrenaline at the scene routinely masks fractures, internal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries that present hours later.

  2. 02

    Understand: motorcycles are EXCLUDED from no-fault PIP.

    Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles do not carry the $8,000 Personal Injury Protection coverage that pays first under M.G.L. c. 90 § 34M. That changes how a rider's claim proceeds: you do NOT need to clear the $2,000 medical-bill tort threshold to bring a pain-and-suffering claim against the at-fault driver. The at-fault carrier is in scope from day one.

  3. 03

    Photograph everything before the bike moves.

    Wide shots of both vehicles and road, close shots of all damage, the helmet (worn or unworn; Massachusetts adult riders are not required to wear one), gear, scuff marks, road conditions, traffic-control devices, the other driver's license and insurance card. If passenger or pillion was involved, photograph their position.

  4. 04

    Get the police report number.

    The Massachusetts crash report (Form CRA) is required for any crash with injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Get the responding officer's name, badge, and the incident number. For motorcycle crashes the responding officer's narrative is often weighted heavily by adjusters.

  5. 05

    Preserve the gear.

    Do not throw out the helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, or pants, even if damaged. Defense experts will examine gear; preservation cuts off arguments about what protective equipment was worn.

  6. 06

    Get medical evaluation immediately.

    Same as any vehicle crash: same-day or next-day medical records are the strongest documentary anchor. Mention any loss of consciousness, dizziness, headache, neck or back pain, even mild, so it goes into the record.

  7. 07

    Do not give a recorded statement to ANY carrier without legal review.

    The at-fault carrier will call. Decline politely. Your own carrier may also call; tell them only the date, time, location, and that you are seeking medical evaluation. Recorded statements are scripted to limit claims.

  8. 08

    Watch the comparative-negligence allocation.

    Massachusetts modified comparative negligence under M.G.L. c. 231 § 85: recovery reduced by your share of fault, barred entirely if more than 50 percent at fault. Helmet status for adult riders does not bar recovery but may be raised in the damages argument.

  9. 09

    Telephone (617) JIM-WINS within the first 24 to 72 hours.

    Motorcycle cases benefit massively from early scene work, witness contact, and bike preservation before insurance arranges salvage. The first call is offered without charge.

Common questions

  • What is the deadline to file a motorcycle crash claim in Massachusetts?

    Most Massachusetts civil claims of this kind are subject to a three-year limitations period under M.G.L. c. 260 § 2A from the date of injury. Some matters carry shorter deadlines (workers' comp notice, claims against a public entity) or longer ones (medical malpractice repose). Telephone (617) JIM-WINS for the deadline that applies to your specific facts.

  • Does Jim Glaser Law charge anything to evaluate my case?

    No. The first telephone consultation is offered without charge. Most motorcycle crash matters are accepted on contingency: no attorney's fee unless and until a recovery to the client; case-related costs and expenses are addressed in the written fee agreement.

  • What if I missed something in the first 24 hours?

    The earlier the better, but most Massachusetts claims survive a delayed start as long as the limitations period has not expired. Telephone the firm now; the longer you wait, the harder evidence preservation becomes.

  • Should I talk to insurance adjusters before calling counsel?

    Tell your own carrier the basic facts (date, time, location, that you are seeking medical evaluation). Do not give a recorded statement to the at-fault party's carrier without speaking to a Massachusetts attorney first. Their adjusters are trained to lock you into statements that limit your claim.

  • Is Jimmy Knows A! legal advice?

    No. This guide provides general Massachusetts legal information drawn from M.G.L. statutes and case law. It is not legal advice for any particular matter. Telephone Jim Glaser Law at (617) JIM-WINS for advice on your specific situation.

This guide constitutes legal information, not legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Attorney advertising under Mass. R. Prof. C. 7.1 to 7.5. Responsible attorney: Jim Glaser, admitted in MA only, of counsel to Keches Law. Principal office: 77 Pond St., Sharon, MA. Most cases referred to other jurisdictionally licensed lawyers for principal liability.