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Mike Bottaro motorcycle accident attorney

Rhode Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

If you are injured on a motorcycle in Rhode Island, you should call or text Mike and his team at Bottaro Injury Lawyers as soon as possible.

After a crash, big insurance companies start their investigation right away, and they are not on your side. Even your own insurance company is looking to play upon the public’s bias against bikers to squeeze you out of every nickel you deserve for your bike and injuries.

Fair? No. But the reality is that you need the best motorcycle accident lawyers on your side, fighting hard for you.

Mike founded Bottaro Injury Lawyers on core values of standing up for the regular biker against huge companies like GEICO, Progressive, Allstate, Amica, and the rest. We are local to Rhode Island, meaning that we know the courts, insurance people, and the right experts to get results fast.

The Rhode Island motorcycle accident attorneys at Bottaro Injury Lawyers have decades of combined experience representing injured bikers. We can pursue top dollar for property damage to your bike and your personal injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. You can read Mike’s biography, as well as our senior attorneys’ and our case results, on this website.

There are important deadlines to meet and an investigation to get started on right away, so don’t wait another second. You can call or text us 24/7 for instant, fast help at (401) 777-7777, or contact us online to get started anytime. The consult is free and our exclusive “No Fee Guarantee” means you do not pay us anything until we win your case.

You Deserve the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers on Your Side

If you are looking to get the best personal injury representation after a bike accident, we believe you are at the right law firm. You can read about the many awards and case victories Mike has attained over the years.

Each year, our law firm recovers millions of dollars for our personal injury clients. By focusing only on personal injury law and only in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, we can provide you with the experienced and local representation you deserve.

Please review the hundreds of authentic five-star reviews from injured people just like you in towns ranging from Westerly to Warwick to Providence, Fall River, and out to New Bedford. We have gone toe to toe against some of the largest motorcycle insurance companies, taking them to the courtroom and beating them there. Popular bikers and bike shops have recommended our law firm because we have gotten the results and can do so for you too.

Even the most experienced riders face injury risks every time they get on a bike. Due to a motorcycle’s small size, drivers of cars, trucks, and SUVs often fail to look out for motorcyclists before entering roadways, making turns, or changing lanes. And, unlike four-wheeled vehicles, bikers also face danger when government and construction crews fail to warn drivers about roadway defects like potholes or uneven pavement.

Unfortunately, motorcyclists often face unfair blame and negative stereotypes after accidents. If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, the Rhode Island motorcycle injury lawyers at Bottaro Injury Lawyers can help. We are passionate about representing bikers, know that most bikers do their best to ride safely, and are ready to use our knowledge of the law to help protect your rights.

How Our Rhode Island Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help after a Crash

If you were involved in an accident on your motorcycle, you may have sustained severe or potentially life-threatening injuries. When you remain hospitalized to treat and rehabilitate catastrophic injuries suffered in a motorcycle crash, you need experienced legal representation to advocate for your rights and interests.

Turn to the Rhode Island motorcycle accident attorneys from Bottaro Injury Lawyers for help in pursuing financial recovery. You can expect a lawyer from our firm to:

  • Conduct a thorough, independent investigation of the accident to recover evidence we can use in your case, such as accident scene photos, eyewitness statements, vehicle damage reports, and police accident reports.
  • Work with accident reconstruction experts where necessary to help us persuasively explain how the other driver or party caused the crash and your injuries.
  • Document the expenses and losses that you sustained because of the accident.
  • Discuss your legal rights and options with you and go over the steps you should expect in pursuing your claim.
  • File insurance claims on your behalf and aggressively pursue negotiations with adjusters to reach a settlement that provides you with a fair financial recovery in your case.
  • File a lawsuit if litigation becomes necessary to continue pursuing your legal claims, advocating on your behalf in court and at trial to fight for a verdict and judgment in your favor.

We will go to work on your behalf so that you can keep focused on your medical treatment and recovery and on working to get back to normal life after a devastating motorcycle crash.

Fighting the Insurance Co. to Fix or Replace Your Bike

Take it from us – insurance companies do not pay out easily. Even in the most clear-cut, “slam dunk” case, you will need our help in making sure you get fair market value for your damaged motorcycle. We know the independent shops and experts who can help.

Don’t be tricked by speaking to the insurance company without a lawyer. You simply do not know what you do not know. We can help.

Riding a motorcycle isn’t just a way to get around, it’s a lifestyle. After an accident, we know you’re focused on getting better — but we also know that you want your bike back. When we take your case, we can deal with the insurance companies to make sure that your bike is either fully repaired or deemed a total loss. We will even seek compensation for any custom work that was damaged in the accident, and for damage to your riding gear and other personal items.

Demanding Full Compensation for Your Injuries

Motorcycle riders often suffer devastating injuries when they are involved in a crash. These life-altering injuries may leave a rider with substantial financial losses from medical bills or lost income.

When you have been injured in a motorcycle crash caused by another driver or party, you deserve full compensation for losses, including:

  • Medical expenses, including for hospitalization, surgeries and other medical procedures, physical and occupational therapy, prescriptions, and purchases of medical and mobility devices and equipment
  • Costs of long-term care, such as home health services or assisted living facilities, if you suffer severe permanent disabilities because of your injuries
  • Lost wages or income if you need to take time off work while treating and recovering from injuries suffered in the motorcycle accident
  • Loss of earning capacity and lost employment benefits if disabilities have a long-term or lifelong impact on your ability to return to work
  • Physical pain from your injuries and treatment
  • Emotional trauma and distress from the accident and your injuries
  • Lost enjoyment and quality of life because of visible, extensive scarring and disfigurement, physical disabilities, or reduced life expectancy caused by your injuries
  • Repair costs for your motorcycle or the pre-accident value of your bike if it was totaled in the accident

How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Rhode Island?

Under state law, you have limited time to file a lawsuit to pursue compensation after a motorcycle accident in Rhode Island. The statute of limitations on motorcycle accident lawsuits typically requires you to file your claim within three years of the date of the crash.

If you wait until after the statute of limitations passes on your claim, the trial court will likely permanently dismiss your lawsuit by for being untimely, meaning that you could lose your opportunity to recover compensation for your injuries. For that reason, you need to speak to a Rhode Island motorcycle accident lawyer from Bottaro Injury Lawyers as soon as possible.

Tips for Protecting Your Rights after a Motorcycle Crash

After a motorcycle crash, you can take certain actions to safeguard your legal rights and options. That will put you in the best position to begin pursuing a claim for compensation.

Remember these tips for protecting your rights following a motorcycle accident:

  • Take photos or videos of the crash scene. If you cannot do it yourself, have someone you trust do it for you as soon as possible. Try to record details of the crash such as damage to the vehicles involved in the accident, the presence of any skid marks or crash debris in the road, the condition of the road (including the presence of broken pavement or potholes), the traffic controls at the scene, any visual obstructions, and the weather/lighting/traffic conditions at the time of the accident.
  • Seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. Have a doctor fully examine you for all the injuries you suffered in the crash. Take photos of any visible injuries. And follow the treatment recommendations and instructions that your provider gives you.
  • Keep copies of bills and invoices for expenses you incur after the accident, such as medical expenses or repair costs for your bike. Also, make sure to have copies of your paystubs or income statements if you are kept out of work after the accident.
  • Keep a journal to document your recovery and record how your injuries and treatments impact your quality of life.
  • Avoid posting about the crash, your injuries, or your legal claim on social media, or posting photos or videos of yourself when still treating your injuries. Insurance companies often try to use social media posts by accident victims to undermine the credibility of their claims.
  • Speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Rhode Island from Bottaro Injury Lawyers to discuss what next steps you can take to continue pursuing your rights to recover compensation for your injuries.

Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents happen fast, but the injuries they cause can affect you for weeks, months, and years – or even for the rest of your life. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that you only have one chance to get the full amount of compensation you deserve for your losses.

At The Bottaro Law Firm, LLC, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys know Rhode Island laws, and we’re here to fight for you. For your convenience, we’ve outlined some of the causes of motorcycle accidents below.

  • Motorcycle defects, including defects with brakes, drive chain, clutch and transmission, engine, fuel system, and wheels and tires
  • Motorcycle helmet defects
  • Distracted driving, including texting while driving
  • Drowsy driving
  • Drunk driving
  • Inattentiveness
  • Drivers’ lack of respect for motorcycles
  • Violation of motor vehicle laws
  • Low lighting
  • Heavy rain or snow
  • Thick fog
  • Glare from sunlight
  • Blind spots
  • Poor or unsafe road design

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accident injuries are no joke. Motorcyclists face risks that drivers and passengers in other vehicles don’t. Without the protection of an enclosed vehicle, motorcyclists are more likely to be injured when they’re involved in accidents. Whether caused by a negligent driver, unsafe road conditions, limited visibility, or defects, motorcycle accidents can leave victims with serious and even fatal injuries.

Continue reading to learn about some of the most common injuries we see in the motorcycle accident claims we handle. You can also check out some of our motorcycle accident FAQs. Have more questions or concerns? Maybe you’re just ready to start on your case. Whatever it may be, you can contact us 24/7 online or by phone.

Common motorcycle accident injuries include:

  • Brain injuries, including closed head injuries such as concussions, contusions, diffuse axonal injuries, and hematomas
  • Spinal injuries, including broken vertebrae, bulging or herniated spinal discs, spinal cord injuries, and paralysis
  • Chest injuries, including muscle strains, broken ribs and breastbones, internal bleeding, punctured or collapsed lungs, heart contusions, or ruptured organs
  • Arm and leg injuries, including lacerations, abrasions, avulsions, burns blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, muscle damage, infection, gangrene and necrosis, nerve damage, bone fractures, or traumatic amputation
  • Back and neck injuries, including sprains and strains or whiplash
  • Head injuries, including fractured skulls, open head (penetrating) injuries, facial injuries, mouth injuries, eye injuries and vision loss, or ear injuries and hearing loss
  • Pelvic injuries, including broken hips, internal organ injuries or organ perforation, internal bleeding, or bowel or bladder obstructions

Motorcycle Accident FAQs

Motorcycle Accident

Is lane splitting legal in Massachusetts and Rhode Island?

No. Lane splitting — the practice of riding between lanes of traffic flowing in the same direction — is not legal in Massachusetts or Rhode Island. In fact, many riders are surprised to learn that lane splitting is not officially legal anywhere in the country. California’s Highway Patrol has issued guidelines that outline specific circumstances in which riders may be stopped for lane splitting, effectively authorizing safe lane splitting in certain conditions, but the nationwide debate on whether lane splitting is safe enough to be legal is ongoing.

Can I sue for my motorcycle accident injuries?

In most cases, you must prove that another negligent driver was at fault for your motorcycle accident to be able to sue for your injuries. However, if your accident was the result of a motorcycle defect or mechanical failure with your bike, you may have a claim against the motorcycle’s manufacturer and distributor. Other factors that contributed to the accident, including unreasonably dangerous road conditions, may also be grounds for filing a claim.

In short, if you were involved in a motorcycle accident and someone else is to blame, you may have a case. Our motorcycle accident lawyers know Rhode Island and Massachusetts law, and we’re here to provide a free case review to help determine your rights to compensation.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for a motorcycle accident?

It depends. Rhode Island is a “pure comparative negligence” state, which means that, even though an accident may be partially your fault, you can still recover damages from another at-fault party. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Massachusetts is a “modified” comparative fault state, which can have a significant effect on your compensable damages if you are found to be partially at fault for a car accident. Under “modified” comparative fault rules, you can only recover damages in a crash if you are found to be less than 50 percent at fault for the accident. Like Rhode Island, the amount of damages you receive will be reduced by an amount equal to the percentage of fault you share in causing the crash.

Before you dismiss the possibility of recovering damages for your motorcycle injuries, contact Bottaro Injury Lawyers to discuss the specific facts of your case.

What is ATGATT?

ATGATT is an acronym that stands for “All the gear, all the time.” Many riders follow ATGATT and encourage their fellow riders to do the same. While you may not be able to walk away from a motorcycle accident completely unscathed, wearing full protective riding gear — including a DOT-certified helmet, gloves, boots, jacket, and padded pants — can help reduce your risk of suffering severe injuries and shorten your road to recovery.

If I’m unable to work because of my injuries, how can I afford to hire an attorney?

At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we don’t think you should have to worry about how you’ll pay for an experienced attorney after a motorcycle accident. That’s why we offer the No Fee Guarantee®, a promise to you that you won’t pay us anything unless you win your case. If you or a loved one suffered injuries because of a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, call us today at (401) 777-7777. Let us put our knowledge and resources to work for you.

Are motorcycle riders required to wear helmets in Massachusetts and Rhode Island?

Massachusetts and Rhode Island have different laws regarding motorcycle helmets.

  • Massachusetts requires all motorcyclists, including passengers, to wear helmets while riding.
  • Rhode Island requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets within the first year of getting their license, regardless of age. After the one-year period is up, only motorcyclists under the age of 21 are required to wear helmets.
Get a trusted car accidents lawyer on your side

Get the No Fee Guarantee

At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we know how difficult the days, weeks, and months following a motorcycle accident injury can be. We don’t think you should worry about how you’ll afford an attorney. That’s why we offer our No Fee Guarantee® — a promise that you don’t pay us unless we get money for you. We get paid on a commission — meaning your interest and our interest in getting top dollar is aligned.

Don’t wait—get experienced legal help on your side today. Text or Call (401) 777-7777 right now – 24/7 or contact us online for a free case review and get the help you deserve from the firm that knows motorcycle personal injury law. Find out why “It’s Good to Know Mike Bottaro.” Our firm assists clients who have been injured in motorcycle crashes in Providence, Pawtucket, East Providence, North Smithfield, Warwick, and throughout Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts.

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