Scalli | Murphy Law > Private: Salem, MA Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Salem, MA Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Reviewed by Chris Murphy, Esq. | Last updated: February 2026

Injured in a motorcycle crash in Salem, Massachusetts? The personal injury attorneys at Scalli Murphy Law have over 30 years of experience representing motorcycle accident victims throughout Essex County and all of Massachusetts. Call 617-387-7000 for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover for you.

Key Takeaways for Salem Motorcycle Accident Cases

Massachusetts motorcycle policies do not include PIP, so your recovery depends entirely on a liability claim against the at-fault driver
Helmet law (M.G.L. c. 90, s. 7) means not wearing a helmet can reduce your compensation but does not bar your claim
You can recover compensation even if partially at fault, as long as you are less than 51% responsible
Scalli Murphy Law offers a free consultation with no fee unless we recover for you

Why Choose Scalli Murphy Law for Your Salem Motorcycle Crash?

Motorcycle riders face unique dangers on the road, and insurance companies are quick to blame the rider after a crash. You need a law firm that will fight back. Our attorneys regularly handle motorcycle injury cases filed in Salem District Court, located at 56 Federal Street, Salem, MA 01970. We understand Essex County procedures and know how to build strong cases for injured riders.

If you were transported to Salem Hospital (Mass General Brigham) after your motorcycle crash, or received treatment at any facility in Salem, our team can help you recover compensation for every dollar of your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Proven Results for Motorcycle Accident Victims

Scalli Murphy Law has a track record of recovering significant compensation for clients injured in motorcycle crashes and other motor vehicle collisions across Massachusetts:

$1,500,000+ – Motorcycle collision settlement
$3,000,000+ – Asbestos / mesothelioma settlement
$900,000 – Pedestrian collision settlement
$375,000 – Tractor-trailer collision settlement

Every case is different, but our attorneys fight for the maximum compensation available in every claim we handle. If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Salem, we will pursue every dollar you are owed.

Why Motorcycle Crashes in Salem Are So Dangerous

Salem is a historic coastal city of about 44,000 residents in Essex County, known worldwide for its colonial history and tourism. Heavy seasonal traffic during October’s Halloween celebrations, combined with a compact downtown street grid and busy connector roads like Route 114 and Route 107, create conditions for frequent motor vehicle collisions. The narrow downtown streets and high pedestrian volumes add to the risk.

High-traffic roads like Route 114, Route 1A, Route 107, Route 128 (nearby), Bridge Street are especially dangerous for motorcycle riders in Salem. Intersections at Route 114 and Route 1A, Canal Street and Bridge Street, Highland Avenue and Route 107 see frequent collisions involving motorcycles, often caused by drivers who fail to check for riders before turning or changing lanes. If you were involved in a motorcycle crash at any of these locations, contact us right away.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Salem

Most motorcycle crashes in Massachusetts are caused by the negligence of other drivers, not the rider. Common causes include:

Left-turn collisions – A driver turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, the most common type of fatal motorcycle crash
Failure to yield – Drivers pulling out of driveways, parking lots, or side streets without seeing the rider
Lane changes – Drivers changing lanes without checking blind spots where motorcycles travel
Distracted driving – Texting, phone use, and other distractions that cause drivers to miss motorcycles
Dooring – A parked car occupant opens a door into the path of a motorcycle
Road hazards – Potholes, gravel, uneven pavement, and debris that are minor annoyances for cars but deadly for riders
Rear-end collisions – Drivers following too closely or failing to stop in time behind a motorcycle

Motorcycle Injuries Are More Severe

Motorcyclists have no steel frame, airbags, or seatbelts to protect them. Even a low-speed crash can result in life-changing injuries. Common motorcycle accident injuries we handle include:

Road rash and skin grafts – Severe abrasion injuries requiring surgery
Broken bones and fractures – Legs, arms, wrists, collarbones, and ribs
Traumatic brain injuries – Even with a helmet, concussions and TBIs are common
Spinal cord injuries – Herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, and paralysis
Internal organ damage – Ruptured spleen, liver lacerations, and internal bleeding
Amputation and crush injuries – Limbs caught under vehicles or against barriers
Wrongful death – Massachusetts had over 60 fatal motorcycle crashes in recent years

Massachusetts Motorcycle Laws You Should Know

Massachusetts has specific laws that affect motorcycle accident claims:

Helmet law – Massachusetts requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets (M.G.L. c. 90, s. 7). Failure to wear a helmet can reduce your compensation under comparative negligence rules.
No PIP for motorcycles – Unlike car insurance, Massachusetts motorcycle policies do not include Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This means you cannot collect the $8,000 in no-fault benefits available to car accident victims. Your recovery depends entirely on a liability claim against the at-fault driver.
Lane splitting is illegal – Riding between lanes of traffic is prohibited in Massachusetts. If you were lane splitting at the time of your crash, it may affect your claim.
Comparative negligence – Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.

No PIP Coverage Means You Need a Lawyer

When a car driver is injured in Massachusetts, they can immediately access up to $8,000 in PIP benefits regardless of fault. Motorcycle riders do not have this safety net. After a motorcycle crash in Salem, your only path to compensation is a liability claim against the at-fault driver.

This makes having an experienced motorcycle accident attorney critical. Insurance companies know motorcycle riders cannot fall back on PIP and often use aggressive tactics to deny or minimize claims. Our attorneys know these tactics and fight back.

Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Salem?

More than 6% of Massachusetts drivers lack liability insurance despite the legal requirement. New Hampshire, a border state, does not require vehicle owners to carry insurance, and many uninsured New Hampshire drivers travel Massachusetts roadways daily.

If you are hit by an uninsured driver while riding your motorcycle in Salem, you can file a claim under your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. Our attorneys can help you understand your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and fight for full compensation.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Salem

If you are involved in a motorcycle crash in Salem, take these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

Call 911 – Contact the Salem Police Department at (978) 744-1212 to file a report
Get medical attention immediately – Visit Salem Hospital (Mass General Brigham) or call an ambulance. Motorcycle injuries are often more severe than they first appear, especially internal injuries and concussions.
Do not remove your helmet at the scene – Wait for medical professionals unless you need to for breathing
Document everything – If you are able, take photos of the scene, vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries. Note any road hazards like potholes or gravel.
Do not speak with the other driver’s insurance company – They will look for any reason to blame the rider
Call Scalli Murphy Law at 617-387-7000 – Get a free consultation before accepting any settlement offer

Need help obtaining your Massachusetts accident report? Our team can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a motorcycle accident lawyer in Salem cost?

Scalli Murphy Law works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Do I have PIP coverage after a motorcycle accident in Massachusetts?

No. Unlike car insurance, Massachusetts motorcycle policies do not include Personal Injury Protection (PIP). You cannot collect the $8,000 in no-fault benefits available to car accident victims. Your recovery depends entirely on a liability claim against the at-fault driver, which makes having an experienced attorney critical.

Can I still recover compensation if I was not wearing a helmet?

Massachusetts law requires all motorcycle riders to wear DOT-approved helmets. Riding without a helmet can reduce your compensation under comparative negligence rules, but it does not bar your claim entirely. If another driver caused the crash, you can still recover damages.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Massachusetts?

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Massachusetts is three years from the date of the accident. However, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

What compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident in Salem?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage including your motorcycle, and future medical expenses. Motorcycle injuries tend to be more severe than car accident injuries, which often means higher compensation. In cases involving wrongful death, surviving family members may also recover damages.

What should I do if the other driver’s insurance company contacts me after a motorcycle accident?

Do not give a recorded statement or sign anything from the other driver’s insurance company without first speaking to an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that reduce the value of your claim. They may also offer a quick, low settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. Contact Scalli Murphy Law at 617-387-7000 for a free consultation before speaking with any insurance company.

Can I recover compensation if I was lane splitting at the time of the crash?

Lane splitting is illegal in Massachusetts, and doing so at the time of a crash may affect your claim. However, under Massachusetts comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault. Your award would be reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you were lane splitting, the other driver may still bear the majority of the blame.

Serving Salem and All of Massachusetts

Our attorneys represent motorcycle accident victims throughout Essex County and all of Massachusetts. We also serve clients in Lynn. View our complete list of areas we serve across the state. No matter where your motorcycle crash occurred in Massachusetts, Scalli Murphy Law can help.

Other Practice Areas in Salem

In addition to motorcycle accident cases, our Salem attorneys handle:

Contact a Salem Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

After a motorcycle crash in Salem, you need an experienced attorney who understands the unique challenges riders face. Insurance companies are quick to blame motorcyclists. You need someone who will fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Call Scalli Murphy Law at 617-387-7000 or 1-833-933-HELP for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover for you. We are available to meet in person at our office, by phone, or by video. Our office is conveniently located at 537 Broadway, Everett, MA, just 16 miles from Salem.

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