Motorcycle riders face unique risks every time they hit the road. Unlike occupants of cars or trucks, motorcyclists lack the physical protection of a vehicle’s frame, airbags, or seat belts, making them more vulnerable to serious injury in the event of a crash. But while the physical dangers are well known, many people don’t realize how legally complex motorcycle injury claims can be in places like Portsmouth and throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

At Elmore Law Office, we’ve spent decades helping injured motorcyclists navigate the road to medical and legal recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, understanding why these cases are different can help you protect your rights and pursue full compensation.

Motorcycle Injury Claims

The Severity of Injuries Increases the Stakes

Motorcycle crashes often result in catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and severe road rash.

These injuries typically require:

  • Emergency care and hospitalization.
  • Extended physical therapy and rehabilitation.
  • Surgery or long-term pain management.
  • Time away from work or permanent disability.

Because medical expenses and lost wages can be substantial, insurance companies may be more inclined to fight harder to reduce their financial responsibility. That’s why having an experienced personal injury attorney is critical from the start.

Insurance Bias Against Riders

Despite the facts, a persistent bias exists in the insurance industry and among some juries that motorcyclists are inherently reckless. Insurance companies may attempt to shift blame to the rider—claiming they were speeding, weaving through traffic, or not wearing visible gear—even when the driver of another vehicle is clearly at fault for the crash.

In both New Hampshire and Massachusetts, your ability to recover compensation may be reduced or barred altogether if you are found to be significantly at fault. At Elmore Law Office, we build strong, evidence-based claims that challenge these assumptions and ensure motorcyclists are treated fairly under the law.

Unique Legal and Insurance Issues

Motorcycle accident claims can involve additional complications not seen in standard auto injury cases.

That includes:

  • Helmet laws: In Massachusetts, helmets are mandatory; in New Hampshire, they are not required for riders aged 18 and above. This can influence how liability and damages are argued.
  • Vehicle damage disputes: Motorcycles often sustain significant damage even in minor collisions, and insurers may undervalue repairs or claim the bike was already in poor condition.
  • Uninsured/underinsured drivers: Motorcycle crashes can involve drivers with inadequate coverage, making it essential to explore all available policies and legal avenues for compensation.

How Elmore Law Office Can Help

Our personal injury attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a motorcycle crash can take. We investigate every angle of your case, gather key evidence, consult with medical and accident reconstruction experts, and negotiate aggressively with insurers.

Whether the crash happened in Portsmouth, elsewhere in New Hampshire, or across the border in Massachusetts, we have the experience to help you recover the compensation you need for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, don’t go up against the insurance companies alone. Contact Elmore Law Office today for a free consultation. We’re here to fight for your rights—and help you move forward with strength and support.

About The Author

Mr. John P. Elmore

Mr. John P. Elmore

John Elmore practices personal injury law in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, handling motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, slip and fall, dog bites, and workers’ compensation cases. He has appeared in state and federal courts, including appellate work at the NH Supreme Court. University of Connecticut School of Law, J.D.; Bentley College, B.S., magna cum laude. Licensed in NH & MA. Read More About the Author