When a person is involved in a serious, potentially life threatening motorcycle crash, there may be few options available to them. At times, it may seem like everything is lost and there is no escape from the tremendous pain and suffering. But you can still get help. Our esteemed personal injury advocates at the Law Offices of Gilbert R. Hoy, Jr. and Affiliates know what it takes to get you the money damages that you deserve. After seeking medical attention for your injuries, your first instinct should always be to call one of our diligent and tenacious attorneys. If you or a loved one have been hurt in a Massachusetts motorcycle accident, please call 617-787-3700 or email info@gilhoylaw.com to discuss the details of your potential claim in a confidential setting. Your needs are our top priority!
It doesn’t take an engineering degree to understand how stability in motor vehicles works. “18-wheelers,” formally known as tractor trailer trucks, are incredibly stable because they are heavy and voluminous—18 wheels to support the sheer weight of whatever cargo they happen to be carrying. But in some instances, a tire will blow out and the truck will continue traveling safely. Most regular automobiles have four wheels, and do not have the luxury of being able to lose one.
For motorcycles, this principle is even more critical. Two wheels and a lightweight frame combine to create the “perfect storm” of danger. In other words, motorcycles are very dangerous because they are often unstable and can reach high rates of speed. Motorcycle accidents often cause major injuries to victims, including broken bones and severe head trauma.
On August 11, 2014, 49-year-old Gilberto Montoya was riding his motorcycle on the Sussex Turnpike in Randolph, New Jersey. At around 6:45 pm, he was stopped at a traffic light. Coming up behind him in a Honda Civic was 73-year-old Paul Rishap. Unfortunately, the elderly man did not see Mr. Montoya on the motorcycle ahead of him. His car struck the back of Mr. Montoya’s bike and launched him into the air. He landed on the pavement more than thirty feet away, where his helmet came off. As a result of the crash, Mr. Montoya suffered a major head injury that caused paralysis on the entire left side of his body.
After leaving the hospital, Mr. Montoya and his family decided to file a personal injury lawsuit against Mr. Rishap and his insurance company, New Jersey Manufacturers. After a brief period of litigation, the insurance provider recently agreed to settle the case with Mr. Montoya for the full policy amount of $500,000. According to the settlement, the money is to be held in a special needs trust for the benefit of Mr. Montoya during his lifetime. Representing the plaintiff in this case was Marc Futterweit.
For the Montoya family and thousands of others, the sting felt by such a traumatic event will forever remain. In cases such as this one, the emotional and psychological consequences for victims’ families can be staggering. Easing the burdens through legal representation is, therefore, the best option for many families. If you have been wrongfully deprived of a loved one, contact our Massachusetts motorcycle injury attorneys who will help you find the peace and closure that you deserve. Your needs are our top priority!
