Motorcycle Accidents are still too Common in 2019

Motorcyclist was killed in crash getting off of I-90 in Brighton, July 31st at 3:30 am.  The ramp was closed to the public following the accident and reopened a few hours later.  The victim was identified as a 26-year-old by the MA State Police.

Massachusetts’s no-fault system makes it easier to file for compensable damages, pain, and losses in quality of life.  However, the no-fault system does nothing to reduce the number of motorcycle accidents.  Massachusetts requires auto liability insurance to be able to benefit off of the no-fault system.  But motorcycle accidents often cause traumatic injuries and lead to fatal outcomes.  Insurance may allow potential for viable personal injury claims, but it doesn’t ensure safety.

Statistics

Motorcyclists make up less than 4% of all registered vehicles in the United States, but they make up approximately 14% of traffic deaths.  You’re over 25 times more likely to bein a fatal crash on a motorcycle than you are in a passenger car.  Fatality rates in 2016 and 2017 were about six times higher on motorcycles than in passenger cars.  Statistically, traveling via motorcycles is by far the most dangerous mode of transportation and should continue to be exercised cautiously.

How to Avoid Injury

Massachusetts motorcyclists have on of the highest percentages nationwide for wearing helmets.  90% of riders protect their heads which has reduced ‘known unhelmeted’ deaths to 2% in 2017.  These numbers are better than the national average of 62% of bikers who wear helmets, and 38% of ‘known unhelmeted’ deaths.  Also, in MA, alcohol is a factor in at least 30% of all motorcycle crashes.  In 2017 41% of fatal accident in MA involved riders with a .08% BAC or higher.

Call to Action

To help avoid injury due to motorcycle accidents, make sure to protect yourselves with helmets, and limit alcohol consumption before getting on the road.  If you find yourself injured in a motorcycle crash or know someone who’s suffering, call Sweeney Merrigan at 617-391-9001 to speak with one of our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers.

For more information, call our law office at (617)-391-9001. Or if you would prefer to email us, then please visit our contact page.