Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog
As Life Returns to Normal in Massachusetts, Car Accidents Increase
The coronavirus pandemic affected life in ways large and small, and traffic was no exception. In the early days of COVID-19, Massachusetts traffic volumes plummeted, as did crashes. When society opened back up, traffic returned in full force. As MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said in 2021, “Traffic, for all intents and purposes, is back to about 2019 levels on most roadways in Massachusetts.”
More motor vehicles on the roads generally means more crashes. And that holds true for MA car accidents in virtually every category. The worst statistic? Over 400 people died in Massachusetts crashes in 2021– the highest number of fatalities in over a decade.
What Kinds of MA Car Crashes Are Increasing?
In short, virtually all types of Massachusetts traffic accidents rose between 2020 and 2021.
- Overall MA crashes increased 23%.
- Fatal accidents went up 23%.
- Serious injury crashes grew 18%.
- Minor injury accidents soared 27%.
- “Possible” injury crashes went up 11%.
- No injury accidents increased 24%.
The numbers in Boston are even more extreme, with a jump of 72% in fatal crashes, 36% in serious injury crashes, and 33% in minor injury crashes.
Why Are MA Car Accidents and Injuries Increasing?
The most obvious reason for an increase in MA traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths is an increase in vehicles on the roads. However, volume is only part of the story. According to the Massachusetts Highway Safety division, more drivers in 2021 were speeding and failing to wear seatbelts.
Another big reason for the increase in MA traffic accident fatalities? A large spike in motorcycle-related deaths. Nearly 40% more motorcyclists died on Massachusetts roads in 2021 than in 2020.
Do I Have a Massachusetts Car Crash Case?
With an increasing number of Massachusetts car accidents, it’s important to consider who is at fault in a crash. As the driver of an involved vehicle, you may be to blame. However, if another party is at fault–or even partly at fault–you may be entitled to compensation. Your auto insurance may cover a portion of your bills, but in some instances, you can sue other parties for additional compensation. For example:
- Other drivers–If another driver was impaired, speeding, or otherwise not following the rules of the road, you may qualify for a personal injury lawsuit.
- Commercial truckers–Trucks are often larger and more dangerous than passenger vehicles. If the driver or company was negligent in any way, you may have a claim.
- Public transportation–As “common carriers,” MBTA, Amtrak, Acela, and school buses are held to a higher level of safety. If they are at fault, you may be entitled to compensation.
- Road hazards–If the negligence of a government entity or private party created a hazard in the road, you can bring a claim against them.
- Defective auto parts–You may be able to file a products liability lawsuit against the manufacturer of defective vehicle part (airbags, seatbelts, brakes, etc.).
Determining fault and proving liability can be tricky, and we recommend having an attorney at your side. At Altman & Altman LLP, we are experts in all types of traffic accident claims, from pedestrian collisions to tractor-trailer crashes.
So before you talk to the other party’s insurance company, we suggest that you talk to us. Contact us today for a free consultation on your Massachusetts car accident case.
