Articles Posted in Motorcycle Accidents

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According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), 2021 marked the deadliest year on Massachusetts roads in over a decade. And the data on motorcycle riders was even more shocking: motorcyclist deaths in the state reached a 25-year high. In fact, the MA Highway Safety Division noted motorcycle fatalities as one of the main reasons for 2021’s high overall numbers — along with excessive speed and lack of seatbelt use.

Is Riding a Motorcycle Really Dangerous?

Although many people find the excitement and freedom of riding a motorcycle attractive, motorcycles do have downsides. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. Below are a few statistics about motorcycle accidents from NHTSA and the National Safety Council:

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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.

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As research continues to confirm the link between car accidents and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), physicians are placing additional emphasis on the importance of monitoring for brain injuries following any high-impact accident. With car accidents being a leading cause of TBIs, it is wise to know the signs and symptoms of these serious, potentially life-threatening injuries if you’ve recently been involved in a car accident.

Traumatic brain injuries can range in severity from minor to severe, and symptoms may not develop for days, weeks, or even months after the injury occurs. In many cases, serious TBIs have long-term, and even permanent consequences, and are often progressive. The damage caused by a TBI can cause changes in behavior, movements, and even a person’s overall personality. In fact, certain TBI symptoms are often confused for emotional problems, such as depression or anxiety, and they may worsen over time.

Signs of TBI Following a Motor Vehicle Collision

If you have been injured in an auto accident, an experienced MA car accident lawyer can help you determine how to proceed. In the days, weeks, and months following a collision, it is imperative to look out for the signs and symptoms below. If you develop any of these problems, it is in your best interest to seek medical treatment without delay.

  • Loss of consciousness, even if only temporary
  • Memory problems
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Vision problems—especially blurred vision
  • Light and sound sensitivity
  • Motor problems
  • Personality or behavioral changes
  • Depression
  • Disorientation or confusion
  • Sleep problems

Keep in mind that you may be suffering a TBI without experiencing any of these symptoms. Even if no symptoms are present, you should visit your doctor if you’ve experienced any kind of head trauma, or violent shaking.

Do You Have a Concussion?

Concussions are the most common type of mild TBI. A concussion can begin with a brief loss of consciousness—generally, only a few moments—or no loss of consciousness, and symptoms will usually appear within a few days of the injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 14.3 percent of all concussions are caused by motor vehicle crashes. As such, crashes are the third most common cause of concussions. A Boston car accident lawyer can help you recover damages if you’ve been injured due to another’s negligence.

Neuro-degeneration

According to the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, even a minor traumatic brain injury can initiate the neuro-degeneration associated with Alzheimer’s. This is true even when the injury occurs in young people. Neuro-degeneration is “the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons and is the cause of such diseases as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Huntington.” The researchers established a link between TBI and all three of these neuro-degenerative diseases. Continue reading

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Motorcycle riding comes with inherent risks; you are 35 times more likely to die in a motorcycle crash than occupants of cars and trucks. The good news is, the vast majority of serious injuries and deaths are preventable. The bad news is, many Massachusetts motorcyclists fail to take proper safety precautions, such as wearing a helmet and not speeding. Motorcycle safety courses help combat this problem by illustrating how easily certain behaviors can result in death, and how simple it is to avoid this risk.

Whether you are a novice rider, or you’ve been riding for decades, the tips below can help you dramatically reduce your risk of serious injury and death. A MA motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine how to proceed if you’ve been injured due to another’s negligence.

  • When you are riding at a higher speed (but still within the speed limit), it may help to crouch a little on your bike. By leaning forward, you can avoid some of the air flow, thus making the ride more comfortable.
  • When you are riding on city roads, you may see more and more asphalt ridges (a.k.a. speed bumps). Do not break on the ridge, rather brake before you reach it.
  • To maintain maximum visibility at all times, avoid getting too close to large vehicles, such as vans, trucks, and buses. This will help ensure that you have enough space to see what lies ahead on the road, before you get too close and are upon it.
  • When braking, it is important to use more front braking than rear braking. If you’re new to riding, it’s crucial to get a feel for how the brakes work. You can play with the footpegs to see how pressing on the right footpeg affects the trajectory of the bike, versus pressing on the left footpeg, for example. Practice in a safe place, such as an empty parking lot, before taking it to the open road.
  • If you must make an emergency brake, you can hug the tank with your thighs, which prevents your body weight from being too heavy at the front of the bike.
  • Avoid lane splitting at all times. It’s dangerous…and it’s illegal.
  • Anticipate and prepare before driving into curves. To do so safely, it’s crucial to brake and reduce speed before you enter the curve. Similarly, you must prepare to exit the curve, ahead of time. Your body and bike should be in the proper position to accelerate smoothly, when exiting a curve. When approaching or exiting a curve, remember to brake, use the lower gears, make sure that your feet and body are properly placed, and throttle when exiting.
  • Before entering a tunnel, keep in mind that your sight may be momentarily impaired. In preparation, use extra caution and slow down before entering. A Boston injury lawyer can help you recover damages if you’ve been injured by another’s negligent actions.
  • When riding in a group, do not focus solely on the motorcycle in front of you. It’s common for riders to get too focused on the back of the rider ahead of them.
  • Similar to the hazard of getting too focused on the rider ahead of you, it is dangerous to become “hypnotized” at night by lights on a vehicle ahead of you. In addition to being distracting, if the vehicle’s brake lights don’t work, you could end up in a rear end collision.
  • Take a rider safety course. This is absolutely essential if you’re a new rider, but periodic refresher courses are also important for seasoned riders.

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With its beautiful coast, diverse mix of big cities and quaint, New England towns, and plenty of scenic backroads, Massachusetts is a popular state for motorcycle enthusiasts. Riding a motorcycle is cheaper than driving a car, allows a rider to maneuver through congested traffic more easily than drivers of passenger vehicles, and it’s fun. But riding a motorcycle is also inherently more dangerous than driving a car or truck. Read on for more information about risks associated with motorcycle riding, and how to avoid becoming a statistic.

Due a motorcycle’s small size and lack of protection, motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in serious injury and death than those involving only cars and trucks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Motorcyclist deaths occurred 27 more times more frequently than fatalities in other vehicles, based on 2014 crash data.” In fact, a motorcycle rider is six times more likely to suffer injuries in a crash than her car and truck driving counterparts. A Boston motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover damages if you’ve been injured in a crash.

How to Avoid a Deadly Motorcycle Crash

But it’s not all bad news. Most motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities are preventable. There are multiple ways to protect yourself if you choose to ride. By following the tips below, you can dramatically reduce your risk of serious injury or death.

  • Always wear a helmet: According to the NHTSA, helmets are 37 percent effective at preventing rider fatalities.
  • Make yourself visible: Most motorcycle accidents involving a passenger vehicle are caused by drivers who did not see the motorcyclist. According to the NHTSA, “The majority of multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes generally are caused when other drivers simply didn’t see the motorcyclist.” To reduce this risk, avoid riding in vehicle blind spots, and wear bright colored clothing.
  • Ride defensively
  • Obey traffic laws
  • Enroll in a rider education course: Whether you’re new to riding or you’ve been riding for decades; it’s always good to have a refresher.
  • When possible, avoid riding in adverse weather conditions.
  • Do not speed: A 2013 study found that approximately 34 percent of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were using excessive speed, compared to only 21 percent for drivers of passenger vehicles.
  • Never ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol: A study of fatal motorcycle crashes in 2013 revealed that riders involved in fatal crashes had higher blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) than drivers of any other type of motor vehicle.

The unfortunate reality is, motorcycle riders have a reputation for being disrespectful of the rules of the road, and even the law in general. Of course, that’s not true of the vast majority of motorcyclists…but inaccurate perceptions continue to prevail. And this negative attitude toward motorcyclists actually contributes to the high rate of accidents. Drivers are less likely to “double check” for motorcyclists before switching lanes or making turns, just as they are less likely to give ample space between their vehicle and a motorcycle ahead of, or beside them. When drivers believe that riders are impolite, unlawful road hogs, they are inclined to give them a “taste of their own medicine.” Not only is this behavior unfair, it can be deadly. If driver negligence has caused you harm, a MA injury lawyer can help you determine how to proceed. Continue reading

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It is common knowledge amongst Massachusetts residents that, if you can drive here, you can probably drive anywhere. Massachusetts motorists are not known for their patience, forgivingness or attention to proper safety techniques while behind the wheel, and as a result there are many intersections and junctions in the state where dozens upon dozens of crashes happen every year.

Recent data collected and analyzed from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) by various Boston media outlets showed that, from 2004 to 2013, the five intersections that saw the most crashes were as follows:

  1. Columbia Road at the Expressway, South Boston (296 crashes)
  2. Middlesex Turnpike at Route 128, Burlington (295 crashes)
  3. Granite Avenue and the Expressway, Milton (245 crashes)
  4. North Washington Street and the Central Artery, Boston (232 crashes)
  5. Route 128 and I-93 junction, Woburn (225 crashes)

Although these intersections and junctions contain the highest likelihood according to the data for a motorist to become involved in a minor accident, or an accident with injuries, they are not the deadliest intersections in the state. The I-93/I-495 junction in Andover and the junction of Routes 3 and 18 in Weymouth both had two fatalities over the 10-year span of data.

Regardless of the severity, any accident can become a gigantic burden for anybody involved. Even some minor fender benders can cost thousands of dollars to repair. If the damage is bad enough that you need to bring the car to the garage, that complicates your work schedule immensely, and may require you to take days off work while it is fixed, making you lose out on income.

Should the accident cause a serious injury, you could be facing multiple thousands of dollars in repairs and medical bills. In this situation, missing work is a certainty.

A majority of accidents happen due to simple driver error, and far too many of these accidents are caused by distractions. The commute is no time to send or check emails, do your makeup or hair, eat leftover soup or catch up on that book you’re enjoying. In no situation is driving impaired – by alcohol or other substances – ever a good idea.

If you are involved in an accident where another driver was at fault and was clearly distracted, you have a legal right to seek damages from that driver for their negligent actions. If another driver broke the rules of the road, like performing an illegal U-turn that resulted in an accident, you may also be able to file a claim against them to seek financial compensation to pay for repairs to your car or for injuries incurred.

Police and government officials can try to implement new policies, put more signs up and crack down on dangerous activities such as drinking and driving or texting and driving, but the only true deterrent for accidents at any location on the road is the behavior of the drivers themselves. People must appreciate the power of the machinery they are operating, and respect that they are placing their lives in the hands of others every time they go out for a drive. Continue reading

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The weather is warm and it’s the perfect time of year to take in the sights on your motorcycle. With a significant increase in the number of vehicles on the road during summer, it is also the time of year when you are most vulnerable on your motorcycle. Riding always comes with risks, but knowing the top causes of accidents can help you avoid becoming a statistic. Contact a Boston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today.

Speeding

Yes, it is exhilarating to ride your motorcycle full throttle on an open road. But it is also a good way to get killed or become permanently injured. Speeding is a major factor in many motorcycle accidents. It’s also illegal, so resisting the temptation will keep you safe and out of trouble. Losing control at high speeds is much easier than when you’re staying at or under the speed limit.

Left-Hand Turns

More motorcycle accidents occur when cars make left-hand turns than with any other type of road situation. The turning car most often hits a motorcycle when the bike is going straight through the intersection, or if passing or attempting to overtake the automobile.

Keep Your Distance

To avoid a rear-end collision, keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you. Should the car stop suddenly, you need sufficient room to brake to keep your bike from plowing into the vehicle.

Lane Splitting

Cars are often stuck in traffic jams. When motorcyclists decide to take advantage of their small size by weaving in and out of heavy traffic, it’s called lane splitting. These motorcycle maneuvers are a common cause of accidents because automobile drivers are not looking for motorcyclists to pass them when the lane is moving slowly. If you lane split, you have very little room to move your bike. It does not take much for a car to knock you into oncoming traffic.

In most jurisdictions, lane splitting is either illegal or interpreted as such by law enforcement officers.

Dangerous Conditions

Since motorcycles are much less stable than other types of motor vehicles, bad road conditions particularly affect them. Uneven pavement or roadway debris may not cause much trouble for a car or truck, but can prove deadly to motorcyclists.

Bends and Corners

If you are unfamiliar with a road, it is not difficult to miscalculate when you are rounding a bend or corner.  If you are going too fast or your timing is bad, hitting the brakes can force you off your bike. While it is always crucial to pay careful attention to your surroundings, that is especially true if you do not know the road.

Blind Spot Collisions

Unfortunately, many automobile and motorcycle collisions occur because the car driver simply did not see the rider. These accidents often occur at intersections. Even parked vehicles are a problem – a driver or passenger may open the door and hit you. Vigilance is the best way to avoid these blind spot collisions.

Drinking and Riding

There is no excuse for drinking and riding, but it happens with motorcyclists as it does with automobile drivers. Because a motorcycle offers no protection, the rider is quite vulnerable. Getting on your bike while under the influence just compounds the issue. Never drink and ride. Continue reading

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Bicycling is healthy and great for the environment, but it can also be dangerous. Bicyclists share the road with other vehicles and due to their small size, they can easily disappear in a driver’s blind spot. Just as drivers are required to follow the rules of the road, so are bicyclists. However, a driver should never expect an oncoming bicyclist to obey traffic signals or signs. If, for any reason, a bicyclist doesn’t follow the rules (he or she doesn’t see a sign, isn’t aware of the rules, or just ignores a signal), a driver should yield to the bicycle for safety purposes. As a driver, you may (or may not) be in the right, but trying to prove your point may result in serious harm to the bicyclist. Contact a Boston Injury Attorney Today.

Driving Tips to Keep Everyone Safe

  • The best way to avoid an accident with a bicyclist is to follow the same rules that apply to all aspects of safe driving. Being distracted, tired, or reckless behind the wheel puts everyone in danger.
  • Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Don’t speed.
  • Don’t use your cell phone while driving. If you must make a call, send a text, or adjust your navigation, find a safe place to pull over.
  • Check your blind spots before turning or changing lanes.
  • Make eye contact with oncoming bicyclists (this also applies to pedestrians).
  • Avoid fatigued driving.
  • Don’t drive at night if you have trouble seeing after dark. Especially in Boston, there may still be a lot of cyclists on the roads at night. They should be wearing reflective gear, and their bikes should be equipped with a light and reflectors. But this is not always the case. Always be alert for bicyclists and pedestrians when driving in the city at night.

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There are thousands of car accidents every day in the United States. In fact, in a single year there are typically over five million crashes, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If that number sounds high, it’s because more than 50% of those accidents are minor. For many people, this brings up the following question: Do I need to report a minor traffic accident in which no injuries occurred? Contact a Boston Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Today.

Especially in and around cities, heavy traffic can make accidents difficult to avoid. Thousands of people, many of whom are running late for work or to get to a child’s sporting event, weave in and out of congested traffic, increasing the likelihood of an accident with every vehicle they pass. Heavy traffic also means lots of stopping and starting, both of which can increase your risk of hitting the car in front of you or being rear-ended.

Do I Need to Report a Fender Bender?

When minor accidents or fender benders occur, what should you do? Well, much of that answer depends on the state you are in when the accident occurs. In Massachusetts, you must contact law enforcement at the time of the accident, and submit a motor vehicle crash operator report within 5 days of the accident, if either of the following circumstances are present:

  • The accident resulted in injury or death
  • Damage to one person’s property or vehicle exceeded $1,000.00
  • Never Leave the Scene of an Accident

If nobody was injured and property damage is under $1,000, the accident does not need to be reported. However, do not confuse the reporting exemption with the ability to leave the scene of an accident. If you are involved in any type of auto accident, regardless of how minor, you are required to stop and exchange information with the other parties involved. In Massachusetts, the information you are required to provide to the other motorist(s) is:

  • Name, address, and phone number
  • Driver’s license number
  • License plate number
  • Insurance information

It should be noted that if you leave the sign of an accident, even if no property damage or injuries occurred, your driving privileges may be suspended.

Do I Need to Contact My Insurance Company?

Every auto insurance carrier requires immediate reporting of motor vehicle accidents. If you fail to do so, the decision may come back to bite you. For example, if the other driver notices property damage a few days later and files a claim, you may be denied coverage due to your failure to report the accident when it occurred. Continue reading

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Tragedy struck in San Francisco on Sunday when two motorcycle racers from Spain were killed during a World Superbike Race. The race took place at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, according to a statement given by a sheriff’s spokesman for Monterey County. A crash occurred that caused a chain-reaction during the first lap of the race. Twenty eight riders took part in the occasion, and witnesses from the event have said that five competitors collided on the pathway which led to many of them being thrown into the dirt surrounding the track. Additional injuries to other riders have not been provided, but sources state that four of the five injured riders received treatment for their injuries while they were still at the venue where the race was taking place. Their identities have not been released at the current time.

The two men who were killed have been positively identified as 35 year old Bernat Martinez of Alberic, Valencia, Spain, and 27 year old Daniel Rivas Fernandez of Moana Galicia, Spain. Each of the men was transported from Mazda Raceway to undisclosed hospitals where they both later died from their injuries. The severity of their wounds has not been made available.

The spokesman for the Monterey County sheriff’s office, Cmdr. John Thornburg, has also stated that the sheriff’s office is not planning to investigate the incident that took place at the MotoAmerica Superbike/Superstock 1000 race. Thornburg has stated that it appears to be an accident and nothing further. Continue reading

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