Are car accidents more dangerous than motocycle accidents?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the Most Common Cause of Motorcycle Accidents in Massachusetts?
Failure to yield by car drivers, especially during left-hand turns, tops the list, causing nearly 40–50% of multi-vehicle crashes. This aligns with the 1,800–2,000 annual incidents, particularly in busy Norfolk and Bristol counties.
Are Motorcycle Accidents More Deadly in Massachusetts Than Elsewhere?
Yes, somewhat-80% of crashes here result in serious injury or death, higher than the national average (around 60–70%), due to dense traffic and rural road risks. The 450 deaths over 10 years reflect this elevated severity.
How Does Weather Affect Motorcycle Crashes in Massachusetts?
Rain and snow significantly increase crash risk by reducing traction, contributing to the 66% of fatalities on rural roads like those in Plymouth County. Wet weather likely factored into dozens of the 160-180 county deaths since 2015.
Can I Sue If a Pothole Caused My Accident?
Yes, if poor road maintenance caused the crash, you might sue the responsible municipality (e.g., in Plymouth or Bristol counties). You’d need to prove negligence and file within three years, though such cases are tough to win.
Does Not Wearing a Helmet Make Accidents More Common?
No, it doesn’t cause crashes, but Massachusetts’ mandatory helmet law (90% compliance) reduces fatality severity. Non-compliance, rare here, might worsen outcomes, as seen in some of the 24 young rider deaths in 2018.
Why Are Intersections So Dangerous for Motorcyclists?
Intersections combine high traffic, turning vehicles, and visibility issues—41% of serious injuries occur there. In Brockton (Plymouth County) or Quincy (Norfolk County), these factors likely drove many of the decade’s 60–120 fatalities.
Between June 22nd and June 24th of this year, four motorcyclists were killed in four separate motorcycle accidents across Massachusetts.
Thousands of motorcycle riders die or are severely injured each year in traffic accidents. Although statistics have shown that the frequency of motorcycle accidents has decreased slightly in recent years, serious motorcycle accidents still account for approximately 5% of all roadside traumas - which is far too common for comfort.
Even though motorcyclists make up less than 4% of all registered drivers on the road, they account for approximately 14% of traffic deaths nationwide. From these statistics, it is clear that motorcycles can be a very dangerous mode of transportation.
It is critical for motorcyclists to maintain safe driving protocols while driving to avoid roadside accidents. Precautions such as wearing a helmet, driving the speed limit, and using proper signaling can aid in reducing the number of injuries to motorcyclists. As for any motor vehicle operator, it is also imperative for motorcyclists to never drink-and-ride to maintain the safety of themselves and others.
Negligence on the road.
Many motorcycle accidents are not the fault of the motorcyclist, but rather, the fault of another driver. In fact, studies show that more than 70% of motorcycle accidents involve a collision with at least one automobile.
Negligent drivers frequently travel too closely behind motorcyclists or pull out in front of motorcycles without concern for the riders’ safety. Most drivers tend to forget that they share the road with motorcyclists, and, more importantly, forget about the minimal level of protection a rider has while on their motorcycle. Due to the lack of protection, a large percentage of these victims can become seriously injured, exhibit long lasting ailments, or even die from these accidents. Although wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injuries by an astounding 67%, a motorcyclist can still suffer serious harm even while wearing a helmet and protective gear.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a motorcycle accident?
Motorcycle operators in Massachusetts are covered under Massachusetts motorcycle law, which holds negligent drivers responsible and liable for their negligent actions. An injured motorcycle driver in Massachusetts has the potential recover damages from the responsible party and their insurance company should the other driver be found negligent.
These damages include: payment for pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and economic loss.
In Massachusetts, motorcycle riders are not entitled to no fault, Personal Injury Protection benefits (PIP) which are available to victims in car or pedestrian accidents.
These benefits can pay up to $8,000.00 in medical and lost wage expenses. Without these available benefits, motorcyclists who have been injured in a crash often meet challenges in paying medical expenses and receiving reimbursement for lost wages.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, call the Law Offices of Jason M. Ranallo, P.C. today at: 781-344-6200 or contact the firm online to schedule a free consultation about your right to receive a full financial recovery.
For your convenience, home, hospital, evening and weekend appointments are available upon request.