May is Motorcycle Awareness Month
Understanding Your Rights After a Personal Injury in Massachusetts
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the perfect time to highlight the dangers motorcyclists face on the nation’s roadways. Nationally, motorcyclist deaths increased by nearly 5% from one year to the next. In Massachusetts, motorcyclist fatalities have also seen significant increases over recent years.
It’s time to take action.
Steps Motorcyclists Can Take to Protect Themselves
- Always Wear Helmets: Although some states, including Massachusetts, have modified their helmet laws, wearing a helmet is crucial. Helmets are 37% effective in preventing motorcycle operator fatalities, and they save lives.
- Motorists’ Role in Motorcycle Safety: Drivers of cars and trucks play a huge role in motorcycle safety. Key steps they can take include:
- Being alert for the presence of motorcycles.
- Always checking blind spots before turning or changing lanes.
- Not following motorcycles too closely.
- Being extra careful at intersections.
- Avoiding distracted driving.
National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022:
- 6,218 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes, making up 15% of all traffic fatalities. This is up 4.8% from 2021.
- The fatality rate for motorcyclists was 22 times higher than that for passenger car occupants.
- 35% of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding, compared to 22% of passenger car drivers.
- 42% of the 2,254 motorcyclists who died in single-vehicle crashes were alcohol-impaired.
- Motorcycle helmet use increased from 64.9% in 2021 to 66.5% in 2022 for riders, and from 52.1% to 58.3% for passengers.
Massachusetts Motorcycle Crash Data
According to Massachusetts Traffic Crash Facts:
- There were 3,158 motorcycle-involved crashes in Massachusetts in 2022, up 19.2% from 2,648 in 2018.
- 173 motorcyclists were killed in crashes in Massachusetts in 2022, up 29.1% from 134 in 2021.
- 2,466 motorcyclists were injured in crashes in Massachusetts in 2022, up 14.5% from 2,160 in 2021.
Massachusetts Motorcycle Helmet Law
Massachusetts law generally requires motorcycle operators and riders to wear helmets. Even if you’re not legally required to wear a helmet in certain conditions, it’s highly recommended for safety. Additionally, protective eyewear is mandatory when traveling over 35 mph if the motorcycle isn’t equipped with a windshield.
Importance of Wearing a Helmet
Wearing a helmet is vital. The NHTSA estimates that helmets are 37% effective in preventing motorcycle operator deaths and 41% effective for passengers. A one-year study showed that helmets saved 1,872 lives nationwide and could have saved 749 more if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.
In Massachusetts, a similar study indicated that helmets saved 46 lives and could have saved 27 more with 100% helmet use.
Tips for Motorcyclists to Stay Safe
Our attorneys recommend the following safety measures:
- Always wear a helmet.
- Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Avoid speeding.
- Ensure visibility by riding with lights on.
- Ride defensively and watch the traffic around you.
- Stay focused and avoid distractions.
- Be cautious of roadway debris and objects.
- Avoid riding in the center lane.
- Be extra careful in bad weather.
- Maintain your bike regularly.
- Follow traffic rules and use good judgment.
- Wear protective eyewear.
Tips for Drivers to Keep Motorcyclists Safe
Drivers should:
- Stay alert and watch for motorcycles.
- Check blind spots before changing lanes, merging, or turning.
- Maintain a safe following distance.
- Be extra cautious at intersections.
- Avoid cutting off motorcycles or turning left in front of them.
- Refrain from distracted driving.
- Never drive under the influence.
- Allow motorcycles space to adjust their lane position.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, take these steps:
- Call 911 and contact the police.
- Seek medical treatment and report all injuries.
- Do not give statements or sign releases from insurance adjusters without consulting a lawyer.
- File a claim for No-Fault benefits with your insurance company.
- Obtain a copy of the police report.
- Attend all medical appointments.
- Keep detailed records.
- Check your auto insurance policy.
- Get help from an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.
Contact Boston Injury Law Group
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, you need an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. At Boston Injury Law Group, we specialize in handling motorcycle accident cases and are dedicated to getting you the best possible settlement quickly.
We have a track record of successful settlements!
Injured in a motorcycle accident? Call Boston Injury Law Group at (617) 454-4874 for a free consultation. We’re Massachusetts’ leading law firm for motorcycle and motor vehicle accident cases, and we’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Call now so we can start making a real difference for you.