Motorcycle accident facts: Massachusetts and nationwide

On behalf of Aiken and Aiken P.C. Personal Injury Attorneys posted in Motorcycle Accidents, on Tuesday, December 9, 2014

In 2012, almost 5,000 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents nationwide, and 90,000 more were injured. The total number of fatalities reflects a 7 percent increase over the total motorcycle fatalities in 2011. A total of 333 vehicle fatalities occurred in Massachusetts in 2012; 47 of them were motorcycle fatalities. Motorcycle drivers and passengers are about 26 percent more likely to die in a crash compared to other types of vehicles. More than half of the fatal motorcycle accidents involved another vehicle, often a vehicle that was turning left, although some accidents were caused by the cyclist rear-ending the car in front of them. Speed related crashes include about 34 percent of the total number of fatalities. The average age of motorcycle riders killed in accidents has increased from 38 years old in 2003 to 43 years old in 2012. Fatalities for drivers over 40 increased by 63 percent in that same 10-year period. In a situation where someone is injured or killed in a motorcycle accident due to another’s negligence, they, or family members in the case of a death, may consider pursuing a personal injury or wrongful death claim in order to help offset the costs associated with the accident. Motorcycle injuries can be severe and debilitating, sometimes causing permanent disability such as traumatic brain injury or paralysis, as well as significant loss of quality of life. If someone is killed in a fatal accident, the family members may be entitled to compensation for the both the emotional and financial losses due to the death of their loved one. Personal injury suits or wrongful death claims are filed in the Civil Court independent of any criminal charges, and can be filed by any close family member who is affected by their loved one’s disability or death. An attorney who is familiar with personal injury, disability and wrongful death may provide a good source of support and guidance particular to a specific set of circumstances. Source: US department of transportation , “Motorcycles“, December 05, 2014