Motorcycle crashes increased in 2015

On behalf of Aiken and Aiken P.C. Personal Injury Attorneys posted in Motorcycle Accidents, on Saturday, October 1, 2016

Motorcycle accidents are increasing in the United States, and after a number of recent crashes involving motorcycles in Massachusetts, it is clear that the Bay State is no exception. More than 5,000 people were killed on American roads as a result of motorcycles accidents in 2015–a spike of more than 10 percent from the year before.Motorcyclists face a higher risk of injury from crashes compared to drivers of enclosed vehicles because motorcycles lack the stability of other vehicles, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Governors Highway Safety Association also points out that almost 15 percent of roadway fatalities occur in crashes involving a motorcycle. The increase in motorcycle accidents has been particularly noteworthy in Massachusetts. A spate of motorcycle crashes resulted in several individuals being hospitalized or killed this past May. Among them were two crashes in Lynn and Springfield that killed three people, including a police officer who was off duty.There are a number of ways that drivers can reduce their chances of hitting a motorcycle. First, it is essential to maintain a safe distance. Not only can motorcycles appear to be farther away from you than a car appears at a similar distance, but also motorcyclists often decrease speed by downshifting rather than using the brake, so drivers may not see a brake light to signal that the motorcyclist is slowing down. Additionally, turn signals on motorcycles do not switch off automatically, so it is important to be sure that a motorcycle is actually turning before attempting to go around it.Individuals who have experienced a head injury, a spinal injury, broken bones, a permanent disability, or other significant harm as a result of another driver’s negligence could be entitled to damages covering medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. An attorney with experience in personal injury cases can help with filing claims, negotiating a settlement, and even representing the injured party in a court of law.