Motorcycle Accidents

When you look at the statistics, the rates of injury and death among motorcyclists is alarming. Here are a few statistics, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”), as of 2014:

• Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to be killed in a crash than riders in other vehicles;

• An estimated 88,000 motorcyclists were injured during 2015;

• 43% of motorcycle riders who died in single vehicle crashes were alcohol impaired;

• 4,976 motorcyclists were killed in 2015, up from 4,954 in 2014.

• The fatality rate per 100,000 motorcycles was 57.85, while it was only 9.48 per 100,000 passenger cars.

Putting fatalities aside, there are a number of injuries we see frequently in motorcycle accidents that are much more rare in other types of accidents. Most of these unique injuries come from that a fact that a person is unprotected when a motorcycle overturns. In the past, our Massachusetts motorcycle accident attorneys have represented people with the following injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents:

• Road rash;

• Broken bones;

• Herniated discs;

• Shoulder injuries requiring surgery;

• Concussions;

• Serious brain injuries;

• Bruising;

• Internal injuries; and,

• Spinal cord injuries.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to talk with the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Mirick O’Connell. We know how to maximize the money an injured person can recover who suffers any of these unique injuries. We realize that road rash, for example, is not just a rash. It is hundreds or thousands of tiny pebbles that get in a person’s skin, often cause infection, and require bandages that must be changed frequently.

Motorcycle accidents are also unique in Massachusetts in terms of insurance issues. While Massachusetts automobile drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage on their automobile insurance, motorcycle drivers are not. This makes dealing with an insurance company even more difficult after a motorcycle accident.

First and foremost, we recommend that every motorcycle owner carry sufficient health insurance, because health insurance will be responsible for paying medical bills, even if another driver is at fault. Without PIP coverage, however, a person injured on a motorcycle may still have co-pays, deductibles, and other expenses to pay, which automobile insurance would normally cover. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Mirick O’Connell can help you navigate this confusing and difficult process.

At Mirick O’Connell, in addition to representing people who are injured on motorcycles, we are major supporters of motorcycle safety. The NHTSA lists a number of things that motorcyclists can do to minimize the risk of injury or death. Many of these recommendations are common sense, and include the following things:

• Do not drink alcohol and operate a motorcycle;

• Share the road. We often hear this advice for drivers of passenger cars, but it goes for motorcyclists as well;

• Wear the proper protection. Specifically, this means wear a helmet that is approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Approved helmets will feature a sticker on the back letting the rider know it has been approved.

• Inspect the motorcycle fully before riding. This check should include headlights, signals, fluid levels, hand and foot brakes, tire pressure, and tread depth.

Injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents can be horrific, even deadly. If you or a family member has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please call the motorcycle accident lawyers at Mirick O’Connell. Our firm has been around for over 100 years, and we have the experience and resources needed to get you the most money possible.