Even those Massachusetts’ residents who do not have motorbikes have to admit-when they see a motorcyclist going down the road in front of them, the wind in their hair and the world at their feet, a little part of them wishes they were also on that bike. With the few summer months finally upon us, it is common to see motorcyclists on the road, enjoying the weather and avoiding the traffic when possible.
Unfortunately, the very reasons that make a motorcycle enjoyable are the ones that make their drivers more prone to accidents. The vehicle itself lacks the crashworthiness and protection a motor vehicle offers its occupants. A motorcycle is lighter in weight and does not have protective equipment such as seatbelts and airbags.
This is perhaps why motorcycle fatalities are increasing rather than decreasing. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there was an 8.3 percent increase in fatalities in crashes from 2014 to 2015. In addition to this, motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in a crash than motor vehicle occupants per mile traveled and around five times more likely to be injured.
Even though there are more than 8 million motorcyclists on the road, motorists often fail to see them, especially when turning left. This is perhaps the biggest cause of motorcycle accidents. Whether it is due to inattentiveness or a distraction, a motorist does not see the motorcyclist behind them and makes a turn.
Similarly, when a car suddenly changes lanes in front of a motorcyclist, failing to see them, the motorcyclist gets injured in the process. Lastly, another form of inattentiveness on behalf of a car driver is illustrated when the driver hits the motorcyclist from behind; failing to take into account they have stopped for one reason or another.
The causes of motorcycle accidents are many but the rest is often the same-an injury or a fatality that could have been avoided. When a Massachusetts resident is injured or loses a family member in a crash, they may want to consider consulting an experienced attorney for guidance on how to hold the negligent driver responsible.