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The Law Offices of Bailey & Burke

A Proven Full Service Law Firm Since 1971
888-870-0925

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The dangers motorcyclists face are important to be aware of

On Behalf of | Sep 4, 2015 | Motorcycle Accidents

Recent motorcycle accidents across the region highlight the concerns and dangers for motorcycle riders sharing the roadways with passenger vehicles. A recent fatal crash led to a 27-year old man being taken to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester where he was pronounced dead. His motorcycle crashed after colliding with the rear of a passenger vehicle. The 22-year old passenger on the motorcycle died at the scene of the crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released a report earlier this year concerning motorcycle ridership statistics. According to the report, greater than half of the motorcycle crashes that occurred in 2013 involved another moving vehicle.

The report also revealed the fatality rate for motorcyclists was 6 times the rate for occupants of passenger vehicles. While motorcycle fatality rates were down in 2013, overall, motorcyclist fatalities increased by 16 percent over the prior 10 years. In addition, during 2013, 88,000 motorcyclists and passengers were injured nationally which was an increase from 76,000 in 2004. Finally, the report also notes that 39 people were killed 2013 in Massachusetts in motorcycle crashes.

The popularity of motorcycles has been increasing, as has motorcycle ridership. As part of the national motorcycle awareness campaign, drivers of passenger and other types of vehicles are encouraged to take a second look for motorcycles. As motorcycle enthusiasts note, many motorcycle riders are injured or killed because drivers failed to see them. Because motorcycle accidents can oftentimes be caused by passenger vehicle drivers who failed to see the motorcycle, it is important for motorcycle accident victims to know how to respond when they have been harmed in a motorcycle accident. A number of options may be available to help victims of motorcycle accidents depending on the circumstances.

Source: The Milford Daily News, “Fatalities highlight motorcycle dangers,” Jonathan Phelps, Aug. 15, 2015

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