Our readers may remember a serious motorcycle crash in a neighboring state back in June, in which seven bikers lost their lives. The motorist responsible for the motorcycle accident was from Massachusetts. However, as the crash is being investigated, some legislators are becoming frustrated with the lack of cooperation from Governor Baker’s administration.
The Massachusetts Legislature’s Transportation Committee is probing the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles in relation to an investigation into this tragic accident. The panel of legislators is investigating the Registry’s failure to take action when it was notified that the Massachusetts commercial truck driver who caused the accident had been placed under arrest in another state weeks before the crash for drunk driving. This situation should have led to the suspension of the motorist’s driver’s license, a fact that officials in the Massachusetts have recognized.
The panel is requesting documents from the state, but have not been provided with any documents or electronic files since the end of July. The committee believes the administration is not fully cooperating, and the committee may issue a subpoena for the records if necessary.
It is reported that thousands of notices from other states of infractions committed by Massachusetts motorists are going unprocessed by the Registry. One legislator claims that this is “completely unacceptable” and has requested an independent audit of the Registry.
In the midst of all this conflict, it is important to remember that there are seven families suffering from the loss of a loved one due to this tragic accident. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable when a crash occurs, as motorcycles do not offer the safety features that automobiles provide and are much smaller and lighter than a standard automobile. Motorcycle accidents can be deadly, but even those lucky enough to survive are often left seriously injured. When this happens, the victims may wish to pursue a personal injury claim or a wrongful death claim, depending on the situation. If it can be shown that the at-fault motorist breached his or her duty of care and that this breach caused the accident that injured or killed the motorcyclist, the motorcyclist or his or her family may be able to recover damages.
