The percent of motorcycle accidents that result in injury or death is approximately 80% in the United States. Furthermore, according to the National Safety Council, approximately 19% of all traffic-related deaths and injuries result from motorcycle collisions.
These statistics are because motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on the road due to their lack of physical protection. Even minor collisions often lead to life-threatening outcomes.
It’s no secret that the physical, emotional, and financial toll of a motorcycle crash is usually enormous, and many victims are left wondering what comes next. If you’re trying to better understand the risks of riding a motorcycle, reach out to a Boston motorcycle accident lawyer.
Types of Injuries in Massachusetts Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcycle-related crashes in Massachusetts tend to result in a wide spectrum of injuries. The severity of them often depends on the type of crash, the speed before the accident, and whether or not protective gear was in use.
Let’s take a closer look at examples of injuries motorcycle accident victims often endure as a result of the collision:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even when wearing a helmet, motorcyclists often suffer from concussions, among other types of brain injuries, especially in high-speed collisions.
- Spinal cord injuries: These often lead to permanent disability, including paraplegia and quadriplegia.
- Fractures and broken bones: Your arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis are especially vulnerable during the point of impact or ejection.
- Road rash and lacerations: These injuries range from superficial abrasions to severe skin loss and infections.
- Internal injuries: Damage to organs such as your lungs, liver, or spleen are typically life-threatening, and this type of injury often requires emergency surgery.
Even so-called “minor” motorcycle accidents frequently result in emergency room visits, hospital stays, and long recovery times.
For every fatal motorcycle crash in Massachusetts, there are multiple non-fatal accidents that still produce devastating long-term effects.
Factors That Influence Injury and Fatality Rates
Several key factors influence the likelihood of injury or death in the aftermath of a motorcycle crash. Understanding these details explain why the likelihood is so high compared to other types of vehicle collisions.
Helmet Use
Helmet use is a very effective way to reduce the risk of sustaining fatal or serious head injuries. Massachusetts has a universal helmet law that requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmets.
According to the CDC, helmet use reduces the risk of death by 37% and the risk of head injury by 69%. While helmet use is high in Massachusetts thanks to the law, not all helmets are created equal.
Riders who use non-compliant or poorly-fitted helmets will likely not receive full protection. Even with helmet use, severe accidents often still result in concussions, if not worse.
Speeding
Speed plays a major role in both the likelihood and severity of motorcycle accidents. Crashes involving speeding are far more likely to result in fatalities.
According to national data, 33% of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2022 were speeding at the time of the incident. In Massachusetts, roads with higher speed limits—such as highways and interstates—are more likely to result in fatal crashes due to the force of impact.
But even urban collisions at lower speeds often cause debilitating injuries due to the exposed nature of riding.
Alcohol and Impairment
Alcohol involvement remains a serious issue in motorcycle accidents. Nationwide, 27% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
Impairment reduces reaction times, impairs judgment, and increases the likelihood of crashes.
Massachusetts law prohibits operating a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Also, DUI-related motorcycle crashes often lead to fatalities or serious injuries for both the rider and others involved.
Vehicle Type and Experience Level
Larger, high-powered motorcycles are often involved in more fatal crashes than smaller bikes.
Riders who operate sport or supersport bikes—which are built for speed and acceleration—often face higher risks due to the aggressive nature of riding and potential for loss of control.
Experience level also matters. New or untrained riders are more likely to crash and sustain injuries. Inexperienced motorcyclists will likely struggle with braking, turning, lane changing, and making emergency-related maneuvers.
Time of Day and Road Conditions
Many motorcycle accidents occur on weekends and during evening hours, both of which are times when traffic is heavier and visibility is reduced.
In Massachusetts, the spring and summer months see the highest volume of motorcycle traffic—and, as a result, the highest number of crashes. It’s also worth noting that weather and road conditions also contribute.
Massachusetts’ variable climate includes rain, snow, and ice, each of which often causes loss of traction and control. Even experienced riders are capable of being seriously injured in a skid or slide caused by poor road conditions.
The Risk of Death in a Motorcycle Crash
While injury rates in motorcycle crashes are already alarmingly high, the risk of death is also a major issue. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the fatality rate for motorcyclists is over 30 times higher than for occupants of passenger cars per mile traveled.
In Massachusetts, the average number of motorcycle fatalities ranges between 50 to 60 per year, though this number varies depending on weather patterns, legal enforcement, and public education.
Many of these fatalities involve single-vehicle crashes, where the motorcyclist loses control and crashes into a fixed object, such as a guardrail, utility pole, or tree. Fatal crashes are more likely to occur when any of these factors are at play:
- The rider is not wearing a helmet
- The crash involves a larger vehicle
- The crash occurs at high speeds
- The rider is impaired by alcohol or drugs
- There are multiple riders on the bike
In some cases, even low-speed crashes will result in death if the rider lands awkwardly or suffers an injury to the head, neck, or chest.
Long-Term Consequences of Non-Fatal Injuries
While fatalities are a big concern, non-fatal injuries from motorcycle crashes often have long-lasting effects as well.
Many injured riders in Massachusetts face prolonged recovery periods that involve:
- Hospitalization and surgery
- Physical therapy
- Assistive devices such as wheelchairs or prosthetics
- Lost income from missed work
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD
- Pain and suffering
According to the Massachusetts Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA), the average hospital cost for a motorcycle injury-related admission exceeds $30,000.
Serious injuries often result in costs that surpass six figures, not including ongoing rehabilitation or home care needs. Furthermore, many motorcycle crashes hurt more people than just the rider.
Families, employers, and communities bear both the emotional and economic burdens of long-term injuries and deaths. These ripple effects make motorcycle safety a public health issue, not just a personal one.
Contact Our Massachusetts Motorcycle Injury Law Firm to Learn More
Roughly 80% of reported motorcycle accidents in the U.S. result in injury or death. This is a stark reminder of how vulnerable riders are on the road. However, you do not have to go through this experience all alone.
At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we have 21-plus years of experience helping people in situations just like yours. We’ve recovered more than $250 million in compensation for over 15,000 people, and we’re here to help you, too.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation. As part of our Stone Cold Guarantee®, you never need to reach into your pocket to pay us because there’s no obligation—just information®. We take care of our own because Massachusetts is our home.
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