Motorcycle riding is a thrilling experience that offers a unique sense of freedom among riders. However, motorcycle accident injuries can be catastrophic, both physically and mentally. Motorcycle accidents are a leading cause of serious injuries and death in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to be killed in a crash than passenger car occupants. In 2021, there were 5,932 motorcyclists killed, which accounts for 14% of all traffic fatalities. The team at InjuredBikerLaw urges all motorcyclists to make themselves visible, share the road, and be alert when out riding. 

Types Of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

The reason that motorcycle riders are susceptible to injury is that they have little to no protection from an impact due to a collision. Common types of injuries that occur from motorcycle accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries are the most serious type of injuries that a motorcycle rider can sustain. They typically range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. The symptoms can be very severe, and it is extremely important that all motorcycle riders wear a helmet to help prevent these injuries.
• Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or even complete paralysis. The extent of the paralysis is often determined by the portion of the spine that is injured. 
• Broken Bones
  • In any part of the body, broken bones are extremely common for motorcyclists involved in an accident. The most common broken bones are in the arms, legs, or ribs.
• Road Rash
  • Road rashes are a type of skin abrasion that is common in motorcycle accidents where the rider fails to wear protective clothing. 
• Road Burns
  • Road burns can derive from contact with hot asphalt or hot parts of a vehicle such as engine parts or exhaust pipes. 

How To Treat Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Treatment for motorcycle accident injuries will vary based on the severity of the accident. Common treatments include:

• Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation therapy is important because it allows riders to regain mobility and strength after a motorcycle accident.
• Surgery
  • Every accident is different, but some accident injuries may require surgical procedures to repair potential broken bones or spinal cord injuries.
• Medication
  • Medications, such as antibiotics and pain relievers, may be prescribed to treat motorcycle injuries.

Long-Term Effects Of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Unfortunately, victims of motorcycle accidents can suffer long-term effects, such as:

• Disability
  • Some motorcycle accident injuries can result in permanent disability for the ones involved.
• Chronic Pain
  • Many motorcycle riders experience chronic pain such as nerve or muscle damage after an accident.
• Psychological Trauma
  • Motorcycle accidents can be extremely severe and cause trauma to those involved. Many survivors experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important that you seek medical attention immediately, even if you think you may not be injured. It is common that injuries arise days or even weeks after the accident, and you may not even know about them. Contact the team at InjuredBikerLaw if you have been in a motorcycle accident, and we can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

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Don’t Ride Alone

While every state has its own individual motorcycle laws for riders to abide by, Massachusetts is no exception. As riders pass over the beautiful landscape, it is important that you follow the rules and regulations to ensure maximum safety on the open roads. Our attorneys at InjuredBikerLaw are no different, as we love to ride and take in the scenery around us. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve. 

1. Helmet Law:
Massachusetts has a strict helmet law, and every rider and passenger is required to wear a helmet that meets the requirements from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

2. Eye Protection:
Riders are required to wear protective eyewear such as goggles or a face shield unless the motorcycle has a windshield.

3. Handlebar Height:
In Massachusetts, handlebars cannot exceed the shoulder height of the rider as excessively tall handlebars can be dangerous for riders.

4. Loud Exhaust:
The Massachusetts law states that a motorcycle can not exceed a limit of 82 decibels when traveling at a speed of 45 miles per hour or less, and a motorcycle can not exceed a limit of 86 decibels when traveling at a speed faster than 45 miles per hour.

5. Lane Splitting:
Lane splitting (riding a motorcycle between lanes or rows of slow moving or stopped traffic moving in the same direction) is extremely dangerous and a common cause of many motorcycle accidents. Lane splitting is illegal in many states, and Massachusetts is no exception. Lane splitting is prohibited in the State of Massachusetts.

6. Motorcycle License:
A class M motorcycle driver’s license is required for riders to operate a motorcycle in the State of Massachusetts. However, if you want to drive a car as well, you can get a motorcycle endorsement on your existing license. You will be required to pass a vision test and a motorcycle road test to obtain your license.

7. Insurance Requirements:
Motorcycle riders are required to carry liability insurance to cover bodily injury and property damage. The minimum liability coverage limits are:

• Bodily injury to others: $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident.
• Property damage: $5,000 per property.
• Bodily injury due to uninsured motorist: $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident.

Due to the severity of injuries that can arise from motorcycle accidents, it is encouraged that riders go beyond the minimum insurance requirements. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, our attorneys at InjuredBikerLaw have the experience and knowledge to get you the money you deserve.

If you find yourself in a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to prioritize the safety of yourself and everyone else involved in the accident. If you are injured or there are any suspicions of injuries, seek medical attention by calling emergency services. If possible, move yourself and your motorcycle out of the way of traffic to prevent further accidents. Stay at the scene of the accident while you wait for the police to arrive to document the accident. It is crucial to exchange contact information, insurance information, and license plate numbers of everyone involved in the accident. Do not say you aren’t injured until you have sought medical treatment.

If possible, take detailed pictures of the accident, the damage done to the motorcycle and motor vehicles, and any visible injuries of all parties involved. If there were any witnesses to the accident, collect their contact information, as well, for potential statements. Additionally, notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible.

Refrain from admitting fault and do not discuss anything with anyone other than the police officer at the scene. Seek legal advice from an attorney at InjuredBikerLaw. Our attorneys at InjuredBikerLaw are riders, as well, and we know the ins and outs of motorcycle accidents more than anyone. We will guide you step by step throughout the process and make sure you get the money you deserve.

Don’t Ride Alone