This has been a glorious day for most people in the Boston area, with high temperatures drawing walkers, bikers, runners, and dog-walkers out into the sunshine. The day also held hopes of being a great one for motorcyclists to speed along in in one of the first warm breezes of the year. Unfortunately, however, the day has not been so bright for all. Around noon today, a motorcyclist was involved with a collision with a car near an intersection in Allston, causing the biker serious, life-threatening injuries. The collision occurred along Commonwealth Avenue at the intersection with Harvard Avenue, one of the city’s busiest intersections and a stop on the above-ground “B” train of the MBTA’s Green Line.
Although most motorcyclists wear (or should wear) helmets, motorcyclists generally have no other form of protection from outside forces, including weather, concrete, trees, and–as was the case here–other cars. While car and truck drivers at least have a physically separating them from other cars, motorcyclists (and bicyclers) have no such protection, so contact with another vehicle is typically direct and, therefore, quite dangerous.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with the injured rider and his family.
Unlike some states, which only require motorcyclists under age 18 (Maine) or age 21 (Rhode Island) to wear helmets, Massachusetts law requires all motorcyclists–regardless of age or experience, no exemptions–to wear a helmet while riding. The fine for a first offense is $35. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008 helmets saved the lives of 1,829 motorcyclists. Thankfully, NHTSA also reports that from 2005-2009 helmet use has increased from 48% to 67%. We have no information about whether the rider injured in the Allston accident was wearing a helmet or the degree to which each party was responsible (if at all).
If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Massachusetts and believe your injury is the fault of another party, contact a seasoned Boston attorney to seek financial recovery.
Motorcyclist seriously injured in collision with car in Allston, Boston.com, March 12, 2012