Car Accidents

June 10, 2011

Rider Dies Week after Sustained Injuries from Boston Motorcycle Accident

A man that was involved a motorcycle accident in Boston late last month has died. The Springfield man, 24-years-old, was involved in the accident on May 25th and was pronounced dead earlier this week, according to Mass Live.

The accident happened when a car collided with the motorcycle on Boston Road on that late evening in May. Police speculate that speed was a factor in the crash. The motorcyclist reportedly lost control of his vehicle while rounding a curve. He skidded for about 100 feet before coming to a stop near Dezi’s Jewelry Exchange and Pawn Shop.

Our Boston motorcycle accident attorneys understand that motorcyclist are more vulnerable to serious — if not fatal — accidents on our Massachusetts roadways. This is the second motorcycle-related fatality already this spring.

The motorcyclist was at the Baystate Medical Center in critical condition for about a week after the accident.

The motorcycle accident from earlier this year took the life of a 55-year-old rider back in April. In this accident, the motorcyclists collided with a truck towing a trailer on Route 9 in Ware. The truck reportedly jacknifed into the motorcycle’s lane. The rider died three days after this accident. Police are still investigating this accident.

Motorcycle riders are nearly 40 times more likely to die in a motor-vehicle accident than the occupants of the other vehicles reports Tim Aloisio of Monson, The Republican‘s motorcycle columnist and a member of the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association. He also reports that two-thirds of the time it is the fault of the automobile operators.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) projects that motorcycling fatalities declined from 5,290 in 2008 to 4,762 or fewer in 2009.

Here are some motorist safety tips, provided by Motorcycle Safety News, to help keep our motorcyclists safe on our roadways:

-Look, and look again, for motorcyclists when at intersections and when changing lanes.

-Motorcycles typically appear to be farther away than they actually are. This is because of their small size. Always assume that they’re closer than they appear.

-Take extra time to check your blind spots before maneuvering through traffic as bikes can easily get lost in these spots because of their small size.

-Bikes also seem to move faster than they actually are, again because of their size. Don’t assume that all bikers are speed demons.

-Motorcyclists often slow down by downshifting, which does not activate their brake lights. For this reason, allow more following distance when riding behind a bike.

-Motorcycle turn signals are not self-canceling like the ones on our vehicles are. Be sure that a motorcyclist signal is for real when moving around them.

-Don’t expect a motorcycle to always be able to dodge out of the way. Maneuverability may be one of their better characteristics, but it can’t always save them from a collision.

-Remember that the stopping distance is the same as that of a vehicle. Do not tailgate.
Continue reading

June 6, 2011

Recent Article Highlights Important of Bicycle Maintenance to Reduce Bicycle Accidents in Boston

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A recent article on Boston.com brings up some excellent points about proper bicycle maintenance. With summer here, many residents will be dusting off their bikes and hitting the town both on foot and on two wheels. Riders are not only urged to be cautious of motor-vehicle traffic during their adventures through the city, but to also to be cautious about the condition of your bicycle. A properly kept bicycle can mean the difference between safe travels and a Boston bicycling accident.

In the Boston.com article, the author noticed a bicycle on his walk home that had been locked to a fence with the seat removed for months. Many bicyclists remove their seat to avoid bike theft. As the seasons changed, the bike remained locked to that fence. It had grown rusty and had almost seemed abandoned.

Our Boston bicycle accident attorneys urge all of our two-wheeled travelers to take good care of your bikes, in every season. Be sure that your tires always have enough air, that it’s equipped with proper lights and reflectors, that your chain is well oiled and that the brakes work properly. Many accidents can be caused by malfunctioning equipment. Venturing out on a bike that’s not taken care of can result in an increased risk for accidents in our area.

Once the snow cleared and the sun shined through, the bike’s owner appeared. The author spotted her one day bent over her bicycle with a can of WD-40 in her hand.

Tips to help you, and other fellow riders, to enjoy the bike riding season safely:

-If you’ve neglected your bicycle all winter long, be sure to check it out completely before breaking it out this spring or summer. Check to see if the tires look dry or cracked. Check your brakes. If you are not comfortable with these types of repairs, take your bicycle to a local repair shop for some help.

-Learn how to change a flat tire. Make sure each tire is fully inflated and free of debris. Inevitably you will eventually experience a flat tire. Learn how to change it yourself to be better prepared or to even help someone else out.

-Be considerate. If you see a bicyclist pulled over on the ride of the road, ask if they need any help. Bicyclers need to help and protect one another.

-Always wear your helmet. Statistics show that it can save your life. Your risk of serious of fatal injury greatly increases if you’re not wearing a helmet during the time of an accident.

-Learn the rules of the road. Look both ways, obey traffic lights, ride with the flow of traffic and wear light or bright colored clothing.

-Never pass another bicyclist on the right. This is especially important if they’re stopped at a red light. When you do pass someone, call out: “On your left” to let them know your whereabouts.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 600 bicyclists died in 2009 because of accidents involving a motor vehicle. These fatalities accounted for 2 percent of all traffic deaths during the entire year.

Most of these bicycling deaths from 2009 happened in urban areas at non-intersection. Most of them also occurred during the daytime hours, between 4:00 a.m. an 8:00 p.m.
Continue reading

June 3, 2011

New Driver Test Ranks Massachusetts Drivers Among Worst in America

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Recently, GMAC Insurance released the results for their 2011 National Drivers Test. These tests are nothing to brag about as the study concluded that 1 out of every 5 drivers fails to meet basic road requirements to obtain a driver’s license. This means nearly 37 million American drivers, or roughly 20 percent of motorists on our roadways, would not be able to pass the written drivers test if they were to take it today. This lack of road knowledge greatly increases the risks for a car accident in Boston.

“The GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test has become the benchmark for America’s driving IQ,” said Scott Eckman, chief marketing officer, GMAC Insurance. “All Americans need a refresher course when it comes to rules of the road and it begins with education. We’re hoping this year’s GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test results will inspire drivers to arm themselves with the knowledge they need to stay safe.”

Our Boston car accident attorneys note that these test results concluded that the average score on this GMAC drivers test was less than 78 percent in 2011. While this is a near 2 percent increase from the previous year, the average score is still alarmingly low. This means that a large number of motorists on our roadways lack basic knowledge of driving skills and rules.

Nearly 90 percent of drivers that took this test could not identify the correct action to take when pulling up to a steady yellow traffic light. One a quarter of tested drivers were able to list safe following distances.

“All Americans need a refresher course when it comes to basic driving rules,” said Gary Kusumi, CEO and president, GMAC Insurance – Personal Lines. “Being a safe driver is about conduct, judgment and knowledge. We’re hoping this year’s results encourage people to arm themselves with the knowledge they need to stay safe.”

Massachusetts’ drivers rank 47th in the United States in driver intelligence. Our state dropped nine spots in the rankings since the previous year when we ranked 38th.

The Northeast region of the country submitted the worst scores of all regions. The Midwest region scored the best on this test. Typically, male drivers scored better than female drivers, with roughly 14 percent of men failing the test compared to approximately 27 percent of women. Older drivers also tested better.

The GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test is conducted to serve as a reminder to drivers to freshen up on their credentials to help decrease their risk of being involved in an accident.

“The GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test shows me that too many Americans are coming up short when it comes to knowing the rules of the road,” said Casey Mears, driver of the No. 25 National Guard/GMAC Chevrolet in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. “Whether you’re on the race track or in the real world, it’s about being safe, respecting other drivers and being educated about how to handle certain situations.”

The 2011 test quizzed driver knowledge through a series of 20 questions taken from state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) tests. National data was weighted to percentage of state population, gender, ethnicity and age. The seventh annual survey had 5,130 licensed driver participants between the ages of 15 and 66 from all over the country.

Want to give the GMAC Insurance National Driving Test a whirl and see how your driving knowledge measures up? Visit their website and test your driving skills.
Continue reading

June 1, 2011

100 Deadliest Days for Teen Car Accidents in Boston

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The summer is here and that means school’s letting out soon and student drivers will be hitting the road in full force. The summer also kick off the start of the 100 deadliest days of the year for teen drivers, according to Mother’s Against Drunk Driving.

Nine out of the ten top deadliest days for young drivers occur between the months of May and August. In 2009, our nation’s roadways witnessed roughly 3,000 teen drivers die in in teen car accidents in Boston and elsewhere. Another 350,000 went to emergency departments with injuries suffered from these accidents.

Let’s put it this way, this is a statistic that says that your child is most likely to die in a motor vehicle accident during this summer. Our Boston car accident attorneys have seen these tragedies occur all too often. For this reason it is important that we send out our young drivers with all the tools they need to help keep them safe on our roadways during these summer months and throughout the year.

In 2009, Massachusetts witnessed nearly 50 teen deaths from motor vehicle accidents that involved a driver aged 15 to 19, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Mother’s Against Drunk Driving offers parents these safety tips to help keep their teens safe on our roadways this summer:

-Make sure that your teen knows and understands the effects and consequences of drinking and driving.

-Insist that your teen wear their seat belt whenever a vehicle is in motion. Minimal seat belt use is one of the leading causes for driver and passenger injury and death.

-Be sure to curb their distracted driving habits. Establish rules that prohibit the use of cell phones, texting or any other dangerous activities behind the wheel.

-Limit the amount of time that your teen can operate a motor vehicle during the evening hours.

-Set a limit to the number of passengers that your teen can drive with at any given time.

“Car crashes are the number one killer of Texas teens,” said Allstate Agent Michael Walker. “Summer is almost here and when school is out, more teens will be hitting the highways across the state. This data should spur parents and community leaders to take action and teach our teen drivers that speeding, distractions and carelessness can be costly.”

A recent study, conducted by the Allstate Foundation concluded that roughly 90 percent of teen drivers consider their parents as the biggest influence on their own driving habits. For this reason, we continue to urge that you speak with your teen about the importance of good driving habits and the consequences of poor choices behind the wheel. Parents are also urged to negotiate a parent-teen driving agreement with your young driver in an attempt to set with some ground rules that you and your teen driver can agree on.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), teen accidents are four times more likely to occur than accidents in any other age group.

Teens made up 10 percent of the U.S. driving population in 2008 and made up 11 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths. They accounted for nearly 15 percent of passenger vehicle occupant deaths among all ages, nearly 10 percent of all pedestrian deaths and approximately 5 percent of motorcyclist deaths
Join the Mother’s Against Drunk Driving facebook page for more tips and advice about keeping your young driver safe on our roadways during their summer break.
Continue reading

May 27, 2011

Memorial Day Weekend Increases Risk of Car Accidents in Massachusetts

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Massachusetts State Police will be hitting the roads full force over the Memorial Day holiday weekend in an attempt to crack down on seat belt violators, enhance traffic safety and to reduce the risks of a holiday car accident in Boston and elsewhere throughout the state.

The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) and the Massachusetts State Police recently launched their “Click It or Ticket” mobilization campaign as a statewide effort to increase the visibility of traffic enforcement officers and to increase awareness of seat belt usage. The campaign launched earlier this week and will continue through the first week of June.

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand that residents face an increased risk of being involved in a car accident over this long holiday weekend. As many residents and visitors will be hitting our roads to kick off the start of the summer season, we urge all motorists to practice extra cautious driving habits behind the wheel.

Massachusetts State Police will be teaming up with more than 180 local police departments to enforce their zero-tolerance policies for seat belt laws. Officers will be issuing tickets to all vehicle occupants who are busted not wearing their seat belts.

“Seatbelts are your best defense in a crash, yet more than 25 percent of drivers still fail to buckle up,” said Colonel Marian McGovern, superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. “Tickets will be issued to those who are pulled over and are not wearing their seat belt or if any passenger in the car is unbelted. Everyone in a vehicle needs to buckle up.”

In the State of Massachusetts, it is against the law to ride in a motor vehicle without wearing your seat belt. This law applies to all vehicle occupants. If caught breaking the law, a citation and a fine will be issued to the driver and each passenger that is not properly restrained.

The “Click It or Ticket” campaign has reeled in more than $543,000 for federal highway safety funds. Nearly $500,000 of the money collected has been distributed to state and local police forces to help fund addition enforcement. These funds will go towards public information and awareness programs and additional enforcement during these mobilization periods.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that a little more than 50 percent of passenger vehicle occupants involved in motor vehicle accidents in 2009 in Massachusetts were killed because they were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the accident. It is also estimated that the use of a seat belt, when worn correctly, can decrease the risk of death for front-seat passengers by nearly 50 percent. These odds see an increase of 10 percent in SUVs, minivans and pickup trucks in an accident.

We wish everyone a happy Memorial Day and urge all residents to celebrate their long holiday weekend safely and ask that all motorists practice safe driving skills:

-Be alert on our road by allowing yourself enough rest before heading out on your holiday trip. Avoid drowsy driving.

-Don’t drink and drive and help to make sure your friends and family do the same.

-Make sure that you, and everyone in your vehicle, is buckled up correctly when the car is in motion.

-Halt all distracting driving habits when behind the wheel.
Continue reading

May 26, 2011

State Trooper Involved in Boston Car Accident Remains in Hospital with Serious Injuries

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A State Trooper was hit by a speeding vehicle during a speed enforcement detail earlier this week, according to Boston.com. While he was flagging down speeders to help reduce the number of car accidents in Boston, he became a victim.

The officer was working detail in a highway tunnel in South Boston when the accident happened. The driver sped off after striking the officer, but was captured on video by a number of surveillance cameras. The hit-and-run motorists left the officer lying in the street.

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand the dangers that our local law enforcement officers face to help keep our residents safe. As officers and troopers put their lives on the line every day to prevent motor vehicle accidents on our roadways, it is not uncommon for them to be involved in one on the job.

“We absolutely plan on catching him,” said David Procopio, a State Police spokesman.

The accident happened shortly after 9:00 a.m. on Monday on the ramp of I-90 East from I-93 North. After the accident, he was transported to Boston Medical Center. He was last reported to have been being treated for serious injuries and is expected to survive.

“Once again, we are reminded of the inherent dangers of a state trooper’s job, and once again we find ourselves saying ‘but for the grace of God, we could be planning another trooper’s funeral,’ ” Procopio said.

Photos from the surveillance video were released and showed a black two-door sedan. The vehicle had light-colored interior with dark-tinted headlights. Officers believe it may have been a Honda Civic from the late 90’s or early 2000’s.

In the meantime, State Police are searching for two potential witness vehicles which they believe to have seen the hit and run vehicle. Police believe these motorists may be able to help them to identify the careless driver.

Massachusetts crime scene investigators are also combing the trooper’s uniform in search of any physical evidence that may help them to find the vehicle.

“We are utilizing whatever investigative means are available to us to zero in on this car,” said Procopio.

They also suspect that the fleeing vehicle suffers from minor damage. They further describe the damage as dents and scuff marks on its right front bumper, fender, hood, and windshield.

It is estimated that since the beginning of last year, the state has witnessed 44 state troopers struck by motor vehicles while they were on duty. About half of these incidents involved a driver that was under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the time of the incident.

According to National Public Radio (NPR), there were nearly 200 police officer deaths nationwide in 2009.
Continue reading

May 23, 2011

Bike Week Festivities Could Increase Bike Accidents Involving Motorists in Boston

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Earlier this month we posted on our Car Accident Lawyer Blog that May is Bike Month, and local businesses are hosting events all over town to raise awareness about bicycle accidents in Boston and elsewhere throughout Massachusetts.

The Boston.com reports that the city will be hosting 20 cycling events and at least 80 more throughout the Greater Boston region in honor of Bike Week. Boston Bike Week will be launched with events like the Kickoff Party at Giant Cycling World and Mayor Menino’s Bike Week Festival at City Hall Plaza.

Our Boston bicycle accident lawyers know that these events can be fun and entertaining, but we want to remind enthusiasts to be safe as they partake in the activities. Traffic will be heightened with both cars and bicycles, so be extra careful as you maneuver around town attending these events.

Municipalities, businesses and educational institutions throughout the state are excited about the MassCommuter Challenge being hosted May 14-20, 2011. The Challenge is a free and friendly competition open to anyone who lives, works or attends school in Massachusetts. Residents, students and employees pledge to bike everywhere they go throughout the week, or make as many trips as they can, to promote personal health and an eco-friendly environment.

Not everyone is excited about Bike Week with the anticipation of bike lanes being built along a stretch of Massachusetts Avenue. Boston.com reports merchants along Back Bay are miffed about the potential loss of business when the bike lanes take away 71 parking spaces on the east side of the street meant for patrons. The city plans to create bike lanes along the highly traveled stretch of Massachusetts Avenue between Charles River and the Symphony area.

The premise behind the lanes and the “number one concern of the transportation department” is safety, said Nicole Freedman, director of Boston Bikes, noting that Massachusetts Avenue had one of the highest crash rates in the city last year with 25 bike accidents requiring ambulances in the one-mile stretch. “Safety is definitely a paramount concern,” Freedman said.

Merchants in the area understand that bike safety is a priority, but they also know that businesses will fail if patrons have nowhere to park. Many customers call the store to ask about parking before they even make the trip to the area. Bicyclists traveling on the proposed bike lanes will likely be using them as a means to get from point A to point B rather than a method of transportation to go shopping within the Back Bay area.

Bicycle accidents are proven to be a concern in Boston and throughout the state. Bike lanes may help improve safety, but bicyclists and motorists should learn to share roadways and use caution when using the same streets to travel.
Continue reading

May 21, 2011

Boston Car Accidents Found Costly in our Region due to Medical Expenses and Lost Wages

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released a study reporting the cost of medical expenses and work loss is $41 billion for crash-related deaths nationwide. Data from 2005 was used because it is the most accurate and most recent regarding costs associated with crash deaths.

Our Boston car accident lawyers know the study was released to coincide with the May launch of the Decade of Action for Road Safety campaign. The United Nations has proclaimed 2011 to 2020 as the Decade of Action for Road Safety, during which focus will be placed on protecting lives on the world’s roadways.

The CDC study found that half of cost ($20.4 billion) was in the following 10 states: California ($4.16 billion), Texas ($3.50 billion), Florida ($3.16 billion), Georgia ($1.55 billion), Pennsylvania ($1.52 billion), North Carolina ($1.50 billion), New York ($1.33 billion), Illinois ($1.32 billion), Ohio ($1.23 billion) and Tennessee ($1.15 billion).

“Deaths from motor vehicle crashes are preventable,” said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “Seat belts, graduated driver’s license programs, child safety seats, and helmet use save lives and reduce health care costs.”

The findings by the CDC also included the cost related to crash deaths among children from birth to 19 years old was almost $856 million. Vermont (34 percent, $25 million) had the highest percentage of crash-related death cost for children and Nevada (17 percent, $66 million) had the lowest.

“It’s tragic to hear that anyone dies on our nation’s roads. But it’s especially so when the person who loses his or her life is a child or teenager,” said Linda Degutis, Dr. P.H., M.S.N., director, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. “Child passenger safety laws and comprehensive graduated driver licensing laws are proven to protect young lives. We encourage states to strengthen and enforce these laws to help keep more of our young people safe.”

The CDC’s Injury Center recommends these strategies to decrease work loss and medical costs by preventing crash-related fatalities:
-Have a primary seat belt law which allows law enforcement to cite motorists for not wearing seat belts. Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of death by half for front seat occupants.

-Require children to be in age and size appropriate child safety seats and booster seats while traveling in vehicles.

-Teen crashes can be decreased with a comprehensive graduated driver licensing (GDL) system. The staging processes of GDL systems give new drivers valuable experience under lower-risk conditions. Statistics indicate that a decrease in crashes for 16-year-old drivers is as much as 40 percent with the most comprehensive GDL systems.

-Require all riders to wear motorcycle helmets. Wearing a helmet can decrease the risk of death in a motorcycle accident by more than 33 percent and brain injury by 69 percent.

“These preventable costs are a reflection of the terrible suffering of American families whose loved ones are killed or injured on the roads,” said Norman Mineta, chairman of Make Roads Safe North America and the longest serving Secretary of Transportation in U.S. history. “Today, on the launch of the first-ever Decade of Action for Road Safety, occurring in 30 cities across our nation and 50 countries worldwide, it is time for all of us to take action to save lives at home and around the globe.”
Continue reading

May 19, 2011

Oversized Loads a Common Cause of Trucking Accidents in Boston

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The Times Herald-Record recently reported on a tractor trailer rolling over with a load of more than 45,000 pounds of oranges. The truck driver told law enforcement that as he was rounding a curve heading into an exit when he felt his load shift, causing the truck to leave the roadway onto the shoulder where it overturned. There were no reported injuries and clean-up crews spent many hours offloading the trailer.

Our Boston truck accident lawyers find this story interesting in light of two bills in Congress involving semi truck weights.

The Coalition for Transportation Productivity is strongly in favor of SETA (Safe and Efficient Transportation Act), a bill that would give states the option to increase truck weight limits from 80,000 pounds to 97,000 pounds for six-axle vehicles. The group says requiring a sixth axle would maintain braking capacity and weight distribution, and minimize road wear. It also mentions the increase in user fees could be used for bridge repair. They also think that with fewer trucks on the roads, motorists would be safer.

The Teamsters and safety advocates are fiercely opposed to SETA and support SHIPA (Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act). This bill proposes that it would leave the current weight limits in place. They argue that the heavier trucks would accelerate road wear and tear, and that our bridges wouldn’t be able to handle the loads. They counter that longer and heavier trucks would be much harder to stop and require a lengthy distance to come to a complete halt on our overcrowded roadways. Currently, an 80,000- pound truck traveling at 55 mph takes 400 feet to stop on perfect road conditions.

Earlier this month the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) held a two day forum in Washington D.C. that focused on truck and bus safety. One idea that is being considered to decrease driver fatigue is to limit driving hours to 10 a day. The current limit is 11 hours in a 14-hour work day, and truckers can drive 70 hours every eight days.
Continue reading

May 18, 2011

Bike Sharing Program Could Increase the Number of Boston Bicycle Accidents Each Year

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Hubway stations are a hot topic in Boston right now as many cities are looking to offer kiosks to cyclists as part of the regional bicycle sharing program. An increased number of bicyclists raises the odds of a bicycle accident in Boston, so riders should be careful when sharing roadways with vehicles. Boston personal injury lawyers agree that the convenience of the hubways will encourage users to opt for bicycles over public or private modes of transportation because bike-riding is healthier and more economical.

We first posted about the topic of Massachusetts Hubways on our Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog earlier this month. The $6 million contract to be signed with Alta Bicycle Share is proposed to launch 61 bike stations and about 600 bikes throughout the city starting in July. The convenience of the bike sharing program allows commuters and visitors the opportunity to rent a bike for a quick trip or all day with the ease of returning it to any convenient kiosk location. The system will offer as many as 300 rental locations in the future, which means cyclists can get to and from their destinations with simplicity rather than withstand the aggravation of sitting in traffic or being late for an appointment.

Boston.com reports that Harvard is the latest to support bike share stations in Cambridge. Harvard will offer four Hubways in Cambridge and five stations in the Allston and Longwood communities. The bike sharing program will charge patrons a monthly membership or daily fee depending on what the bicyclist prefers. Quick trips under 30 minutes will be free of charge.

But the growing interest in the bike sharing program could concern bicyclists who have a higher risk of being struck by a motor vehicle. Bicyclists involved in motor vehicle crashes can sustain broken bones, severe head trauma or internal injuries that can change a victim’s life forever. The medical costs associated with hospital stays and medical care for these types of injuries can lead to a lifetime of debt.
Continue reading