NH & MA Injury Law Center
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No Fee Accident Lawyers
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New Hampshire and Massachusetts Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Our New Hampshire and Massachusetts motorcycle accident lawyers and attorneys explain that motorcycles are a proud part of the cultural identity of New Hampshire and Massachusetts. So much so, that New Hampshire has the fifth highest rate of licensed motorcycle riders in the nation per capita. One of the most popular events in the state is the Laconia Bike Week. Founded in 1936, the event attracts tens of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from around the country who travel up to the Lakes Region in June. Laconia Motorcycle Week® (laconiamcweek.com)
With that said, motorcycles are undeniably dangerous. If a motorcycle accident does occur, the results can be catastrophic. Statistically speaking, motorcycle riders are four times more likely to be involved in a crash and twenty-eight times more likely to die in a crash. Motorcycle Safety: Helmets, Motorists, Road Awareness | NHTSA
Motorcycle Accident Statistics:
In the year 2021, there were 82,582 motorcycle related injuries and 5,938 motorcycle related deaths. This represents 14% of all the fatal vehicular accidents. In 2020, there were 5,579 motorcycle related deaths. At the time, that was the highest number since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) began compiling statistics in 1975 through the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).
Motorcycle deaths are on the rise according to our motorcycle accident attorneys. There has been a reported 20% increase in motorcycle deaths in the last decade while non-fatal crashes during the same time period have remained steady at 1%. Below are some data driven trends: The most dangerous month for motorcycle operation is August when 14% of the fatalities occur. The lowest month is January when only 3% of fatalities occur. Despite slick winter road conditions being attributable to accidents, more crashes occur in the summer due to the increased number of riders on the road. Additionally, 36% of those fatal crashes involved operators who did not wear a helmet, 36% involved an operator that did not possess a special motorcycle license, and 34% involved speeding.
Helmets and Geography:
Wearing a helmet is by far and away the most effective means of preventing death. Studies have shown that helmets are 37% effective in preventing death. New Hampshire is one of only three states (the others being Iowa and Illinois) that do not require any form of helmet. Sadly, New Hampshire is the deadliest state when it comes to motorcycle collisions. 24% of all fatal motorcycle crashes nationwide occur in the granite state.
Geography also plays a role in reported data. 61% of fatal motorcycle collisions occur in urban areas. What can be extrapolated from this data is that there are less motorcycle accidents in less congested areas. Interestingly enough, 76% of fatal motorcycle collisions were head-on vs. rear end.
Motorcycle Accident Trends in New Hampshire:
In 2022, New Hampshire reported 31 motorcycle deaths. This tally is the highest number since the New Hampshire Department of Transportation started compiling statistics in 2012. Injured parties need a local motorcycle accident lawyer who is familiar with the specifics of motorcycle operation. Someone who understands the biker community. A motorcycle accident attorney who knows what locations/roads are more accident prone. They also need a motorcycle accident lawyer who knows the accident reconstruction industry.
Throughout the years, we have worked with some of the best accident reconstruction firms in the state. These firms are typically composed of retired law enforcement officers with extensive Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR) training. ACTAR.org These reconstructionists able to act as liaisons with investigating officers. Moreover, they are able to deploy immediately to a crash site before crucial evidence has been compromised.