Massachusetts has the third lowest rate of injury death in the country, according to a new study. A new report titled “The Facts Hurt: A State-By-State Injury Prevention Policy Report” examines key indicators of steps states can take to prevent injuries. Injuries may be linked to Massachusetts car accidents or motorcycle crashes in Massachusetts.

The report, released by the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), concludes that millions of injuries could be prevented each year if more states took action such as adopting additional research-based injury prevention policies. The report also recommends fully implementing and enforcing programs.

While the average score for states is 5 out of 10, Massachusetts received a 7 out of 10 score (with zero being the lowest and 10 being the highest possible score). Only New York and New Jersey have lower injury death rates in the nation.

Injury prevention strategies include requiring bicycle helmets for all children and helmets for all bicycle riders. Some states require mandatory ignition interlocks for convicted drunk drivers. Seat belt laws also are recommended for injury prevention.

At the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone, our personal injury lawyers represent people injured in Massachusetts car accidents or as a result of negligent actions of others. We have seen the devastating impact of serious injuries and work hard to protect the legal rights of people who have been hurt through no fault of their own.

The new report also identified emerging new injury threats, including texting while driving which can lead to serious car accidents.

"Seat belts, helmets, drunk driving laws and a range of other strong prevention policies and initiatives are reducing injury rates around the country," said Amber Williams, Executive Director of the Safe States Alliance.  "However, we could dramatically bring down rates of injuries from motor vehicles, assaults, falls, fires and a range of other risks even more if more states adopted, enforced and implemented proven policies.  Lack of national capacity and funding are major barriers to states adopting these and other policies."

If you or a loved one was injured due to negligence, contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Massachusetts. Call 1-800-WIN-WIN-1 to see if we can help.

The Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone