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FALL RIVER, Bristol County, Mass., Oct. 28, 2026 — A motorcyclist suffered life-threatening injuries Tuesday afternoon, October 27, after crashing into oncoming traffic on the Braga Bridge and then being struck by a vehicle while on foot, according to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office.
The district attorney's office said the man, 32, of Westerly, R.I., was riding a Yamaha sportbike on Route 195 East on the bridge around 12:38 p.m., weaving between lanes at high speed. Traffic near the crest of the bridge was already moving slowly in two lanes because Massachusetts State Police were helping with a disabled vehicle in the breakdown lane, the office said.
According to the account, the rider turned the motorcycle around while still on the bridge and rode west into the eastbound lanes, directly into oncoming traffic. The motorcycle struck a State Police cruiser and a second vehicle, both traveling eastbound, investigators said. The rider then got off the motorcycle and ran across to the westbound lanes, where he was hit by another vehicle.
Fall River EMS described his injuries as life-threatening. He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment. It is not known whether anyone in the struck vehicles or the cruiser was injured.
The Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office is continuing to investigate. No charges have been announced.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
More Crash News from Bristol County
This motorcycle crash happened on Route 195 in Fall River, MA. For other recent crashes near Fall River, MA, visit our Bristol County accident news page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What usually causes motorcycle crashes like this one?
Common factors include speed, lane-splitting or weaving through slowed traffic, impaired riding, and drivers failing to see a motorcycle in time to react.
Why do motorcycle crashes tend to cause more serious injuries than other crashes?
A motorcycle offers no frame or airbags around the rider, so a collision at speed often throws the rider from the bike and into the road or into other vehicles, with little to absorb the impact.
How do left-turning vehicles end up colliding with motorcycles?
Drivers turning left across an intersection sometimes misjudge a motorcycle's speed or distance, or simply don't see it because it's narrower than a car, and pull into its path.
What can drivers do to spot motorcycles sooner?
Checking mirrors and blind spots twice, leaving extra following distance, and scanning intersections specifically for motorcycles before turning can help drivers react in time.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Fall River, MA
If you're involved in a motorcycle crash, try to get yourself to a safe area away from moving traffic as soon as possible. Call 911 even if injuries seem minor, since adrenaline can mask pain from a head, neck, or internal injury. Get checked out by a medical provider the same day if you can, both for your health and to have an injury documented. If you're able, note the time, location, and any vehicles or witnesses involved, and request a copy of the police report once it's filed. Riding gear can be damaged in ways that aren't obvious, so have your helmet and equipment inspected before using them again. Give yourself time to recover, and lean on family, friends, or a medical provider for support while you heal.
