A WBZ-TV report states that Massachusetts state troopers are responsible for close to 500 of the motor vehicle crashes that have occurred on state roads since the turn of the century.
According to the study, close to 120 police officers have had at least four accidents since 2000, with speeding, inattentiveness, and following other vehicles too closely being among the common causes.
State police information shows that most of these collisions took place when troopers were heading to work or during regular patrols and when the weather and roads were in good condition.
In more than half of the crashes that took place, senior state police cleared the officers involved in the motor vehicle collision from blame. Senior officers found police partially to blame in only 7% of cases. Troopers were found responsible for 19% of the accidents.
Just because police are allowed to chase after suspects doesn’t mean they should not be held accountable when a person is injured because a police officer was negligent, careless, reckless, or speeding unnecessarily.
Police chases are sometimes unavoidable. It is unfortunate, however, that 33 to 40% of the people hurt or killed in police chases are innocent bystanders that just happen to be on the road-either as a pedestrian or a motorist-when the pursuits have taken place.
If you or someone you love was hurt anywhere in Massachusetts because a motor vehicle driver was negligent-even if the driver was a police officer-you should speak with a Massachusetts personal injury lawyer right away to find out if you have grounds to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
In 2006, there were 38,588 deadly motor vehicle collisions in the United States resulting in 42,642 deaths. Not only did these people lose their lives but their loved ones’ lives were altered irrevocably also.
You are entitled to wrongful death compensation if your loved one died on a Massachusetts road because of a negligent driver. There may even be more than one party that can be held liable for the personal injury accident.
Report: Troopers Have Caused Nearly 500 Crashes in Last 7 Years
Fatality Analysis Reporting System, NHTSA
Related Web Resource:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The personal injury law firm of Altman & Altman LLP represents clients that are the victims of accidents caused by other people’s careless behavior. We have helped many families recover wrongful death compensation for the loss of their loved ones.
Contact Altman & Altman LLP today and ask for you free consultation.