Walking and biking are two modes of travel that, as traffic times bubble and motor vehicle accidents continue to pose large threats to public safety, are increasing in popularity. Especially in Massachusetts, where scenic towns and accessible streets give plenty of reason to take things a little more slowly. But as with anything else when you venture out in the world, regardless of your transportation method, there are inherent risks. Pedestrians and cyclists are incredibly vulnerable when walking in even moderately-populated areas, since the slightest mistake made by somebody in a car can mean life-threatening consequences for anybody without a protective, metallic shield around them.
Fatal accidents involving pedestrians thankfully do not happen with alarming frequency, but when they do happen they are often catastrophic. A 65-year-old Watertown resident was just killed, and another 70-year-old was seriously injured, when an SUV hit them while walking through a pedestrian crosswalk. Two cyclists have been killed in Cambridge since June while passing through a highly-populated area. According to the Boston Globe, between 2010 and 2012 there were nearly 5,000 people injured or killed by cars while walking in Massachusetts (meaning nearly five accidents a day), based on MassDOT records. However this number is most certainly on the low end of an estimation, since large municipalities like Boston have been criticized in the past for not properly reporting pedestrian accidents.
MassDOT keeps detailed records of all recorded accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists, including an interactive map that can be filtered for more specific data. According to MassDOT data, Cambridge had the highest fatality total for pedestrian accidents between 2004 and 2013 with four deadly accidents occurring. There were 136 other nonfatal accidents involving pedestrians in Cambridge. According to crash cluster data by MassDOT ranging from 2004 to 2013, 8 of the top 10 most dangerous spots to be a cyclist in Massachusetts were found to be in Cambridge or Somerville, accounting for one death and 884 total crashes.
Should the worst happen, let us fight for you
Nobody leaves the house expecting to be involved in a potentially-deadly accident, but they happen every day. Although there is no magical panacea to prevent all pedestrian accidents from happening, how you are able to respond to a tragic accident will help determine what quality of life you will lead after it occurs. If you are seriously injured as a pedestrian, you will likely be facing burdensome medical bills, missing time at work, suffering horrible pain, forever physically handicapped or, at the worst, your family may be sorting out your final affairs. At the very least, an accident suffered while taking a casual stroll can cause mental anguish and various stress conditions for an unknown amount of time after the actual event.
At Altman & Altman, we have over 40 years of experience fighting to seek compensation for people who are injured by forces out of their control. If you are walking through a pedestrian crosswalk or a sidewalk and are hit by a motor vehicle, they are liable for the damage that they cause. If the operator was negligent in any way, we will ensure that they be held responsible and that you receive the compensation you need and deserve. Going through a serious accident is hard enough without having to deal with insurance companies or somebody claiming that you were at fault. Let one of our experienced legal professionals handle your case. A consultation is completely free and we are not paid a dime unless you are successful in your claim. Call us today at 617-492-3000 or toll-free at 800-481-6199. We are available 24/7.