Pedestrian Accidents are on the Rise in Massachusetts

Recently, pedestrian accidents have been on the rise in Massachusetts. Massachusetts Walk reported that in 2023, one in every five fatal motor vehicle crashes involved a person hit by a car while walking. In 2023, there were 346 reported total traffic fatalities in Massachusetts. Of the total reported traffic deaths, at least 69 were pedestrians who lost their lives in crashes – accounting for approximately 20% of fatalities. 

Our Framingham personal injury lawyers have noticed this increase in pedestrian accidents. Recently, our office has been hired by three separate individuals who have been hit by a car while walking. These accidents happened on the street and in a crosswalk in Framingham, in a parking lot of a supermarket in Ashland, and another in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Causes for the Increase in Pedestrian Accidents

For obvious reasons, pedestrian accidents tend to be more severe compared to vehicle-to-vehicle collisions. There are several factors that contribute to this trend of increased pedestrian accidents and fatalities. Here are a couple of primary reasons:

Increased Distracted Drivers

Drivers are becoming increasingly distracted. The use of smartphones and other electronic devices while driving has significantly increased amongst drivers. This leads to considerable distractions while driving. For example, in a recent case our Massachusetts accident attorneys handled, the driver of a car admitted to the police that she was checking her text messages while she was driving. She didn’t see our client crossing the street in the crosswalk and she hit him.

Additionally, pedestrians are also distracted by their smartphones, headphones, and other gadgets. This tends to cause pedestrians to decrease their awareness of their surroundings including vehicles.

Drunk or Impaired Driving

Drunk driving and driving under the influence of drugs continues to be a major factor in all types of accidents, including pedestrian accidents. Impaired driving leads to more accidents because it drastically reduces a driver's ability to safely operate a vehicle.

Alcohol and drugs slow a driver’s reaction and response time behind the wheel. An impaired driver may be unable to react to a pedestrian crossing the street and their slowed reaction time often leads to pedestrian accidents.  

Alcohol and drugs also contribute to a reduction in coordination, decreased focus, and poor judgment. An impaired driver is often unable to make routine maneuvers such as keeping a look out for pedestrians, braking, or steering safely. They also are proven to use poor judgment. These all contribute to motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.

Injured Pedestrians Have the Legal Right to Seek Compensation

If you or a loved one was struck by a car while walking, you have the legal right in Massachusetts to seek financial compensation. Pedestrian accidents often result in very serious injuries, including broken bones, severe head trauma, back and neck injuries, and even death.

The laws in Massachusetts and auto insurance policies are designed to offer financial compensation for the losses and injuries a pedestrian suffers because of a negligent, careless, or distracted driver. Injured pedestrians can seek to be compensated for the costs and expenses for their medical treatment, any lost wages incurred, and the pain and suffering they endure due to their injuries. Unfortunately, auto insurance companies do not make it easy for an injured pedestrian to secure the financial compensation they deserve. That is why our Framingham personal injury lawyers are here to help.

If you have been injured after being hit by a car in Massachusetts, we are here to answer any question you have, investigate your case, and fight to get you justice and the money you deserve. Our Massachusetts injury lawyers have successfully handled many pedestrian injury cases and we know how to protect your right and make sure the negligent driver is held accountable.