Pedestrian Accidents are Amongst the Most Dangerous in Massachusetts

Pedestrian accidents are becoming more frequent and more deadly. Increased distractions, larger vehicles, fast speeds, and a lack of attention to pedestrians all combine to create catastrophes. Below I will explain some of the many factors that make pedestrian accidents some of the most dangerous accidents.  

If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Massachusetts and have questions, or need further information, feel free to contact our Framingham personal injury lawyers at Mahaney & Pappas, LLP. You can call our office at (508) 879-3500 or contact us here to schedule your free case review and evaluation.

Recent Pedestrian Accidents Shed Light on the Dangers Lurking on the Roadways

There has been an increase in pedestrian accidents in many parts of the world, and Massachusetts is no exception.

Just last week a pedestrian in his 60s was struck by a motor vehicle in Framingham, Massachusetts. The Framingham Police Department responded to the pedestrian accident scene to find the pedestrian lying on the ground. While the police and paramedics did everything they could to save his life, the pedestrian was later pronounced dead at the Metrowest Medical Center.

Similarly, a pedestrian in Newton, Massachusetts was also struck by a motor vehicle on Route 9 in Newton. It was reported that this pedestrian was killed in the crash.

These are just a couple of recent examples of how common and deadly pedestrian accidents are.

Here’s Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Dangerous

For obvious reasons, in a pedestrian versus motor vehicle collision, the pedestrian takes the brunt of the crash. Let’s take a look at some specific reasons why this is the case:

Lack of Protection for Pedestrians

Unlike drivers in their cars, pedestrians don’t have the safety equipment such as airbags, seat belts, or the compartment of a car to protect them. In pedestrian accidents, the pedestrian’s body is directly impacted by a vehicle. When the weight and hard structure of a motor vehicle comes in contact with the body of a pedestrian, even at lower speeds, the pedestrian’s body usually ends up with severe injuries.

The Severity of Injuries to Pedestrians

Pedestrian accidents are extremely dangerous because the pedestrians typically end up with severe injuries, even at relatively low speeds. Our Framingham pedestrian accident lawyers have handled cases where pedestrians suffer serious injuries like traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and even death.

Delay in Immediate Medical Attention

In some situations, pedestrian accidents happen in locations where immediate medical help isn't available, especially in less urban areas. This is also the case where a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle that then takes off from the scene and doesn’t stop to call for help. The lack of immediate medical attention can result in fatal injuries.

Age & Vulnerability of the Pedestrian

The age and vulnerability of pedestrians can contribute to the severity of injuries. Children and elderly pedestrians are particularly vulnerable, with slower reaction times and increased fragility, making injuries more severe. Our injury lawyers represented a mother and her daughter who were struck by a motor vehicle crossing the street in Worcester, Massachusetts. The mother suffered broken bones. However, her young daughter was fatally injured in the crash. This is an example of how children can be more susceptible to more serious or even fatal injuries.

Injured Pedestrians Should Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you should have an experienced Massachusetts accident lawyer on your side. A personal injury attorney can be a crucial ally in pedestrian accident cases for many reasons.

Getting a lawyer involved right away is vital to making sure you get the compensation you deserve. A thorough investigation is needed in all accident cases, but more so in pedestrian accidents. The insurance companies will be investigating the crash immediately looking for evidence that benefits their interests – paying you nothing or as little as possible. They will be looking for reasons to blame you for the accident.

However, an attorney can collect crucial evidence like surveillance footage, witness statements, accident reports, and medical records that can counter the insurance company’s position. This evidence will be necessary to prove the driver of the vehicle was at fault for the crash so the insurance company can’t blame you for the accident.Also, experienced accident attorneys typically work closely with experts. In more complex cases with severe injuries, an accident reconstructionist may be necessary to reconstruct the accident scene to help prove negligence.

Lawyers experienced in handling personal injury claims will be able to assess the value of your case to make sure you are compensated for your economic losses (i.e., medical bills and lost wages) as well as your non-economic damages – pain and suffering, mental trauma, and reduced quality of life.

A lawyer will be able to deal with the insurance companies, who often try to settle quickly and for less. In pedestrian accident cases, an attorney negotiates on your behalf to get fair compensation. They will also ensure you’re not pressured into accepting a low-ball offer.

In cases where the insurance companies deny liability or refuse to offer a fair or reasonable settlement, an experienced lawyer will take the appropriate legal action and file a Massachusetts personal injury lawsuit and represent you in court.

When you work with our Framingham injury lawyers, we will handle all of the legal and insurance issues related to your case so you can focus on your health, recovery, and family. You shouldn’t have to worry about dealing with insurance paperwork, securing evidence, or negotiations. That’s our job.