An injury attorney explains how pedestrian accidents happen.
Knowing that Boston can be dangerous for pedestrians, city officials have created a street safety campaign they call “safety surge.”
The goal is to make the city safer for all road users, including people who walk and ride bicycles. An experienced injury attorney in Boston knows pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorists using the road are the most vulnerable, according to a Roads & Bridges article.
How will Boston make roads safer?
The city is planning to add 10 speed humps per year in areas that have a history of pedestrian accidents. In addition, officials say they want to redesign intersections and establish new guidelines for city traffic signs to slow down traffic on residential streets. According to a press release, about half of Boston’s 800 miles of city streets are eligible for the program.
How common are pedestrian accidents?
Accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users are becoming more common across the nation. Deaths among these vulnerable road users went up by 13 percent from 2020 to 2021, according to Roads & Bridges. In Boston, fatal pedestrian accidents increased by 35 percent between 2021 and 2022, according to a press release from Mayor Michelle Wu’s office.
How do pedestrian accidents in Boston happen?
Pedestrian accidents often can be traced back to a motorist’s careless or reckless decision. The following are common factors in pedestrian crashes:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who use cell phones for texting or other reasons pose a safety threat. Distractions come in many forms, from eating and drinking behind the wheel to daydreaming or looking at objects on the side of the road.
- Speeding: Exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions can make it difficult for drivers to stop in time to avoid colliding with pedestrians.
- Aggressive driving: Drivers might not keep enough distance between the car and a pedestrian or cyclist. They might speed through intersections.
- Drunk driving: Motorists who drink and drive and get behind the wheel have reduced reaction times. They especially pose a risk to pedestrians at night in Boston neighborhoods.
What to do if injured in a pedestrian accident
Accidents involving pedestrians often lead to serious injuries and even fatalities. Some of the common injuries include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and spinal cord injuries. Serious injuries might require surgery and long-term physical therapy, and other rehabilitation.
Medical bills and other expenses can skyrocket. Unfortunately, insurance companies might offer a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover the full costs. They might even try to blame the pedestrian to deny payment.
With so much at stake, it’s wise to contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone to arrange a free consultation. We have extensive experience handling pedestrian accidents in Boston. We can handle the insurance company for you while you focus on your recovery.
Talk to us today. Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Tell them you mean business!