Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog

By all accounts, the scene was horrendous - a telephone pole snapped in half by the Ford Explorer that became wrapped around it after a drunk driving accident in Quincy.

Four people were seriously injured in the single-vehicle Boston car accident.
According to the Patriot-Ledger, the 24-year-old driver is facing charges of drunken driving, speeding, failure to stay in marked lanes and driving to endanger.

Authorities say the young woman had been drinking when she crashed into the phone pole, rolling over the vehicle and bringing down live electrical wires, which cut electrical service off to buildings on the opposite side of the street.

Two people were trapped inside, and one had been listed in critical condition and was undergoing emergency surgery at the time of the last report. While we frequently think of victims in other vehicles when we consider lawsuits in the wake of a serious or fatal car accident, the fact is victims inside an at-fault driver's car may also bring a claim.

The incident is a prime example of what officials with the Massachusetts Highway Safety Division want to eliminate with their campaign: Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.

Our Boston DUI accident attorneys know how devastating the aftermath of a drunken driving crash can be. These senseless tragedies destroy lives.

That's why we have included this issue as part 5 of our Boston Road Safety series.
According to the state's highway safety division, Massachusetts saw nearly 350 fatal accidents in 2009. Of those, nearly 40 percent involved a drunk driver.

In 2005, the state enacted Melanie's Law , which increases the penalties for drunk driving in Massachusetts.

Some of the greatest changes under the new law include a requirement for an ignition interlock device for someone who wants to get their license back after their second conviction, even if the prior offense was decades ago. Additionally, your license can be suspended for consecutive terms (rather than concurrent, which means they run together) for DUI convictions or if you refuse a breath test when you're pulled over. There are also harsher license suspensions for under-21 drivers.

Still, some would like to see even greater penalties. Mothers Against Drunk Driving is hoping that future Massachusetts lawmakers will include provisions that Melanie's Law did not address, including a requirement for alcohol treatment programs for people who chronically drive drunk (especially for those behind bars). They would also like to see more police officers on the streets for deterrence purposes.

If you see a drunk driver on the road, call the police and report it.

Here are some tips from MADD on how to spot a drunk driver:

1. The person quickly accelerates or decelerates.
2. The driver is tailgating, zig-zagging or weaving across the roadway.
3. The driver may almost strike a curb, object or another vehicle
4. A drunk driver may stop without reason or brake erratically
5. A driver who is drunk will drift in and out of lanes.
6. An impaired driver will use improper signals, such as turning a blinker on when they aren't turning.
7. A drunk driver is likely to swerve.
8. The person has a slower response to traffic signals, either making a delayed start or sudden stop.
9. The driver may forget to use their headlights, even if it's dark.
10. A drunk driver may be traveling on the wrong side of the road, into oncoming traffic.

Continue reading "Boston Road Safety, Part 5: Impaired Driving " »

It's been over a year since Gov. Patrick signed the state's Safe Driving Law, which effectively bans Massachusetts motorists from sending, typing or reading electronic messages from a handheld device while driving.

It's one of the most sweeping pieces of legislation in the country, and its designed to address the issue of distracted driving and quash the number of car accidents in Boston and throughout the state.

While officials in other states have debated text messages bans, the question that inevitably gets raised is: How will you enforce it? How will a police officer know whether the driver is sending a text or sending an e-mail?

The Massachusetts legislation addresses that by forbidding all electronic communications behind the wheel.

The issue of distracted driving is now being addressed by the Boston personal injury attorneys know that while laws are a deterrent for many who would otherwise get sidetracked behind the wheel, it won't stop everyone.

In fact, the Boston Herald reported six months ago - about one year after the ban was enacted - that more than 730 texting citations had been issued by police in Massachusetts. That breaks down to about three a day - though no doubt, there were many others who simply weren't caught.

For solely breaking this law, penalties range anywhere from a $35 to $500 fine to a 1-year suspension, depending on the circumstances.

Of all the fatal crashes in the country in 2009, more than 15 percent involved some type of distraction. That same year, traffic data researchers have concluded that almost 5,500 died in distraction-related crashes, and another 450,000 were hurt.

In addition to this law, the Governors Highway Safety Association offers the following tips for preventing distracted driving accidents in Boston and elsewhere:

1. Turn off your phone before you even get in the car. This will help prevent the temptation to answer it if it rings or beeps a notice of a new message.

2. Set up a special message or notice to let people know you'll be driving, and you'll get back to them as soon as you're safely stopped somewhere.

3. If you absolutely have to make a call or send a text, pull over into a safe location and do it there.

4. If you are riding with someone else, ask that person to make the call for you.

5. Don't ever send a text, surf the web or check your e-mail while you're driving - even if you're in a state where it's legal. It's simply not worth the risk.

6. If you are going on a lengthier trip, prepare by reading your map and directions before you pull out onto the road. That way, you won't need to check while you're behind the wheel. If you find you need to review your directions, pull over or ask a passenger to do it for you.

7. If you need to address a situation with the children in your vehicle, pull over to a safe location to do so.

8. Don't smoke, eat, read or do anything else - except drive - when you're behind the wheel.

Continue reading "Boston Road Safety, Part 4: Distracted Driving " »

Our children are our most precious resource.

Yet, the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 14 is nearly 100 percent preventable.

We're talking about crashes.

And since 1975, more than 8,500 young lives have been saved by proper use of child safety seats and seat belts, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In Massachusetts, in an effort to drive down the number of fatal car accidents in Boston and beyond, the Highway Safety Division is making this issue a top priority in 2012 by rolling out a number of initiatives. These measures are dedicated to guiding parents through the process of everything from shopping for and purchasing a child car seat to how to install it properly to when it's time to replace your child's car seat.

Our Boston car accident attorneys have witnessed firsthand the tragedy that can result when a child isn't properly buckled in. That's why in Part 3 of our Boston Road Safety series, we're passing on some valuable tips for parents to help keep their youngsters as safe as possible and prevent car accidents involving children in Boston and beyond.

As you may be aware, in 2008, Gov. Deval Patrick signed into law what was then called the "Booster Seat Bill." It requires that all children riding as a passenger in a motor vehicle have to be in a federally-approved restraint that is appropriately buckled and secured until they are at least 4 feet, 9 inches-tall and 8-years-old.

Only then can they move to an adult seat belt.

When choosing a car seat, parents need to be mindful of two important factors: weight and height. Children should be in a five-point harness safety seat until they outgrow the height and weight limits for that seat.

When installing the seat, make sure you know what kind of seat belts are in your car. Some cars made after 2002 could be already fitted with the LATCH system, which can make installing child safety seats easier.

If you're not sure how to install your child's car seat, the Boston Public Health Commission's BuckleUp Boston campaign can help you find a technician who will assist you (and also may have information about how you can obtain discounted car seats).

Most children will ride in a rear-facing seat until they are at least 1-year-old and weigh at least 20 pounds.

Once they outgrow a rear-facing car seat, a booster seat is recommended because most children still won't be big enough for an adult seat belt to fit them properly. Not having a proper fit could mean serious injuries to your child in the event of a crash.

If your child is involved in a crash, you may need to replace his or her car seat. The NHTSA recommends that you definitely need a new one if the crash was serious. If it was minor, you might not need one. A minor crash would be classified as when in which you could drive your vehicle away from the crash, the door nearest to the car seat wasn't damaged, there were no injuries to anyone in your car, the air bags didn't deploy and there is no visible damage to the car seat.

But even if you aren't in a crash, it may still be time to replace your child's car seat. One reason would be if your child is over the age of 6, and another would be if there is a recall on the car seat.

You can check recalls by going to NHTSA's Child Safety Seat Recall List.

Continue reading "Boston Road Safety, Part 3: Child Safety Seats " »

Roadways throughout the state of Massachusetts may be looking a little better in the near future. According to Richard Davey, CEO and Secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), funding from Obama's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is being distributed throughout western and central Massachusetts. The federal aid was provided to the state to help repair roadways from the damage caused by the June 1st tornadoes and August 26th Tropical Storm Irene.

The first grant is about $4 million and will help local communities throughout the area to fix roadway damage from the tornadoes. The second grant is about $41 million and will help cover damages along the East Coast resulting from Tropical Storm Irene. The Hawlet, Goshen, Charlemont, Ashfield and Adams communities will be receiving these funds to help reduce the risks of car accidents throughout Massachusetts.

Our Massachusetts car accident attorneys understand that faulty and neglected roadways are a top contributor to a lot of traffic accidents in the area. With the storms we saw in 2011, there are roadways throughout the state that have been damaged and can be dangerous for motorists. These funds from the FHWA will be used to help increase traffic safety along these roadways. Government and Transportation officials have a responsibility to keep roadways throughout the area safe for travel. This can often be difficult with the recent budget problems. This funding will help motorists throughout the state who regularly traverse the roadways damaged by these catastrophic storms.

"The summer's tornadoes and Hurricane Irene packed a double wallop, and it still shows in the damage to our roads, bridges, and infrastructure. You don't bounce back from that kind of severe weather on the cheap," said U.S. Senator John Kerry.

United States Senator Scott Brown says he is thankful local communities will be receiving the federal funds to help make the proper repairs to damaged roadways. He adds that the federal assistance will help to relieve some of the budgetary burdens that many areas around the country are fighting.

Communities that will be using the federal funds:

-Hawley will be using more than $7,000 to help repair the roadways along Route 8A.

-Goshen will be using more than $10,000 to help fix shoulder and road repairs along West Road.

-Clarlemont will be using more than $440,000 to fix roads and slopes along South River Road.

-Ashfield will be using about $15,000 to fix roads and slopes along Williamsburg Road.

-Adams will be using about $15,000 to fix slopes and roads along East Hoosac.

Within these areas, there was significant damage done to a number of bridges and roadways from the storms. In most areas, cleanup and repair efforts are still underway. Government officials have a responsibly to keep roadways safe for traffic.

Continue reading "Federal Funding to Help Reduce Risks of Car Accidents in Massachusetts after 2011 Storm Damage" »

As we recently reported on our Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, icy road conditions are causing a plethora of car accidents in Massachusetts. Slick, snowy and icy roadways are among the top causes of a number of traffic accidents thus far is 2012. These types of accidents are in fact preventable with the proper safe winter driving habits.

According to ABC5, a bridge expansion joint problem on Interstate 290 in Worcester was the scene of recent car accidents and a number of flattened tires. According to Massachusetts State Police, the area's cold temps caused the expansion joint on the Interstate, near exit 20, to dislodge and to protrude from the ground. Shortly after, a tractor-trailer crashed into another vehicle in addition to a number of flattened tires.

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand that the latest reports concluded that nearly 10 vehicles received flat tires after driving over the expansion joint. Reportedly, officials with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) have been out at the scene and have made the appropriate repairs to that portion of the roadway. All vehicles have been either fixed or removed from the Interstate and traffic is flowing steady. But this brings up an important issue that we've been talking about recently: the importance of safe winter driving. Our roadways are dangerous through the winter season and short and simple road trips can turn deadly without the proper driving techniques.

MassDOT is here to offer drivers throughout the state some safe winter driving tips:

-Make sure that you clean the snow and the ice from your vehicle's lights and windows before driving. You should also clear it off of the roof and the hood for maximum safety.

-You never want to tailgate. You should always leave enough room between you and the vehicle in front of you to stop safely.

-Be cautious of the current driving conditions. Remember that the posted speed limits are for driving on dry pavement. Slow down when snow or ice plague the roadway.

-Curb all distractions to maximize your attention and ability to react to a road hazard.

-Know the current road conditions. You can call 511 from your cell phone to retrieve this information. If calling from a land-line phone, call (617) 986-5511 for Metro Boston info, (508) 499-5511 for Central Massachusetts info and (413) 754-5511 for Western Massachusetts info.

-Be easy on your brakes. You should brake early and brake correctly because it takes more time and distance to stop safely on slick roads.

-Remember that bridge decks freeze first. These roadways have a different exposure to the air and are more vulnerable to ice than ground-level roads. Conditions on bridges are much more dangerous in freezing temps.

-Be cautious on exit ramps. These areas oftentimes receive less anti-icing materials than other road area and can oftentimes be extremely slippery.

-Avoid using the cruise control.

-Look farther ahead into traffic than you normally do to help you to see upcoming roadway dangers before it's too late.

-Allow maintenance vehicles and snow plows with plenty of room. It's recommended that you stay at least 200 feet behind them and don't ever pass on the right.

-Wear your seat belt to help reduce the risks of injury or death in the event of an accident.

Continue reading "Icy Bridge Causing Problems and Increasing Accident Risks in Worcester" »

Our Boston personal injury lawyers recently discussed the dangers of bicycle accidents at one main intersection in the city. While that intersection is definitely dangerous for bicyclists, it's also extremely dangerous for pedestrians. We're talking about the intersection of Vassar Street and Massachusetts Avenue. According to the Boston Globe, thousands of motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians cross through this intersection every day. Since 2007, there have been approximately 55 accidents reported at that intersection. One of them fatal and nearly 25 of them resulting in injury.

"For the amount of volume that goes through that intersection...I would say it is one of our highest accident locations in the city,'' said Police Deputy Superintendent Jack Albert.

Our Massachusetts bicycle accident lawyers are concluding our 6-part blog series with a discussion of the risks, dangers and consequences of pedestrian accidents in the state. This is the 6th entry of our blog series discussing New Year's Resolutions that residents can take in 2012 to make our roadways safer for everyone.

Road design enhancements were made to Massachusetts Avenue last year. But many believe that not enough has been done. Officials with MIT urged transportation officials to adjust the timing of the traffic lights to make the intersection more pedestrian friendly. Still, the Vassar Street and Massachusetts Avenue intersection remains one of the city's top hot spots for these types of accidents. In 2011, there were nearly 20 accidents reported there, making it second in the top five most dangerous intersections in Massachusetts. The number one most dangerous intersections was at Gardner Street and Massachusetts Avenue in Harvard Square.

According to city records, of the 55 accidents that occurred at this intersection since 2007, three of them involved pedestrians. A majority of these accidents involved motorists making right-hand turns and colliding with bicyclists and pedestrians because they just failed to see them.

Nationwide statistics reveal that there are nearly 110 million Americans who walk regularly as a mode of transportation. The New England area accounts for more than 10 percent of these pedestrians.

According to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the City of Boston is ranked one of the most dangerous areas for pedestrian accidents out of the country's 52 largest metropolitan areas. In Boston, an average of 485 pedestrians were killed on our city's roadways from 2000 to 2009, according to Transportation for America.

Our Boston pedestrian accident lawyers are asking residents to be cautious when walking through the city. We understand the convenience that comes with walking in the area, but we ask that everyone be cautious when doing so. Be cautious and alert for passing motorists. Our sidewalks may be flooded with pedestrians, but our roadways are flooded with dangerous drivers. Let's all work together to travel safely among one another to enjoy a safe 2012.

Continue reading "New Year's Resolution to Help Curb Pedestrian Accidents in Boston" »

"This intersection makes me nervous,'' Marcia Pearson, a Somerville bicyclist, told a newspaper recently.

What Pearson is talking about the intersection of Vassar Street and Massachusetts Avenue. According to local police officers, it's an extremely dangerous intersection. Every day, there are thousands of motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists who use the intersection near the Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus. Intersection car accidents in Massachusetts are common at this intersection because of the high volume of traffic that this intersection withstands all day long.

Our Boston car accident lawyers understand that Cambridge officers responded to nearly 60 accidents at this intersection in 2007. Of those, 24 involved vehicles and bikes. Many resulted in injury, and some in death, according to The Boston Globe. For this reason, officers are targeting this intersection as a part of a roadway safety campaign that is being used by officials to improve traffic safety across the city, cracking down on those who violate traffic laws.

According to Jack Albert, Police Deputy Superintendent, accidents are inevitable with so many people using this intersection daily, even though there have already been efforts made to make the intersection safer.

Last year, road enhancements were made on Mass Ave, but officials with MIT urge the state's transportation department to change the timing to the traffic lights at the intersections to make the intersection safer.

But even with the improvements, there were 16 accidents at the intersection last year. According to the Police Department's list of the top five most dangerous intersections of 2011 in the city, this intersection ranked second, right behind Massachusetts Avenue and Gardner Street in Harvard Square.

This is the fourth entry of a 6-part blog discussing simple New Year's resolutions residents can make to increase the safety of all travelers on our roadways. This blog entry will be discussing simple adjustments that travelers can make at intersections to help reduce the number of accidents that we see every year in these areas.

Safe Driving Tips from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:

-Always obey the speed limit. Remember that posted speed limits are the limits for ideal weather conditions. Slow down in poor weather conditions, like snow, fog and rain.

-Follow the two-second rule. Never tailgate. Allow vehicles around with you ample space. The more space between you and other vehicles the longer reaction time you allow yourself.

-Always use your turn signal to alert drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists about your intended maneuvers.

-Respect the crosswalk. You want to stop behind the line when stopping for a traffic light. Don't block these walkways.

-Never blog an intersection. Make sure you can make it safely through the entire intersection safely before proceeding through.

-Put down the distractions. Passing through an intersection requires your full attention.

Continue reading "Massachusetts Avenue: A Common Backdrop for Intersection Car Accidents in Boston" »

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is looking to stop drivers in all states from using a cell phone behind the wheel, except for during emergencies, according to the Boston Globe. In Massachusetts, drivers under the age of 18, bus drivers and city workers are already prohibited from texting and using the Internet while driving. Now the NTSB is looking to ban all cell phone use for all drivers, saying that too many car accidents in Massachusetts and elsewhere are caused by distracted drivers, even if they're using a hands-free device. The proposal doesn't add up to some people as it comes on the heels of a newly released study from the journal Epidemiology that concluded that talking on a hands-free device while driving may not be as dangerous as some suggest.

"More than 3,000 people lost their lives last year in distraction-related accidents," said NTSB chairwoman Deborah Hersman. "It is time for all of us to stand up for safety by turning off electronic devices when driving."

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand that the effects of distracted driving have been a hot topic of debate in recent years. Richard Young, an author of the Epidemiology study, says he's sure that texting and making phone calls at the wheel is dangerous, but hands-free phone calls may not be any riskier than having a conversation with a passenger in the car. And we know the government can't really ban talking to a passenger. The study suggests that the government needs to take a close look at what's actually dangerous behind the wheel and go after those habits.

Young's studies of accident data concluded that drivers who use cell phones are four times more likely to get into an accident, but the equation getting to that conclusion was flawed.

Researchers used cell phone records to look into the usage before an accident and then compared it with cell phone use at the same time on the day before the accident to determine whether or not usage was less when they were driving and lowered their risks for a crash. What other researchers failed to acknowledge is these drivers who were behind the wheel during the same time period on the previous day. Using GPS data, Young determine that about 25 percent of the time, they weren't.

This, according to Young, completely accounted for that extra risk everyone's always talking about.

More recent studies used cameras installed into vehicles to look at the effects of distracted driving. These cameras helped to accurately record cell phone use. These studies found that there was no increase in risk from drivers who used hands-free phones though, says Young. Young says his discovery could explain the discrepancy.

He admits though, he's done some brain-imaging studies and agrees that using a hand-held cell phone can be a little bit distracting and slows a driver's reactions slightly, but he says that people don't change lanes as much and they place more focus on the road when they're talking to accommodate for the extra task.

Continue reading "Cell Phone Usage While Driving Would Be Banned Under Proposal to Reduce Risks of Accidents in Massachusetts, Nation" »

As we recently reported on our Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is proposing that all states prohibit drivers from using a cell phone of any kind while driving. This ban would cover hands-free devices, hand-held devices, text messaging devices, PDAs, laptops and every other type of portable electronic device unless it's used to aid safe driving or is being used in the event of an emergency.

Officials aren't sure that such an elaborate ban is going to go over too well, according to CNN. Laws used to regulate distractions for drivers have been hitting the books since back in 2000. Since then, there have been no laws enacted to stop drivers from using hands-free devices, which the National Safety Council (NSC) says are just as dangerous.

Barbara Harsha with the Governors Highway Safety Association states that opponents to these types of laws see them as government intrusions and a stab against residents' personal freedom. Our Massachusetts car accident attorneys understand that only school bus drivers and drivers under the age of 18 in our state are prohibited from using a hand-held cell phone at the wheel. All drivers are prohibited from text messaging which driving. Still, hands-free device usage is permitted, which the NSC says is equally as dangerous.

"It's just one of those things that would be the equivalent of the 18th Amendment today. It's a Prohibition that would not work," said David Adkins with The Council of State Governments.

Regardless of what is considered as government intrusion or a violation of privacy, safety should be everyone's number one priority. That's why the NSC recently released a study to help illustrate just how dangerous even hands-free devices can be to drivers.

Currently, there are nearly 300 million wireless subscribers in the Unites States. Many of these subscribers admit to using these devices at the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 11 percent of drivers are using a cell phone at the wheel at any given moment. For this reason, about one out of every four car accidents is believed to have been caused by a distracted driver.

In 2010, roughly 3,100 people died and another 2.2 million were injured in car accidents that reported the involvement of a distracted driver. These accidents are completely preventable.

The NSC is hoping that its recent release will reach lawmakers in states across the country and will get them to understand the real dangers of distractions at the wheel, including hands-free devices. Until there is a uniform law enacted to get all drivers to put down the distraction, motorists are asked to voluntarily comply with the recommendation from the NTSB. Responsible driving habits may be our best chance at safer roadways.

Continue reading "Risk of Car Accidents in Boston and Elsewhere Increases When Drivers Use Electronic Communications Devices" »

Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Tim Murray was recently cited for numerous traffic violations and fined for allegedly falling asleep at the wheel and driving more than 100 mph before veering off the road and crashing a state-issued motor vehicle back in November, according to MSNBC.

According to police reports, the vehicle was traveling at roughly 108 miles per hour as Murray's state-issued vehicle left Interstate 190 and caused a single-vehicle car accident in Sterling. Murray was not injured in the accident but was issued an approximate $600 fine for speeding, seat belt violation and lane violation.

Our Boson car accident attorneys understand that speed kills. According to recent studies, the faster a vehicle is traveling at the time of impact, the higher the risks are for a fatality. Murray is extremely lucky that he was not seriously injured in this accident. In addition to the speed, we would also like to point out how difficult the fight can be when traffic accidents involve government vehicles, like police cars, fire trucks and ambulances. When accidents like this occur, it is the investigators who are investigating themselves. Oftentimes these agencies can overpower citizens' claims and reports. For this reason, these types of accidents require experienced legal representation to help you to fight for your rights and for any compensation in which you may be entitled.

According to reports, Murray says the accident happened when he lost control of his vehicle because of black ice on the roadways. Although the vehicle skidded on the roadway and eventually flipped over, Murray was fortunate enough to walk away from the accident. Information collected through the black box that was inside the vehicle led officials to rule that he had fallen asleep at the wheel and that black ice was not in fact the cause of the accident.

"As first responders came to the scene, they commented on the black ice and warned each other of the slippery conditions ...so I assumed that's what caused my accident," said Murray.

Murray says that he also thinks that he was wearing his seat belt during the accident and that's why he was able to walk away from the accident.

Law enforcement officers administered a breathalyzer and the test results indicated that there was no alcohol involved in the accident.

Murray says that he is going to reimburse the state for the car that he smashed in the accident. It was a 1997 unmarked Crown Victoria. It was first purchased by the state for nearly $40,000 but was valued at less than $10,000 when the accident occurred.

"I recognize that I should have been more careful," said Murray.

Murray's driving record reveals two previous traffic citations for speeding; one in 1992 and another in 2006.

Continue reading "Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Fined Nearly $600 for Sterling Car Accident" »

A Worcester pedestrian accident killed a woman who was walking across the street on a marked crosswalk on Chandler Street. According to Worcester police officers, the accident happened just before 7 a.m. and upon arrival, the body of a 63-year-old woman was discovered. The female pedestrian was involved in a single-car accident and sustained severe injuries. She was taken to St. Vincent Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

According to My Fox Boston, investigations concluded that a 51-year-old driver of a van slammed directly into the pedestrian who was using the crosswalk to get across the street. The driver was the only one in the vehicle at the time of the accident and he remained at the scene of the accident until officials arrived. The speed limit on that street is 30 miles per hour. Officials with the Worcester Police Accident Reconstruction Team are investigating.

Our Massachusetts pedestrian accident lawyers understand that our roadways are congested, especially during and after the holidays. We often hear warnings for drivers urging them to be cautious of one another on the roadways to avoid an accident, but many seem to forget the dangers that pedestrians face as well. Pedestrians face an increased risk for accidents just as motorists do when the roads are crowded. All travelers are urged to be cautious and courteous of one another throughout out the year..

The recent Thanksgiving holiday weekend provided a sneak peek into just how dangerous travel can be during holidays can be. According to the Boston Herald, a 47-year-old female pedestrian was killed while crossing a street in Worcester over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Another Thanksgiving holiday weekend accident turned fatal when a 75-year-old motorist from Somerville was hit by a passing vehicle as he got out of his car to exchange information with another driver that he had been involved in an accident with just seconds prior.

A third Thanksgiving accident injured two people as they were standing in the travel lane on Route 128 in Lynnfield and were hit by a passing motorist.

As we continuously ask drivers to be cautious, alert and courteous at the wheel, we also ask pedestrians to travel safely. Keep an eye on your surroundings to avoid a potentially fatal accident.

Pedestrian Safety Tips:

-Always use a crosswalk when one is available. Most pedestrian accidents happen at non-intersection areas because drivers don't expect pedestrians to cross.

-If you've been involved in a motor-vehicle accident, stay inside your car until police get there, especially if the accident is on a busy roadway.

-Pedestrians should always carry a flashlight and wear bright, reflective clothing when walking during the evening hours.

-Always walk on a sidewalk when there's one available. When there is no sidewalk, you should walk facing traffic to see oncoming cars.

Continue reading "Crowded Roadways Increase Risks for Pedestrian Accidents in Boston and Elsewhere" »

Can you believe it? It's 2012! The bad news is that we're already seeing a plethora of Massachusetts car accidents. According to ABC5, icy Massachusetts highways contributed to numerous rollover accidents, including a 16-vehicle accident. Road conditions can be a top cause in many local car accidents, but these incidents are ultimately preventable with safe, cautious and alert driving practices.

Our Boston car accident lawyers understand that 2012 serves as a time for everyone to start over fresh. So say goodbye to 2011 and hello to safer roadways. Let's all make a New Year's resolution to practice safer driving habits to help to reduce the number of fatal accidents in our state. The first step to safer roadways starts with you.

The first of the New Year's traffic accidents happened in Pelham. In this accident, which took place at roughly 12:00 a.m., a 32-year-old driver was thrown from a SUV after losing control of the vehicle on an icy road, causing the vehicle to flip over. This accident happened on Route 202. The driver was taken to the Bay State Medical Center in Springfield where later pronounced dead.

A second rollover accident happened in North Reading just hours later, just after 6:00 a.m. on Route 128. A 23-year-old passenger of the flipped vehicle was taken to a local hospital after this accident. The driver reportedly fled the scene. The accident is being investigated.

Even more accidents happened when near-freezing temperatures and rain gave the roadways an icy sheen. Numerous traffic accidents were reported throughout central Massachusetts during these slick and cold weather conditions. Officers report that there was a solid three hours of back to back accidents during this time.

Law enforcement officers report that the worst of the accidents happened in Templeton just before 8:00 a.m. Reports indicate that a couple in their 30s was trapped inside their vehicle after a rollover accident in Route 2. Both were taken to the hospital.

The madness didn't stop there. There was also a 16-vehicle accident that happened in Millbury on Route 146. There was yet another accident in Worcester on I-290. The Massachusetts State Police report that there were also a number of accidents in West Boylston on I-190 by the Quinapoxett Bridge.

Officers say that the icy conditions appear to be the cause of the accidents, according to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

We ask that everyone be safe on our roadways as we start 2012. Winter weather is sure to plague our roadways, making driving very dangerous. Please, start the New Year off right and make a conscious effort to navigate our roadways safely. Our roadways are still congested with the remainder of the holiday traffic. Be alert and cautious when driving, especially with the snowy and icy weather conditions. Have a safe and Happy 2012 and safe travels!

Continue reading "Icy Roadways Kickoff New Year, Causing Numerous Massachusetts Car Accidents" »

Three lives a year are saved every year from car accidents in Massachusetts because of the implementation of our graduated driver licensing (GDL) law, according to USA TODAY. It is estimated that 2,000 lives could be saved each year if every state enacted a comprehensive program of phased-in driving privileges for teenage drivers.

It isn't news that teenage drivers need lots of help behind the wheel. While states are to make sure that drivers are getting the proper training before hitting the road unsupervised, parents should take this responsibility as well. Frequently talk with your teen driver about the importance of safe driving habits. Your conversations may be enough to instill safe driving habits and to potentially save their life.

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand that this report, from the Allstate Foundation, comes as Congress gets ready to look over a multiyear highway and transit-spending bill. Advocates of safe driving habits and of the GDL program, are campaigning for $25 million a year in incentives to get each state to beef up their GDL program.

Traffic accidents continue to be the top killer for teenagers in the country. Drivers age 16- to 19- are four times more likely to get into a serious accident than any other age group of drivers.

Massachusetts GDL Program, Implemented in 1998:

-Stage 1, Learner's Permit: A driver can get this license at 16-years-old. A driver must hold this license for 6 months before advancing. During this time they're required to complete 30 hours of classroom instruction, 6 to 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training, 4 to 6 hours as an observer to another student driver and 12 hours of supervised driving.

-Stage 2, Junior Operator's License: A driver can get this license when they're 16 and a half and they've completed the requirements of the learner's permit stage. They're not allowed to drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless they have a parent or a guardian in the vehicle. For the first 6 months, they're not allowed to drive with any passengers under the age of 18 unless they are supervised by a driver that is 21-years-old or older.

-Stage 3, Full License: After completing the first two stages, a driver can apply for a full, unrestricted license once they've turned 18.

The AAA Study points out seven components to an effective GDL system:

-A minimum age 16-years-old to get a learner's permit.

-A driver must obtain a learner's permit for six months before having the privilege of driving without any adult supervision.

-Completing a minimum of 30 hours of supervised driving during the learner's stage.

-A driver should be able to apply for an intermediate license once they turn 16 and a half.

-Drivers in the intermediate driving stage should have a restriction on nighttime driving to where they're prohibited from driving after 10:00 p.m.

-Drivers with an intermediate license should not be able to have more than one non-family member passenger in the vehicle at a time.

-Drivers shouldn't be able to apply for a full license until they've turned 17-years-old.

Continue reading "GDL Program Saved 3 Lives from Car Accidents in Massachusetts, Study Says" »

The number of drivers who are text messaging at the wheel has increased by 50 percent over the last year, according to CBS Boston. This increase was concluded through a recent study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in which researchers took updated snapshots of drivers at selected intersections to see just how many drivers are using a hand-held device while driving.

As we recently reported on our Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is looking to halt this increasing trend through a nationwide ban of using portable electronic devices by all drivers. This is another attempt to make our roadways safer and rid them of irresponsible and unfocused drivers.

Our Massachusetts car accident lawyers understand that the number of text messaging drivers continues to increase despite tougher laws and stricter enforcement efforts against the dangerous behavior. In our state, city employee drivers and drivers who are under the age of 18 are banned from text messaging at the wheel. Still, all too many people are sending and receiving messages while driving, making our roadways dangerous for everyone.

We're in the heart of the holiday season and vehicular traffic is heavier than ever. Drivers are asked to curb all distractions, not just cell phone-related distractions, while heading out during the Christmas and New Year's holiday periods. The Governors Highway Safety Association is here to reiterate the importance of focused, alert and responsible driving habits.

Tips to Avoid a Distraction-Related Traffic Accident over the Holidays:

-Shut them off. Turning off all electronic devices before getting into the car will help to eliminate the temptations to drive while distracted.

-Urge your friends and family members to take part in these safe driving habits. Spread the word about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving.

-Change your voice mail. Set up a voice mail message that lets callers know that you may not be answering because you're currently behind the wheel.

-If you get a phone call or a text message, have a passenger answer or respond.

-If a phone call or a text message is important and must be addressed, pull over in a safe spot and then deal with it. Don't handle these calls and texts while your vehicle is in motion.

-If you're traveling out of state, get to know the distraction-related laws in each state you'll be driving through to avoid a costly traffic citation.

-Know the directions of your road trip before venturing off. This will help you to avoid looking at a road map while you're driving.

-Make sure all passengers, children and pets are properly restrained before moving the car.

-Focus on driving, and driving only. Try to avoid smoking, drinking, eating and messing with the radio while driving.

Continue reading "Distracted Drivers An Extra Threat for Holiday Car Accidents in Boston" »

A Hingham car accident sent three motorists to the hospital and officers think they know who's responsible for the accident. They believe a Plymouth man with a long record of traffic violations has done it again, according to the Boston Globe. Officials have located the man's driving record and have concluded that he's previously received nearly 20 speeding tickets, has been involved in five car accidents and is facing his 11th driver's license suspension.

The man has received at least one traffic citation almost every year since 1987. He's been cited for a payment default, driving to endanger, violation of open drink policy, lacking an inspection sticker, speeding and much more. Sergeant Steven Dearth with the Hingham Police says that this man has the longest driving record that he's ever seen.

Our Massachusetts car accident attorneys understand that drivers who receive numerous citations within a five-year period are considered by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles to be a habitual offender. One of the punishments for being a habitual offender is that that your license is suspended. The man accused of the recent Hingham car accident had already been deemed as a habitual offender, but still had his license when the accident occurred.

When the accident happened, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles immediately suspended the man's license because of the discovery of his extensive record.

The most recent accident happened on Main Street in Hingham when the man drove over the double yellow center lines and into the path of oncoming vehicles in the northbound lanes. It happened at roughly 9:00 p.m. Once he was in the lanes of oncoming traffic, he hit another vehicle head on. Both occupants of the oncoming vehicle were hospitalized. Police report that they were both buckled in at the time of the collision.

The driver with the lengthy record was not buckled him when the accident happened. He was transported to the Boston Medical Center and was treated for serious injuries. Officers say that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. Reports indicate that he also had open bottles of alcohol in the vehicle.

He is currently facing charges for two counts of operating under the influence causing serious injury and negligent operation, a first offense of operating under the influence, marked lane violations, driving with an open container, driving to endanger and a seat belt violation.

The man's license has only been suspended though, not revoked. A permanent revocation only occurs after a driver has been convicted of 5 OUIs or they're pulled over after three OUIs and refuse to take a Breathalyzer test.

Drivers are urged to be cautious on our roadways as we head into the holiday season. Roadways are expected to get more crowded with holiday traffic. Drivers must navigate our roadways defensively to avoid a serious accident with an irresponsible driver.

Continue reading "Hingham Car Accident Allegedly Caused by Driver with 10 License Suspensions" »