Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog

April 30, 2012

Framingham Accident Kills Man Taking Out the Garbage

A local man was recently killed in a pedestrian accident while merely finishing up some household chores. The man was killed in Framingham pedestrian accident just a few steps from home. The 61-year-old man was taking out the garbage when he was hit by a passing vehicle. According to the Boston Herald, the man was walking down his sloping driveway located on Edmands Road. That roadway is a two-lane, shoulderless road where many locals complain about speedy traffic.

The man’s wife was home with their young son when a stranger knocked on the door with the news of the accident. It happened around 4:00 p.m. Officers have not released the name of the driver, but do say that he remained at the scene of the accident and an investigation is pending. A neighbor of the victim says that it was just a matter of time before an accident like this happened. She says their roadway is a very scary place for pedestrians. She says that she and her neighbors would love to see some speed bumps installed in the area to help to slow down traffic.

Our Framingham pedestrian accident lawyers understand that on-foot traffic faces some serious risks near motor vehicles. It’s critical for drivers to be cautious and alert when driving through residential neighborhoods. It’s in these areas where children and families enjoy the outdoors near the comfort of their own home. An alarming number of pedestrian accidents happen in residential driveways. It’s a team effort and both walkers and drivers need to work together to help make our roadways safer for everyone.

Experts report that about 40 percent of pedestrian accidents occur in residential neighborhoods while only about 35 percent happen in business areas. More than 40 percent of accidents happen at non-intersection areas, including parking lots, driveways, mid-block locations and off roadway locations. Roughly 38 percent of accidents happen at crosswalks and the other 62 percent happen at non-crosswalk location.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there are nearly 6,000 pedestrians killed every year. Another 90,000 are injured annually. Police throughout the state are urging pedestrians to be cautions when walking along our streets, even in the comfort of their own neighborhoods.

Tips for Pedestrians:

-Always use sidewalks when they’re available.

-Use crosswalks when you can.

-Dress in bright or light-colored clothing to help motorists to see you.

-Consider wearing reflective materials if walking during evening or early morning hours.

-Walk facing oncoming traffic if you have to walk along a roadway.

-Carry a flashlight if you have to walk during the evening.

-Don’t drink and walk. Just as alcohol hinders your ability to drive, it also hinders your ability to walk safely.

-Teach children to look left, right and left again before crossing the road.

-Make eye contact with drivers before attempting to cross.

-Curb distractions. Keep your eyes off your phone while walking along roadways.
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April 28, 2012

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents in Commonwealth Targeted by Walk and Bicycle to School Day

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

There’s going to be thousands of elementary and middle school students who will be celebrating this year’s Walk and Bicycle to School Day. This year’s program will include a number of events coordinated though the Commonwealth’s Safe Routes to School Program. Students are encouraged to join in on the 2nd of May!

In 2011, there were more than 160 schools from across the area that took part in the event, making it the largest one on the books. Since then, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation‘s (MassDOT) Safe Routes to School program has added more than 100 new schools to its list. In the program, MassDOT officials work with school staff, students, parents and local law enforcement officials throughout the Commonwealth to help to promote biking and walking to school. With help from the community, this program pushes to make biking and walking safer and reducing the risks of pedestrian and bicycle accidents in Boston and elsewhere.

Our Boston pedestrian accident lawyers understand that only about 15 percent of students walk or bike to school. During the morning rush hour commutes, more than 10 percent of the traffic is school-related traffic. This causes some congested roadways and a significant increase in air pollution. MassDOT has been organizing the statewide Walk to School Day since 2007. This campaign was designed to help to encourage our young ones to get out, get healthy and to encourage healthy choices.

“The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is committed to building infrastructure improvements near and around our community schools so that children can safely walk or bicycle to school,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO, Richard A. Davey.

There were nearly 250 pedestrians who experienced severe or incapacitating injuries in traffic-related accidents in the state of Massachusetts in 2008, according to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

There were 10 cyclists killed in the state of Massachusetts in traffic-related bicycle accidents in 2008. According to federal statistics, about a third of all bicycle accidents are the result of a motorist hitting a bike from behind or failing to yield. About 90 percent of these accidents occur at intersections of in driveways.

While we’re promoting riding, biking and walking to school for our young children, it’s important for parents and guardians to talk with their school-aged children about the importance of safe traveling habits. Traveling near motor vehicles needs to be taken seriously. Children should know to look both ways before crossing any street, to always cross at a crosswalk or at a street corner, to wear bright colored clothing to be seen by motorists, to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the roadway and to never walk alone at night. By reviewing just a few simple safety rules, we can help to keep our kids on a safe and healthy track to school.
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April 26, 2012

Risks of Bicycle Accidents Reduced with New Wayfinding Signs, Says Mayor

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Keep an eye out for the new signs in Boston. Recently, the Boston Transportation Department started installing 90 Bicycle Wayfinding at intersections in the Downtown area to help bicyclists navigate their way to popular Boston sites.

These signs are to help bicyclists stay on the safe route to their destinations and to help prevent bicycling accidents in Boston, according to the City of Boston.

“The installation of these new signs is yet one more step in our ongoing effort to ensure that Boston is easily accessible for cyclists, said Thomas M. Menino, the city’s Mayor.

Our Boston bicycle accident lawyers understand that officials in the city urge residents and visitors to take advantage of the convenient, healthy and efficient form of transportation to get to and from their citywide destinations. For that reason, officials within Boston are working to make roadways safer for these travelers.

With the new white and green signs, smaller than your average street signs, bicyclists will be easily pointed in the right direction to some of the most popular sites in the city. The signs will be easy to recognize, too. They will have a small bicycle logo on them as well as the names of popular Boston destinations and the miles needed to go to get to that specific location. The tips of these small signs are shaped as arrows to help lead bicyclists in the right direction and to reduce confusion.

Some of the signs offer specific directional information to get to a number of hot-spot destinations. All of the signs were fabricated in-house and are being installed by officials with the Boston Transportation Department. By keeping the entire project local, the Transportation Department only had to shell out about $400 for the entire thing. It’s expected to be completed within the next couple of weeks.

Some of the destinations navigated by the new signs:

-Cambridge
-Government Center
-Park Street
-Faneuil Hall
-The New England Aquarium
-North Station
-South Station
Kristopher Carter with the Boston Bikes Program says that cycling throughout the city of Boston has come a long way. He says bikers and transportation officials have been able to gain roughly 50 miles of bike lanes in addition to hundreds of bike racks. He says bikers can now enjoy the Hubway system and more bikers than ever are hitting our city’s roadways because of it. He says that the signs will help to advance the cycling community into the area and help bikers to get to and from their destinations safely.

Thomas J. Tinlin, the Boston Transportation Commissioner, says that all of these Wayfinding signs are a big step for cyclists in the city of Boston. He says it’s an excellent way to get more people out of their vehicles and onto a bicycle, reducing traffic, saving our environment, saving money and getting excellent exercise.
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April 24, 2012

Defective Products in Brockton: CPSC Highlights Concerns

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

It’s important for parents, homeowners and families to check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission‘s (CPSC) recall list frequently to help to eliminate dangerous and defective products from your home.

Our Brockton injury attorneys are here to help keep you up to date on the latest recalls. Staying in the know can help to prevent a potentially fatal accident from one of these products. Here are some of the latest recalls from the CPSC.

Bike Brake Levers Recalled by Specialized Bicycle Components Inc.:

Nearly 1,000 bicycle brake levers have been recalled because the adjuster cap and brake cable can slide out and stop the brakes from working. This malfunction can cause the rider to lose control of the bike and potentially crash. The company has only heard one report of this happening. The brakes levers that have been recalled are the Tektro TL-83 brake levers. They were sold only for bikes with aerodynamic handlebars that were sold from 2010 to 2011 on the S-Works Shiv and the S-Works Shiv TT. If you have one of these levers, please stop using it and contact the company at (877) 808-8154.

Gas Grills Recalled by One Work Technologies:

Nearly 90,000 of these STOK gas grills have been recalled because it has been discovered that the grill can leak propane gas. The leaking of this gas causes an extreme risk for fire and burn hazards. There have already been nearly 600 reports of leaking gas. No injuries have been reported so far. STOK Island and STOK Quattro gas grills fall under this recall. The word “STOK” can be located on the cover of the grill as well as on the bottom of the grill stand. The recalled grills have regulators on them with the model number “AZF” on the front and a date code between 1046 and 1143 on the back. These grills were sold at Home Depot stores and Direct Tools Factory Outlets across the country from March of 2011 through February of 2012. If you have one of these items, contact the company by calling (800) 867-9624.

Battery Chargers Recalled by Sakar International:

Nearly 50,000 battery chargers have been recalled by Sakar International Inc. because the plastic screw on the back of the packs can come loose and can cause the device to separate. This separation can expose users to risks of electric shock and electrocution. This recall involves item numbers CH-1600S and CH-1600-RS which are identified with the date code MID#: 0801110. The items were sold at RadioShack, Ocean State Jobbers, Lot-Less and Cobra Digital from January of 2011 through February of 2012. If you have one of these items, please contact the company by calling (877) 397-8200.

Parents and families are urged to review the recall list from the CPSC to make sure that there are no dangerous items or defective products in your household. Staying in the know can help to drastically rescue your risks of injury. Stay safe and stay informed.
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April 20, 2012

MBTA Accidents in Quincy and Elsewhere and the New Front Door Only Policy

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The MBTA recently launched theFront Door Only Policy, to try to get more riders to hand over their fares. The policy started on April 17th 2012.

Recently, too many riders have been skipping out on their dues and taking the rides for free. Under the new policy, riders using the above-ground stations on the D-branch of the Green Line are only allowed to board at the front door. This policy is applies to off-peak hours, holidays and weekends. Currently, the front door only fare collection policy is being pushed on other parts of the Green Line.

From 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. as well as from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., which are considered peak hours, riders will be allowed to board at the rear and side doors as long as they have a pre-loaded CharlieTicket, a CharlieCard or another valid pass, according to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

During our last winter season, the MBTA started conducting monthly “fare blitzes” to try to enforce fare collection for all riders and to help to remind customers that they need to be paying these fares to use the system. With the front door policy and the fare blitzes, the MBTA will be continuing on in its effort to enforce collections on all transit fares.

As the MBTA says, “It’s only fair…pay your fare!” Fares are used to keep the MBTA up-to-date with the latest advancements and safety measures. These fare funds help to keep you safe while using its services to help to avoid an MBTA accident in Quincy and elsewhere throughout the state.

Our Quincy personal injury lawyers understand that the MBTA offers prime transportation for many residents and visitors to get around the area. The MBTA offers riders with quick, easy, convenient and inexpensive ways to get to where they need to be. It’s important for riders to pay the fare to help keep the MBTA’s safety advancements up to date. Your fare helps to fund a safer ride.

Info on the Front Door Only Policy:

-Where: All above-ground stations throughout the D-branch of the Green Line.

-When: Off-peak hours, holidays and weekends.

-Why: To help enforce the collection of all riders’ fares.

-Extra: Riders with disabilities and those with strollers will still be allowed to exit through the rear and side doors.

MBTA Train Riding Tips:

-While you’re waiting for a train, be sure to stay in a central location where other riders can be found. Safety can be found in numbers. Never ride alone.

-When riding during off hours, stay as close to the train operator as you can.

-If someone is bothering you during your commute, move to another car and notify the train operator.

-Remember that you can contact the operator of the train by using the intercom located on each train car. Train operators are also in constant contact with the MBTA Transit Police.
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April 16, 2012

Prevent Injury in Boston during the 116th Edition of the Boston Marathon!

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Today is the 116th edition of the Boston Marathon!!!

Runners are heading to Coplet Square, more than 26 miles from the starting point at Hopkinton. If you’ve been outside you already know it’s a hot one out there and both runners and spectators are urged to be cautious in the heat and to stay hydrated.

Boston temps should reach into the mid-80s according to The Wall Street Journal. That’s about 30 degrees warmer than normal. It may not be the hottest Marathon we’ve witnessed, as the temps for the 1909 Marathon reached the mid 90s, but it’s still a hot one.

According to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), more than a million spectators are expected to be out at this year’s marathon rooting on their favorite runners, enjoying the Boston family and grabbing a drink or two from local pubs. During this time, spectators may not have to worry about pulling a muscle or winning the race, but they have to worry about a number of other injuries in Boston during this citywide event.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand that the streets are going to be crowded. We’re asking residents and visitors to make travel arrangements before heading out. Some of your best options involve taking a trolley or the subway to some of the prime viewing locations along the route. To help to accommodate the increase in ridership, the MBTA is offering increased service and T officials will be on site to assist travelers.

If you’re aiming to watch the runners cross the finish line, make sure you get off the Green Line at either the Hynes Convention or Arlington Street. The finish line is just a few blocks away.

Residents are urged to take the T instead of getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Not only will traffic be congested and risks for accidents on the increase, but many spectators will be grabbing a cold brew to cheer on the runners and to cool of from the Boston heat. Riding public transportation is a good way to avoid a costly and potentially fatal drunk driving car accident in Boston. Whatever you do, avoid driving if you’ve been drinking during this year’s celebration.

Both drinkers and nondrinkers are advised to stay hydrated. Not all of us are used to this summer-like heat and may not be able to gauge the affects of the warmth. Everyone is urged to stay hydrated and to drink plenty of water. Even if you’re not thirsty, drink some water.

Tips to Prevent a Heat-Related Illness from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

-Drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty.

-Don’t drink sugary fluids.

-Avoid super cold fluids. They can give you stomach cramps.

-Stay indoors if possible. Consider stopping to grab lunch inside a cool restaurant or visiting some of the local shops to cool off.

-Be sure to wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing to help keep your body cool.

-Keep a close eye on young kids, elderly residents and those who are mentally or physically ill.

-Keep an eye on your friends and family members. Lookout for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
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April 15, 2012

MBTA Bus-Bicycle Accident in Salem Seriously Injures Cyclist

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

After a recent bicycling accident in Salem, a 47-year-old bicyclist was transported to Boston hospital and treated for serious injuries. The accident happened just before 7:30 a.m. on Washington and Federal Streets when the cyclist was hit by a Route 544 bus. According to local police officers and officials with the MBTA, the bicyclist suffered from multiple “serious trauma.”

He was fist taken to Salem Hospital and then later transported to Massachusetts General Hospital via MedFlight. His last status, according to the Salem Police, noted that he was suffering from possible life-threatening injuries. The most recent updates indicate that he was in surgery and was listed in critical condition.

No one on he MBTA bus was injured in the accident. The crash is still being investigated by Salem police officers and by MBTA officials. It’s unknown as of now if anyone will be facing charges in the accident, but Brian Gilligan, Salem Police Captain, reminds bicyclists to abide by motor vehicle traffic laws to help them to avoid a potentially fatal accident.

Our Boston MBTA accident lawyers would like to remind residents that cyclists have rights on our roadways, too. In Commonwealth, bicyclists are allowed to ride on a bikeway, street or public road if they wish. They’re just not allowed to ride on express state highways or limited access roadways where signs are posted prohibiting these two-wheeled riders. Riders are also allowed to ride along sidewalks that are outside of business districts as long as local law doesn’t say otherwise, according to MassBike.

Other Bicyclist Rights:

-Bicyclists are permitted to carry children or other passengers as long as they’re inside an enclosed trailer or a similar device on the bicycle and as long as it restrains them as well as protects their head in the event of an accident. These riders aren’t required to wear helmets.

-Bicyclists can race on any public street or road in Commonwealth as long as it’s affiliated with a recognized bicycle organization. Approval from the appropriate police department must be received before the race is held.

-Bicyclists are permitted to have as many reflectors and lights on their bike as they wish. As a matter of fact, it’s encouraged.

Responsibilities of a Bicyclist in Commonwealth:

-Obey all traffic regulations and laws.

-Use the appropriate hands signals to communicate maneuvers to other travelers.

-Allow pedestrians with the right of way.

-Ride with other cyclists in a single-file line unless passing someone else.

-Both hands must be kept on both handlebars at all times.

-Riders under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet at all times. These helmets must meet ANSI requirements.

-A taillight and a headlight must be used when riding anytime a half hour after sunset or a half hour before sunrise.

-Reflectors must be adhered to all bike pedals.
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April 12, 2012

Risks for MBTA Accidents in Boston Up with Ridership Increase

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The MBTA may have recently announced potential double-digit fare increases, but the popular transportation system was also able to announce a significant increase in ridership for the 13th month in a row.

According to the Boston Globe, this last February marked a record high for that month’s figures for the MBTA. Currently, the T provides transportation for nearly 1.5 million passenger trips on commuter rails, subways, buses and The Ride each and every weekday. Just in February, there was a more than 8 percent increase in ridership. This increase made that the highest February in the MBTA’s history.

Typically, February is the slowest month of the year for ridership. With the beautiful, warm weather we’ve had lately, with the rising gas prices and with the improvements the T has made, transportation officials believe that the T is becoming more of an everyday option for residents.

Unfortunately, an increase in ridership means and increase in the number of trips and the number of loads that these trains, subways and buses have to carry. With more wear and tear come more risks for accidents. Be cautious when riding on our transportation system as MBTA accidents in Boston and elsewhere are likely when safety precautions are not met.

Our Boston MBTA accident attorneys understand that there was a near 20 percent increase in the ridership on weekday bus rides alone. The Green Line’s ridership rose by more than 12 percent. Ridership on the Blue, Orange and Red Lines increased by about 5 percent and the ridership on the harbor ferry service jumped by nearly 13 percent. That’s a lot more riders and a lot more trips than the previous year. It’s important for transportation officials to keep equipment up to date and in the proper condition to meet such high demands.

Recently, the Boston Globe also reported that the cost of a subway trip could run riders about 30 cents more. The news source also reported an expected 25 cent jump in busing fees and even some tickets for the commuter rails could soon exceed $10 for the first time ever. This was all discussed through a recent budget-balancing meeting. If all of these plans are approved, the fare hikes could take place as early as July 1.

With more trips and more riders, the MBTA needs more money. Keeping all of these trains, buses and subways in good-working order for the public is a costly project. One of the most effective ways to fund these projects is to raise fare costs. It may seem unfair to the community, but when you think about it you’re helping to fund your own safety and you’re still saving cash at the gas pump.

If you remember, this isn’t the first hike we’ve talked about. We recently told you about the increases in the 2011 transportation ridership. Well, the trend is continuing on. We can only expect more in the future.
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April 10, 2012

MBTA Bus Accident in Boston Sends Eight to Hospital

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A recent MBTA bus accident in Boston landed eight people in the hospital, according to My Fox Boston. The accident happened shortly before noon at Morton Street on Route 21, sending two bus riders and two passenger-car occupants to the hospital. It all happened when an MBTA bus rear-ended a rental car, damaging both vehicles.

Twenty-five riders were on the bus at the time of the accident. Six of them were taken to local hospitals and were treated for injuries after the collision. Two men who were in the rental car were also taken to local hospitals and treated for back and neck injuries. Accident reports indicate that the driver of the rental car was cited by Transit Police for making an illegal turn.

Our Boston bus accident attorneys understand that some accidents are just that, accidents. But in some of the most dangerous scenarios, these accidents are caused by other drivers. Some of the most common factors that can cause serious MBTA bus, train and rail accidents include dangerous roadway conditions, irresponsible driving habits, poor weather conditions, driver negligence, defective equipment and even blocked or dangerous bus stops. Regardless, it’s important for bus drivers to be properly trained to handle these dangers. Equally important is that nearby drivers travel with extra cautious around these large vehicles and pay extra close attention to our city’s busy surroundings.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are about 12,000 people who were injured in busing accidents in 2007. To make matters even worse, experts predict that nearly 40 people die in these kinds of accidents every year.

How these busing-related injuries break down:

-12,000 injuries a year.

-About 1,000 injuries a month.

-More than 230 injuries a month.

-Nearly 35 injuries a day.

With gas prices slowly rising and travel getting more costly, we can only expect more riders on MBTA systems. It’s a quick and convenient way for residents and visitors who are looking to save a little bit of cash as well as a way to help the environment. It’s an easy way for all of us to navigate the city of Boston and beyond.

According to the MBTA’s website, the number of busing accidents within the MBTA system has declined in both 2008 and 2009 (calculating by the number of preventable accidents per number of miles traveled). In 2009, the MBTA averaged roughly 1.5 accidents for every 100,000 miles traveled. These recent statistics illustrate a rough 25 percent decrease from 2007.

While we may have seen a reduction in these kinds of accidents in recent years, the very real truth is that risks are still extremely high and accidents are likely. Be cautious when using public transportation just as you would on any other mode of transportation.
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April 6, 2012

Risks for Accidents in Boston Increase with Spring Season

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Governor Thomas M. Menino and his wife will be hosting the first Swan Boat ride at the Public Garden Lagoon. The kickoff event will be happening at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 14th 2012. During the opening celebration event, they will also be releasing a new family-friendly map of Boston Common and Public Garden.

The map was created by Boston Parks and Recreation Department. This map will be highlighting local sites for residents and visitors to see around the city, including spots like a 200-year-old English Elm, the Museum of African American History, the Tadpole Playground, the Brewer Fountain and the Frog Pond. With the arrival of spring season, we’re expecting more and more people to be heading outdoors to enjoy the beautiful weather. With more outdoor activities come more risks for injury in Boston. Residents are urged to be cautious when hitting the town.
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“We had such a mild winter that spring is here ahead of schedule,” said Menino.

Our Boston accident lawyers understand that Saturday’s event is supposed to be a big one. Dignitaries will be joined by students from a number of area public schools, including John Winthrop Elementary School in Back Bay, the Conley Elementary School in Roslindale and the Ellis Mendell Elementary School in Roxbury, according to the City of Boston. As a matter of fact, this year is the 136th season for the Swan Boats. The smallest and oldest boat in the fleet just recently celebrated its 101st season on the water. The newest of the boats was introduced back in 1993.

Nowadays, the swan on the boat is made up of either fiberglass or copper, depending on how old the boat is. Inside the swan is an enclosed paddle device that helps to make the swan glide through the water.

When a Swan Boat is fully loaded, it weighs roughly three tons. Each boat can carry up to 20 passengers. They’re built on top of copper-clad pontoons that have air tanks in them to keep them afloat.

After they’ve been stored in a safe spot away from the wicked winter, they return to the Public Garden Lagoon for the spring.

Residents and visitors are urged to get out there and enjoy not only the beautiful spring weather, but also all of the perks that the City of Boston has to offer. For the next few months, we can expect to see plenty of Swan Boat rides, tourists, pedestrians and bicyclists throughout our city. With the coming of a new season, let’s take this time to renew our focus on safety. It may seem like a care-free time to be outdoors in the beautiful City of Boston, but remember to keep it safe. Be considerate of others and make sure safety is a top priority.
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