Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog

April 5, 2012

Avoiding Auto Accidents in Boston and Elsewhere in One Simple Step

As we recently reported on our Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog, drivers throughout the state and elsewhere were urged to ring in the New Year with some resolutions toward safer driving habits.

It may already be April, but our attorneys and officials with the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety are checking in to make sure residents are keeping up with the plan. Safe driving habits start with you and your actions can help to not only prevent car accidents, but it can help to save lives, too!

As a matter of fact, drivers do desire a greater level of safety than they currently experience on our roadways. Most of them support more government actions to get it done! Still, most of these drivers refuse to make the changes in themselves to help get there.

It’s the “do as I say, not as I do” complex, meaning drivers expect everyone else to practice safe driving habits, but feel they’re exempt from having to do so. There’s no easy way around it, safe roadways takes a collaborative effort from everyone.

Our Massachusetts car accident lawyers understand that there were nearly 33,000 people who were killed in car accidents in the United States in 2010. During the same year, the state of Massachusetts saw more than 300 traffic accident-related fatalities.

Still, more than 300 traffic accident fatalities in one year is nothing to brag about. For the fourth year in a row, AAA’s survey determined that most drivers across the country feel that it is unacceptable to drive without wearing a seat belt. With those viewpoints, still about a quarter of all drivers admitted to driving around without wearing a seat belt. This wasn’t the only scenario in which drivers were extremely hypocritical.

It also applied to speeding, drinking and driving, driving while distracted, aggressive driving, fatigued driving and running red lights. With the results from the study, you’d think there’s a bunch of mad men out on our roadways. Sadly enough, in a way you’d be right.

AAA and our Boston injury attorneys aren’t giving up through. We ask that drivers keep their New Year’s resolutions and keep up with their safe driving habits. It’s never too late to make a change. Start again now and make a pledge to practice safe and cautious driving. Our roadway safety depends on it.

“Every one death on our roads in unacceptable,” said AAA CEO and Present of AAA, Peter Kissinger. “Take the first step and make a personal goal to be a safe driver.”
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April 2, 2012

Distracted Driving Car Accidents in Massachusetts, Not Just a Teen Problem

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Teen girl drivers are most likely to be involved in a distraction-related car accident in Brockton and elsewhere, according to a recent study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

These young female drivers are actually twice as likely to engage in activities behind the wheel involving cell phones and text messaging devices than males the same age. Male or female, teenage drivers are the most likely to engage in these distractions. It’s no wonder why they have such high accident rates.

Researchers concluded that talking on the phone and text messaging was the most common behavior that teenage drivers exhibited behind the wheel. Some of the other top distractions included talking loudly with passengers, engaging in horseplay, drinking, eating, grooming and playing with controls, according to CBS NEWS.

Our Massachusetts car accident lawyers know these findings failed to surprise as car accidents continue to be the leading cause of death for teens in the country. Researchers were looking more at which drivers were likely to engage in specific distractions. In the state of Massachusetts, these young drivers aren’t even allowed to talk on cell phones or text message at the wheel.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a hand-held cell phone at the wheel. All drivers are prohibited from text messaging while driving. Still, young drivers are playing with these devices all too often behind the wheel, and they’re endangering the safety of our roadways.

“This new study provides the best view we’ve had about how and when teens engage in distracted driving behaviors,” said Peter Kissinger, AAA Foundation President and CEO.

When state law fails, parents are asked to step in. Parental advice, insight and enforcement may be some of the best ways to help to reduce their risks for a car accident.

This study from AAA comes as we enter National Distracted Driving Month 2012. This month-long campaign is used to help raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. The National Safety Council (NSC) is urging motorists across the country to take the pledge, the pledge to drive distraction free. You see, these kinds of accidents are completely preventable. This pledge isn’t only for teens, who are more likely to engage in these distractions, but for drivers of all ages. The change starts with you. Take a pledge, be a responsible driver and help to save lives.

According to the NSC, about a quarter of all car accidents involve a cell phone-using driver. As a matter of fact, engaging in phone conversations behind the wheel causes the driver to only see 50 percent of the surroundings. That means 50 percent of traffic lights, other vehicles and pedestrians aren’t seen by the driver. Scary, isn’t it?

Do you part to make our roadways safer for everyone, take the pledge and urge the young drivers in your family to drive distraction free. You’re urged to use the month of April to help spread the message of the dangers of these unsafe driving habits. It can help to save your life!
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March 31, 2012

Risks for Van Accidents in Boston and Elsewhere High with Spring and Summer Travel Season

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The spring driving season is here and the summer season is quickly following right behind. During this time, friends and family members typically join together and head out for a much-needed vacation. In preparation for the travel season, safe driving advocates with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are warning travelers about the dangers associated with group trips in 15-passenger vans.

This warning from the NHTSA is targeting church groups, spring breakers, college students and other groups who may be using these 15-passenger vans. The NHTSA is asking both drivers and passengers to take the proper steps to stay safe, including always wearing a seat belt during every ride to help prevent injury in the event of a van accident in Dedham and elsewhere.

The Administration would like to point out that these 15- passengers vans are sensitive to loading, meaning that travelers should be cautious not to overload these vehicles. Overloading these vans makes them a lot more likely to flip, rollover and more difficult to handle. Drivers and passengers are urged to review a few safety rules and suggestions before heading out for vacations. These vehicles don’t drive like our everyday vehicles and need to be handled much differently.

Our Massachusetts accident lawyers understand that these vans can be dangerous for travelers, especially when the driver is not familiar with the vehicle. Tire pressure can vary on both the front and the back tires of these vans. For this reason, the NHTSA is asking drivers to make sure that each tire is filled and inflated properly for the vehicle’s load before every trip. You can’t just pack all that you want into these vans. The NHTSA is also urging travelers to using the spare tires sparingly. Tire condition doesn’t hold up forever. Spare tires should not be used in place of worn tires. The NHTSA recommends that tires that are more than 10-years-old should never be used.

Safety Tips for 15-Passenger Vans from the NHTSA:

-Do not overload the van. Make sure you know what the weight limitations are on the van before loading your belongings.

-Passengers and drivers should always wear a seat belt, regardless of how short or long of a trip is being taken.

-If you own one of these vans, make sure that it’s regularly maintained. Preventative measures can help to cut the risks of accidents significantly.

-Owners should have steering and suspension components regularly inspected. Inspection guidelines can be found in the vehicle’s manual.

-Be sure to replace and repair parts as suggested in the vehicle’s manual.

-Tires should fit the load requirements of the van.

-Drivers should be properly licensed and should be experienced in driving these kinds of vehicles.

-Drivers should be well rested before venturing out. Driving these vehicles requires full and alert attention.

-Always adjust side mirrors before starting the vehicle and heading out.

-Remember to keep safety as a number one priority.

-Obey speed limits and drive slowly. These vehicles, especially when loaded with cargo, are highly susceptible to rollover accidents.
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March 29, 2012

Car Accidents in Boston and Elsewhere Targeted in National Work Zone Awareness Week

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Our Boston Car Accident Attorneys recently discussed the launch of the overnight closures of Interstate 93. With those closures and with other roadwork that is being executed throughout the state, we’d like to shine some light on National Work Zone Awareness Week.

According to the Official Website of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, this week-long campaign will be taking place from April 23rd through the 27th. During the campaign, traffic officials will be focusing on motorists’ driving habits through work zones in an attempt to help protect the lives of roadway workers and to help to prevent car accidents in Boston and elsewhere.

“This campaign will remind drivers to slow down, be aware of their surroundings and protect the lives of the workers around them,” said Richard A. Davey, MassDOT’s CEO and Secretary.

Our Massachusetts personal injury attorneys understand that officers throughout the state practice a zero-tolerance policy for irresponsible driving near construction and roadwork sites. Officers with the Massachusetts State Police will also be using this time to strictly enforce speed limits through these work zones. Motorists beware and be safe!

Back in November of 2011, the Massachusetts State Police, Governor Deval Patrick, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and both federal and state officials announced a pilot program to nab dangerous drivers in work zones by targeting motorists who speed.

This initiative was federally funded through MassDOT’s Highway Safety Improvement Program and EOPSS and was the result of an extreme spike in the number of accidents in work sites. These accidents were most commonly the result of speedy and distracted drivers. With the recent increase in the number of construction workers along our roadways as well as the number of officers and cruisers hit by speedy drivers, the Construction Industries of Massachusetts and State Police joined up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, MassDOT and EOPSS to create an initiative to step up speed enforcement in work areas statewide. The enforcement effort lasted for about 10 weeks. During that time, nearly 4,000 traffic stops were made for various violations within work zones. With these stops, there were about 2,000 citations issued.

Every April, Massachusetts and other states participate in National Work Zone Awareness Week to focus attention on motorist and worker safety and mobility issues in work zones nationwide. Officials believe that this effort is paying off as the number of fatal work zone accidents has declined significantly, from more than 1,000 in 2006 to just fewer than 600 in 2010. The work’s far from over though. Until we are able to work and travel in these areas safely, the work and the enforcement will continue. Drivers are asked to please be extremely cautious when driving through these areas to help avoid a potentially fatal accident.
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March 27, 2012

Massachusetts Woman Killed during Florida Vacation

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

We often talk about the dangers of riding bicycles and walking near traffic, but we don’t think about them while on vacation — the risks were probably the last thing on a Medford woman’s mind when she died in Fort Lauderdale. The expectant mother had won a trip to Florida through a church event. It was on that Florida trip where the Massachusetts woman was killed while hanging out by the pool. She was killed by a motor vehicle that sped off of the road, onto the hotel’s property and through the cabana she was in by the pool of her hotel, according to the Boston Herald.

“She won a contest writing an essay on how a vacation would bless them,” said Genesis pastor Michael Davis.

Although this freak accident happened in the state of Florida, it’s important to point out that cars can speed into buildings and cause fatal accidents in Massachusetts as well. When an unfortunate accident like this one happens to you or someone in your family, it’s important to contact an experienced attorney to help you to fight for your rights. Fighting for your rights will be difficult with property owners, drivers and victims all fighting for the same thing — justice and compensation. And property owners will typically share the blame for not doing enough to protect customers and guests.

Our Massachusetts personal injury lawyers understand that the expectant mother and her husband were supposed to return home on that previous Saturday, but decided to extend their trip another day and checked into another hotel. It was that Sunday when the tragic accident happened. Fort Lauderdale police are still looking into the cause and details of the accident. It could be weeks before charges are filed, if they ever are.

Here’s the details that have been released on the accident: The woman was in the bathroom of a poolside cabana at the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard when a 34-year-old driver lost control off her vehicle, left the roadway and went through that very cabana. The driver was heading down Southeast Fourth Street when she lost control of her vehicle at a curve in the road. She ran over a fence and right into the cabana where the Massachusetts woman was.

Both the Medford mother and her unborn child were later pronounced dead. The husband and soon-to-be father was in an adjoining restroom and only suffered minor bruises and cuts.

The driver of the car was transported by emergency response teams to the Broward General Medical Center with only minor injuries. She cooperated with investigators. Still, no charges have been filed.

“She doesn’t recall the incident,” said Detective DeAnna Garcia.

There was a gathering at the family’s church, Genesis, to celebrate her life. She will be missed.
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March 25, 2012

Poisoning and Child Injuries in Boston and Elsewhere Targeted through National

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

To help to prevent child injury in Brockton and elsewhere, we encourage you to participate in Poison Prevention Week presented by the National Safety Council (NSC). This week-long awareness campaign is being held from March 18th through the 24th and will be used to help educate parents about one of the leading causes of child injury — unintentional poisoning.

Every year, there are about 375 children across the country who wind up in an emergency room because of injuries associated with unintentional poisoning. In addition to the hundreds of injuries we see on a daily basis, two children die every day because of these same incidents. Common products and items that inflict these injuries on our little ones include household chemicals as well as over-the-counter and prescription medicines.

Our Massachusetts child injury lawyers understand that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the nationwide campaign. In celebration of this year’s campaign, we would like to share some valuable information with parents that can help to keep young ones safe.

Poisoning Facts:

-Children under the age of 6-years-old account for about half of the calls that are made to poison centers involving exposure to/contact with poisons.

-Roughly 80 people (rof all age groups) die every day because of unintentional poisonings.

-U.S. poison centers answer more than 4 million phone calls every year.

-More than 90 percent of poisonings happen in people’s homes. These accidents most commonly happen in bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms.

There are a few safety tips that parents are urged to follow to help ensure that their children are less likely to ingest poisons. Parents are also urged to talk with the young ones in their family about these dangers. Helping to educate your kids about medications, vitamins and chemicals can also help to reduce their risks for a potentially fatal injury.

Safety Tips to Help Prevent Poisonings:

-Keep all medicines, cleaners and chemicals out of reach of children. It’s best to place these items in areas that young ones can’t even see.

-When giving a child medicine, be sure to read the instructions carefully. Only give them the recommended dosage.

-Talk with kids about what medications are used for. Make sure they know to never take medicine if it wasn’t given to them by their mom, dad or guardian.

-Tell your kids that medicine is not candy and it sure doesn’t taste like it.

-When you close your medicine bottle, make sure you hear the click that activates the child lock and then store it out of reach and out of sight.

-Ask house guests to keep their medications out of reach and out of sight. Make sure your guests are familiar with the rules in your household pertaining to medications, vitamins, etc.

-Program the Poison Help number (1-800-222-1222) in your phone or post it on your fridge.
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March 23, 2012

Reducing Risks of Accidents in Boston One Road at a Time

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Winter isn’t too nice to our roadways and sidewalks. The snow, ice and freezing-cold temps can wreak havoc on these surfaces, causing bumps, cracks and other serious dangers. To help fix this problem, Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced the “Mark It’ campaign. How it works is that the Boston Department of Transportation will be searching neighborhoods across the city looking for areas that were hit hard by the winter weather.

Officials will be looking to reinstall traffic turn arrows, lane lines, crosswalks, symbols in school zones, double yellow lines and other roadway and sidewalk makings that were damaged during this past winter. This effort will be joining the city’s $20 million Road Renewal program, which aims to reconstruct or repave nearly 40 miles of roadways that were damaged in the winter weather, according to the City of Boston‘s website. The goal of this program, aside from making our city more beautiful is to help to reduce the risks of injury in Boston.

“After such a harsh winter, I’m dedicated to ensuring all Bostonians have a safe commute through our city,” said Mayor Menino.

Our Massachusetts personal injury lawyers understand that the new program will be focusing heavily on reinstalling crosswalks, especially in areas that are near community centers, schools, senior centers and parks. The program will be visiting more than 600 crosswalks throughout the city. Smooth and safe walking surfaces are an important part of the city. In a city that relies heavily on pedestrian and bicycle travel, it’s important to keep these walkways safe for all.

In addition to the more than 600 crosswalks, officials will also be improving about a quarter of all of the city’s intersections and will be laying down new reflective thermoplastic material as the new markings. Areas with more pedestrian traffic, like areas near Fenway Park and Kenmore Square, will be receiving treatment first.

The intersections near the Mildred Avenue Community Center and Walker Park have already received the new additions of the new highly reflective thermoplastic crosswalks.

Transportation Commissioner Thomas Tinlin says that there are crews who are looking over areas in the city that need improvement. These crews are prioritizing jobs.

In the spring, the city will launch a new pilot program that will be repairing large cracks on our roadways that are 5 to 10-years-old in such a way to extend their usable lifetime by 7 additional years. This preventative program will be looking at roadways in neighborhoods throughout the city. Officials predict that this program could help to save the city millions.

To help to eliminate confusion on travelers’ behalf, the city will be sending out notifications to residents regarding which areas will be worked on when. The notifications will also be used as a way to communicate with businesses and residents to help make sure that any private utility work they’re planning doesn’t conflict with the city’s repair efforts.
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March 21, 2012

Thinking: A Common Cause of Car Accidents in Massachusetts and Elsewhere

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

We’re oftentimes discussing the dangers of talking on a cell phone, text messaging and web-surfing while driving. While these are all common causes of distraction-related car accidents in Massachusetts and elsewhere, other distractions can be just as dangerous, and you may have never even thought about them.

According to a recent study from the Massachusetts Institute Technology (MIT), a motorist can experience the same kinds of distractions they experience while talking on a cell phone while driving when all they’re doing is thinking. That’s right. Thinking can contribute to fatal car accidents. Researchers discovered that when a driver’s mind is deeply focused on any topic, regardless of what it is, then they’re likely to scan the road for dangers less frequently than when their mind is clear, according to USA TODAY.

As automakers continue to debate national guidelines to regulate in-car electronic distractions, it seems more and more like the battle against distractions may never end. Researchers with MIT are looking into this scary and unavoidable distraction and looking at just how a driver’s eyeballs can be “looking” at the roadways, but the driver’s focus is in a completely different place.

Our Massachusetts personal injury attorneys oftentimes talk about the dangers that are associated with distracted, aggressive, drunk and drowsy driving. It seems like our driving abilities are being threatened at every turn. The more we get into distractions behind the wheel, the more it seems like distractions are virtually unavoidable. MIT’s AgeLab has recently discovered that a driver’s ability to focus on the roadways and on the task of driving depends on the “cognitive demand” of a non-driving activity. This all means that the deeper the level of thought that a driver is engaging in, the less a driver is going to focus on driving. It’s just another form of distracted driving.

What does this all mean? Are drivers going to have to meditate to clear their mind before getting behind the wheel?

Most of us will scan the road around us and keep an eye out for dangers. This scanning allows us more time to react to roadway dangers. On the other hand, when drivers are facing even light levels of cognitive demand, they’re going to scan the roadway less and risks are going to increase.

“In the past, the emphasis was on whether you’re distracted or not distracted,” said Bryan Reimer, with the MIT AgeLab.

The recent study from MIT was just published in the Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. The study comes on the heels of automakers’ meeting with government officials to discuss the dangers of in-car electronic and its influence on driver distractions. Come to find out, we may never be able to truly escape distractions behind the wheel.

According to Distraction.gov, nearly 5,500 people were killed in distraction-related car accidents in the U.S. in 2009. If these “mind” and “thinking” distractions included in the MIT study were factored into accidents and were tallied as distraction-related accidents, the actual numbers may be much higher.
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March 19, 2012

Premise Liability Injuries in Boston Worrying Officials during South Boston’s Parade

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

As we recently reported on our Boston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Blog, alcohol and the South Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day go together like peanut butter and jelly, or St. Patrick’s Day and green beer. We’ve discussed the dangers of drinking and driving and reviewed a number of ways to avoid these types of potentially fatal accident.

Alcohol-related car accidents in Boston over the festive green holiday weren’t the only kind of accidents that officials had to deal with. According to ABC5, a parade-watcher wound up in the hospital after a catastrophic tumble from a roof during this year’s event. Officers report that the man, who was in his 20s, fell from a triple-decker apartment building along G Street just before 4:00 p.m. According to medical reports, the man is now paralyzed.

Our Massachusetts personal injury lawyers understand that balconies, porches and decks are prime gathering places, particularly as we head into spring. Unfortunately, these rooftop seats can sometimes pose serious dangers and can result in serious injuries and even death. Sometimes the structure or the railings of balconies, porches and decks can be inadequate and can contribute to falls. These things can even collapse and cause a number of people to fall to the ground below, even burying the victims underneath the debris. The St. Patrick’s Day isn’t the only place where we have to worry about these kinds of accidents either. They can happen at social gatherings, at restaurants and even at rented homes. Many times, officials like to blame the overcrowding for these kinds of the accidents, but the truth of the matter is that t’s often concluded that the accident was caused by decay and poor maintenance.

There are roughly 40 million decks, balconies and porches in the U.S. that are more than 20 years old, according to the North American Deck and Railing Association. You can image how many of those locations can be found in the historic city of Boston. Recent studies illustrate the risks many assume; many decks, balconies and porches are not maintained properly. When property owners are negligent and don’t make sure that their premises are safe, including balconies, porches and decks, they can in fact be held liable.

“There’s been a lot more rooftop parties than we’ve seen in the past,” said Ed Davis, Boston Police Commissioner. “So we’ve been systematically going up and talking to people and closing down the ones that are dangerous.”

Officers with the Boston Police Department traveled up and down the parade route to help make sure that rooftop revelers were safe. Alcohol laws were also in full effect during the event. There were over 200 citations issued to parade watchers for public drinking. In 2011, there were more than 360 citations issued. Officers report that there were six people arrested during this year’s event. Among these arrests were charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, disturbing the peace and possession of alcohol by a minor. Only three people were arrested during last year’s parade.
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March 13, 2012

Annual Boston Bikes Report Recognizes Efforts to Reduce Risks of Bicycle Accidents in Boston

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The Boston Bikes Annual Report was recently released by Mayor Menino. Guess what? Boston’s biking initiatives have been a success. According to Mayor Menino, the city is already planning to continue growth within the city’s successful program. This program is helping to provide safer and more convenient areas for riding bikes in the city. These programs are increasing ridership and reducing the risks for bicycle accidents in Boston.

“Boston Bikes” was launched in 2007 by Mayor Menino. The goal of the program was to make Boston one of the best bicycling cities in the world. Just a few years later, our city received attention for being one of the greatest cities in the country for cycling. Some of the highlights of our programs were the 50th mile of bike lanes that was recently installed along Massachusetts Avenue, the success of the New Balance’s Hubway and the award of a “silver” level bike-friendly area from the League of American Bicyclists.

Our Massachusetts bicycle accident attorneys understand that the car may no longer be the king in Boston. Our city is well on its way to becoming one of the best cycling cities in the U.S. We have to remember though, that with more cyclists come more risks for accidents. With the improvements to our roadways and bike lanes, officials are working to make our roadways safer for everyone. But accidents still happen and our roadways require the utmost caution from all travelers.

Last July, Mayor Menino launched the Hubway bike sharing program. This program consists of about 60 stations with roughly 600 bikes that were available for use across the city. During its first 12 months in operation, residents and visitors used the Hubway bikes for more than 140,000 trips through the city. Because the program was so successful, a number of our neighboring cities are looking to join in on the Hubway system. Boston is even looking to add more locations in 2012.

The City of Boston and Mayor Menino have taken some large strides towards improving the city’s biking infrastructure. In 2012, we’ve already seen bike lanes installed on Commonwealth and Massachusetts Avenues. These were the two streets that were previously noted for having the first- and second-highest cyclist accident rates in the city. Now, Boston has over 50 miles of bike lanes, and we’re proud of it.

Our city is not done expanding either. In 2012, we can also expect biking to be offered as a fun, accessible and healthy activity for residents and visitors of all ages. The Boston Centers for Youth and Families, Boston’s Community Bike Programs, the Boston city’s Authority, Boston Centers for Youth and Families and a number of community partners were able to donate more than 1,000 bikes to low-income families. These organizations were also provided hands-on bicycle training for nearly 10,000 youths. Lastly, the mayor’s signature bike events were able to bring about 5,000 bicyclists to the streets of Boston.
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