Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Resources for Injured Pedestrians
Even though Massachusetts law gives pedestrians the right of way in marked crosswalks, pedestrian accidents and injuries are all too common. In fact, statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that there were 61 fatal pedestrian accidents in Massachusetts in 2007, and countless more were injured.
Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be a frightening and scary time, but there are resources to assist you in recovering from personal injuries and preventing future road accidents.
Personal Injury Lawyers
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, your primary concern is recovering from your injuries. In some cases, especially if the driver was intoxicated or under the influence, you may wish to hire a personal injury lawyer.
Why would you want a personal injury attorney?
If the driver was in the wrong, personal injury lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and will fight to get money to pay for your medical bills.
Advocacy Groups
There are also numerous groups in Massachusetts that can help you cope with the traumatic event of a pedestrian accident. These groups are scattered throughout the state, but a new group is receiving media attention for their work in East Lexington.
According to Jason Crotty at the Lexington Minuteman, The group, the Safe Mass. Ave. Committee, was formed after Lexington resident Marylin Hafner was struck and killed by a driver. Sadly, Hafner was not in a crosswalk, and the crash broke almost every bone in her body. Accidents like these have prompted safety groups to advocate for pedestrian safety in their communities. Joining one of these groups can help you create something positive from your accident, and can help you cope with the trauma of your pedestrian injuries.
Safe Walking Paths
When you are ready to start walking again, there are a number of sites that provide maps and information on walking paths throughout Massachusetts. Many of these paths are designated for pedestrians only, so they are good choices for pedestrians who want to walk safely away from cars and other vehicles.
For pedestrians in our capital city, WalkBoston.org is a great resource. They provide numerous maps for popular walking paths throughout Boston, and can help you identity a safe place to walk.
Pedestrian accidents can be frightening, but know that you are not alone in your recovery. Personal injury lawyers deal with these situations all the time, and can steer you through the legal process.
Once you feel able, joining a pedestrian advocacy group can help you turn your accident into a positive for other pedestrians in your community.
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident and injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney at Kiley Law Group, LLP. We will evaluate your case for FREE at 1-888-208-1695.
