Massachusetts Personal Injury News
Massachusetts Turnpike Toll Taker Injured After Being Dragged By Truck
April 6, 2010 – Springfield, Massachusetts- A Massachusetts Turnpike toll collector was seriously injured Friday morning at the Springfield Plaza when he was struck by a tractor trailer. David J. Pandolfi, 63, of Springfield was standing outside of his toll booth when he was hit by the truck.
Pandolfi was taken to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield and was listed as being in serious condition.
While many toll plazas provide tunnels for workers, the Springfield Plaza does not and toll takers at this plaza must walk amongst the traffic. Unfortunately, David Pandolfi lost his footing as he walked in front of a tractor trailer. The driver of that tractor trailer didn’t realize that Pandolfi had fallen and pulled out of the plaza, unknowingly dragging Pandolfi.
Thanks to the shouts of witnesses to the accident, the driver was able to stop before running him over.
It seems the Springfield Plaza poses a great risk to toll takers. Although this type of accident is rare, truckers have indicated that if a worker is 5-feet-tall or shorter, the drivers can’t see them if they walk in front of their trucks.
State police have also commented that despite the accident not being due to speed, they would still like to see drivers slow down as they drive through the toll plazas. Although the posted speed is 15 mph, many drivers go through much faster.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in an accident that you believe is related to negligence on behalf of the state of Massachusetts, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. The Kiley Law Group, a law firm based in Andover, Massachusetts, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless our trained personal injury lawyers wins your case. Call now to schedule a FREE evaluation of your case – 1-888-208-1695.
