Pedestrian and Cycling Accidents

Decades of Experience Representing Injured Pedestrians and Cyclists in Massachusetts

Pedestrian and cycling accidents often result in serious injuries. Rarely does one walk away from these accidents and return to work in a short period of time. Because of this, it is important to consult an experienced South Shore personal injury lawyer. Protect your rights and have this discussion before you speak with the other driver’s insurance company.

After a pedestrian or bike crash, contact McGowan & Associates immediately if you are able. We can advise you of your legal rights for seeking compensation from the driver and work with police to conduct an immediate investigation before evidence is lost. Our attorneys are experienced at examining crash scenes and asking the critical questions. The hours and minutes after a pedestrian crash in particular are critical; 1 out of 5 pedestrians are hit by a hit-and-run driver.

Pursuing Compensation After a Crash

When a pedestrian or cyclist is injured, our attorneys understand the trauma and stress on victims and their families. We are ready to guide you, starting by answering questions about insurance coverage. First, pedestrians and cyclists who are injured may seek Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits from the driver’s auto insurance company. Massachusetts is a no-fault state and drivers carry up to $8,000 in PIP benefits to pay for initial medical bills, lost wages and other causes.

In most cases, pedestrians and cyclists need additional compensation, along with an attorney’s expertise. After an injury, our South Shore personal injury lawyers are experienced in helping our clients evaluate all the potential sources of compensation. After PIP benefits are exhausted, you may have the right to seek additional compensation from the driver who hit you. But others may have also been negligent. We are committed to fully investigating accidents and pursuing the maximum award.

Pedestrian Accidents on the South Shore

Pedestrians are the most likely to be injured and killed when drivers are negligent. Across the U.S., 20 percent of all traffic fatalities are pedestrians, according to the National Safety Council.

On the South Shore, drivers cause many car accidents by speeding through local neighborhoods, school zones or parking lots. Cell phone use and distracted driving are also leading causes of pedestrian accidents, even after Massachusetts introduced a hands-free driving law.

Pedestrian accidents at intersections and crosswalks regularly make the news, especially on busy roads, such as Hancock Street in Quincy. Massachusetts drivers have a duty to stop or yield for pedestrians in crosswalks.

Pedestrians are in danger when drivers do not respect intersections, traffic lights and crosswalks. The danger level rises with the size of the vehicle. Drivers of large trucks and delivery vans have a responsibility to check their mirrors in all directions.

School zones have special protections in Massachusetts. Drivers cannot exceed 20 mph when school is in session or as directed by signs. But the responsibility extends further. Drivers must also watch for pedestrians at crosswalks and give them extra room to walk through parking lots. A driver’s impatience or multi-tasking can lead to tailgating, speeding and serious injuries both in school zones and near school buses.

Bicyclist Accidents on the South Shore

More people are riding bikes than ever on the South Shore. The region has some beautiful biking spots, such as Wompatuck State Park in Hingham or the Myles Standish Forest in Plymouth. But cyclists are not just riding for recreation. Many commute.

Cyclists have the legal right to ride on the road in Massachusetts. They can travel along the side of the road, in the bike lane or in the middle of the traffic lane. Drivers must remember their responsibility to share the roads with cyclists.

Many bike accidents occur at intersections, when drivers of SUVs and large trucks neglect to check behind them for cyclists. To help drivers see their blindspot, large vehicles should be equipped with crossover and convex mirrors. Trucking companies have a responsibility to maintain vehicles, yet they can fall behind or decide not to follow regulations to save time. As a result, mechanical defects and improper maintenance factor into many truck crashes, including those causing injuries to pedestrians and cyclists.