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.
After a pedestrian or bike crash, contact McGowan & Associates immediately if you are able. We can advise you about your legal rights for seeking compensation from the driver and work with police to conduct an immediate investigation before evidence is lost. 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 can assist you with every step of the insurance claim process. 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. Our South Shore personal injury lawyers are experienced in helping our clients navigate their insurance options. Often, you may seek this additional compensation from the driver at fault. But there are other potential options, including your own Massachusetts auto insurance policy if you or a member of your household has one.
Depending on the circumstances, there may also be other liable parties, such as a restaurant which served a driver who was already intoxicated. Our attorneys have successfully held both drunk drivers and businesses financially accountable for bicyclist and pedestrian injuries.
Pedestrian Accidents on the South Shore
Pedestrians are injured and killed each year by negligent drivers. Across the U.S., 20 percent of all traffic fatalities are pedestrians, according to 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 has passed 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. Drivers of large trucks have a responsibility to check their mirrors for pedestrians and cyclists before turning.
School zones have special protections in Massachusetts and drivers should only be operating 20 mph when school is in session. But there are times when impatient drivers tailgate or speed, causing car accidents or pedestrian injuries. Drivers can also endanger children and other pedestrians by following too closely behind school buses.
Bicyclist Accidents on the South Shore
More people are riding bikes than ever in Massachusetts, including 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. However, many cyclists are on the road, traveling alongside drivers. 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 up to two abreast in Massachusetts. Drivers must give them enough room to safely travel.
Many bike accidents occur at intersections, when SUVs and large trucks neglect to check behind them for cyclists. Dooring is another type of bicycle accident, occurring when drivers park and open their vehicle doors without checking, hitting a cyclist. This impact can be as fierce as a moving car. It can happen anywhere, but it is most common in downtown areas with on-street parking.
Free Legal Consultation – McGowan & Associates
South Shore and Plymouth County Personal Injury Lawyers
If you have been injured by a negligent or reckless driver, contact McGowan & Associates to learn your rights. For a free legal consultation, call 781-261-9977 or use our contact form.