Are you the victim of a Boston pedestrian accident? Steinger, Greene & Feiner is the name you can trust to fight for your rights and secure maximum compensation for your losses. That’s why we’re the top-rated personal injury law firm in Boston and surrounding areas. Contact a Boston pedestrian accident lawyer today to discuss your case and legal options.
Boston Pedestrian Accident Statistics
With a greater number of cars on the road than ever before, pedestrian accidents have become more common in recent years. 7,388 pedestrians were killed and more than 60,000 were injured nationwide in 2021 alone.
The injuries caused by a pedestrian accident can be catastrophic. While motorists are protected by seat belts, airbags, and windshields, pedestrians are completely vulnerable to their surroundings. This results in more severe injuries that can have long-term consequences. Pedestrians are left with not only the physical effects of the accident but also the emotional aftermath.
Let’s go over the common causes of Boston pedestrian accidents along with high-risk areas you should avoid when traveling on foot.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
- A poorly designed or maintained road or sidewalk
- Unmarked crosswalks
- Improper lane use
- Distracted driving
- Intoxicated driving
- Speeding
- Bad weather conditions
- Poor visibility
While most pedestrian accidents are caused by motorists, some result from the pedestrian simply not paying attention. Engaging in activities such as talking or texting on your phone and walking while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can wind up causing a run-in with someone on the road.
High-Risk Areas for Pedestrians in Boston
Pedestrians are best protected on crosswalks and intersections that are equipped with traffic signals because the signals indicate when it’s safe for the pedestrian to cross. School zones are also pedestrian-friendly given the lower speed limit and presence of crosswalks and often crossing guards.
Unfortunately, not all areas are safe for pedestrians. Common high-risk areas include:
- Roadsides
- Parking lanes
- Bicycle lanes
- Crossing islands
- Sidewalks
- Driveways
- Paths or trails that are shared
Areas in Boston where the highest number of pedestrian accidents have occurred include:
- Beacon Street and Massachusetts Ave
- Columbus Ave and Massachusetts Ave
- Albany Street and Massachusetts Ave
- Melnea Cass Boulevard and Massachusetts Ave
- Columbia Road and Washington Street
Pedestrians should avoid these high-risk areas when it’s possible and implement safety measures when it’s not.
Legal Rights and Responsibilities
The responsibility for pedestrian safety falls equally on motorists and pedestrians. Both parties should be aware of their surroundings at all times and follow relevant traffic laws and regulations to reduce the number of accidents that occur in Boston.
Here’s more information about Boston crosswalk laws, the rights of pedestrians, the responsibilities of drivers, and how comparative negligence plays a role:
Massachusetts Crosswalk Laws
- Motorists cannot pass other vehicles stopped at a marked crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross.
- Motorists cannot enter a marked crosswalk while a pedestrian is crossing.
- Motorists must yield the right of way to pedestrians using crosswalks or passing through intersections with an active “Walk” sign or green light.
- If a motorist reaches a crosswalk that doesn’t have a “Walk” sign or other traffic signals, they should slow down or stop to avoid hitting any pedestrians nearby.
Pedestrian Rights
- Pedestrians have the right of way when using a crosswalk and when traveling through an intersection with an active “Walk” sign or green light.
- Pedestrians have the right of way in areas with marked and unmarked crosswalks.
Although pedestrians ultimately have the right of way, they should still exercise caution when crossing roads where vehicles are present.
Driver Responsibilities
Drivers have a responsibility to exercise caution when traveling in the vicinity of pedestrians to avoid hitting them. They should drive at a safe speed, obey all traffic signals and signs, and take other measures to protect nearby pedestrians. If a driver fails to take these safety precautions and hits a pedestrian, they could be liable for any injuries that are caused.
The Role of Comparative Negligence
Comparative negligence is a legal principle that allows partially at-fault plaintiffs to recover damages from partially at-fault defendants. There are two types of comparative negligence: pure and modified. Under pure comparative negligence, a plaintiff’s liability cannot exceed 99%. Under modified comparative negligence, a plaintiff’s liability cannot exceed 51%. If the plaintiff’s liability exceeds either of these amounts, they’re barred from recovering damages from the defendant. Massachusetts is a modified comparative negligence state.
Comparative negligence laws can be complex. That’s why we strongly recommend hiring an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer to help you navigate these complexities, which will help maximize your payout.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
The aftermath of a pedestrian accident is often stressful and emotional. The last thing you’re thinking about is asking for the driver’s insurance policy number and getting a copy of the police report. However these post-accident steps are important, and not taking them can result in a lower payout or even a claim denial.
Knowing ahead of time what steps to take will help you remain calm and focused when an accident occurs. Take a look below to see what steps you should take.
- Call 911: Nothing matters more than your safety. If you sustained or suspect you sustained any major injuries, don’t hesitate to call 911. First responders will arrive to assess your injuries and administer emergency medical care.
- Exchange Information: Your insurance company will need the driver’s personal and insurance information to file your accident claim. Be sure to ask them for their name, phone number, and address along with their driver’s license number, license plate number, and policy information. You can either write it all down or take photos.
- Call the Police: Report the accident to the police. Depending on the severity of the accident, officers will arrive to investigate what happened, gather witness statements, and fill out a police report detailing the events and people involved. Ask an officer for a copy of the police report, which your lawyer will use as evidence when building your case.
- Seek Medical Care: Even if you don’t need emergency medical care or have any visible injuries, visit your primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic before heading home. You may have internal injuries that would otherwise go unnoticed and could cause more serious health problems. Keep a record of all services rendered, how much they cost, and any notes or prescriptions from your provider. This documentation will help build the foundation of your case.
- Gather Evidence: Every successful personal injury case is built on evidence. Without it, you have no case at all. Providing your lawyer with sufficient evidence helps them recreate the timeline of events and tie your injuries directly to the accident, which will help prove the defendant’s liability.
- Contact an Attorney: Before notifying your insurance agent about what happened, contact a pedestrian accident attorney at Steinger, Greene & Feiner. The lawyer assigned to your case will speak with you in person or over the phone to learn more about the case and make a game plan for moving forward.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Last but not least, let your insurance company know about the accident. This is a crucial step in the claims process. Let your lawyer know if you run into any problems with your insurance provider. They can assist with communication and providing documentation.
How a Boston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
Lawyers play a pivotal role in the outcome of pedestrian accident cases. They not only help clients with the more practical steps involved—like gathering evidence and filing a claim—but they also provide much-needed emotional support. During such a stressful time, it’s comforting to know someone has your back and is advocating for your best interests.
Here are some of the key ways our lawyers help clients navigate Boston pedestrian accident cases:
- Investigate the accident
- Gather evidence and consult with field experts
- Establish liability
- Navigate insurance claims
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- Present your case in court
- Provide 24/7 support
Common Injuries Caused by Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can cause various injuries that range from mild to severe. Unfortunately, given pedestrians’ exposure to their surroundings, severe injuries are more common. Some accidents can even be fatal. These are the most common injuries suffered by pedestrians:
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries involve damage to the spinal cord or spinal nerves located at the bottom of the nerve canal. These injuries can be life-altering and even life-threatening, resulting in paralysis, loss of feeling or sensation, loss of bladder control, exaggerated reflexes or spasms, and other conditions. They typically require costly medical treatments and rehabilitative care.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are brain injuries caused by some external force that result in trauma. Depending on the severity, their effects can be short-term or long-term. More severe TBIs require extensive medical and rehabilitative care. Common symptoms include:
- Severe headaches
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Problems with speech
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Light sensitivity
Soft Tissue Damage
Soft tissue damage involves injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Sprains, strains, and other bodily trauma caused by pedestrian accidents are prone to result in soft tissue damage. This particular injury can be difficult to detect and, thus, difficult to treat.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Broken bones and fractures are two of the most common injuries sustained by pedestrian accident victims. The impact of colliding with a vehicle, the ground, or a nearby structure can cause bones in the arm, wrist, leg, shoulder, collar bone, hips, ribs, or back to break under pressure. Even mild fractures and breaks cause pain that requires costly medical treatments to alleviate.
Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Economic Damages
Economic damages are tangible losses a victim experiences because of an accident. These damages are concrete and can be calculated monetarily. Common economic damages include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Rehabilitative care
- Prescription medication
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are intangible losses suffered by the victim of a pedestrian accident. These damages are more subjective and can’t be assigned a dollar amount. Here are some examples of non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental or emotional anguish
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Reduced earning capacity
Punitive Damages
Although rare, punitive damages are awarded in some pedestrian accident cases. Rather than compensating the plaintiff, punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant if their actions were particularly egregious. It’s a way to punish them for their negligent or reckless behavior and discourage them from engaging in such behavior in the future, in hopes of reducing the number of pedestrian accidents that occur.
Choosing the Right Boston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Your lawyer can be the difference between a successful case and a failed one. Selecting an attorney who knows what they’re doing and will do whatever it takes to win is essential in the aftermath of a pedestrian accident.
What to Look For
Your Boston pedestrian accident lawyer should have:
- Experience representing pedestrian accident cases
- Extensive trial experience
- Knowledge of state, local, and federal laws relevant to your case type
- A detail-oriented approach
- Knowledge of the medical industry and injuries you’ve suffered
- Strong negotiation and communication skills
- A proven track record of success with similar cases
- A compassionate approach
- Active listening skills
Questions to Ask
Here are some questions you should ask during the initial consultation. This is not an exhaustive list, so feel free to add or eliminate questions as you see fit.
- How long have you practiced personal injury law?
- How many pedestrian accident cases have you handled?
- What is your fee structure?
- Do I have to pay if my case isn’t successful?
- What’s your success rate?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
- Will anyone other than you work on my case?
- How will you provide status updates on my case?
- How long will it take to resolve my case?
- How much is my case worth?
- Do you have testimonials from former clients that I could see?
See What Our Clients Have to Say
“Right from the beginning of contacting Steinger, Greene & Feiner every step of the legal process was and is swift, accurate, and concise. No time was or has been wasted as they have commenced steadily through the process of gathering information and making contact with me regarding all aspects of my case.”
-Steve Gonzalez
“Went above and beyond. Life-changing experience. Worked with another lawyer and they were inept. These guys were with me all the way and got me the max I deserve. Outstanding caring people. I can’t thank them enough.”
-Joe Davis
“I love how they treat me as a client!! When I call they answer, if they’re not available they reach back out. They are straightforward if you have a case they let you know, if you don’t they let you know that as well. The lawyers here don’t beat around the bush. I will continue to do business with them in the near future!!! Anytime I think of a law firm to represent me it will be them. As for my lawyers and the paralegals who have assisted me in my case became more like family!! I love how they want to see you do good outside of just being their client and I love that about them.”
-Nicole Vucinac
“I had a fantastic experience with Steinger, Greene & Feiner Injury Law Firm. From the moment I reached out to them, they were incredibly responsive and attentive. They took the time to listen to my concerns and were quick to accept my case. The entire team showed a high level of professionalism and expertise throughout the process. I felt supported and well-informed at every step. I couldn’t be happier with their service, and I highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal assistance. Thank you, Steinger, Greene & Feiner!”
-Toni Scott
“My two major team players Christina McDonald and Mia Sansur were so compassionate, professional detailed, and patient. I would highly recommend Steinger Green and Finer without a doubt. You’re not just a case number but a person to them.”
-Andrea Glanville
Get Help From an Experienced Boston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
When you’re suffering from the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, you don’t have time to waste. You need compensation now to help pay for mounting medical bills and rehabilitative care costs. Get started today with a free case evaluation from Steinger, Greene & Feiner, home to the trusted pedestrian accident lawyers in Boston. You can count on us to achieve the results you want.