Wrongful Death Caused by Pedestrian Accidents

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration reports that, each year, over 100,000 pedestrians are severely injured and roughly 5,000 pedestrians are killed in accidents involving motor vehicles. Young children account for 40% of these deaths, and, not surprisingly, half of these tragic incidents take place in the afternoon right after school. More often than not, pedestrian accidents are the result of a careless driver acting negligently. Not all pedestrian accidents occur on the street or in a crosswalk. Many take place on sidewalks, traffic islands, or while simply waiting for a bus. At such a difficult time, the devastating loss of a loved one need not be compounded by financial worries.

The skilled Boston personal injury lawyers at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. have decades of experience bringing wrongful death claims against negligent drivers in pedestrian accidents. If you have suffered an unexpected loss of a loved one, we are here to help. Please contact our Boston, Cambridge, or Quincy office today at 617-225-2100 for a FREE evaluation of your case.

Pedestrians have the right of way. Pedestrian accidents can be the result of negligent drivers of cars, motorcycles, or trucks. The driver carries the responsibility to constantly remain alert and aware while on the road. In fact, distracted drivers are the largest cause of accidents in the United States. With an increasing amount of technology readily available to divert the driver's attention from the road, the risk of striking a pedestrian is dramatically increasing. Lawmakers in Massachusetts are aware of this increased risk and have recently criminalized texting while driving. Yet, there are other forms of negligence in pedestrian accidents, which include impaired driving (alcohol or other drugs), reckless driving, and driving without a license or proper insurance.

Multiple parties may be at fault. In some cases, the driver is not the only party at fault in a wrongful death claim and various aspects can affect the amount of compensation in an insurance settlement. Traffic volume and traffic speed are environmental factors that contribute to accidents, both of which are regulated by road maintenance and public policy. If an accident occurs at an intersection with a particular history of similar accidents, the city may be negligent for failing to address a known safety concern. The city may also be liable in cases where a road is in disrepair or a stop sign is not plainly visible.

Get the proper compensation. Immediate members of the decedent's family are almost always entitled to file a wrongful death claim. We can help recover medical expenses, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and more. In Massachusetts, wrongful death claims must be filed within three years of the date of death. But don't delay seeking advice. Insurance companies will often attempt to reach a quick settlement to avoid future responsibility for lost wages and other potential damages likely to come about over time.

Our skilled and knowledgeable Boston personal injury attorneys at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. can help represent your best interests in negotiating a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to fight for you in court. Contact us today for a free consultation at 617-225-2100.