Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Serving the Boston Area

Fighting for the rights of injury victims throughout our community

Boston is a pedestrian-friendly city, and its numerous sidewalks, crosswalks, walk signals and footbridges should give you a reasonable degree of safety if you choose to walk to your destination rather than drive or use other modes of transportation. Unfortunately, many motorists do not properly account for pedestrian traffic, and serious accidents result. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed because of a driver’s negligence, speak with the attorneys at Feinberg & Alban PC in Boston. We have years of experience in these matters and have worked through thousands of personal injury cases in Massachusetts. Our team helps you get the compensation you need and deserve.

The most common types of pedestrian accidents

As a pedestrian, you have the right to use sidewalks and crosswalks in a safe manner. Motorists have the responsibility to look out for pedestrians and bicyclists, although many drivers fail to check for them when changing lanes or turning. The following are the most common causes for pedestrian accidents in Massachusetts:

• Failure to yield or stop. Drivers who do not come to complete stops or yield the right of way can create dangerous situations for pedestrians.
• Quick turns. Although drivers usually look out for other vehicles, they may not see pedestrians, especially when taking quick right or left turns.
• Distracted driving. A driver will be cited for “Distracted Driving” if talking on the phone, texting or adjusting the radio when an accident occurs.
• Driving under the influence (DUI). Individuals over the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit are less aware and have slower response times so they cannot always see, or stop for, pedestrians.

When can injured pedestrians sue for damages?

Just as motorists must follow a set of specific laws when driving, pedestrians must also take certain measures to ensure their own safety. Pedestrians should never cross a roadway when there is a “Don’t Walk” signal and must walk on sidewalks and in crosswalks whenever available. If there is no crosswalk, pedestrians should yield to motor vehicles, even at an intersection.

However, even if they are not in a designated walkway, pedestrians may still be eligible for compensation as an injury victim. Pedestrians generally have the right of way on all roadways in Massachusetts, and drivers must yield if there is reasonable time to do so. For example, if you or a loved one was crossing a roadway and a motorist had more than a few seconds to react and stop, you may have the right to seek damages.

Work with an experienced Boston pedestrian accident lawyer

Pedestrian accidents are especially traumatic, so be sure to work with a personal injury attorney you can trust. The team at Feinberg & Alban PC in Boston has decades of experience working with pedestrian accident victims across Massachusetts, and we fight hard on your behalf. Give us a call at 617-232-5950 to set up your free initial consultation today. We proudly serve Attleboro, Cambridge, Fall River, Plymouth, Taunton and the surrounding areas.