Taunton, MA Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

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When a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle, they can suffer serious harm. For instance, victims of pedestrian accidents regularly sustain injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, torn ligaments, and traumatic brain injuries. Thankfully, negligent drivers may be sued for the pedestrian accidents they cause.

However, the path to compensation in your pedestrian accident lawsuit can be complex. The team at our law firm is prepared to review your potential claim and explain the appropriate course of action. Afterwards, we can help gather evidence and negotiate for the maximum amount of payment available to you.

In the aftermath of your collision in Taunton, MA, get assistance from our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers by calling the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407.

How Long Do You Have to File Your Pedestrian Accident Case in Taunton, MA?

In Massachusetts, the time limit to file your pedestrian accident lawsuit is set forth by Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 260, § 2A. Typically, you will have three years from the date of your pedestrian accident to bring your claim to court. If you do not abide by this deadline, then you may miss out on your opportunity to recover monetary damages.

Despite potentially having years to file your case, you should begin working on your claim as soon as possible after your accident. The evidence you need to support your lawsuit can become hard to gather and preserve as time passes. For instance, a witness may leave town or forget important details surrounding your collision. Further, physical evidence such as clothing may deteriorate. The more quickly you connect with our motorcycle accident attorneys, the more easily we can gather the information we need to win your case.

What if You Share Fault for Your Pedestrian Accident in Taunton, MA?

If you share some of the blame for your pedestrian accident, then you may still pursue compensation for the injuries you suffered. However, the amount of compensation you can recover in a pedestrian accident lawsuit may be limited.

Courts in Massachusetts will adhere to the rules of “modified comparative fault” when awarding damages in your pedestrian accident case. This means that payment is apportioned based on parties’ percentages of fault. For example, if you are 15% to blame for your pedestrian accident while the defendant is 85% accountable, then they will be ordered to pay for 85% of the damages caused by your collision while you must account for the leftover 15%.

Importantly, you should know that if you are considered to be over 50% to blame for your pedestrian accident, then you will be unable to recover damages from another party.

Common Locations Where Pedestrian Accidents Occur in Taunton, MA

There are many different types of location where pedestrian accidents can happen. Still, there are specific locations where pedestrians are hit more frequently. The following are common locations where pedestrian accidents occur in Taunton:

Intersections

Intersections, especially those with heavy traffic, are common locations for pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians crossing at intersections may be hit by turning vehicles that fail to yield or drivers who run red lights or stop signs. The high volume of traffic and complex traffic patterns at intersections increase the risk of accidents, especially if drivers and pedestrians are not attentive or fail to follow traffic laws.

Crosswalks

While crosswalks are designated areas for pedestrians to cross the road safely, they can still be dangerous. Pedestrian accidents in crosswalks often occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians or engage in distracted or aggressive driving behavior. Poor visibility, inadequate signage, or drivers failing to stop at marked crosswalks contribute to accidents in these areas.

Sidewalks and Walkways

Accidents can also occur on sidewalks and walkways, particularly when there is a lack of maintenance or unsafe conditions. Hazards such as uneven pavement, potholes, obstructions, or inadequate lighting can cause pedestrians to trip, slip, or fall. Property owners and municipalities have a responsibility to ensure the safety and proper maintenance of sidewalks and walkways to prevent such accidents.

Parking Lots

Pedestrian accidents frequently happen in parking lots due to the interaction between vehicles and pedestrians. Drivers may fail to see pedestrians walking in parking lots or may be distracted while looking for parking spaces. Pedestrians in parking lots may also be less cautious, assuming that drivers will always yield to them. Increased vehicle and pedestrian activity, coupled with limited visibility and various distractions, make parking lots prone to accidents.

Residential Areas

Residential areas, particularly those with high foot traffic, can see a significant number of pedestrian accidents. Children playing, people walking pets, and residents going about their daily activities can increase the risk of accidents. Speeding vehicles, failure to adhere to posted speed limits, and lack of adherence to traffic rules within residential areas contribute to the occurrence of pedestrian accidents.

Urban Centers and Busy Streets

Urban centers with heavy pedestrian traffic, such as downtown areas or busy streets, are also common locations for pedestrian accidents. The combination of numerous pedestrians, various modes of transportation, and busy intersections can lead to collisions. Factors such as distracted driving, jaywalking, and congested traffic can contribute to accidents in urban centers.

Highway Exits and Entrances

Pedestrian accidents can occur near highway exits and entrances, especially when pedestrians attempt to cross these areas on foot. High-speed traffic, limited pedestrian infrastructure, and the lack of designated pedestrian crossings make these locations particularly dangerous. Pedestrians may misjudge the speed and distance of approaching vehicles, leading to accidents.

School Zones

School zones are another location where pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur. The presence of children crossing streets, school buses picking up or dropping off students, and increased vehicle congestion during peak hours increase the risk of accidents. Driver inattentiveness, failure to obey school zone speed limits, and children’s unpredictability contribute to accidents in these areas.