Pedestrian Accidents
Boston Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Boston Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Exceptional representation for injured pedestrians in Massachusetts

Boston is an historic city with many hidden gems. At any given time, you might see a walking tour, college students on their way to class, or just locals making their way through their day. However, Boston is also crowded with public transportation vehicles, cars, and commercial trucks – all of which can be deadly to pedestrians in the event of an accident.

At Breakstone, White & Gluck, we know how to advocate for you. We know that even one severe injury can turn your life upside-down and throw your finances into chaos. Our proven track record of success with complex and serious injuries makes us the right choice after a Boston pedestrian accident. Our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience, and we’re putting it to work for you.

Common questions from injury clients

What are the different types of pedestrian accidents?

Drivers who speed, who fail to yield, or who are distracted cause many pedestrian accidents. Drunk drivers frequently cause serious or fatal injuries to pedestrians as well. There are also hit and run drivers, who cause 20.5% of all pedestrian fatalities, according to AAA.

Pedestrian accidents typically occur while crossing streets, but can also happen when one walks along the side of a street or in parking lots, recreational areas, and when cars veer onto sidewalks. Pedestrian accidents can also happen right in crosswalks.

Pedestrians can be injured by cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles and even bicycles. Pedestrian accident often occur near schools, where Massachusetts drivers are required by law to obey 20 mph speed limit. Drivers also have a responsibility to stop for school buses, which often discharge students who need to cross busy streets.

Pedestrian accidents can also occur near construction sites where heavy equipment is moving, or where materials may fall from a building under construction.

How can your Boston pedestrian accident attorneys help?

If you have suffered an accident as a pedestrian, it is essential that you hire a qualified accident lawyer to handle your case. The lawyers at Breakstone, White & Gluck are experienced in working with top experts and fighting for the best compensation for injured pedestrians. The attorneys at our firm handle cases from initial investigation, through trial, and, if necessary, all appeals. We will work hard to get you the best results.

Because a three-year statute of limitations applies to these cases, victims have a limited time frame in which to file their Case. In some cases, there are even shorter notice provisions which must be complied with. It is vital that you act immediately to protect your rights.

Our record of successful results

Our Boston pedestrian accident lawyers are proud to have secured the following verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients:

Check out some kind words from our clients on our Testimonials page.

Katelyn Ludwig

"I knew that Ron had my best interests at heart, and that I could trust him to help me make the right decision."

How common are pedestrian accidents in Boston?

Boston was one of two Massachusetts cities with the highest number of pedestrian fatalities in 2021, according to a Boston Herald report. The publication states:

Among the 47 Massachusetts cities and towns that had a fatal pedestrian crash in 2021, more than half happened in Boston (9), Springfield (9), Lowell (3), Brockton (3), and Dedham, Framingham, Lawrence, New Bedford, Oxford, Saugus, Weymouth and Yarmouth (2 each). Thirty-five other communities had one fatality each.

The Herald also notes that speed is a factor in most pedestrian crashes, with over half of these fatal crashes happening on streets with 30 to 35 mph limits. The article also points out that older adults are disproportionately affected by pedestrian crashes, and that safer street design could help prevent many serious and fatal crashes.

James Fuccione, senior director of the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative, told the Herald, “If we truly want to help older adults age in the community, we need to look at this data as an opportunity to create safer streets not just for older adults but everyone… And investing in age-friendly designs that support just that should be the norm.”

What are Massachusetts crosswalk laws?

Under Massachusetts law, a pedestrian crossing a street in a crosswalk, or at an intersection with either the "Walk" signal or on a green light, has the right of way. Massachusetts General Law c. 89, Sec. 11 provides:

When traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping if need be so to yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk marked in accordance with standards established by the department of highways if the pedestrian is on that half of the traveled part of the way on which the vehicle is traveling or if the pedestrian approaches from the opposite half of the traveled part of the way to within 10 feet of that half of the traveled part of the way on which said vehicle is traveling.

No driver of a vehicle shall pass any other vehicle which has stopped at a marked crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross, nor shall any such operator enter a marked crosswalk while a pedestrian is crossing or until there is a sufficient space beyond the crosswalk to accommodate the vehicle he is operating, notwithstanding that a traffic control signal may indicate that vehicles may proceed.

Whoever violates any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than $200.

Whenever a pedestrian is injured by a motor vehicle in a marked crosswalk, the department of state police or the municipal police department with jurisdiction of the street, in consultation with department of state police if deemed appropriate, shall conduct an investigation into the cause of the injury and any violation of this section or other law or ordinance and shall issue the appropriate civil or criminal citation or file an application for the appropriate criminal complaint, if any. This section shall not limit the ability of a district attorney or the attorney general to seek an indictment in connection with the operation of a motor vehicle which causes injury or death and which violates this section.

Drivers should yield to pedestrians in many traffic situations. Approaching and passing vehicles also have a duty to pass only when it is safe.

The right of way, however, is not absolute, and pedestrians must always use reasonable caution. Pedestrians crossing state highways must ordinarily yield to highway traffic, and in cities, where crosswalks are present, city ordinances and state regulations may require the pedestrian to cross at a corner or a crosswalk.

Our Boston attorneys can explain more about your specific claim in a free consultation.

Do I need an attorney for my pedestrian accident claim?

Injuries suffered by pedestrians are often severe, with injuries that never really heal, causing chronic pain and side effects for the rest of their lives. These injuries can include things like:

At Breakstone, White & Gluck, we work to get you the best recovery, and collaborate with recognized experts on questions of liability, injuries, and economic damages.

We also understand that immediate investigation and preservation of evidence is often a critical element in proving personal injury and wrongful death cases involving pedestrians. Investigation may involve examination of the scene of the car accident and the gathering of witness statements. Video surveillance is also important evidence in pedestrian accidents, and our firm is skilled in identifying potential sources. Our attorneys get to work securing all evidence immediately.

Pedestrian Accidents Claim

Who is liable for my Boston pedestrian accident?

After a car accident, it’s also important to determine who was at fault and who may be responsible for compensating you for your injuries. If a driver is at fault, you may typically seek compensation from that driver’s Massachusetts auto insurance policy. But it is often much more complicated. For instance, a truck driver or bus driver can cause injury on the job. In these cases, their employer may also be held liable. In fact, it’s not uncommon to have several liable parties, or defendants, in personal injury cases.

Our attorneys can help you determine all the potential sources of compensation during the investigation.

When a pedestrian dies as a result of a crash, a family member may be named executor of the deceased’s estate. Under Massachusetts law, this person may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent driver. In this situation, it is essential to consult with a Massachusetts-based lawyer with experience representing plaintiffs in both pedestrian accident and wrongful death cases.

Do you have a pedestrian accident injury attorney near me?

Breakstone, White & Gluck has an office in Boston at 2 Center Plaza #530 in Government Center. We’re within walking distance of the John Adams Courthouse and Suffolk County Superior Court. There’s a parking garage in the building. The MBTA Green Line and Blue Line are right across the street at the Government Center T station, and there’s a bus stop almost in front of our office. If you are unable to travel because of your injuries, we are pleased to arrange a phone or video conference, or a hospital visit.

Center Plaza

Boston pedestrian accident lawyers handling cases throughout Massachusetts

If you or someone you love were injured as a pedestrian, you need to act now. The Boston attorneys at Breakstone, White & Gluck know how to file your insurance claim, work to get your medical bills get paid, and handle the tough stuff while you take the time to heal from your injuries. We’re here to fight for what you deserve. Call or fill out our contact form to set up a free consultation today.

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