There are several Massachusetts laws which aim to protect pedestrians:
Under Massachusetts law, drivers have to operate with care around pedestrians. M.G.L. c. 90, § 14 states, “Upon approaching a pedestrian who is upon the traveled part of any way and not upon a sidewalk, every person operating a motor vehicle shall slow down.”
Massachusetts laws also require drivers to use care when passing or turning at intersections.
Drivers must also follow speed limit laws. When speed limits are not posted, drivers must use good judgment. M.G.L. c. 90, § 17 states, "No person operating a motor vehicle on any way shall run it at a rate of speed greater than is reasonable and proper, having regard to traffic and the use of the way and the safety of the public."
Further, drivers must use caution near pedestrians when a “special hazard” exists or “by reason of weather or highway conditions.” Drivers must recognize dangerous conditions and slow down to avoid causing a pedestrian accident. They must also slow down at night, when visibility is low.
If a driver is
speeding at the time of a pedestrian crash, how fast makes all the difference. The higher the speed, the more likely the pedestrian accident is to result in death or catastrophic injuries. According to the City of Minneapolis Vision Zero Crash Study, drivers traveling 40 mph had a 73 percent likelihood of killing a pedestrian. At 30 mph, drivers had a 40 percent likelihood of hitting and killing a pedestrian. At 20 mph, there was a 13 percent likelihood.
Top-Rated Boston Pedestrian Accident Lawyers - Serving Boston, Cambridge, Quincy and Massachusetts
Breakstone, White & Gluck has more than 100 years combined experience representing pedestrians and their families after serious and fatal
accidents in Massachusetts. We are committed to thoroughly investigating the cause of each accident and working vigorously to help our clients recover the maximum compensation.
Our attorneys represent those injured in Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, Somerville, Everett, Saugus, Lynn, Arlington and throughout Suffolk, Norfolk, Middlesex and Essex Counties. We urge you not to speak to the driver's insurance company until you have received medical treatment and have consulted a lawyer. For a free legal consultation, contact Breakstone, White & Gluck at
800-379-1244 or
617-723-7676 or use our
contact form.