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When drivers are in a rush and disregard the speed limit, they create a public safety risk and can crash, injuring other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. The risk is even greater when drivers of commercial trucks, tractor trailers and buses speed.
If you have been injured by a driver who was going too fast, contact an experienced Boston car accident attorney and learn your rights. You may be able to file a claim seeking compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. Contact Breakstone, White & Gluck at 800-379-1244 or 617-7237-7676 or use our contact form.
Lower speed limits should raise awareness about speeding and encourage drivers to slow down. A speeding ticket can be costly, hitting your wallet now and again later with a surcharge on your auto insurance.
If you have been injured by a driver who was going too fast, contact an experienced Boston car accident attorney and learn your rights. You may be able to file a claim seeking compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. Contact Breakstone, White & Gluck at 800-379-1244 or 617-7237-7676 or use our contact form.
Massachusetts Speed Limits
Massachusetts law requires drivers to observe and obey the posted speed limit. When there is no speed limit posted, drivers are expected to travel at a reasonable and safe speed limit set by the state. In thickly settled or business districts, drivers are generally not allowed to exceed 30 miles per hour. The speed limit is 20 miles per hour for areas established as school zones. On major highways such as the Massachusetts Turnpike and Route 128, posted speed limits are generally 65 mph or higher, except in places such as the Ted Williams Tunnel in Boston, where speed limits are reduced.25 mph Speed Limits in Massachusetts
There was an important change to Massachusetts speed limit laws in August 2016, with the passage of the Municipal Modernization Act. Cities and towns can now lower the statutory speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph in thickly settled or business districts, under M.G.L. c. 90 §17C.
The City of Boston led the way on reducing speed limits, petitioning the state Legislature for the authority. The city’s Vision Zero campaign is working to eliminate serious and fatal traffic deaths by 2030. According to the campaign, pedestrians have a 20 percent chance of being killed in a pedestrian accident caused by a driver traveling at 30 mph. The number drops to 12 percent when drivers are traveling 25 mph.
MassDOT has recommended communities approve the 25 mph speed limit community-wide. However, cities and towns cannot reduce the speed limits on state highways.
According to the MassDOT website and news reports, Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Revere, Lynn, Quincy and Somerville are a few communities which have approved lower speed limits. A few others include:
- On the North Shore, Beverly and Salem have approved lower speed limits.
- Closer to Boston, Lexington, Medford, Arlington and Newton did the same.
- In Northern Worcester County, Leominster has approved lower speed limits on certain roads.
- Off Cape Cod, Nantucket has lowered its speeds.
- On the South Shore, Scituate and Randolph also approved the measure.
In Western Massachusetts, news outlets reported that the Springfield City Council approved a 25 mph speed limit in July 2017. A month later, the City Council in neighboring Chicopee did the same.
MassDOT has recommended communities approve the 25 mph speed limit community-wide. However, cities and towns cannot reduce the speed limits on state highways.
Speeding Accidents Caused by Commercial Trucks, Tractor-Trailers and Buses
Truck and large vehicles have to follow the same speed limits as other drivers, unless there are signs posted otherwise. Large vehicles cause 1,115 deadly crashes each year, according to federal statistics. They are heavy and braking takes longer. When truck drivers speed, accidents are more likely to happen and they are more likely to cause serious injury to several people on the roads.
In 2016, the Chicago Tribune reported the federal government had proposed tightening the reins on large vehicles, capping speeds to 60, 65 or 68 mph for trucks and large vehicles. The proposal was made by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The agencies proposed placing electronic devices on new vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds. The electronic devices would prevent drivers from exceeding these speeds.
There were several objections to the proposals, though the agencies presented some critical facts. They said lowering the speed limit for heavy vehicles to 60 mph could save 498 lives each year. A 65 mph speed limit could save 214 lives. Even a 68 mph speed limit would save 96 lives.
Our law firm is known for our work representing those who have been injured by negligent truck drivers or tractor-trailers. We obtained a $3 million settlement for one client. In 2008, she was hit by an 18-wheel truck which crossed the center line and struck her vehicle. In this case, we oversaw a very thorough investigation, including disassembly of the truck's steering gear. The disassembly was critical because it found markings which supported the driver's claims that the steering may have locked. Our firm later brought claims against the driver and the truck owner. In turn, the defendants brought claims against the the truck manufacturer and steering manufacturer.
What to Do If You Have Been Injured by a Speeding Vehicle
If you have been injured, make sure you receive medical treatment for your injuries. After that, we urge you to contact an attorney. Speeding car accidents often result in serious personal injuries as well as substantial damage to motor vehicles and property. There can be short-term injuries, such as broken bones and lacerations. Or there can be permanent or long-term injuries, such as spinal cord injuries or paralysis. Injuries can require extensive medical treatment over a prolonged period. Those injured in motor vehicle accidents may be unable to return to work or enjoy their normal daily routine for several months or longer.After a car accident, police will interview witnesses and perform an accident reconstruction investigation. It is to your advantage to hire an experienced car accident attorney during the investigation.
