WalkBike Springfield pays tribute to accident victims.
Each year, a group of Massachusetts residents holds a solemn memorial to remember those who died walking, biking, or driving on roads in Hampden County. Tragically, dozens of people have died on the roads and streets of Hampden County in 2023.
Members of WalkBike Springfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee hold the annual Remembrance Day on the third Sunday of November. Their group seeks to improve walking and bicycle safety in their communities.
WalkBike Springfield chose to hold this year's event at Springfield Central Library on State Street, which is a dangerous location for pedestrians, according to a story by MassLive.
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents continue to happen in Springfield and throughout Massachusetts. According to Mass.gov, pedestrian fatalities rose 17 percent from 2017 to 2021.
How do pedestrian accidents happen?
Pedestrian accidents can be severe and are often fatal. People walking or riding a bicycle have little to protect them if they are struck by a vehicle. Accidents can happen in parking lots, but in Hampden County, pedestrian accidents occur frequently on roads where people might be walking to cross to the other side.
The following are some main causes of pedestrian accidents:
- Distracted drivers who might be texting or using an entertainment system in the car. Drivers can get distracted for any number of reasons, including talking to passengers.
- Speeding drivers who can't react and stop in time for a pedestrian. Drivers need to observe speed limits and slow down in poor weather conditions.
- Drunk drivers who have slower reaction times than sober drivers. They might hit a pedestrian in a crosswalk because of their impairment.
What to do if you get hit by a car
Your safety and well-being should always be the top priority after any accident involving a motor vehicle. If you get hit by a car in Massachusetts, contact police immediately. Seek medical treatment, even if you think you are fine. Some injuries are not immediately apparent, and you can never be too careful when it comes to your health.
Gather information, including the name of the driver, their address, and driver's license number. Get their license plate number and insurance information. If the at-fault driver fled the scene of the collision, try to remember the vehicle's make, model, and color. Write down the license plate number if you saw it, then notify the police right away.
Finally, consider contacting a pedestrian accident attorney, especially if your injuries are significant. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and explain potential avenues for compensation.
Contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer today
Pedestrian accidents can turn into complex insurance claims. The driver and their insurance company may try to blame the pedestrian. They may downplay the seriousness of the injury.
That's why it's important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to have an advocate on your side who can protect your rights and take a tough stance with the insurance company. If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident, contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone for a free consultation. Our firm serves all of Hampden County and works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no fees unless we win your case.
Tell them...you mean business!