The City of Worcester is planning to complete long-awaited road improvements. While delayed, the upgrades come at a time when there is heightened awareness about pedestrian safety. October is National Pedestrian Safety Awareness Month, a time to reflect on those who lost their lives or were seriously injured in traffic accidents caused by negligent drivers.
According to a report in the Worcester Patch, pending projects to improve safety should be completed in the fall of 2024 – more than two years after a fatal accident brought attention to the pedestrian accident crisis. The urgent call for upgrades to Stafford, Burncoat, and Grove streets came after a 5-year-old child died in May 2022. Candice Asare-Yeboah was struck down in a crosswalk along Stafford Street, which is described as the most important of the three projects.
According to the Patch, Stafford Street is wider than the Mass Pike, does not have enough crosswalks, and is lined with sidewalks that need to be repaired. Many drivers speed along Stafford Street, raising the risk of fatal accidents.
Experienced pedestrian accident attorneys in Worcester know how dangerous speeding and other irresponsible behavior by drivers can be for people walking near the road or trying to cross.
What are the top causes of pedestrian accidents in Worcester?
Speeding is one of the factors in pedestrian accidents that can lead to serious injury or death. The following are the top causes of collisions with pedestrians:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, using their phones, eating, or engaging in other distractions often fail to notice pedestrians.
- Speeding: Drivers who exceed speed limits have less time to react to pedestrians crossing the road, increasing the likelihood and severity of accidents.
- Failure to yield: Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way at crosswalks or intersections where pedestrians have the legal right to cross.
- Driving under the influence: Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs often have reduced reaction times, poor judgment, and decreased awareness, leading to accidents involving pedestrians.
- Aggressive driving: Tailgating, speeding through intersections, and aggressive behavior by drivers can lead to dangerous situations for pedestrians.
What types of injuries occur in pedestrian collisions?
Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening. The types of injuries sustained often depend on the speed of the vehicle, the location of the impact, and whether the pedestrian was struck directly or thrown to the ground. Common types of injuries include:
- Head Injuries, including concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis and herniated discs.
- Fractures and broken bones, including leg and pelvis fractures, arm and wrist fractures, and rib fractures.
- Internal Injuries, including internal bleeding and organ damage.
In the most severe cases, pedestrian accidents can result in death, especially when high-speed collisions or large vehicles (like trucks or buses) are involved.
What can a Worcester pedestrian lawyer do to help?
If you or someone you love was hit by a car and injured, contact a Worcester pedestrian accident attorney for a free consultation. Talk to the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone, serving Worcester and all of Massachusetts. An experienced attorney from our firm can help provide legal guidance, protect your rights, and fight for fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
We've recovered over $1 billion for our clients and know how to negotiate with insurance companies. We will deal with the adjusters and challenge any lowball offers. If they don't agree to a fair settlement, we are not afraid to take the case before a jury.
Call us today to see what our law firm can do for you. Tell them you mean business!