Jenna, 8, Injured in Car Accident with Pickup Truck Near the Intersection of Congress Street and Spruce Street
MILFORD, MASSACHUSETTS (November 17, 2025) – An 8-year-old girl identified as Jenna was injured in a Milford car accident near the intersection of Congress Street and Spruce Street.
Around 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, Jenna was walking with her father in a crosswalk near Congress Street and Spruce Street when she was hit by a truck.
The truck struck the girl and pinned her underneath. An off-duty nurse rushed to the scene to help her.
Paramedics were also called to the scene of the collision to provide further assistance. Jenna was airlifted to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester with major injuries.
Cassie O’Donnell, Jenna’s mother, told reporters that her daughter suffered numerous injuries, including a collapsed lung in a fractured rib.
You can help support the victim and her family through GoFundMe. According to the online fundraiser, “This GoFundMe is aiming to support her family and Mother while she remains out of work to care for her and any medical bills Jenna will accumulate not covered by insurance. Jenna has 3 older siblings and a newborn younger sibling. Thoughts, Prayers, and good manifestations are very appreciated.”
Liability for Massachusetts Pedestrian Accidents
Every driver in Massachusetts is expected to operate their vehicle with the care and diligence necessary to avoid hitting a pedestrian crossing the street. According to M.G.L. c. 89 § 11, “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.” Several factors could contribute to any pedestrian accident.
- Fatigue: Drivers are substantially more likely to be involved in a crash with pedestrians if they are fatigued. This is why it is so important for all drivers to be well rested before heading out onto the roadway.
- Distraction: A substantial portion of pedestrian collisions involve a driver who was distracted by their cell phone or other objects.
- Speed: All drivers are expected to operate their vehicles at a safe speed given the prevailing traffic and road conditions. They must be particularly cautious when pedestrians are nearby.
If a driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian lawfully crossing in a marked crosswalk, they could be held at fault through a negligence claim. Even if a pedestrian was outside of a marked crosswalk, this does not relieve a driver of the responsibility to take measures to avoid hitting them. Depending on the facts of any case, there could be several liable parties for any pedestrian collision. This includes the company or business that may have potentially owned or operated a truck.
Common Injuries Associated With Massachusetts Pedestrian Accidents
Thousands of pedestrians are either seriously injured or killed every year in car accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Over 8,000 pedestrians were killed on our nation’s roads in crashes involving a motor vehicle in 2022. That’s about one death every 64 minutes. There were also an estimated 140,000 emergency department visits of pedestrians treated for non-fatal crash-related injuries in 2022.” Victims of pedestrian accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries.
- Broken Bones: Pedestrians lack the protection of those in enclosed vehicles. They are far more likely to sustain broken bones when hit by cars.
- Head Injuries: If a pedestrian is knocked to the ground by a vehicle, they may hit their head and sustain a major head injury. These injuries can lead to concussions and even paralysis.
- Organ Damage: Many of the injuries associated with car accidents will not be outwardly obvious. Pedestrians routinely sustain critical damage to their internal organs.
Even after a person’s physical injuries have healed, many victims of pedestrian accidents suffer long-term psychological injuries. This can manifest through nightmares, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is important for victims to carefully consider their legal options. They may be able to pursue damages through a personal injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
Investigating Massachusetts Pedestrian Accidents
We at DiBella Law extend our best wishes to Jenna and her family. It is our sincere hope that she will be able to make a full recovery. Any person who may have more information should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. City officials should strongly consider measures to help make this intersection safer.
Do you need more information about a Massachusetts pedestrian accident? Our team of pedestrian accident attorneys is here to assist you. We are committed to helping victims get the medical and financial support that they need to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or are wondering how an attorney might be able to help with your particular situation, we are here to serve your needs. You’re always welcome to reach out to us anytime at (617) 870-0907.