Truck Driver Charged With Motor Vehicle Homicide Following New Bedford Collision That Killed Mary Ptaszenski
NEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS (March 17, 2026) – A 70-year-old woman identified as Mary Ptaszenski has tragically died in a New Bedford pedestrian accident by Route 18 and Coggeshall Street.
Bristol County officials are saying that the incident took place around 8:30 a.m. on Friday. Mary Ptaszenski was walking with a friend near the intersection of Route 18 and Coggeshall Street when she and another person were hit by a truck.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the injured victims. Both were transported to a hospital to receive treatment.
Sadly, Mary Ptaszenski died due to the severe nature of her injuries. The 34-year-old driver involved in the crash is being charged with vehicular homicide.
Prosecutors also allege that the suspect was intoxicated at the time of the collision. A full investigation remains ongoing.
Liability for New Bedford Pedestrian Accidents
Every driver in Massachusetts has a legal obligation to operate their vehicles with caution to avoid colliding with any pedestrian in the roadway. Among other things, drivers must maintain a safe speed. According to M.G.L. c. 90, § 17, “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.” Several other factors could contribute to any pedestrian accident.
- Distraction: A major contributing factor to pedestrian accidents is driver distraction. This could include situations where drivers are looking at their phones or reaching for an object that fell.
- Intoxication: Another major cause of pedestrian collisions is driver intoxication. What many drivers don’t realize is that a variety of drugs besides alcohol could impair their ability to operate a vehicle safely.
- Vehicle System Failures: In rare circumstances, a pedestrian collision could be caused by vehicles that malfunction for one reason or another. For example, a tire blowout could cause a driver to lose control.
When a driver fails to slow down to avoid colliding with any pedestrian in the roadway, this could be construed as negligence. Drivers that hit pedestrians while under the influence of drugs or alcohol could face criminal as well as civil liability for their actions. It is illegal to operate any motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. In the event a truck was being used for commercial purposes at the time of a crash, the company that owned or operated the truck may also bear some responsibility.
Steps to Take After New Bedford DUI Collisions
Far too many people are seriously injured or killed every year in accidents with intoxicated drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Every day, about 34 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 42 minutes. In 2023, 12,429 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths.” Certain steps should be taken after any New Bedford DUI accident.
- Police: The police should be called to the scene as early as possible. They can help preserve key pieces of evidence and investigate what may have caused any crash in the first place.
- Evidence Preservation: All of the evidence associated with the collision should be preserved. This can include photos of the accident site and physical remnants of a vehicle left after a collision.
- Independent Review: The family of any person who died in a collision should seek an independent review of the crash by a team with experience in accident reconstruction and tort claims.
Pedestrian accidents are often highly preventable. This is especially true when any person is intoxicated at the time of a collision. Sadly, drivers and their insurance providers will virtually never accept responsibility when they are involved in a crash. This is why it is so important that these incidents be thoroughly investigated by an outside party. The family of any person who died due to the negligent actions of an intoxicated driver may be able to pursue some measures of accountability through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating New Bedford DUI Collisions
We at DiBella Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mary Ptaszenski. Any person who may have more information about this accident should reach out to the police. This was a preventable tragedy that should never have taken place. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies at this location. Many questions remain unanswered.
Do you need more information about a New Bedford pedestrian collision? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that drunk drivers are held fully accountable for their crimes. Whether you have legal questions or need a free investigation into any crash, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (617) 870-0907.