PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS (January 4, 2026) – A pedestrian was critically injured in a Plymouth car accident with a white work van in the area of 280 Court Street.
Plymouth County officials report that the accident occurred around 6:30 PM on Saturday. The pedestrian was walking when they were hit by a white work van.
The driver of that van fled the scene and is currently being sought by police. Authorities believe that the license plate for the work van may begin with a “W” and possibly end in “65.”
The van was last seen heading north on Route 3A. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision to help the victim. He was transported to the hospital with major injuries. The Plymouth Police Department is asking anyone with additional information to contact them.
A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
Determining Liability for Plymouth Pedestrian Accidents
Every driver must use caution to avoid colliding with any pedestrian in the roadway. To that end, they must maintain a safe speed at all times. According to M.G.L. c. 89, § 11, “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 marked.” Drivers should take several actions to avoid colliding with any pedestrian.
- Blind Spots: Drivers should check their blind spots before making a turn at an intersection. Traffic intersections are the most common areas for pedestrian accidents.
- Speed: Drivers must maintain a safe speed at all times for the prevailing weather and traffic conditions.
- Maintenance: Drivers should ensure that their vehicles are routinely inspected and well maintained.
- Rest: Drivers should ensure that they are well rested before heading onto the road. Operating a vehicle while fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence.
If a driver fails to slow down to avoid colliding with a pedestrian in the roadway, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Drivers must slow down to avoid hitting pedestrians, even if they are outside of marked crosswalks. When drivers leave the scene of an injury collision, they could also face criminal liability in addition to being liable for civil damages. Any person injured in a pedestrian accident should take the time to carefully explore their legal options with a skilled attorney.
Alternative Sources of Liability for Massachusetts Pedestrian Accidents
Many people are seriously injured or killed every year in pedestrian collisions. Many of these incidents involved drivers who left the scene. According to the NHTSA, “23% of pedestrian fatalities in 2021 involved hit-and-run drivers (NCSA, 2023c), a proportion that has remained consistent for decades (Schneider, 2020).” There could be several sources of liability for any pedestrian accident beyond any driver deemed to be at fault.
- Vehicle Owner: The owner of the vehicle could be liable for a crash if they willingly allowed another person to operate it.
- Business Owner: If a truck or van was being used for work purposes at the time of a collision, the driver’s employer could be held at fault. Generally speaking, employers can be liable for the wrongful actions of their workers who were operating within the course and scope of their job duties.
- Municipal Entity: In rare circumstances, a city or other municipal entity could be liable for a pedestrian collision if it was caused by a dangerous condition on public property.
- Rental Company: A vehicle rental company could be liable for the actions of a driver that rented a vehicle under the theory of negligent entrustment. For example, they may have rented a car to someone who was visibly intoxicated or did not have a valid driver’s license.
The vast majority of pedestrian accidents are preventable. They tend to involve drivers that are speeding or otherwise disobeying traffic regulations. This is especially common when drivers flee the scene of a collision. It is important that accident victims understand that they do have legal rights. They are able to seek damages through a personal injury claim.
We Offer Legal Support for Massachusetts Pedestrian Accidents
We at DiBella Law extend our best wishes to the pedestrian injured in this collision. Any person who may have more information should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. The driver responsible for the crash should also do the right thing and come forward.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Plymouth pedestrian accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of Boston pedestrian accident attorneys is here for you. We are committed to helping victims and holding negligent drivers fully accountable for their wrongful actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (617) 870-0907.