Truck Driver Claimed He Thought He Hit a Deer After Striking a Female Pedestrian on Lake Pleasant Road in Montague
MONTAGUE, MASSACHUSETTS (April 7, 2026) – A woman was seriously injured in a Montague truck accident on Lake Pleasant Road.
Franklin County officials are saying the accident took place around 7:45 PM on Tuesday, involving a pedestrian hit by a truck while she was walking along the road.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim. She was airlifted to a local hospital by the Montague Center Fire Department.
The driver of the truck said he initially thought he hit a deer. A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Montague Truck Accidents
Every driver in Massachusetts is expected to operate their vehicle with the safety and prudence necessary to avoid causing harm to pedestrians and other drivers. According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 89 Section 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 marked in accordance with standards established by the department of highways.” Drivers should take certain actions to reduce the likelihood of a pedestrian collision.
- Speed: Drivers should reduce their speed when pedestrians are nearby.
- Horn: Drivers should use their horns as necessary to alert pedestrians of their presence.
- Blind Spots: Drivers should check their blind spots before making turns at any intersection.
- Maintenance: Drivers should ensure that their vehicles are periodically inspected and well maintained.
If a truck driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting any pedestrian on the roadway, they could be legally responsible for the victim’s injuries. Even if a pedestrian is in the middle of a roadway, this does not relieve a driver of their duty to use caution and slow down to avoid a collision. Liability for a pedestrian accident could extend to several different parties. This is particularly true if a truck was being used for commercial purposes.
Severe & Common Injuries Resulting from Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in the event of a collision. According to the NHTSA, “In 2023 there were 7,314 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes, a 3.7- percent decrease from the 7,593 pedestrian fatalities in 2022.” Survivors tend to suffer very serious injuries.
- Victims of pedestrian accidents often suffer bone fractures, particularly in their legs and arms.
- Many pedestrians involved in car accidents have sustained traumatic injuries to their head. These can result in lasting physical and neurological impairments.
- Internal injuries are also extremely common. The blunt force associated with a direct impact can cause severe damage to a person’s organs.
Even if a person is able to heal physically after a pedestrian accident, many survivors report suffering from long-term psychological injuries. These can manifest in a variety of different ways, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Victims of pedestrian accidents are able to seek some measure of accountability and justice through a personal injury claim.
Montague Truck Accident Lawyers: DiBella Law Investigates Local Commercial Crashes
We at DiBella Law extend our best wishes to the woman injured in this Montague truck accident. It is our sincere hope that she will be able to make a full recovery. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.
Do you need more information about a Montague truck accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates is here for you. We are committed to helping victims get the medical and financial support that they need to move forward with their lives. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (617) 870-0907.