Investigation Underway After 70-Year-Old Woman Was Injured in Salem Car Accident With Pickup Truck by Puritan Road and Shillaber Street
SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS (April 10, 2026) – A 70-year-old woman was seriously injured in a Salem car accident on Ord Street near Puritan Road and Shillaber Street.
According to Salem police, the crash occurred around 11:43 a.m. on Wednesday when the woman, who was walking in the area, was struck by a pickup truck under circumstances that remain under investigation. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported her to a Boston hospital with a significant head injury.
The driver of the pickup truck stayed at the scene and is cooperating with authorities. At this time, it is unclear whether any criminal charges will be filed as the investigation continues.
Massachusetts Pedestrian Accident Laws & Driver Liability
Drivers in Massachusetts have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles with the care and diligence necessary to avoid colliding with any pedestrian. Traveling at a safe speed is essential. According to Mass. General Laws 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.” Drivers should take several actions to avoid colliding with pedestrians.
- Drivers should check their blind spots before making any turn at an intersection.
- Drivers should use their horns to alert pedestrians of their presence.
- Drivers should continuously scan the road ahead of them for pedestrians and other hazards.
If a driver fails to slow down to avoid colliding with any pedestrian in the roadway, they could be liable for the accident. Even if a pedestrian is stationary on a road, this does not remove a driver’s responsibility of using caution to avoid collisions. When a truck or certain other vehicles are involved in a crash, liability could extend to several parties. This is particularly true if a truck or other vehicle was being used for some type of commercial purpose. It is relatively common for pickup trucks to be used in a wide variety of commercial settings.
3 Critical Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Salem, MA
Pedestrians lack the protection afforded by enclosed vehicles. Far too many pedestrians are seriously injured or killed every year across Massachusetts. According to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, “For the past five years (2017 – 2021), Massachusetts has averaged approximately 70 pedestrian fatalities per year. Males accounted for 60% of these deaths. In 2021, there were 76 pedestrian fatalities reported in Massachusetts.” Several steps should be taken after any pedestrian accident.
- Victims should seek a full medical evaluation. Many of the injuries associated with a serious collision may not be immediately obvious.
- Any surveillance footage that may have captured the accident should be collected. Many intersections are covered by traffic cameras.
- Victims should carefully consider their options with an experienced Boston pedestrian accident attorney. An attorney can help preserve key pieces of evidence and help victims understand all of their legal rights.
Being injured can be incredibly traumatic and stressful. It’s hard enough to try to recover after being seriously injured. To make matters worse, negligent drivers and insurance providers usually don’t accept responsibility after hitting any pedestrian. They are more likely to blame the victim or other third parties. This is why it is so important that these instances are properly investigated by an outside party.
Why You Should Choose DiBella Law for a Thorough Salem, MA Truck Accident Investigation
We at DiBella Law extend our best wishes to the woman injured in this Salem truck accident. It is our sincere hope that she is able to make a full recovery. City officials should consider what measures can be taken to help prevent other accidents along the stretch of road. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Salem pedestrian accident? You may be entitled to financial compensation. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial assistance that they need to move forward with their lives. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 855-342-3552.
