Were You Harmed by a Careless Driver in Gloucester, MA?
Walking is a wonderful way to get around if you live in Gloucester, MA. Whether you’re out running errands, picking your kids up from school, or just taking a leisurely stroll, you can get some exercise while you enjoy being outside.
Pedestrians have the right to get around safely just like people who are travelling in vehicles. But when careless drivers cause accidents that involve pedestrians, the results can be devastating.
If you were seriously injured by a negligent driver while you were out walking in Gloucester, our team at DiBella Law Offices, P.C. can file a claim to help you get the money you to cover the cost of your injuries. Call (978) 327-5140 to schedule a FREE consultation today.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
Pedestrian Accidents in Gloucester, MA
Gloucester is a beautiful coastal city with a rich history of fishing. It is a place that many people frequent for fresh seafood and to visit the lighthouses and Fisherman’s Memorial along the harbor. It is a very busy part of the city for both cars and pedestrians.
In one year, there were seven fatal automobile accidents in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Anyone who walks along our roads can be the victim of a careless driver. Children and older citizens are especially vulnerable to injuries caused by careless drivers. For example, a 70 year old Rockport resident suffered serious injuries due to a crash in Gloucester that occurred at the parking lot of the Dunkin Donut shop on Washington Street. The victim was airlifted to a local hospital.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?
Most pedestrian accidents are caused by careless drivers who ignore traffic laws or fail to look out for people who are walking. To be as safe as possible, pedestrians will want to obey all the rules and be careful, especially at intersections. The following types of unsafe driving practices pose serious risks to pedestrians:
- Distracted driving. With the increased use of cell phones, driver distraction has become a major hazard on our roads. Using a handheld device for texting or talking, reaching for objects inside the vehicle, eating, talking, and checking GPS can all lead to accidents where pedestrians are harmed.
- DUI. Alcohol and drugs impair the driver’s judgment, reaction time, coordination, and vision. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances are a threat to everyone on the road.
- Poor weather leads to unsafe driving conditions and reduced visibility. Drivers must take the presence of rain, snow, fog, and ice into account and reduce their speed accordingly.
- Reckless driving such as speeding, failure to yield, running a red light, and ignoring stop signs result in serious accidents where pedestrians may be harmed.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
What to Do After an Accident
The first thing you will want to do after a pedestrian accident is dial 911. It’s essential to get medical care after being struck by a motor vehicle. Some injuries such as internal bleeding, concussions, and brain injuries can turn out to be much worse than they seem.
It’s important to attend all your doctor’s office appointments and keep records to share with your pedestrian accident attorney. When you feel up to it, take pictures of the accident site. It’s also important to collect contact information from the driver involved in the accident and any witnesses.
It’s essential to speak with a Gloucester accident attorney before making any statements to an insurance company agent. Insurance companies make their money by paying out as little as possible in claims. Their agents may try to trick you into saying something that could hurt your claim. When it comes to dealing with insurance companies, it’s best to allow your lawyer to do all the talking.
Get in touch with us today to get a free consultation.
Determining Liability After an Accident in Gloucester
If another person’s negligent behavior was at least 50 percent responsible for your injuries, due to an accident in Gloucester, you have the right to seek compensation. Your personal injury attorney will investigate the accident to determine who’s responsible for your injuries. Then they will file a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company to cover your expenses.
As part of their investigation, your attorney will collect the following types of information: police reports, witness testimony, accident scene photos, surveillance camera video, accident scene recreations, and testimony from medical experts.
Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries such as paralysis, brain injuries, or loss of limb that will require extensive long-term care. Your attorney will calculate the true cost of your injuries when they submit their claim. This may include:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income
- Nursing care
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Home and vehicle alterations such as lifts and ramps
Common Injuries Caused by Pedestrian Accidents
Because a pedestrian has nothing to protect themself against a collision with a car or a big rig truck, injuries sustained in these accidents can be severe. Our clients often undergo tragic consequences from pedestrian accidents, including:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Soft tissue damage
- Bone fractures
- Spinal cord damage
- Whiplash
- Lacerations
- Road rash
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
- Wrongful death
We’re on Your Side
You shouldn’t have to pay your own medical bills if you were harmed in an accident caused by another person’s careless behavior. If you were injured while a pedestrian in Gloucester, MA, our personal injury lawyers can help.
Christopher DiBella has been recognized as one of the top 100 trial lawyers in America by the American Academy of Attorneys. Our team at DiBella Law Offices, P.C. can file a claim to help you get the money you need.
Call (978) 327-5140 to learn more today.
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