Diligent Counsel for Pedestrian Accidents in Massachusetts

Helping You Move Forward

Despite the laws that are in place to protect them, pedestrians face serious safety risks in Massachusetts. Unlike in accidents involving cars, pedestrians do not have the steel frame of a vehicle to protect them if they are struck by a negligent driver. Pedestrians are the most vulnerable users of the road, and accidents involving them often result in catastrophic injuries or fatality.

The physical, emotional, and economic impact of a pedestrian accident can be substantial, Attorney Rick Madore understands how devastating pedestrian injuries caused by a driver’s recklessness or negligence can be — and the hardships they can cause a victim’s family to suffer. He works relentlessly to hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions and strives to secure the maximum amount of compensation in every case.

Unwavering Advocacy for Injured Pedestrians

Unfortunately, no matter how many safety precautions you might take, pedestrian accidents may arise when you least expect them. Whether you’re on the sidewalk, at a median, in a crosswalk, or walking through a parking lot, vehicles can pose a significant hazard while you’re on foot. Those who operate cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and other vehicles can sometimes fail to follow the rules of the road and yield the right of way. Motorists may also be fatigued, preoccupied with their cellphones, or simply inattentive, causing them to collide with a pedestrian.

Other common causes of pedestrian accidents can include the following:

  • Excessive speeding
  • Failure to obey stop signs
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Driving while texting
  • Rolling stops
  • Failure to observe
  • Inexperienced drivers
  • Recklessness
  • Poor judgment
  • Lack of visibility

There are different facts and circumstances surrounding every pedestrian accident, and every victim is affected by their injuries in a unique way. If you were hit by a vehicle while you were walking, jogging, or running, it’s essential to have the representation of a committed attorney to help ensure you receive your rightful compensation. Rick’s clients can have peace of mind that they don’t just have knowledgeable counsel on their side, but a fearless advocate who will fight to obtain justice on their behalf.

Unyielding Representation to Hold the Negligent Party Responsible

While pedestrians generally have the right of way under Massachusetts law, this is not always the case. To demonstrate another party should be held liable in a personal injury lawsuit for your pedestrian accident, you must establish negligence. In other words, you must show that the motorist (1) owed you a duty of reasonable care; (2) breached this duty; (3) you were caused to suffer an injury due to the party’s breach; (4) you incurred damages because of the breach.

Specifically, motorists must yield to a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk if they are on the half of the roadway on which their vehicle is traveling — or within ten feet of that side of the roadway. Drivers are also prohibited by statute from passing other vehicles stopped at a crosswalk as a pedestrian is walking across the street. If a driver strikes a pedestrian in a crosswalk, police are required to conduct an investigation. Based on their findings, the driver may face criminal consequences, in addition to incurring civil liability for the pedestrian’s injuries.

Importantly, not only can a careless driver be held liable for a pedestrian’s injuries, but there may be another negligent party in some cases. For instance, if roadway conditions or broken traffic control devices contributed to the accident, a municipality might be legally responsible.

Attorney Rick Madore has a deep understanding regarding the complexities involved in pedestrian accidents and skillfully evaluates each claim to identify all sources of potential monetary recovery. He is also adept at communicating with the insurance companies to ensure your claim is handled properly — and will vigorously pursue the best possible outcome in your case.

Striving to Achieve the Compensation That is Rightfully Yours

Your life can change in an instant if you’ve been hit by a vehicle while on foot. You might no longer be able to work, participate in your usual activities, or even carry out tasks in your household. Your injuries may require extensive medical care, physical therapy, or even surgical intervention.

Additionally, the economic losses you might incur in a pedestrian accident can be substantial — as you continue to lose wages, medical bills can quickly add up. By filing a personal injury action, you might be able to recover various economic and non-economic damages, including:

  • Medical expenses, hospital bills, surgery, and rehabilitative care
  • Future medical treatment costs
  • Out-of-pocket costs for medication and medical equipment
  • Past and future lost earnings
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of companionship
  • Compensation for disfigurement
  • Punitive damages in certain cases

A negligent motorist will usually try to place blame for the accident on the pedestrian by arguing they were distracted or didn’t have the right of way in order to reduce their compensation. However, it’s crucial to be aware that Massachusetts law allows a victim to recover compensation for their injuries if they are less than 51 percent at fault for the accident. In such cases, the monetary award you are entitled to receive would be reduced by your percentage of blame.

Offering responsive legal services and trusted counsel, Attorney Rick Madore has earned a well-deserved reputation among his clients and colleagues for achieving high-quality results, in even the most complicated cases. Having handled hundreds of personal injury cases, Rick is dedicated to standing up for his clients as they go through some of their most financially, physically, and emotionally stressful times.

Contact a Skilled Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Massachusetts

If you’ve suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, a qualified personal injury attorney can help ensure you receive the maximum compensation available under the law. Based in Boston, the Law Office of Richard R. Madore, P.C. provides personalized time and attention to clients for a wide variety of personal injury matters throughout the Greater Boston area, Central Massachusetts, and Western Massachusetts. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and review of your claim.