Skilled Attorneys in Chelsea, MA Litigate Pedestrian Accident Cases
Accomplished firm fighting for your rights in Massachusetts
If you’re hit by a car or truck while walking, the initial impact could be devastating, but even worse might be the secondary impact against the hard surface of the road. Aggressive Massachusetts drivers pose a threat to pedestrians, especially if they are distracted or impaired. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 77 pedestrians were killed in auto accidents in 2019, accounting for 23 percent of all vehicle crash fatalities. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, the personal injury attorneys at Georges Cote LLP in Chelsea are determined to help. We provide personalized service focused on results. Our attorneys evaluate the factors that led to the accident and pursue the maximum amount of compensation possible given the extent of your injuries and the circumstances of your case.
What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents?
Drivers in pedestrian accident cases might try to allege that the victim was jaywalking or darted into traffic, but we counter meritless defenses to support our clients. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted, inattentive, intoxicated and aggressive drivers
- Poorly designed intersections
- Short traffic light change times that do not give pedestrians enough time to cross
- Poor visibility due to darkness, inclement weather or sun glare
Our firm interviews witnesses and consults with accident reconstruction experts when warranted to determine the precise cause of your accident.
What happens in the event of a hit-and-run?
It’s illegal for a driver to leave the scene of an accident that injures someone before help arrives, but panic can cause a driver to flee. Reasons for fleeing include:
- Shock at what has happened
- The driver is unlicensed
- The driver has no insurance
- The car is stolen
Many hit-and-run drivers feel remorse and later turn themselves in. Those who do not are often identified due to witness testimony or surveillance camera video. Unfortunately, some escape detection, depriving the victim of a chance at personal injury compensation. In these cases, the victims must rely on their own uninsured motorist insurance coverage.
What happens if the person who hit me is uninsured?
When a driver is uninsured, you can still get a judgment for a damage award. To collect on the judgment, you can sue to attach personal assets, such as a home or bank account. A court can also garnish a defendant’s wages until the amount owed is paid in full. You can also file a claim under the uninsured motorist coverage of your own insurance policy.
What steps should the injured party take?
A victim’s first concern should be their health and safety. If you are hurt, you have to seek immediate medical care. If you are conscious and able to move safely while you wait for emergency assistance, you should:
- Get the name, address, license number and telephone number of the driver
- Try to obtain contact information from witnesses
- Ask police how to obtain an accident report
- Take cell phone photos of the accident scene
Taking these initial steps will help your attorney get a quick start on your case. This brings us to the final point: you should immediately contact a personal injury lawyer at our firm. Do not wait until you get into a dispute with an insurance company. Get reliable help right away.
Contact an accomplished Massachusetts injury lawyer for a pedestrian accident consultation
Georges Cote LLP in Chelsea handles pedestrian accident litigation on behalf of victims throughout Massachusetts. For a free initial consultation, please call 617-884-1000 or contact us online. We are located in Chelsea, but can meet if your home or hospital if you cannot travel.
