Car Accidents

January 11, 2011

Wheelchair victim seriously injured in New Bedford pedestrian accident for second time in recent months

A man in a wheelchair was seriously injured when he was struck by an oil truck in a New Bedford crosswalk.

The New Bedford pedestrian accident is the second accident involving a victim in a wheelchair in recent months. A 57-year-old man died in October after being hit in his wheelchair at a Route 6 intersection, the Boston Herald reported.

Massachusetts trucking accidents are frequently fatal when pedestrians or cyclists are involved. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports more than 400 bicyclists and pedestrians were killed in accidents with large trucks in 2008 and another 3,000 were seriously injured.

The accident victim in this case was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital and later transferred by medical helicopter to Massachusetts General Hospital.

Police report the victim was 84 years old. He was southbound on Purchase Street at about 3:30 p.m. on Monday when he was struck while in the crosswalk at Purchase and Hillman streets.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation reports that senior citizens account for nearly 40 percent of all fatal pedestrian accidents in Massachusetts.

Those under the age of 15 account for nearly 30 percent of pedestrian victims.
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January 10, 2011

Program aims to reduce young teens’ risk of Boston car accidents

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

In the ongoing battle to reduce your child’s risk of being involved in a Massachusetts car accident, our Boston injury lawyers encourage you to remain proactive in 2011.

Safe Kids USA is launching a program in conjunction with General Motors Foundation called Countdown2Drive. The program will target 13 to 14-year-old teenagers, before they are eligible to drive.

“Our goal is to educate young teens, as they begin to transition from passengers to drivers,” said John Formisano, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. “Our research shows teen pre-drivers are eager to learn, and they are focused on the freedom a driver’s license and access to a car can provide.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that car accidents are the leading cause of death for all teenagers, both those ages 15 to 20 who are old enough to drive, and younger teens who are anxiously awaiting their driving privileges. Nearly 6,000 teenage drivers were involved in fatal crashes in 2008. Massachusetts car accidents involving young drivers claimed 68 lives that year.

“By preparing them to be good passengers, Countdown2Drive can help decrease the number of crashes and injuries that occur during their first and most dangerous year of driving,” Formisano said. “Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of teens, with driver inexperience and distractions among the main causes of teen crashes.”

A 13 or 14-year-old faces double the risk of being involved in a fatal accident as that of when they were younger. That risk continues to rise as a teen gets older.

“Texting and talking on cell phones may feel like second nature to a tech-savvy generation, but the truth is, no one can talk or text while driving safely,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Driving distracted is a dangerous and deadly practice, which is why we need to reach teens early on – before they get a permit and a license to drive.”

Here you will find more information on theCountdown2Drive program.
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January 8, 2011

Phone companies working to reduce Boston car accidents caused by distracted driving

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

AT&T is launching the “It Can Wait” campaign which aims to teach motorists about the dangers of text messaging while driving, the Examiner reported.

Our Boston car accidents lawyers frequently discuss the dangers of distracted driving caused by cell phones and text messaging. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports about 5,000 deaths and 500,000 injuries are caused each year in car accidents involving distracted drivers.

While cell phone companies have long since moved away from marketing the devices as “car phones” — as they did when first introduced in a Chrysler K car at Soldier Field in Chicago in the mid-1980s — companies have become increasingly concerned about the dangers their products create when used by drivers who should be paying attention to the road.

The “It Can Wait” campaign includes a 10-minute documentary featuring a teen killed the day before her high school graduation and another teen who killed a bicyclist while texting “lol.”

The documentary is being distributed to politicians, government agencies, educators, students and safety organizations.

“This documentary is a raw look at the reality and hazards of texting while driving, and we hope it will make wireless customers think twice before pulling out their cell phones in the driver’s seat,” said Cathy Coughlin of AT&T. “As a global telecommunications company, it is our responsibility to bring these risks to light.”

The campaign also features a Facebook application, including a pledge not to text and drive that has been taken by about 22,000 consumers since it launched in March 2010.

Teen are at highest risk of distracted driving accident stemming from cell phone use or text messaging. A Pew Internet & American Life Project report recently found more than one-fourth of teens ages 16 or 17 had admitted to texting while driving and nearly half had made calls on their cell phone while driving.

More information on the “It Can Wait” campaign is available here.
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January 6, 2011

Teens at high risk of Boston drunk driving car accidents

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A new report published by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that about 1 in 10 teenagers admitted to drinking and driving within the past year.

It is the latest study to highlight the many risk factors associated with teen driving. Our Boston car accident attorneys are well aware that teenagers are at high risk for every conceivable poor driving habit, including drunk driving, speeding, distracted driving, not wearing their seat belt and riding with too many passengers in the vehicle. And the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues to report that car accidents are the leading cause of death for all teens, including those ages 15 to 20 and those not yet old enough to drive.

While ten percent of teens admit to drinking and driving within the last 12 months, more alarming still is the fact that half of those admit to having done it more than once in the last year. When you factor in the fact that teenagers often ride with friends, it becomes highly probable that your teenagers — yes YOUR teenager — is going to be faced with the decision of whether or not to ride in a vehicle with someone who has been drinking.

Massachusetts drunk driving accidents are a leading cause of fatal Boston car accidents. The NHTSA reports that alcohol was involved in 177 of the 417 fatal accident reported in Massachusetts in 2008 — accounting for a staggering 42 percent of all fatalities.

While great strides have been made in combating drunk driver over the past several decades — 87 percent of those polled said there is almost universal disapproval — much work remains to be done. Safety advocates continue to push for ignition interlock devices — which test a driver’s breath and prohibit a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected. The AAA Foundation reports that there is nearly universal support for requiring the devices for repeat DUI offenders. About 69 percent of those polled favor the devices for all motorists convicted of DUI, including first-time offenders.

“Drunk drivers put everyone on the road in danger,” said AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger. “Driving is both a privilege and a responsibility. Exploring new technologies, such as interlocking devices, are important to ensuring public safety in conjunction with personal responsibility and law enforcement.”
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January 4, 2011

Massachusetts car accidents injuries trooper; Move Over law aims to protect crews from work accidents in Boston

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Mass Live reports a trooper with the Massachusetts State Police has been seriously injured after being struck from behind by another driver on the Massachusetts Turnpike.

Our Boston car accident attorneys and Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyers reported frequently last year on the dangers faced by troopers and other employees who drive for a living. At least five troopers were seriously injured or killed in car accidents last year. In each of the last two years, about 20 cruisers have been struck by drunk drivers.

Nearly 40 percent of all work accident are the result of transportation injuries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last year, 1,682 workers were killed in transportation accidents. A total of 4,340 were killed in work accidents nationwide.

Trooper Steven Larocco, 39, of the Northampton barracks, had stopped to assist the driver of a Jeep Liberty near exit 8 when his cruiser was struck from behind by a Dodge Avenger. The driver of the Avenger was not injured by his two passengers were also taken to Baystate Medical Center for treatment. The Avenger’s driver was cited for having an open container of alcohol in the car and for failure to take care in stopping.

As we reported last month on our Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog, the state’s Move Over law requires that drivers move over and/or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles with activated flashing lights.

Please obey the law and do your part to help get our emergency crews home safe to their families in 2011.
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December 31, 2010

Boston car accident lawyers wish you a safe New Year’s Holiday

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The Boston Car Accident attorneys and staff at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers wish you a safe and enjoyable New Year. Please celebrate responsibly and don’t drink and drive.

News22 reports that Northampton police will be out in force, as police departments throughout the state join the Massachusetts State Police in cracking down on drunk drivers.

“There’s a drunk driving ‘Over the Limit, Under Arrest’ campaign going on,” said Lt. John Healey. “This weekend, we’ll have 20 extra patrols out throughout the area, looking for drunk drivers.”

The Swampscott Reporter notes that 230 Massachusetts law enforcement agencies will be participating in the “Over the Limit. Under Arrest” campaign through the weekend.

Authorities point to the effort as aiding in the reduction of Massachusetts drunk driving accidents in recent years. In 2004, a total of 169 motorists were killed in drunk driving accidents in the state, compared to 124 in 2008.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving reports someone is killed in a drunk driving accident every 50 minutes.

Please be responsible this weekend. Designate a driver. Call a cab. Stay with a friend. Find a safe ride home. But don’t drink and drive.
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December 29, 2010

Choice in vehicles can impact injury risk in Boston car accidents

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Choosing a passenger vehicle is a matter of personal choice but Boston drivers should rank safety high on their list when deciding which kind of vehicle to drive. Our Boston car accident attorneys see the type of vehicle a motorist drives can frequently influence the severity of the injuries that occur as a result of a crash.

The Fatality Analysis Reporting System, used by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported a total of 45,435 vehicles involved in fatal crashes in 2009. Passenger cars accounted for 18,350 of the vehicles involved, or just over 40%, while light trucks accounted 17,902, slightly under 40 percent.

Massachusetts in 2009, reported a total of 441 vehicles involved in fatal crashes. Similar to national stats, just under 80% of vehicles involved were either passenger cars (49%) or light trucks (30.8%).

Rollover crashes are one of the most serious types of crashes mostly due to the fact that the chance of passengers being seriously or fatally injured is much higher. As was recently reported in Boston by the Boston Channel, two young adults were killed in a roll over crash. Though it is believed that speeding and driving under the influence both played a roll in the accident, the two victims were trapped and killed instantly when their vehicle was found upside down after hitting a tree.

Last year in the United States, FARS reported 16.4% of fatal rollover accidents involved a passenger car vehicle as opposed to 28.2% of light trucks that were involved in fatal roll over accidents. Massachusetts in 2009 reported a total of 55 vehicles involved in fatal rollover accidents.

Two major factors play a role in rollover accidents – you and your passenger vehicle. Use the following safety tips in order to reduce the chances of a rollover accident from happening:

-Choose your passenger vehicle wisely – vehicles with a high center of gravity have a tendency to flip over so research before you purchase.

-Avoid high speeds on curvy roads or making excessive lane changes.

-Awareness of road conditions is a necessity as rain, sleet, or fog can force a vehicle off the road in unfamiliar territory and could result in a rollover accident.

-Perform routine maintenance checks on your vehicle. Checking brakes, tires, and fluids keep the vehicle working properly.
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December 25, 2010

Give everyone a gift — reduce risk of Boston car accidents by not drinking and driving

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The Boston car accident lawyers and the staff at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers want to wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a safe and enjoyable new year. Please celebrate responsibly and don’t drink and drive.

The Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) organization works hard every day of the year but it is this time of year that they try a little harder to get their message out to the country. The holidays are a special time for families, unless they are mourning or remembering a loved one killed by a drunk driver.

Penalties vary from state to state, but 5-15 years in prison for vehicular homicide is common. Recently updated in October 2010, MADD reported that Massachusetts drunk drivers if found negligent will be sentenced to no less than 2 ½ years or no more than $5000. If carelessness behavior is not found their sentence is no less than 30 days or more than $3000.

In 2009, MADD ranked Massachusetts at 31, meaning only 19 states are safer to be on the roadways when it comes to drunk driving. There were 108 fatalities in Massachusetts as a result of drunken driving crashes.

Unfortunately, MADD also reports that 4,840 people were 5 time DUI repeat offenders. Massachusetts is one of 48 states who enforce the ignition interlock device with a second offense. The device is an apparatus in which repeat offenders place in the ignition of their car and have to breathe into a tube before igniting the vehicle. MADD is currently working with the state of Massachusetts to enforce for first-time offenders.

MADD knows the holidays can be a difficult time for those who have lost a loved one to drunk driving so they offer the following helpful tips:

-In remembrance of your loved one you may want to donate gifts to a needy family or child’s organization. Sometimes doing a good deed is the best medicine to get you through the tough times.

-Instead of drowning in thoughts of sorrow, get your family members together and share fond memories and stories of your loved one in an effort to make it a happier occasion for everyone.

– Start a new tradition at the holidays doing something your loved one might have really enjoyed like taking a trip, or purchasing a favorite gift.

For more information on the current holiday campaigns: “Tree of Life Tribute Fund”, “Tie One on for MADD”, “Give the Gift of Designated Driver” visit MADDS website and find out how you can help today.
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December 23, 2010

Safe driving habits reduce risk of Boston car accidents this holiday season

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

As you travel on the road this holiday season, be mindful of the dangers of driving during this time of the year. Driving in inclement weather is always a hazard during the winter months but the increased volume of passenger vehicles on the roadways heightens the risk of a Boston car accident through the peak holiday travel season. It’s possible that we are all guilty of rushing this time of year with all the added pressures of holiday parties and family gatherings and the things associated with making them a hit. Reduce the risk of a tragedy in your family by reducing your speed, wearing your seat belt, and allowing yourself plenty of travel time.

Our Boston car accident attorneys wish each of you an enjoyable holiday and urge you to practice the safe driving habits that will reduce your risk of being involved in a serious or fatal Massachusetts car accident. That means don’t speed, avoid aggressive driving, don’t drink and drive, avoid distracted driving and stay safe in heavy traffic and inclement weather.

In 2009, there were 1,719 traffic related fatalities in the United States on Christmas Day (640), New Year’s Eve (75), and New Year’s Day (1,004) as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System. In Massachusetts, there were a total of 9 fatalities on Christmas Day (8) and New Year’s Day (1). The number of fatalities may seem miniscule at less than 1% when compared to the national fatality rate in 2009 but the population of residents in Massachusetts is quite small in comparison to the national population.

A family from Bourne, MA is all too familiar with the tragedy a fatality can bring during the holidays. Their son was struck by a hit and run driver while walking home from a party during the early hours of New Year’s Day. Though the cause of the accident was unknown, the driver of the SUV not only showed poor judgment to get in the vehicle and drive that morning but magnified the irresponsibility by leaving a young man to die in the streets.

Don’t make the choice to be an irresponsible driver this holiday season. Wear your seat belt, maintain an appropriate speed based on the conditions of the roadway, and be alert at all times. Even as a pedestrian you need to be alert of what is going on around you at all times. A split second can alter a life forever.
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December 21, 2010

Road rage a risk for Boston car accidents through holiday season

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Most drivers have been either the victim or the aggressor in certain road rage situations at some point in their life. In this day and age it has become almost standard for some drivers to show aggressive driving behaviors. Boston drivers are no different when it comes to aggressive driving, especially during the holidays. Aggressive driving can lead to a Massachusetts car accident so take a deep breath and cut your fellow driver a break this holiday season.

Congested roads, running late, life stresses, and road construction are a few common causes of road rage that lead to aggressive driving. Aggressive driving can be defined as a hostile act committed by a driver. Examples of these acts are yelling at another driver, continuously tailgating the vehicle in front of you, making rude hand gestures at the other driver, or laying on your horn at another driver.

Aggressive drivers have a difficult time refraining from committing these hostile behaviors. Though their acts may not be directed at you, drivers who are speeding, not signaling, not yielding the right of way and constantly changing lanes are also considered aggressive drivers.

If you are on the road and you see this type of driving behavior refrain from doing anything to escalate the behavior. If you are behind the vehicle, decrease your speed and lengthen the distance between you and the other driver. If an aggressive driver comes up behind you, stay calm and let them pass by safely moving over into another lane or off to the side of the road until they move past your vehicle.

Road rage is the most extreme form of aggressive driving. Earlier this year, a Boston firefighter was arrested and charged after a case of road rage when he cut off a driver, proceeded to break a window in the victim’s car with his fist while he stood yelling at the driver and his family and then sped off for the police to chase him down later. Though alcohol played a role in this particular incident, it doesn’t always. These same behaviors are generally exhibited by those who aren’t driving under the influence.
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