Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog
A 52-year-old United States Postal Service (USPS) worker slammed into the back of a tractor-trailer on Commerce Drive in Braintree. The Massachusetts car accident left the USPS worker pinned from the waist down. The tractor-trailer was parked on the side of the road during the evening accident, according to Boston.com.
Police report that the driver of the mail delivery truck was pinned under the dashboard and had to be extricated by firefighters. Once removed from the vehicle, he was transported to South Shore Hospital for his injuries. He was reportedly conscious and alert during the lengthy extrication. The driver of the tractor-trailer was on the side of the road, where he was parked to sleep for the night. He was was not injured in the accident.
Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand that vehicles that are parked on the side of the road, whether they be occupied by sleeping drivers or have been disabled, pose serious threats to passing motorists. Drivers who are pulled over on the side of the road have an obligation to pull the vehicle off the travel portion of the road and onto the shoulder. There are specific statutes that apply to these types of situations.
When a vehicle is pulled over on the side of the road it should have flashers activated. It should also be on the right-hand side of the road with the direction of passing traffic. A vehicle that is stationed on a divided highway’s left side is extremely dangerous. A disabled vehicle should never be stopped in a lane of traffic.
Drivers of pulled-over vehicles should move their vehicle as far away from the road as possible. At the very least, these motorists should be able to open their door without stepping out into traffic.
Massachusetts also has a Move Over Law. This law aims to protect police, firefighters, paramedics, tow truck drivers and all other roadside emergency and maintenance professionals working at the side of the road. The Move Over Law took effect back on March 22 of 2009. Specifically, this law requires that drivers that are approaching a stationary emergency or maintenance vehicle with flashing lights move over to the next adjacent lane if it is safe to do so. They’re also asked to reduce their speed. Motorists should do this for all vehicles or workers that may be on the side of our roadways. If you fail to comply with this law you can face a fine of up to $100.
Every year, there is a large number of emergency responders across the country that are injured or killed on the job while offering emergency services on the side of the road. Just this summer, six Massachusetts state troopers were injured on our roadways under these circumstances. All motorists are asked to make a personal pledge to always move over to make our roadways safer for both drivers and those on the side of the road.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Massachusetts, contact the drunk driving accident lawyers at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 877-617-5333.
Additional Resources:
Postal worker injured in Braintree crash, by Jessica Bartlett, boston.com
More Blog Entries:
Technology could Prevent Massachusetts Traffic Crashes involving Seniors, Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, July 30, 2011
The NTSB Releases Most Wanted Drivers List – Includes Boston Drunk Drivers, Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, July 8, 2011