Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog

December 7, 2011

Emergency Responders at Risk of Injury in Boston Car Accidents When Motorists Fail to Move Over

Massachusetts passed the Move Over Law in March 2009 in an effort to prevent first responders and emergency rescuers from being hit by a passing vehicle. Motorists are required by law to move over to the next adjacent lane when they see flashing lights or an accident ahead.

Massachusetts car accident attorneys understand the dangers that police officers, paramedics, firefighters, tow truck drivers and other emergency responders face when they work the scene of an accident. So we remind motorists to give them a break by reducing your speed and moving over to avoid contact with them.

A recent car accident in the Canton/Westwood area sent a police officer to the hospital after being struck by a passing vehicle while he was helping a construction crane move along Route 128. The Milton Patch reports the police cruiser was in the right lane in front of the crane that was moving into position at a construction site. A second cruiser was also driving slowly behind the crane. The accident is under investigation but the preliminary report indicates the motorist passed the first cruiser and the crane but did not see the leading cruiser before cutting in front of the crane and striking the rear of the police car. The police trooper was transported to Milton Hospital but the seriousness of his injuries has yet to be released. No charges will be filed against the car operator until the investigation is complete.

This is one of many recent serious accidents involving police who have been struck by a passing vehicle in the last year. Last March, one state patrol officer suffered serious leg injuries after he was struck by a second vehicle after pulling over a traffic violator. A second officer was hit in Framingham last March when he was riding in his police cruiser. Over the summer, six state troopers in Massachusetts were seriously injured or killed in as many weeks after responding to an emergency situation.

CBS Boston reports that the law is clearly not working with the number of accidents involving emergency responders still occurring in our state. Whether it is blatant disregard of the law or motorists’ just not being aware of the law is still to be determined. A local garage in Attleboro connected to AAA towing service responds to an average of more than 1,000 calls per month. Tow truck drivers fear for their life because they continually see speeding motorists distracted by their cell phones or drinking coffee pass within a foot of where they are standing.

According to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, troopers issued more than 3,100 violations of the Move Over Law during its first year. In 2010, the violations issued were up to 4,263. State police officials claim they don’t have enough manpower to continue enforcing the Move Over law, which explains the drop in citations issued this year which stands at 2,285 from earlier this month.

Violators can face a penalty of up to $100 when they fail to move over. Motorists are reminded to use caution and stay alert for flashing emergency lights, especially when roadways are congested.
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December 5, 2011

Boston Teens Practice Safe Driving to Avoid Car Accidents Around the Holidays

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A teen car accident over Thanksgiving weekend highlighted several examples of how bad decisions can lead to a chain reaction of severe consequences. The only positive is that no one involved in the Massachusetts car accident suffered life-threatening injuries or had to be transported to a hospital emergency room.

WPRI reports a 16-year-old took his father’s car for a ride without asking permission on one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. This poor decision had several negative consequences including a crash with another vehicle, fleeing the scene of an accident, the vehicle catching on fire and several charges as a result of the accident.

The teen driver, after crashing into a 2000 Pontiac with two passengers, was later found walking West on Route 1 about a half-mile away. He was picked up by police and later identified by a witness after he was brought back to the scene. The vehicle the teen was driving caught fire after a spark ignited a flame, but firefighters were able to put out the fire before too much damage was done. Attleboro Police are charging the teen with operating an unregistered vehicle, driving without a license, driving under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of an accident. The teen was released under his father’s custody and awaits a court date with an Attleboro Juvenile Court judge.

Car accident attorneys in Quincy, Attleboro, Worcester, Norwood and elsewhere in the state know that roadways will be extra congested from now until the end of the year, so there is no time like the present to exercise caution every time you get behind the wheel.

Teenagers who make bad decisions can expect to face severe consequences, which is why it is so important to practice safe driving during the busy holiday season.

Teens are reminded of these general tips from teendrving.com:

-If multiple drivers use a family vehicle, adjust the mirrors, seat and headrest to fit your size each time you get behind the wheel.

-Limit teen passengers and never overload the vehicle with more passengers than are meant to ride safely in the vehicle.

-Always follow posted speed limit. Speeding makes it difficult to stop or avoid contact when a dangerous situation arises.

-Never make motorists play a guessing game. Communicate with turn signals, blinking lights or hand gestures when changing lanes or waiting at a four-way stop sign.

-Never drink and expect to drive. Underage drinking is extremely dangerous and puts you and other motorists at severe risk of injury or death.

-Check the gas gauge when you start the engine to make sure you have plenty of gas to get to your destination.

Teens who drive cautiously are making smart decisions that could save a life. Avoid a car accident this holiday by driving safely every time you get behind the wheel.
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December 1, 2011

Several Minor Massachusetts Crashes Lead to Fatal Accidents After People Inspect Damage

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A 38 year-old Massachusetts man was killed recently when he stepped out of his vehicle to inspect the damage following a minor collision with a guardrail. Masslive.com reports the fatal

November 27, 2011

RMV Targets School Bus-Passing Motorists to Help Prevent Pedestrian Accidents in Massachusetts

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation‘s (MassDOT) Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), local and state inspectors handed out more than 100 citations in nearly 200 towns and cities recently to those who passed school buses as they were dropping off or picking up students.

The citations were handed out during a recent undercover program that aimed at targeting these irresponsible drivers to help reduce the risks of school bus-related pedestrian accidents in Massachusetts. This was the 7th year that the Registry practiced the “Operation Yellow Blitz” program, used to raise awareness about this dangerous driving behavior and the risks our young school bus riders face while getting on and off a school bus every day.

“We want to get the word out that drivers on both sides of the road need to stop when school buses pick up or drop off children,” said Registrar Rachel Kaprielian.

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand that all traffic is required to stop when a school bus is stopped for a pickup or drop off. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to do so and place our young school-aged children at a serious risk for an accident. Kaprielian reports that this is a huge concern for the RMV. The Registry has been able to recruit the participation for more than 150 cities and towns in the last 7 years. In 2007, there were only 30 areas participating in Operation Yellow Blitz.

Kaprielian says that officers and officials witnessed five vehicles pass a school bus at once at one particular stop. All vehicles were pulled over. A few of these drivers said that they were unaware that they had to stop for a school bus. The truth is that all drivers have a responsibility to know when they’re traveling near a school bus and to stop their vehicle when a bus’ red lights are activated.

According to MassDOT, drivers can be fined nearly $300 the first time they’re busted and $1,000 and a temporary license revocation for a second violation.

The Operation Yellow Blitz program is a yearly enforcement program that is used to target bus stops and passing traffic along roadways and at intersections. Although this program only comes around once a year, bus drivers are always on the lookout for disobedient drivers every day. Bus drivers will write down your vehicle information and you license plate number and report it to the RMV if they observe you passing their stopped school bus. If you’re a repeat violator, you could potentially face an administrative hearing that could possible result in your license being suspended.

Last year, MassDOT wrote more than 2,150 warning letters. This year, more than 1,600 warning letters have been issued so far.

Roughly 5,000 students are injured every year in school bus-related accidents. A large number of these accidents happen as students exit or board the school bus. One main reason for this is because a school bus offers large blind spots, not only to bus drivers but to passing motorists as well.

Many young bus riders don’t understand this danger and are unable to foresee potential dangers around a bus. About half of all school-aged pedestrians who were killed in bus-related accidents were between the ages of 5- and 7-years-old.

Drivers are asked to be cautious when driving near school buses. As buses drop off children for winter break, motorists are asked to be cautious for young pedestrians all around the state and not just near bus stops.
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November 24, 2011

MassDOT Assists Holiday Travel to Help Prevent Car Accidents in Massachusetts

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The holiday season is officially here and motorists from around the country will be making Massachusetts their holiday vacation destination. To help keep our roads safer and to help you avoid a car accident in Boston, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is here to encourage drivers to plan ahead and keep safety as a top priority for their holiday road trips.

As the holiday traffic rolls in, MassDOT encourages drivers plan their route accordingly. Typically, Exit 9 on I-90 that connects I-84 to Connecticut and New York sees extremely busy toll plazas and some heavy, congested traffic. To avoid any delays, drivers are urged to steer clear of these areas or to travel through early in the morning or after 8:00 p.m. During this time, traffic is lighter and can help to keep your trip moving on schedule.

Our Massachusetts car accident lawyers understand that traffic also get backed up both at the I-95 and I-495 Turnpike interchanges and at the northbound lanes of I-93 and I-495 heading into New Hampshire. Planning your trip accordingly can help you to avoid any serious delays or a potentially fatal accident.

“Safe travel is our top priority, and we encourage Commonwealth residents to plan ahead for holiday travel,” said Richard A. Davey, MassDOT Secretary and CEO.

To help you with your holiday travels, MassDOT offers motorists with an interactive road camera website with nearly 100 road cameras along the state’s highways. These cameras refresh the images every couple of seconds to provide you with real up-to-date traffic data. You also have the 511 traffic alert program to help provide you with important messages regarding traffic details throughout the holidays.

The 511 program was designated by the Federal Communications Commission in 2000 and allows the state to provide important travel info regarding roads conditions statewide. The service provides up-to-date traffic updates for major Massachusetts roadways, including roadways in South Coast, Central Mass and Western Mass.

MassDOT is also offering important winter safe driving tips for holiday drivers:

-Motorists should always drive with your vehicle’s headlights on in the winter weather.

-Always observe posted street signs and speed limits.

-You should never drink and drive, especially during the holiday season. Alcohol-related accidents increase significantly during Christmas and New Year’s.

-Always be sure that everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt. Massachusetts state law says that all occupants must be properly restrained in a vehicle.

-Keeps a heads up for changing weather. Adjust your driving accordingly.

-Always keep a safe distance between you and the vehicles around you. Never tailgate.

-Use your emergency flashers when you’re driving slower than the posted speed limit or when you’re stopped near traffic.

-Always factor in extra time to get to your destination.

-Plan regularly scheduled breaks to avoid fatigued driving when traveling long distances.

-Have you car looked over before venturing out. Check your battery, fluids and tires.

-Carry emergency equipment with you. Make sure to have a cell phone, road flares, a jack, a lug wrench, a spare tire, etc.

From our attorneys to your family, have a Happy Holiday Season and safe travels.
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November 22, 2011

Thanksgiving Travel to Increase Risks of Massachusetts Car Accidents

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Gas prices may be a little higher than expected, but that’s not stopping Americans from hitting the road over the Thanksgiving holiday. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly 43 million Americans will be traveling at least 50 miles over the Thanksgiving weekend. This is an increase of nearly 5 percent from the number of travelers from the previous year. The increase in roadway traffic is expected to increase the risks of a Massachusetts car accident. Drivers beware.

Despite the higher gas prices, drivers are still making the journey. Last week, the average price for a gallon of gas in the country was $3.39. Just a year ago, it averaged $2.88.

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand that our roadways will be congested with anxious drivers over the upcoming weekend. Motorists are urged to plan ahead and to be prepared to help ensure roadway safety. There are a few simple preparations that a driver can take to help to make sure they make it to their Turkey Day destination safely.

During Memorial Day travel was flat and travel actually decreased during both the 4th of July and Labor Day this year compared to the previous year. Experts suggest that travelers stayed home and kept an eye on their bank accounts, but are saying that finances are not a concern with Thanksgiving and many will venture out.

“Driving AAA’s projected increase in the number of Thanksgiving travelers is pent-up demand from Americans who may have foregone holiday travel the last three years,” said vice president of AAA Travel Services, Bill Sutherland.

A majority of Thanksgiving holiday weekend travelers will be taking road trips, although AAA expects that air travel is also expected to increase. AAA says that this year’s air travel will increase by about 2 percent from the previous year even though the Air Transport Association of America is forecasting a 2 percent decrease.

For the books, Thanksgiving weekend starts Wednesday the 23rd and continues through Sunday the 27th, according to CNN.

Road Trip Travel Checklist:

-Service your car before heading out on a long trip. Make sure a mechanic okay’s your tires, fluid levels, etc.

-Bring extra tools with you. It’s a good idea to bring a tire pressure gauge (check tire pressure often), flash light, jumper cables, hand wipes, water, a quart of oil, an extra fan belt, your vehicle manual, garbage bags, etc.

-Take a peek at your spare tire to make sure it’s easily accessible and is properly inflated.

-Make sure you have jacks in your vehicle and make sure they work.

-Check to make sure you’re able to remove all four tires.

-Always carry a road emergency kit.

-Bring a portable first aid kit.

-All passengers should have their own set of car keys.

-Make sure to have a road map. GPS devices are nice, but make sure to keep a paper map with you for backup.

-Check your route beforehand. Make sure there aren’t any events along your route that could hinder traffic. If so, find an alternate route.

-A few days before leaving, make sure that everything fits in your vehicle and does not hinder your visibility.

-Be aware of the road laws in states you’ll be traveling in as they can vary.

-Always be sure to bring your cell phone and its charger. Bring a written list of important phone numbers.

-Leave early and leave plenty of time to be spontaneous or to address delays.

-Be sure to take breaks often.

-Bring plenty of activities to entertain children: toys, games, music, a journal, etc.
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November 14, 2011

Daylight Saving Time Brings Increased Risks for Pedestrian-Car Accidents in Boston

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

We recently gained an hour with the switch to Daylight Saving Time, but we also gained some risks for car accidents in Boston. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car accidents killed more than 4,000 people and injured another 59,000 in 2009. About a quarter of these fatalities occurred between 4. and 8 p.m. Nearly 15 percent of these fatalities happened between 4 and 8 a.m. That’s why the NHTSA is asking drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists to be more cautious because of the recent time change and how we have more hours of darkness.

Our Massachusetts pedestrian accident lawyers understand that nighttime driving is a bit more dangerous than driving when it’s light out. When you drive in the evening, your visibility is negatively affected. Typically, drivers have a more difficult time judging distance when it’s dark. The human eye needs light to see and this is why nighttime driving is one of the top causes for car accidents on our roadways. It is estimated that about 90 percent of driver decisions are made on what they’re able to see. Pedestrians are overpowered by vehicle headlights and street lamps and can be easily overlooked on our roadways in the evening.

The NHTSA offers nighttime safe-driving tips to help avoid an accident as the sun sets sooner.

Motorist safety tips:

-When it’s dark out, slow down! During the evening hours, you need more time to see traffic hazards and pedestrians.

-Remember that pedestrians can be wearing headphones, hats or earmuffs, so he or she may not be able to hear your vehicle approaching.

-It is important to make sure your defrosters work, that your windshield wiper fluid is full and your windshield wipers are working correctly.

-Always keep your vehicle’s mirrors, windows and windshield clean to help increase visibility.

Pedestrian safety tips:

-It’s a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to help motorists see you.

-If you’re not carrying a flashlight, you should attach reflective materials, like fluorescent tape, to your clothing. This reflective tape will reflect a car’s headlight beams and help a driver to see you.

-You should never depend on a traffic signal. Sometimes a driver can be distracted or may simply disregard instruction from the device. With the night falling earlier in the day, drivers may also have a hard time adjusting to the changes, which can also affect their reaction to these traffic signals.

-Never jaywalk or cross the street from between two parked cars. You want your presence to be known by drivers. Be visible and cross at crosswalks or street corners.

-Whenever a sidewalk is around, use it! This walkway keeps you separated from traffic. If there’s no sidewalk, walk facing oncoming traffic.

Accidents are more likely to happen during the evening hours so we all just have to be a little more cautious and alert.
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November 11, 2011

Our Boston Car Accident Attorneys Support Drowsy Driving Prevention Week

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

With Daylight Saving Time, the sun sets sooner and the day turns to night quicker. Nighttime hours are a common backdrop for drowsy driving-related car accidents in Massachusetts. To help raise awareness about the dangers of sleepiness at the wheel, the National Safety Council and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety have teamed up for this year’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, going on all this week through Saturday. During this time, these organizations are looking to educate drivers about the dangers, risks and consequences of drowsy driving.

A recently released study from AAA concluded that although more than 95 percent of surveyed drivers said that drowsy driving was completely unacceptable, more than a third still admitted to driving while they were so tired that they could barely keep their eyes open at least once in the last 30 days.

Our Boston car accident lawyers understand that one out of every six fatal car accidents involves a drowsy driver. One out of every eight injury car accidents reportedly involves a drowsy driver. Drivers age 16 to 45 admitted to driving while drowsy at least once or twice a week. Experts believe that these statistics are probably a lot higher because a driver involved in an accident is likely hesitant to admit that he or she was drowsy.

“People know that they shouldn’t text or drink when they drive, and that’s great,” says David Cloud, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation. “However, many don’t realize that driving while drowsy is also very dangerous.”

A majority of fall-asleep accidents occur on high-speed roadways, such as highways and interstates. When driving drowsy, it is not unlikely to fall into 3- or 4-second time slots of microsleep. If you’re traveling at 65 mph, you could travel the entire length of a football field without ever even knowing it.

How does drowsy driving affect drivers?

-It can slow reaction time.

-It can impair your ability to see the roadway effectively.

-It can delay your ability to process information.

-It can cause lapses in judgment.

Signs of a sleepy driver:

-Feeling irritable, aggressive or restless.

-Yawning a lot.

-Missing traffic lights, turns, exits or road signs.

-Being unable to remember the last couple of miles driven.

-Swerving in and out of lanes.

-Having a difficult time keeping your head up.

-Daydreaming.

-Having a tough time focusing.

-Blinking excessively.

-Having heavy eyelids.

To help prevent a drowsy driving-related accident, you’re urged to get a good night’s sleep before heading out on a long car ride. You should never be on the road during times when you’d normally be sleeping. Stop and stretch every two hours or every 100 miles. Drivers who travel with a passenger are 50 percent less likely to be involved in a drowsy driving-related car accident. One of the most common mistakes made is that drivers attempt to push through the sleepiness. Nothing could be more dangerous.
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November 10, 2011

Officials Re-examine Bus Safety to Help Prevent Fatal Bus Accidents in Boston, Nation

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Recent accidents make it clear that curbside motorcoach operations are riskier than traditional buses, according to Boston Daily. Results of a recent study by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded that curbside buses are seven times more likely to be involved in a fatal bus accident in Boston and elsewhere than the more conventional terminal bus operations.

Our Massachusetts bus accident attorneys understand that in 2010, conventional carriers and curbside buses traveled nearly 2.5 billion miles between Washington, D.C., and Boston. Even with all of these miles traveled, federal authorities have no tracking mechanism or unique categorization for these buses. As of now, there are nearly 4,200 interstate motorcoach carriers that operate in the U.S. Nearly 100 of these carriers are curbside buses. There have already been more than 20 interstate bus accidents in 2011 that have resulted in more than 30 deaths and nearly 500 injuries.

These curbside buses are more difficult to track down for safety inspections because they don’t run out of a typical terminal. Even if these buses were easier to inspect, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration would have a tough time doing it, considering they have less than 900 inspectors and nearly 800,000 buses to keep tabs on. If you break this down, every 1.15 inspector is in charge of looking over 1,000 buses.

Once a company is put out of business for too many violations, it’s hard to hold them down. Oftentimes these shoddy companies will just open up under the name of a new company. Many of them are using the same buses with a new coat of paint. Officials refer to the buses as “ghost buses.”

Just as the FMCSA can’t track down these buses for inspections, they can’t keep tabs on ticket sales either. These tickets are oftentimes sold through online brokers who are not under the federal adminsitration’s jurisdiction.

This new report will help authorities to plan a way to better regulate the safety of these buses.

“We fully support the report…and endorse anything that the FMCSA and the NTSB do to get the non-compliant bus operators…in compliance or get them off the road permanently,” Dale Moser, President of Coach USA.

The study was the final straw of recent busing accidents. Senator Charles E. Schumer said that after he witnessed the busing accident in the Bronx that killed 15, he knew something had to be done.

With the release of this report, the NTSB says its working diligently to tackle these problems. There’s no telling how long it could take, but until we can ensure the safety of the buses on our roadways, travelers are urged to look into the companies they ride with.

“When travelers board a bus, they should feel safe, whether the trip starts in a terminal or at a Chinatown sidewalk,” said Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY).
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November 7, 2011

Neighborhood Car Accident in Massachusetts Flips Car and Injures Motorist

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A recent car accident in Massachusetts in the Pine Point neighborhood left a man with serious injuries and sent to Baystate Medical Center, according to MassLive.com. The accident happened around 8 a.m. when a van crashed into a car at the intersection of Berkshire Avenue and Boston Road.

According to Dennis G. Leger, fire department spokesman, upon impact, the car flipped over and rescuers had to use the Jaws of Life to quickly get one of the passengers out of the vehicle.

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand how serious accidents can be, even at low speeds. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration most people who break speed limits on local roadways live in the neighborhood in which they’re breaking the law. Our driving habits are crucial in creating a safe environment for everyone on the road. You would think that motorists would be extra careful in areas where their family and loved ones live, but that’s not always the case.

You may think that since neighborhoods are away from highways, interstates and congested traffic that they’d be safe, but that’s not necessarily the case. There are so many dangers that are presented to motorists on these roadways. Drivers must always be on the lookout for children playing, pedestrians exercising, cars reversing out of driveways, school buses stopping, parked cars and animals that may suddenly run out into the roadway. Drivers should always drive cautiously in these areas and remember that the same road rules apply to them.

Dangers to keep an eye on when traveling through a residential neighborhood:

-Children. Young ones use the neighborhood as their own playground. Car accidents are the number one cause of death for children age 4- to 14-years-old in the U.S. Keep an eye out for children running through the streets.

-Pedestrians. Many residents like to get out and stroll through the neighborhood while the weather still permits. Make sure to keep an eye out for all travelers, including pedestrians, bicyclists, skaters and pets.

-Parked Cars. This may seem like a simple obstacle to avoid, but many drivers pay no attention at all. It’s also important to keep an eye out for people exiting these vehicles parked on the side of the road. Children can dart from behind the parked car as well. Always pass with caution, slowly and allow plenty of room.

-Blind Spots. Neighborhood landscaping and other obstructions can block a driver’s view. Always approach areas with tall bushes, trees, parked cars and light poles with extreme caution.

It only takes one second of distraction or inattention for any of the dangers to get a hold of you and to cause a serious car accident. Neighborhoods are supposed to be a safe place we call home. Please drive with caution to help ensure your family and your neighbors stay safe.
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