As a Massachusetts crosswalk accident lawyer, Attorney Christopher Earley sees far too many pedestrians in Massachusetts get struck by cars in crosswalks. Whether or not you were at fault for the accident, you can collect PIP benefits which will pay for your medical bills and lost wages from work.

These accidents cause significant personal injuries since pedestrians are unprotected and oftentimes vehicles are traveling quite fast upon impact. If you were struck in a crosswalk by a motor vehicle, it is important to know what your rights are. A Massachusetts crosswalk accident lawyer can help you.

Pedestrian Accident Law in Massachusetts

The law on this issue is found at M.G.L. c.89 11 that says:

Section 11. When traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping if need be so to yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk marked in accordance with standards established by the department of highways if the pedestrian is on that half of the traveled part of the way on which the vehicle is traveling or if the pedestrian approaches from the opposite half of the traveled part of the way to within 10 feet of that half of the traveled part of the way on which said vehicle is traveling.

No driver of a vehicle shall pass any other vehicle which has stopped at a marked crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross, nor shall any such operator enter a marked crosswalk while a pedestrian is crossing or until there is a sufficient space beyond the crosswalk to accommodate the vehicle he is operating, notwithstanding that a traffic control signal may indicate that vehicles may proceed. Whoever violates any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than $200.

Whenever a pedestrian is injured by a motor vehicle in a marked crosswalk, the department of state police or the municipal police department with jurisdiction of the street, in consultation with department of state police if deemed appropriate, shall conduct an investigation into the cause of the injury and any violation of this section or other law or ordinance and shall issue the appropriate civil or criminal citation or file an application for the appropriate criminal complaint, if any. This section shall not limit the ability of a district attorney or the attorney general to seek an indictment in connection with the operation of a motor vehicle which causes injury or death and which violates this section.

Massachusetts motor vehicle operators are by law required to use caution when approaching a crosswalk. Regardless if you were in or near a crosswalk when you were struck, the vehicle that struck you can be held liable for your injuries. You therefore need a Massachusetts crosswalk accident lawyer.

Boston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Contact Boston pedestrian accident lawyer Christopher Earley today for a free, no obligation to learn more about your rights.