Boston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian in Boston can leave you facing devastating injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future. At Brooks & Crowley LLP we recognize how difficult this time is for you and your family. Our Boston pedestrian accident lawyer is dedicated to representing injured pedestrians across Massachusetts, delivering results-driven advocacy while treating each client with the compassion and respect they deserve.

As one of America's oldest cities, Boston presents unique dangers for pedestrians. The convergence of narrow historic streets, modern high-speed corridors, and constant traffic from residents, commuters, and tourists creates hazardous conditions throughout the city. When negligent drivers cause harm in these challenging environments, our personal injury lawyer in Boston stands ready to hold them accountable and pursue every dollar of compensation available under the law.

Common Types of Pedestrian Accident Injuries We Handle

The human body offers little protection against a multi-ton vehicle. Pedestrian accident injury cases frequently involve severe, life-altering conditions:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) - Concussions, skull fractures, and permanent cognitive damage

  • Spinal Cord Injuries - Paralysis, loss of sensation, chronic pain

  • Broken Bones - Fractures to legs, arms, pelvis, ribs, and other bones

  • Internal Injuries - Damage to organs, internal bleeding, ruptured spleens

  • Soft Tissue Injuries - Torn ligaments, muscle damage, severe bruising

  • Lacerations and Abrasions - Deep cuts requiring stitches or surgery

  • Amputations - Loss of limbs due to impact or subsequent medical necessity

  • Psychological Trauma - Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression

  • Wrongful Death - Fatal injuries resulting in the loss of a loved one

Such catastrophic injuries demand comprehensive medical intervention, long-term rehabilitation programs, and may leave victims with lasting impairments that fundamentally alter their daily existence. Securing experienced legal counsel early allows injured pedestrians to concentrate on healing a Boston pedestrian accident attorney handles the complex personal injury claim process and fights for maximum compensation.

High-Risk Areas for Pedestrian Accidents in Boston

Boston presents heightened pedestrian collision risks due to complicated road configurations, insufficient infrastructure, and its unique characteristics as a major tourist destination and cultural hub.

Areas of Elevated Risk

Tourist areas like Faneuil Hall, the Freedom Trail, North End, and Seaport District generate exceptionally high foot traffic where unfamiliar visitors navigate streets while distracted by sightseeing. Shopping districts including Newbury Street, Downtown Crossing, and Copley Place see shoppers carrying packages and focusing on storefronts rather than traffic.

Construction zones throughout Boston create constantly changing traffic patterns, reduced visibility, and confusion with heavy construction vehicles, temporary detours, and uneven walking surfaces. Special events including Red Sox and Bruins games, concerts, Boston Marathon, and holiday celebrations create massive pedestrian surges and unpredictable movement patterns.

Massachusetts law recognizes unmarked crosswalks at intersections throughout the city, but many drivers don't understand their legal obligation to yield at these invisible crossing points. Reduced visibility at night from inadequate street lighting, pedestrians wearing dark clothing, and higher rates of impaired drivers dramatically increases accident risk, particularly in bar districts like Faneuil Hall, Fenway, and Allston.

High Crash Intersections for Pedestrians in Boston

Based on traffic patterns and known collision data, the following Boston locations warrant particular caution:

  • Massachusetts Avenue & Boylston Street - This major intersection in Back Bay sees heavy commuter and tourist traffic with limited pedestrian crossing opportunities

  • Cambridge Street & Storrow Drive Exits - Multiple lanes of fast-moving traffic create dangerous conditions for pedestrians

  • Congress Street & Atlantic Avenue - A busy downtown intersection near the Financial District with significant pedestrian foot traffic

  • Tremont Street & Stuart Street - Located in the Theatre District, this area experiences high volumes of both vehicles and pedestrians

  • Commonwealth Avenue - Multiple intersections along this major corridor generate substantial vehicle and pedestrian activity

  • Boylston Street & Dartmouth Street - High pedestrian traffic near Copley Square combined with congestion during peak hours

These locations require extra vigilance from both drivers and pedestrians. However, a pedestrian collision can happen anywhere, and Massachusetts law places the burden squarely on motorists to exercise due care and avoid striking people on foot.

The Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Boston

Identifying what caused your pedestrian collision forms the foundation of a successful legal case, and a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer in Boston will thoroughly examine every contributing factor. When a pedestrian is hit by a car, Massachusetts uses a modified comparative fault rule, meaning injured victims must demonstrate negligence and establish clear liability to obtain financial recovery.

Most pedestrian accidents stem from motorist carelessness or hazardous infrastructure:

Driver-Related Causes

  • Distracted Driving - Texting, phone calls, eating, or adjusting controls while driving

  • Failure to Yield - Drivers who don't give pedestrians the right-of-way at crosswalks

  • Speeding - Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases impact severity

  • Impaired Driving - Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs

  • Running Red Lights or Stop Signs - Disregarding traffic control devices

  • Improper Turns - Failing to check for pedestrians when making turns

  • Poor Weather Visibility - Not adjusting driving behavior for rain, snow, or fog

  • Aggressive Driving - Road rage or reckless behavior

Infrastructure-Related Causes

  • Inadequate or poorly marked crosswalks

  • Missing or malfunctioning traffic signals

  • Insufficient street lighting

  • Lack of sidewalks or pedestrian pathways

  • Poorly maintained roadways or walkways

  • Defective traffic control devices

  • Inadequate signage warning of pedestrian areas

Pedestrian Accidents Involving Bikes, Scooters, Motorcycles, Buses, and Delivery Trucks

While passenger cars cause most pedestrian accidents, Boston's diverse transportation landscape creates additional risks. Our Boston pedestrian accident lawyer handles cases involving all vehicle types that cause pedestrian injuries.

Bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters frequently collide with pedestrians on sidewalks, in crosswalks, and on shared paths, with delivery cyclists and high-speed electric devices posing particular dangers. Motorcycles threaten pedestrians through high-speed impacts, aggressive maneuvering, and difficulty being seen at intersections.

MBTA buses create serious hazards through wide-turn collisions, blind spot accidents, and failures to yield, with pedestrians frequently struck while boarding or exiting. Shuttle buses serving colleges, hotels, corporations, and medical facilities present similar dangers, often involving drivers unfamiliar with routes operating under tight schedules.

Commercial tour buses and charter buses navigating Boston's narrow streets have massive blind spots and wide turning radii that catch pedestrians in catastrophic collisions. Delivery trucks have proliferated with e-commerce growth, with drivers often distracted by GPS and apps, rushing to meet quotas, double-parking to block visibility, and reversing without proper observation.

When any of these types of vehicles strike a pedestrian, our Boston pedestrian accident lawyer conducts a thorough investigation to determine liability, identify all responsible parties, and pursue maximum compensation.

Massachusetts Driver Responsibilities to Pedestrians

Under Massachusetts law, drivers have specific legal duties to protect pedestrians:

  • Exercise Reasonable Care - Drivers must take appropriate precautions to avoid hitting pedestrians

  • Yield at Crosswalks - Motorists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks

  • Reduce Speed Near Pedestrians - Drivers must slow down when approaching areas with pedestrian activity

  • Stop When Necessary - If a pedestrian is crossing within a crosswalk, drivers must stop

  • Maintain Proper Lookout - Drivers must actively watch for pedestrians, especially at intersections and in urban areas

  • Adjust for Conditions - Driving behavior must account for weather, visibility, and road conditions

When drivers fail to meet these obligations and cause injury to a pedestrian, they can be held legally and financially responsible. Our Boston pedestrian accident attorney aggressively pursues justice for injured pedestrians, ensuring negligent motorists face full accountability while we seek every available legal remedy on your behalf.

Pedestrian Accidents on Private Property

When injuries occur due to hazardous conditions on someone else's property, you may have grounds for a premises liability claim. Not all pedestrian accidents occur on public roads. You may be injured as a pedestrian in:

  • Parking lots and parking garages

  • Shopping centers and retail establishments

  • Residential driveways

  • Private roadways

  • Sidewalks adjacent to businesses

Property owners and businesses have a legal duty to maintain safe premises and warn of hazards. If inadequate lighting, poor maintenance, obstructed views, or other dangerous conditions contributed to your accident, the property owner may be liable in addition to or instead of the driver. Our pedestrian accident attorney in Boston will thoroughly evaluate potential property owner liability while investigating your case.

Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents

In Massachusetts, 24% of pedestrian deaths are the result of hit-and-run crashes, making this a significant concern for accident victims. Drivers may flee the scene for various reasons:

  • Lack of auto insurance or valid driver's license

  • Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs

  • Outstanding warrants or fear of legal consequences

  • Panic or poor judgment

Massachusetts law imposes severe penalties for leaving the scene of an accident, particularly when injuries or death occur. If the at-fault driver flees, you may still have options for recovery through:

  • Uninsured Motorist Coverage - Your own insurance policy may provide compensation

  • Crime Victim Compensation - State programs may offer assistance

  • Investigation and Identification - Police may locate the driver through witness statements, surveillance footage, or vehicle evidence

A skilled Boston pedestrian accident lawyer can help you navigate these complex situations and identify all possible sources of compensation.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Boston

If you're involved in a pedestrian accident, taking the right steps immediately afterward can protect your health and strengthen your pedestrian accident claim:

Immediate Actions

Seek Medical Attention - Call 911 or have someone call for you. Get evaluated even if injuries seem minor, as some dangerous medical conditions may not manifest symptoms immediately.

Report to Police - Ensure law enforcement responds to the scene and creates an official accident report documenting the incident.

Document Everything - If you're physically able, photograph the accident scene, your injuries, the vehicle involved, skid marks, traffic signals, and any hazards that contributed to the collision.

Gather Information - Collect the driver's name, contact information, insurance details, license plate number, and driver's license number. Also obtain contact information from witnesses who saw what happened.

Preserve Evidence - Keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing, as they may serve as critical evidence in your case.

Don't Make Statements - Avoid discussing fault or making statements to the driver or insurance representatives beyond basic identifying information.

Follow-Up Actions

Get Comprehensive Medical Treatment - Follow all physician recommendations and attend every scheduled appointment. Missing treatments can be used against you by insurance adjusters.

Keep Detailed Records - Maintain documentation of all medical care received, out-of-pocket expenses, missed work, and how your injuries impact your quality of life.

Don't Accept Quick Settlements - Insurance carriers often attempt to close claims rapidly for amounts far below their true value. Never accept an offer without first consulting an attorney.

Contact a Boston Pedestrian Accident Attorney - Retain legal counsel promptly to safeguard your rights and pursue maximum financial recovery.

Pedestrian Accident Claims Against Government Entities

When dangerous road conditions, missing traffic controls, or inadequate pedestrian infrastructure cause accidents, government entities responsible for roadway design and maintenance may be liable. These pedestrian accident claims involve unique procedural requirements:

  • Notice Requirements - Claims against Massachusetts municipalities and state agencies must comply with strict notice deadlines, often as short as 30 days from the accident date

  • Sovereign Immunity Exceptions - Special rules govern when government entities can be sued

  • Damage Caps - Recovery may be limited by statutory caps on damages

Such pedestrian accident claims demand swift action and specialized legal expertise. Don't hesitate to consult with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Boston if you suspect government negligence played a role in your pedestrian accident.

Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accident Claims

Pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to substantial compensation for:

Economic Damages

  • Medical expenses (emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation)

  • Future medical care and ongoing treatment needs

  • Lost wages and income during recovery

  • Loss of future earning capacity if disabilities prevent you from working

  • Property damage (personal belongings damaged in the accident)

  • Transportation costs for medical appointments

  • Home modifications for disabilities

Non-Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering

  • Emotional distress and mental anguish

  • Loss of enjoyment of life

  • Disfigurement and scarring

  • Loss of consortium (impact on spousal relationship)

Wrongful Death Damages

When a fatal pedestrian accident occurs, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim for:

  • Funeral and burial expenses

  • Loss of financial support

  • Loss of companionship and guidance

  • Medical expenses prior to death

  • Conscious pain and suffering before death

Your claim's value hinges on injury severity, life impact, each party's degree of fault, and available insurance policy limits. A seasoned pedestrian accident attorney in Boston will help you understand the complete scope of compensation you may rightfully pursue.

Massachusetts Pedestrian Accident Laws

Knowing the legal framework governing pedestrian accidents helps you understand your rights:

Comparative Negligence

Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Even if you bear some responsibility for the accident, you may still recover damages as long as you're not more than 50% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced proportionally by your percentage of responsibility.

Statute of Limitations

Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Massachusetts. However, claims against government entities have much shorter deadlines. Don't wait to seek legal advice from a pedestrian accident lawyer in Boston, as critical filing deadlines may be rapidly approaching.

No-Fault Insurance System

Massachusetts operates under a no-fault auto insurance system. This means you'll typically first seek compensation through your own insurance policy's Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who caused the accident. However, when injuries are severe enough to satisfy the "serious injury" threshold, you can step outside the no-fault system to file a claim against the at-fault driver.

Why You Should Retain Our Boston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

When dealing with injuries caused by someone else's negligence or recklessness, you need a Boston pedestrian accident attorney who blends deep legal knowledge with authentic compassion for your circumstances:

Brooks & Crowley LLP: Our Commitment to Clients

  • Thorough Investigation - We meticulously investigate every aspect of your accident to build the strongest possible case

  • Identification of All Liable Parties - We ensure that every responsible party is held accountable

  • Skilled Negotiation - We have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies to secure fair settlements

  • Trial-Ready Approach - When insurance companies won't offer reasonable compensation, we're fully prepared to take your case to court

  • Personalized Attention - You're not just a case number to us. We provide dedicated, individualized service to every client

Contact Brooks & Crowley LLP Today

If you or a family member has suffered injuries in a Boston pedestrian accident or elsewhere in Massachusetts, don't face the insurance companies alone. Our Boston pedestrian accident lawyer at Brooks & Crowley LLP will safeguard your rights, manage all legal complexities, and pursue relentlessly the full compensation you deserve.

Time is critical in pedestrian accident cases. Evidence can disappear, witnesses' memories fade, and important deadlines approach. Don't allow someone else's negligence to upend your life without holding them accountable. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.