On a previous post here we discussed how pedestrian accidents can be avoided. Despite those efforts, however, far too many Massachusetts residents are put at risk of harm by negligent drivers who fail to take the necessary precautions to ensure pedestrian safety. These pedestrian victims can have their lives turned upside down in the blink of an eye, and their road to recovery can be extremely long, painful and expensive. The same holds true for other individuals who are not offered the protections found in cars, such as bicyclists.
One Massachusetts woman is learning this firsthand after she was left injured in a hit-and-run accident. The wreck occurred in Cambridge near the MIT campus when an off-duty police officer struck the woman near an intersection. The victim was taken to the hospital, where she was treated for non-life threatening injuries. An accident reconstruction is underway, and criminal charges may be pending.
The victim in this case was lucky her injuries did not put her life in danger. However, that does not mean that she will not face hardship on her road to recovery. In addition to any physical pain and suffering she may feel, she will also incur medical expenses and, if the injuries are severe enough, she may be forced to miss work, thus suffering lost wages. These losses can take a significant toll.
Victims may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. When successful, these claims, based on the negligence of another, can bring a victim much needed compensation. Also, it may give the victim a sense that justice was served and the negligent driver was properly punished.
Source: WCVB, “Cambridge officer on leave after hit-and-run crash involving bicyclist,” Feb. 22, 2016
