Massachusetts motorists carry a heavy responsibility. Since most people drive every day, the routine can seem boring, uninteresting and monotonous. However, every time an individual climbs behind the wheel, he or she bears the safety of others on their shoulders. A minor mistake made while driving can cause serious injuries to innocent motorists and pedestrians, leaving them with physical, emotional and financial harm.
To see just how dangerous drivers can be, one need only look at a recent car accident in Lowell. There, a four-year-old boy was injured while he was trick-or-treating when he was struck by a car. According to reports, the driver got out of the car to check on the boy, but then reentered her vehicle and left the scene. Police later tracked her down and placed her under arrest. The boy was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for a serious laceration to his head.
In accidents like these, it is important to try to determine the cause of the wreck. Speeding, intoxication, failing to yield when appropriate and distraction can all lead to a finding of negligence. Negligence, in turn, may allow a victim to succeed in a personal injury lawsuit and recover compensation for his or her damages, including medical expenses. Here, although police do not suspect alcohol or speed to have played a factor, negligence could still have been a key contributor to the wreck.
In a time of stress, worry, pain and fear, it is not uncommon to put legal concerns to the side. But once the financial realities of the situation take hold, it might become more of a priority. Additionally, a lawsuit may be an outlet for the anger and frustration felt by the victim and his or her family. To learn more about pursuing a legal claim against a negligent driver, a car accident victim may want to contact an attorney who is right for them.
Source: CBS Boston, “Boy Hit By Car While Trick-Or-Treating In Lowell,” Oct. 31, 2016
