Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Head-On Car Accident in Medford Injures Three Teens

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:36:28 -0500

A recent head-on car accident sent three local teens to the hospital. Two of them were even transported with life-threatening injuries. Just before 10:00 a.m., dispatchers received a number of 9-1-1- calls about two vehicles that hit head-on on Holliston Street. The Medford car accident happened just south of Fairway Lane.

According to The Milford Daily News, a 17- and an 18-year-old girl were in one of the vehicles while a 16-year-old boy was in the second vehicle. After the collision, both motorists were stuck inside their vehicles. The boy was from Holliston and the girls were from Medway, according to Police Chief Allen Tingley. Officers and emergency response teams from four separate departments responded to the accident. Hydraulic rescue tools were used to get the teens out.

Our Boston car accident lawyers understand that we're entering the season in which teens have the highest risks for accidents on our roadways. They're being let out of school for summer break and with more teens behind the wheel on our roadways, the risks for accidents involving them increase dramatically. Parents are urged to step in and to talk about the importance of being safe and responsible behind the wheel. Talk with them about the consequences of dangerous driving habits.

Car accidents continue to be the leading killer of teens in the United States. It's important for us to talk with these young drivers and help them to develop safe driving habits. Hitting them with this knowledge early on can help to create life-long habits that can help to keep them safe behind the wheel.

The drivers of the two vehicles in the Medford accident were taken via helicopter to the UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester to its trauma center.

"We had people trapped in two separate vehicles, and then the scene at the middle school for the helicopters' landing zone, so it stretched our manpower," said Fire Chief Paul Trufant.

Even the ambulances and the paramedics came to the scene of the accident with Advanced Life Support.

According to initial investigations, the male driver was heading north on Holliston when he crossed over the center lane of traffic, went into the southbound lanes of traffic and hit the females' vehicle head on.

There was a third vehicle that was involved in the accident, but that person was not injured.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the driver was trying to pass another vehicle when he veered into oncoming traffic and hit the other vehicle.

Just in April, a 22-year-old man was killed on that same stretch of road. In that same accident, another 22-year-old was seriously injured. In this accident, officials with the Massachusetts State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit were on the scene until nearly 3:00 a.m.

As we've been talking about, teen motorists are at some serious risks for accidents during this time of the year. Talk to your teen about the risks they're facing on our roadways and make sure they understand the consequences of dangerous driving habits.

Car Accidents in Boston and Elsewhere Targeted by Global Youth Traffic Safety Month

Sun, 13 May 2012 07:41:27 -0500

It's Global Youth Traffic Safety Month and to help to kick off the event, officials with the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) and teens from around the country are teaming up to fight for a safe summer on our roadways. They're targeting motor-vehicle accidents in Boston and elsewhere considering these accidents are the number one cause of death for teens in the country.

Every year, there are more than 5,000 drivers, aged 16- to 20-years-old, who are killed in motor vehicles accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand that summer is the deadliest time on our roadways for these young motorists. As we head into the summer, more and more teens will be released from school for summer break and will be hitting our roadways in search of some real fun. With more teens behind the wheel, risks for accidents increase. That's why it's important for parents and guardians to talk with their young drivers about the risks they're facing during this time of the year. Be sure to review safe driving habits with them to make sure they're on their very best and safest behavior. Your talk can help to save lives.

"Summer is the deadliest time of year on the roads for teens," said the Executive Director of NOYS, Sandy Spavone.

The NHTSA reports that more than 400 teens die in traffic accidents during each of the summer month. This is compared to an average of less than 365 teen deaths for non-summer months.

During this event, schools across the country will be holding rallies to help get these young drivers to avoid impaired driving as well as distracted driving, which contribute to a large number of these summer traffic accidents. Teens are asked to make the pledge to commit to safe driving habits and to help promote the message of it. To help to raise awareness, students will be displaying pledge links around their community.

Visiting these rallies are Ray LaHood, the Transportation Secretary of U.S. Department of Transportation, Robert Sumwalt, a Board Member National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as well as Peter Kissinger President and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS).

National Youth Traffic Safety Month is a very important to help keep teens safe on our roadways. Families are urged to talk to the teen drivers in their lives about safe driving habits and the importance of them on our roadways. Keeping safe driving habits as a frequent topic of conversation can help to reduce the risks of accidents on our roadways over the summer months.

Parents are urged to keep an eye on how many passengers are riding with their young drivers to make sure they're not driving too late at night and to make sure they're aware of the state's driving laws.

Teens, Passengers and Risks for Car Accidents in Boston and Elsewhere

Fri, 11 May 2012 10:51:42 -0500

Teens have some seriously high risks for car accidents in Taunton and elsewhere. Their risks can get a whole lot higher when passengers are in the vehicle, according to a recent study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The recent study, "Teen Driver Risk in Relation to Age and Number of Passengers," looked at the driving habits of 16- and 17-year-old drivers and looked at their actions with passengers present in the vehicle. With each additional young passenger in the vehicle, the risks for accidents shot up!

Our Taunton car accident attorneys understand that teens need some serious guidance through the first few years of their driving career. This is when these young drivers establish their lifelong driving habits. It's our job to make sure that these lifelong habits are safe ones. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), drivers in the state of Massachusetts with a restricted driver's license are not allowed to have any passengers in the vehicle under the age of 18. This only applies to the first six months of this licensing stage. Strict graduated driver's licensing programs have been proven to help to significantly cut down on the risks for car accidents among teen drivers. Our state doesn't have the strictest GDL program when it comes to passenger restrictions. That's where we ask parents to step in.

Parents are urged to step up, create and enact driving restrictions within their household. Make sure you keep an eye on how many passengers they're driving with, how late they're driving and how well they're following road laws. Parental involvement may be one of the best ways to help shape up the driving habits of our teens!

According to the recent study, teen drivers' risks for car accidents increase by more than 40 percent when there's one passenger present in the vehicle who is under the age of 21. These risks double with two young passengers and quadruple when there are three or more young passengers in the vehicle.

When there are passengers present and they're 35-years-old or older, the risks for accidents among these teen drivers fall more than 60 percent. This is a perfect example as to why riding along with your teen driver is so important! Riding with them can help to mold their safe driving habits at an early age and can help them to develop lifelong safe habits behind the wheel. When you're not able to be in the car with them, make sure that there are rules they know to follow, including passenger restrictions, nighttime driving restrictions and other useful rules to preserve safety.

"We know that carrying young passengers is a huge risk, but it's also a preventable one," according to Peter Kissing with AAA.

Parents are asked talk with their teen and consider enacting a parent-teen driving contract to lay down the rules of the road and the consequences of breaking them. As your teen heads into summer break they'll be on our roadways more often and their risks for accidents will be higher. Help to reduce these risks and get involved with your teens driving.

Rollover Accident in Rehoboth Sends Two to Hospital

Thu, 10 May 2012 08:47:14 -0500

Two people were injured in a recent rollover accident in Rehoboth. The accident occurred on Interstate 195 near exit 2 at roughly 3:00 a.m. Police reports indicate that the driver of the SUV lost control of the vehicle, which flew off the road and then flipped into a ditch. Both the driver and a passenger of the SUV were trapped in the vehicle when emergency response teams arrived. The Massachusetts State Police (MSP) are currently investigating the accident, according to the Providence Journal.

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand that rollovers are the most common types of one-vehicle accidents on our roadways. Some vehicles, including SUVs and trucks, are more likely to be involved in rollover accidents than others. In 2009, there were nearly 8,500 people killed in rollover car accidents across the United States. These accidents are more likely to happen in rural areas than in urban areas. Drivers are asked to be cautious when traveling in larger vehicles. Safe driving habits can help to minimize the risks of a rollover accident.

Characteristic of Rollover Accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

-About two-thirds of unbelted people involved in rollover accidents are completely ejected from the vehicle.

-Most fatal accidents are single-vehicle accidents.

-Rollover accidents are more likely to result in fatalities than any other type of traffic accident.

-Rollover accidents account for about 20 percent of all fatal accidents.

-The number of fatal SUV rollover accidents has more than doubled since 1991.

-Males under the age of 40 are involved in the most rollover accidents. Most of these accidents happen on two-way roads without dividing barriers.

-Speed is a common factor in most rollover accidents. Most accidents happen on roadways with speed limits off 55 miles per hour or greater.

Drivers of SUVs are cautioned about rollover accidents. It's these vehicles that are more likely to be involved in a rollover vehicle accident because of their weight and their height. Despite passing federal safety standards created to enhance safety, there's no denying that sport utility vehicles are more dangerous than any standard car on the market.

These accidents are most likely happen, like the Reehoboth accident, when a vehicle runs off the road. Usually, something trips the vehicle, like soft ground, a roadway shoulder or a curb, and the vehicle starts to flip over.

Tips to Avoid a Rollover Accident:

-If you're looking at purchasing and SUV, make sure you look for a wide one that comes equipped with electronic stability control (ESC).

-Be cautious while driving and avoid sudden sharp turns.

-Watch your speed. SUVs are most likely to rollover when traveling at a fast rate of speed.

-Keep an eye on your tires. Make sure they're not worn and they're properly inflated. Poorly-maintained tires increase your risks for an accident.

-Never drive under the influence of alcohol.

-Adjust your driving to different weather and road conditions.

Car Accidents in Boston: New Toll Signs Aim for Reduction

Tue, 08 May 2012 07:59:23 -0500

Roadway and toll signs are going to be changing soon and drivers are urged to be on the lookout! According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), signage at the toll plazas on the Tobin Bridge, the Turnpike and the Airport Tunnels will soon be overhauled to meet federal guidelines and help to improve roadway safety.

Proper signage can help to alleviate roadway confusion, can help to keep traffic flowing smoothly and can help to reduce the risks of car accidents in Boston and elsewhere in the area. Now, drivers will see the 'Fast Lane" signs disappear and the "E-ZPass" signs appear. 'Cash Only' signs will also be updated along our roadways.

"Driver hesitation and confusion can jeopardize safety at our toll plazas," said Richard A. Davey MassDOT CEO and Secretary.

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand that MassDOT has an obligation to make sure that the more than 1.5 million transponder holders and the general public knows that that the 'Fast Lane' and the 'E-ZPass' lane are now the same. Changes in road traffic are to be simply conveyed along these roadways. Transportation officials also have the obligation to make sure that these roadways are safe for all drivers and minimize all hazards. Roadway signs are one of the most effective ways to alleviate these hazards and confusion. The proper signage should be displayed to make sure that motorists can travel where they need to safety.

Currently, there are more than 20 million E-ZPass holders throughout the U.S. The signs for this program are most often displayed in purple and white, to make them uniform to all users. These signs can be found in more than 12 states, including New York, New Hampshire and Maine.

Now, 'Fast Lane' customers will still be driving through our electronic lanes just like they were before, only now there will be the new signs displayed over them. Customers don't need to do anything differently as their transponders will still work and other personal information tied to the transponder will remain the same. Just drive on and be sure to be cautious in these areas.

This is a project that cost more than $1 million, but was funded mostly through a federal safety grant. Nearly $200,000 came from the Western Turnpike Capital fund.

The project is expected to continue on through the summer months. Motorists are urged to be on the lookout on these roadways in the meantime. Workers will be on our roadways during off-peak commuting hours, from 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. These scheduled work hours were designed to help to keep rush hours flowing smoothly.

First, motorists will see the 'COMING SOON: We are Changing Our Name' signs located along our Turnpike. First, Route 122, or the Interchange 11, will see the sign change. Then, the project will move along Interchanges 1, 2 and 3 until it finally comes to an end at Tobin Bridge.

Motorcycle Accidents in Massachusetts Focus of National Awareness Month

Sat, 05 May 2012 12:51:40 -0500

The entire month of May is National Motorcycle Awareness Month. During this time, campaigns, events and ads will be broadcasted nationwide to help motorists to think about motorcyclists on our roadways to help prevent potentially fatal motorcycle accidents in Boston and elsewhere.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were nearly 4,500 motorcyclists killed in traffic accidents across the U.S. in 2009. Many of these accidents were the result of irresponsible drivers or passengers. This month-long awareness campaign is to help bring road safety and the awareness of motorcyles back to the forefront as the summer ride season gets under way.

Our Lynn motorcycle accident attorneys understand that these two-wheeled drivers are extremely vulnerable in traffic accidents. Motorcyclists are not provided with the same kind of protection that you and I are in our passenger vehicles. Accidents involving our two-wheeled friends oftentimes produce fatal results. For this reason, we're asking all motorists to keep an extra watchful eye out for motorcycles. This is especially important as we enter the summer, as the weather clears up and as more motorcyclists hit our roadways.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) drivers of passenger vehicles, not the drivers of motorcycles, are responsible for nearly 70 percent of car-motorcycle accidents on our roadways. Oftentimes, drivers of passenger cars overlook motorcyclists until it's too late to avoid a collision. Officials with MassDOT are asking drivers to share the road effectively, to keep an eye out for motorcyclists and to help keep our roadways safe for all travelers.

Tips to Drivers to Help Protect Our Motorcyclists:

-Remember that because of their small size, motorcycles are easy to overlook.

-Consider traffic, road conditions, weather conditions and remember that these conditions can force motorcyclists to react differently on our roadways than passenger car drivers. Allow them with plenty of space to travel as needed.

-Check twice before making a move in traffic. Check twice, save a life.

-Remember that you're most likely to get into an accident with a motorcyclist while you are making a left-hand turn, when you miss a motorcycle in your blind spot, when you're traveling in hazardous road conditions and when you have an obstructed line of sight.

-Remember that these drivers have the same rights to the road as you and I.

-Be ready for a motorcyclist's maneuvers in traffic.

-Keep an eye on their blinkers. They're not self-canceling like ours and can stay on well after a turn.

For May's National Motorcycle Awareness Month, the NHTSA is asking drivers to "share the road" safely with motorcyclists and be extra alert for these smaller travelers.

Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Boston: Who's to Blame?

Thu, 03 May 2012 18:19:51 -0500

Back in 1930, Massachusetts state senator George Parker attempted to prohibit car radios in motor vehicles because he felt that they were too distracting for drivers. Drivers weren't happy with this movement and protested outside his office. After much concern and opposition from the public, Parker dropped the issue and moved on to targeting drunk drivers instead to help to reduce the risks of car accidents in Boston and elsewhere throughout the state.

According to USA TODAY, the same problem is going on today. Drivers are all too attached to their cell phones and their in-car electronics and will stop at nothing to keep them in their vehicles, despite the largely recognized dangers of the devices.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, about 90 percent of residents acknowledge that texting while driving is a serious threat, but still roughly 70 percent of drivers admit to using this technology behind the wheel. Nowadays, it's more of a blame game, trying to figure out if the cell phone or the auto industry is at fault. Auto manufacturers work to intertwine this technology into our vehicles while safe driving advocates say that's a move that comes with far too many risks.

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand that distracted driving has been made a key point of safety topics since 2009. According to the US Department of Transportation's Secretary, Ray LaHood, it's so big of a deal that national organizations have even gone as far as calling on states to enact bans on both hands-free and hand-held cell phone use behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), cell phones and similar distractions played a part in roughly 20 percent of fatal accidents in 2011.

Other advocacy groups are saying that the focus is on the wrong issue and that we need to be looking at better technologies, like crash-avoidance technologies, to help make our roadways safe, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

"Distracted driving is a problem, but it isn't new, and the data don't show that it has gotten worse during the rise of cellphones and the use of other electronics by drivers," says IIHS spokesman Russ Rader. "While all the studies clearly show cellphone use is a distraction, the use of phones by drivers hasn't resulted in an epidemic of crashes."

Most car and mobile communication makers work together in an effort called the Car Connectivity Consortium, which works to link smartphones and our vehicles. That's where the problem is, says many driving advocates. As a matter of fact, some groups have gone as far as petitioning that automakers make these kinds of devices disabled while the vehicle is in drive.

"We think that there's a way to feel connected, while keeping primary focus on the driving," says Alfred Tom, a General Motors advanced "infotainment" researcher.

As the battle continues, drivers are asked to take the problem into their own hands and act on what is generally known by the public, that distracted driving kills. Studies illustrate that distracted drivers cause fatal accidents. We know the problem, we just may not know who to blame. We do know how to fix it though!

Tougher Exams to Reduce Risks of Trucking Accidents in Plymouth County and Elsewhere

Tue, 01 May 2012 09:11:24 -0500

Truck drivers throughout the country need a little more attention, says the Secretary for the U.S. Department of Transportation, Ray LaHood.

According to a recent safety rule, healthcare professionals who medically examine these drivers need to be better tested, trained and certified to be able to more thoroughly examine a driver's ability to safely operate such a large truck. In addition to the advancement in requirements, the rule also brings a new national online database of medical examiners who have already completed the certification process laid out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA).

These examinations are used to make sure that drivers have no problems that can affect their abilities behind the wheel or increase the risks for trucking accidents in Plymouth County and elsewhere.

"Safety is our top priority and requires cooperation from everyone involved," said LaHood.

Our Plymouth Country accident lawyers understand that this new rule was enacted to help ensure that professionals in the healthcare industry who conduct these exams keep in mind all of the demands that are required to operate both passenger buses and large trucks safely. By recognizing these demands, healthcare professional will be better able to determine the troubles these drivers may face under specific health complications. Making sure that the skills and the health of these drivers are up to par is one of the best ways to help to decrease the risks of trucking accidents on our roadways.

The new National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners final rule was also created as a part of the FMCSA's commitment to making our roadways safer and to better protect all kinds of travelers. This rule enhances the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) recommendations for helping medical examiners to better track drivers' health and certificates.

In a month, the FMCSA will be posting testing and training standards for medical professionals. By 2014, all examiners will be required to be in the National Registry database and all drivers will be required to have an examination from one of these professionals. Medical personnel who do not keep up with federal standards will be taken out of the registry.

According to Anne S. Ferro with the FMCSA, drivers deserve the best medical examinations by the best medical personnel. The safety of them and of our roadways relies on it. Holding our medical professionals accountable will help to increase roadway safety.

Every year, medical professionals conduct nearly 5 million medical exams on bus and commercial truck drivers. These exams look at a driver's hearing, vision, muscular functions and look for respirators diseases, cardiovascular diseases as well as examining their medical fitness. Drivers must undergo one of these exams at least once every two years to legally hold a commercial driver's license.

DOT Targeting Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Milford and Elsewhere with Distracted Driving Design Challenge

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 07:08:22 -0500

According to a recent study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), teenage passengers are least likely to speak up if they feel threatened by a driver's distracting habits behind the wheel.

Teens make up the age group that is most likely to be involved in a distraction-related car accident in Milford and elsewhere. The Secretary for the USDOT, Ray LaHood, says that the findings of this recent survey serve as a call to action to get young drivers and passengers to talk about the dangers of using a cell phone or a text messaging device behind the wheel. More awareness and more communication can help to keep these young drivers, and other motorists, safe on our roadways.

With these findings, officials with the NHTSA launched a new contest for students across the country to design a social networking icon that will be used throughout the USDOT's distracted driving campaign and will be used to encourage teens to speak up when riding with a distracted driver. It's the Distracted Driving Design Challenge!

Our Milford injury attorneys understand that drivers between the ages of 18- and 20-years-old have the highest level of cell phone involvement in accidents and near-accident situations. These young drivers are roughly three times as likely to report to have been emailing or text messaging when an accident happened on our roadways. In addition, drivers under the age of 25 are nearly five times more likely to drive while engaging in these distractions. As drivers age they're less likely to engage in distracting habits behind the wheel.

In the recent NHTSA survey, 6,000 drivers were polled to get a peek into the public's self-reported behaviors, knowledge and attitudes related to cell phone use while driving.

Study Findings:

-About 90 percent of those surveyed said that they considered a driver who was reading, composing or sending emails or text messages behind the wheel was very unsafe.

-Younger drivers who were surveyed said that they were less likely to speak up and say something if they were riding with a distracted driver.

-Roughly a third of drivers between the ages of 18- and 24-years-old said that they would say something to a driver who was distracted behind the wheel.

-Half of surveyed drivers over the age of 65-years-old said that they would say something to a driver who was distracted behind the wheel.

With the DOT's Distracted Driving Design Challenge, teens are urged to make an icon portraying the department's anti-distraction message. The winning icon will be shared on Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook and other social media networks. The contest is running from the 16th of April through the 31st of July. Students aged 13- through 18-years-old are urged to participate. For more information regarding the contest, please visit Challenge.gov.

Risks of Car Accident in Boston and Elsewhere Higher for Returning Military Personnel

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:26:32 -0500

According to a recent USAA study, returning military personnel typically experience about 15 percent more car accidents in Boston and elsewhere.

In these accidents, they're typically at fault and the increase spans through the first six months they're back from active duty. Their accidents are typically higher than the six months prior, while driving overseas. USAA, a popular insurer for those in the armed forces and their families, conducted its study be looking at more than 170,000 deployments over a three-year period. The study took place while everything was going on if Afghanistan and Iraq.

What the study concluded is that many of these soldiers continued an overseas combat-like driving style once they returned to the states. The auto accident rates for both Marines and Army members rose by nearly 13 and 25 percent, respectively. This doesn't surprise researchers though, considering nearly 15 percent of these auto accidents were caused by "objects in the road," which can be compared to "explosive devices" and other dangerous roadside obstacles found at war.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand that wasn't the only correlation between on-duty driving and military personnel risks for accidents here. Officials with USAA also determined that there was an interesting correlation between the number of deployments of a driver and their rates of auto accidents on our roadways. Drivers who had been deployed more than twice were involved in nearly 40 percent more accidents. Those deployed only twice were in less than 30 percent more accidents and those who had only been deployed once had a less than 15 percent increase in accidents than a normal driver. According to a recent study, deployments typically have lasted from 8 to 14 months, since 2001.

The age of the military personnel was also relevant in the number of accidents they experienced once they got home. Military personnel who are 22-years-old and younger were involved in many more wrecks than those who were 30-years-old and older.

Military rank also played an important role in these soldiers' risks for an auto accident. Higher ranked soldiers were typically involved in less auto accidents than their lower ranked soldiers.

"USAA has also shared the study with academics and traffic safety experts and has taken steps to make USAA members aware of the behind-the-wheel risks for returning troops," said officials with USAA.

Officials with the Office of Public Affairs of the Army said they had nothing to do with it since it was headed by the insurance company and not the government.

The USAA survey and its findings are just another addition to the growing library of information regarding both the physical and psychological effect that deployment and war have on our soldiers.

Work Zone Car Accidents in Boston and Elsewhere Targeted by MassDOT Campaign

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:59:10 -0500

The state of Massachusetts is getting in on this year's National Work Zone Awareness Week. According to Richard A. Davey with the Massachusetts Department of Transportaion (MassDOT), transportation officials with the Department are teaming up with Construction Industries of Massachusetts (CIM) leaders in Devens, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Massachusetts State Police Colonel Marian McGovern and Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) Secretary Mary Beth Heffernan to help push this campaign in the area.

The aims is to prevent work zone car accidents in Boston and elsewhere. This year's event is taking place from the 23rd through the 27th of April. During this time safe driving advocates will be reaching out to drivers across the state asking them to have some compassion when traveling through Massachusetts' work zones. Safe and responsible driving habits are one of the only ways to help keep both motorists and workers safe in these areas.

To help to make sure that drivers are being safe in these areas, there will be additional officers from the Massachusetts State Police at roughly 25 state highway work zones throughout the week.

Our Boston accident attorneys understand that there have been more than 70 accidents reported in our state's work sites involving either a police cruiser or a state trooper. Officers in the state kicked off a new Work Zone Awareness program back in November and the program has already cited more than 3,000 drivers for speeding through our work zones. Another 400 were cited for not wearing seat belts and almost 100 more were cited for aggressive diving.

"Dedicated workers are building and maintaining the roads and bridges we rely on every day to get us where we need to go safely," said Victor Mendez with the FWHA.

Secretary Davie adds that we're entering the heart of the highway construction season. The sun is coming out, the weather is clearing up and workers are hitting our streets to help to improve our roadways for everyone. This is a time when drivers need to be reminded that construction zones come with an important warning: please slow down through work zones.

Both speeding and distracted driving has been proven to be two of the top causes of car accidents in these areas. These poor driving habits result in deadly consequences for motorists, law enforcement officials as well as public works employees. All drivers should slow sown, halt the distractions, avoid tailgating and keep an eye out for roadside workers when passing through these areas.

The Work Zone Awareness program that's been working since November to help make these areas safer for workers has been funded through state and federal highway money. So far, the program has run up a tab of nearly $500,000 but has helped to save lives along the way.

Car Accident in Quincy Lands Uninsured Motorist Behind Bars

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 19:20:32 -0500

A recent hit-and-run car accident in Quincy left a local male driver with multiple charges and in deep trouble with law enforcement officers. According to the Quincy Herald-Whig, the accident happened just before 10:00 a.m. on the corner of Broadway and 24th.

Local officers say they've arrested the 46-year-old suspect on charges of driving while his license was suspended, leaving the scene of an accident, operation of an uninsured motor vehicle as well as improper lane usage. He is currently being held at the Adams County Jail.

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand what a headache it can be to be involved in an auto accident with a driver who isn't licensed and who doesn't have the proper car insurance to cover the damages they've caused. Many times, innocent, responsible and insured drivers are left to front the bill in these costly accidents. That's why it's important for you to contact and experienced attorney if you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident with one of these irresponsible drivers. You'll need experienced representation to fight for your rights and the deserved compensation to cover the damages.

In the Quincy car accident, police report that the collision happened when a U-Haul truck attempted to cross over the eastbound traffic to make a turn. As the truck attempted to make the turn, a pickup truck slammed into it. One of the drivers was taken to the hospital and treated for injuries.

The uninsured and unlicensed driver fled the scene of the accident and was located by officers nearby, on Vermont and 22nd.

According to USA TODAY, about one out of every seven driver doesn't have the proper motor insurance. Industry groups estimate that nearly 15 percent of all motorists are uninsured, which is a number that is expected to climb along with gas prices and unemployment rates.

"Over the last 20 years, uninsured motorists and the unemployment rate have tracked fairly closely," says David Corum, vice president of the Insurance Research Council.

In 2007, insured drivers paid out nearly $11 billion for other motorists with no insurance policies. Some drivers have that part of car insurance that covers uninsured motorists. Some don't.

Officials even conclude that state laws that make it a requirement to have this kind of insurance have been proven ineffective in keeping drivers insured. Some just can't afford it and are willing to risk the well-being and the financial stability of those who play by the rules. Experts also conclude that nearly 5 percent of drivers in the state of Massachusetts don't have any kind of car insurance. In our state, drivers are required to show proof of insurance before they're allowed to register a vehicle.

Three Teens Killed in Dorchester Car Accident

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:13:32 -0500

A recent car accident in Dorchester left three young motorists dead. The early morning accident happened just before 5:00 a.m. as three motorists headed north on Morrissey Boulevard. According to local firefighters and Massachusetts police officers, emergency responders tried to save the motorists, two 19-year-olds and one 20-year-old, after the accident left them trapped in their vehicle, which had flipped over.

Two died at the scene of the accident and one died later at the Boston Medical Center, according to 7NEWS.

"It's the scariest thing to find out -- one day you talk to them and then the next day they're gone. It's devastating," said Amanda Hines, a cousin of one of the victims.

As we recently reported on our Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog, this time of the year is a dangerous time for teens to be on our roadways. It's this time of the year when teens flock to our roadways to attend prom, graduation and set out on summer break. Parents and guardians are urged to talk with the teen drivers in their family to help to make sure that these young drivers are keeping safety as a top priority behind the wheel.

Following the recent Dorchester accident, state police are working with reconstruction experts to try to figure out what exactly happened and how the vehicle ended up how it did, flipped over -- entrapping the young motorists. So far, experts know that the car was heading north on Morrissey Boulevard right by Pope's Hill, but veered off the road between two guardrails. After that, experts believe that it rode up a hill, flipped over and ran into the concrete abutment of a bridge.

Dave Procopio, a Massachusetts State Police spokesperson, says that officials with the department haven't ruled out any causes yet. He says they're looking into speed and where the young motorists were coming from. According to preliminary investigations, it appears that the motorists were attending a party in Boston earlier in the night. Police have been able to conclude that none of the motorists were buckled in at the time of the accident. One of the passengers was ejected from the sedan in the accident.

Mile for mile, teens are involved in three times as many fatal car accidents as older drivers. These accidents take the lives of roughly 3,000 teens every year. This young age group of drivers has the highest proportion of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drivers ages 15- to 24-years-old represent less than 15 percent of the nation's population but account for nearly a third of the total costs of auto accident-related injuries.

Arvizu v. Puckett & Liability in Boston Car Accident Cases

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:30:21 -0500

When an at-fault driver is involved in a Boston car accident while working, who can be held liable?

Our experienced Boston injury attorneys can help you identify liable parties to get you the award you are entitled to.

The Supreme Court of Texas recently heard a case involving the question of vicarious liability. Arvizu, et al. v. Puckett, et al., No. 11-0023 (Tex. S.Ct. Mar. 30, 2012). Vicarious liability is centered on the agency law principals where an employer can be held liable for the negligence of an employee when the employee acts negligently while furthering the employers business.

Agency law becomes more complicated where there is a subagency component. A subagent is defined as a person who was appointed by an agent to perform an act that the agent consented to have done on behalf of the agent's principal. In order to qualify as a subagent, the agent must be responsible to the principal for the subagents conduct. Where an action is taken by a subagent, legal consequences are carried by the principal and not the appointing agent.

This subagency liability is seen in Arvizu, et al. v. Puckett. This case involved a car accident between Cantu and Juana Arvizu (plaintiff).

The relevant factual information is as follows. Montgomery County Auto Auction (MCAA) and Puckett Auto Sales had a longstanding commercial relationship. Puckett was at an auto auction held by MCAA trying to sell a pickup truck owned by Puckett. The pickup truck did not sell so Puckett instructed MCAA to deliver the pickup to another auction house. MCAA then instructed an MCAA employee, Cantu, to drive the Puckett pickup to the other auction house. While Cantu was traveling to the second auto accident, he was involved in a car accident with plaintiff causing injuries to plaintiff and plaintiff's son.

Plaintiff sued Cantu, MCAA, and Puckett for negligence claiming that MCAA and Puckett should also be held liable for Cantu's negligence under the theory of vicarious liability. Thus, the question for the court became whether two parties can simultaneously be in control of the same person, in this case Cantu.

In the initial trial court a jury found that there were three layers of liability. MCAA was employed by Puckett. Cantu was an employee of MCAA, not Puckett. Thus, Cantu an MCAA were both responsible for transporting the pickup for the benefit of Puckett and under Puckett's control.

Puckett appealed this jury decision stating that the decision that both MCAA and Cantu were both under Puckett's control was too much of a material conflict. In support of this contention, Puckett was responsible for proving that by finding that Puckett was liable for the actions of both MCAA and Cantu, a different judgment needed to be entered. Puckett was unable to meet this standard and therefore, lost their case.

The court found that Cantu was under the control of Puckett while transporting the vehicle therefore, leading to the nonemployee mission liability. This is the type of liability found where there is subagency. In this case Puckett was the principal who instructed their employee, MCAA, to transport the vehicle. MCAA was thus the agent, instructing a subagent, Cantu, to transport the vehicle. Because of the existence of this type of relationship the court found that Cantu, MCAA and Puckett should all be held liable for the injuries plaintiff's sustained.

Program to Reduce Risks of Drunk Driving Accidents in Boston and Elsewhere through MA

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 11:45:26 -0500

Think A-Head!

It's a new school-based brain injury awareness program that's helping to spread the word about the dangers that come with prom season. One of the main dangers face teens nationwide is the risk for drunk driving car accidents in Boston and elsewhere.

That's why the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts (BIA-MA) launched the Think A-Head injury awareness program, according to Community Advocates.

This program is targeting students from 9th through 12th grade. It's aim is to help educate through a 60-minute Prepare for Prom program. The program will offer these young prom-goers with tips on how to plan a safe prom and how to effectively fight peer pressure and to avoid dangerous behaviors.

Our Boston drunk driving car accident lawyers understand that teens not only need to be aware of the risks that are associated with prom, but they need to know the potentially fatal consequences that are associated with the consumption of alcohol and drugs, especially when driving. This is where the program and parents come in. By talking about these dangers, teens will be more equipped to handle them the right and safe way.

"We hope the students take away tactics and strategies they can use during pressure-filled situations to keep themselves and their friends safe," said BJ Williams, BIA-MA's Manager of Prevention Programs.

Parents are also urged to join in on the program. As a matter of fact, there's a course specifically designed for this. In this course, parents will learn how to talk to their teens and offer them tailored tips to help keep teens safe during out-of-school activities where they're likely to face peer pressure. Keeping an open conversation with your teen about the scenarios they're likely to expect will help to prepare them for how to deal with them when they arise.

Car accidents are the number one cause of death for teenagers across the country. Of the drivers who were killed in these kinds of accidents in 2009, about a third of them were under the influence of alcohol behind the wheel. While they're not old enough to drink legally, it doesn't mean they can't get it and that they won't do it.

The Think A-Head program is helping to teach students across the state how to avoid risk-taking behaviors and how to create and adhere to healthy living habits.

BIA-MA's Tips for Teens for a Safe Prom:

-Plan out and discuss prom plans with friends ahead of time.

-Keep parents in the loop. They're there to help.

-Discuss curfews with parents. Everyone should be on the same page.

-Practice saying no to alcohol and drugs before the big night.

-Parents should take inventory of the alcohol in the home.

-Secure alcohol away from teens.

-Known who's driving your kid.

-Stress seat belt usage.

-Don't condone poor choice scenarios by renting a hotel room or offering a place to have a post-prom party.