Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Investigation Continues in Fatal Boston Hit-and-Run Accident Involving MIT Professor

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:34:43 -0500

Police are still investigating a hit-and-run bicycle accident near Kenmore Square that killed an MIT professor this weekend.

Kanako Miura, 36, a native from Japan and visiting professor at MIT since 2012, was struck and killed by a truck while riding her bike at the intersection of Beacon Street and Baystate Road around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The truck fled the scene. Police say they are looking for a garbage truck that was possibly involved in the accident.

Bikes are considered a way of life in the city, but residents say that the area around Boston University is especially dangerous for anyone including cars and pedestrians, with accidents occurring at an average rate of two to three times per week.

Since 2007, Mayor Thomas Menino has strove to make Boston a more bike-friendly city by implementing more infrastructures such as bike lanes and bike paths to support more cyclists as well as installing the Hubway bike share program. In 2011, Boston was rated one of the safest cities to ride in in the United States, and this year, Cambridge received a Gold-Level rating for being one of the most bicycle-friendly communities in the nation.

Still, with more riders on the road today than ever before, the city is faced with the challenge of how to prevent more accidents from occurring. In a report published by the City of Boston in correspondence to Bike Safety Month, the Boston Police Department reported a bike ridership increase of 28% (56,000 trips per day) as well as a 2% increase in accidents (488 in 2012) since 2010. In more than half of the bike accidents reported, the cyclist was not wearing a helmet.

League of American Bicyclists Recognizes Cambridge, MA as Gold-Level Bicycle Community

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:20:33 -0500

On Monday, the city of Cambridge was named a Gold-level bicycle friendly community by The League of American Bicyclists, making it the highest rated city to bicycle in on the East coast. The recognition and ceremony comes in observance of National Bike Safety Month.

Cambridge, which is only one of 18 cities nationwide that has received this award, was recognized on its bicycle friendliness, infrastructure, and its investment into bicycle promotion with the establishment of the Hubway share program.

According to city officials, there are three times as many bikers on Cambridge and Boston roads today, than there were only a decade ago. Many bikers cite traffic congestion and the “Green” lifestyle appeal as their reasons for switching to two wheels.

State leaders have shown their enthusiasm for the shift in bike riding, and last fall, the Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced that by 2030, it wanted to triple the rate of biking, walking, and public transit. Currently over 22,000 people regularly cycle to work around the entire commonwealth. The biggest challenge MassDOT faces is the process it will take to educate people about the rules of the road, and the development of necessary infrastructure to encourage and accommodate more cyclists.

Advocates are pushing for more improvements on safety before encouraging more cyclists onto the roads, based on the rates of bicycle accidents around the city—especially those involving collisions with motor vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 39 cyclists were killed and 2,100 people sustained non-fatal injuries between 2007 and 2011 in Massachusetts. Five cyclists have already been killed this year.

34 People Taken to Hospital after Bus Crash in Newton, MA

Wed, 01 May 2013 11:20:07 -0500

Thirty-four junior high school students were injured and taken to hospitals following a three vehicle crash involving a school bus yesterday.

The accident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday morning along Route 9 in Newton when a Metco bus traveling toward Lexington rear-ended a car stopped at a stop light, causing that vehicle to hit another car.

Eleven of the students on the bus suffered minor injuries and were taken to area hospitals, while the remaining 23 students were taken to hospitals only as a precaution.

The cause of the accident is still unknown and remains under investigation. According to State Police, no citations have yet been issued.

Each year, thousands of children are injured in school bus accidents. Having your child be involved in an accident is traumatic and is something that no parent should ever have to endure. Whether dropping off kids at the bus stop, having his or her child go on a field trip, or even sending kids off to summer camp, there are always concerns in the back of every parent’s mind about who is driving his or her children, like has the bus driver had enough sleep? Has the bus driver been drinking? Should he or she be wearing glasses? Does the bus driver have a smart phone and will he or she text and drive? You can’t stop putting your child on the school bus, but hopefully bus companies will make sure that their drivers are providing the safest environment for all children.

Fatigued Driving in Massachusetts: As Dangerous as Driving Drunk

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:12:48 -0500

Fatigued driving is probably familiar to every driver, especially early morning commuters and those driving late at night. While some may think that getting behind the wheel fatigued can be harmless, it is actually quite dangerous. In fact some studies suggest that drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving.

Causes of Drowsiness

There are many risk factors associated with drowsiness, such as chronic sleepiness caused by frequent lack of sleep, acute sleep loss, and work shifts. A variety of circumstances can account for acute sleep loss like taking care of children, vacations, short-term work demands, and social events. Irregular work schedules, late night or overtime shifts may throw off a person’s internal clock and lead to increased sleepiness. The amount of time a person spends behind the wheel can also contribute to their level of fatigued. Tractor trailer drivers, for example, often experience fatigue because of the many hours they spend on the road.

Lack of sleep is not the only reason for drowsiness. Potent medications like sedatives, antidepressants or antihistamines used to treat allergies and colds, and even alcohol consumption can influence levels of tiredness.

The Dangers and Warning Signs of Drowsy Driving

Boston is surrounded by major highways and interstates like the Mass Pike, Routes 128, 495, 93 and 95. It is important to be vigilant of dangerous drivers and be aware of your own driving habits. According to a study by AAA, drowsy driving accounts for 17% of all motor vehicle accidents in the United States. Unlike drunk driving accidents, where a driver’s blood alcohol content can be measured, there is no objective way to measure how tired a person is.

Fatal Text Message Serves as Warning to Massachusetts Drivers of the Dangers of Distracted Driving

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:41:34 -0500

The parents of a University of Northern Colorado student who died last week while texting and driving, are hoping that a photo of the text he was sending just before he crashed, will remind other drivers to put the phone down while behind the wheel.

“In a split second you could ruin your future, injure or kill others, and tear a hole in the heart of everyone who loves you,” the victim's mother, Sharron Heit said.

Alexander Heit was responding to a friend’s message when he drifted into oncoming traffic, jerked the wheel of his car, and then went off the road, rolling his car. Heit never sent the message and a screenshot from his iPhone was published to serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of distracted driving.

MA Laws

Massachusetts has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to texting and driving. While individuals over 18 are allowed to talk on a cell phone while driving, all drivers, no matter what type of license they carry are banned from text messaging while operating a motor vehicle.

Bus Driver Charged in February 2 Soldiers Field Road Accident in Boston

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:32:59 -0500

The driver of the Calvary Coach bus that crashed into an overpass on Soldiers Field Road in Boston in February has been criminally charged.

Samuel J. Jackson, 67, of Philadelphia was charged with operating negligently to endanger as well as failing to obey a sign and driving a bus on a Department of Conservation roadway. The bus he was driving was carrying a group of Philadelphia teenagers who had just toured Harvard University.

According to investigators, Jackson failed to heed warning signs prohibiting buses and large trucks from traveling down that stretch of highway, and did not slow the bus upon entering the tunnel, which was shorter than the bus’s height. The crash caused serious damage to the bus’s roof, and portions of its front and frame were significantly damaged. 39 passengers were injured during the accident.

While this accident happened back in February, it seems like we are reading about this horrific event as if it happened only a few days ago. There are now pending charges against the driver, which will be handled in a Massachusetts courtroom.

New Hampshire Sees Increase in Motorcyclists and Fatal Crashes

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:05:58 -0500

Not only does New Hampshire have more registered motorcycles on the roads today, but also more fatalities, the Eagle Tribune reported.

79,419 motorcycles were registered in the state in 2012—a jump from the 76,431 that were registered in 2011. Increased fuel prices are among the reasons explaining a surge in numbers.

The fatality rate has also risen. NH saw 28 motorcycle-related deaths last year, which is double the number of deaths in 2011. The state had its first fatality of 2013 last weekend in Manchester.

According to NH State Police Sargent Matt Shapiro, motorcycle accidents account for more than one quarter of vehicle-related deaths. This statistic is steadily approaching 30 percent as the amount of bikers on the road continues to rise. Shapiro attributed last year’s numbers to the warm weather and good riding season, and added that early season accidents may be a combination of riders being “rusty” after months of not riding as well as the amount of sand and debris left on the roadways after the winter.

Aside from roadway conditions, Shapiro said the poor visibility of motorcycles, actions of other drivers, level of rider experience and speed all factor into the number of roadway accidents. NH’s helmet law is also an issue. Unlike Massachusetts and many other states, New Hampshire does not require riders to wear helmets. Though Shapiro added that helmets can’t prevent death in all cases, they are very effective and should be worn by every rider.

Investigation Finds Boston, MA Cabs Seriously Underinsured

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:37:09 -0500

In a recent article published by Boston.com, the Boston Globe Spotlight Team found that Boston Cab Company, in addition to other Boston taxi companies, remains dangerously underinsured, and keeps passengers and victims of cab accidents at risk.

According to the Spotlight Team, most of the Boston Cab Company cars operate with the minimum amount of required insurance to cover serious injuries. The $20,000 minimum coverage is only fraction of what most motorists on the road today have in coverage; less than half of what is required for bicycle messengering services in Boston ($50,000), and only a tiny fraction of that required of black livery cars at Logan Airport ($1 million).

The major problem with having such minimal insurance is the limited protection and compensation for victims involved in taxi cab accidents. Elizabeth Rideout and her mother, for example, were both injured when a cab driver lost control of his vehicle, jumped a curb, and struck them while they were standing outside of a Logan Airport terminal. Rideout’s mother was dragged under the car’s axel and sustained injuries that left her hospitalized in Intensive Care for eight months. Boston Cab Co. initially offered $8,000 in compensation, and then increased their offer to no more than $20,000 stating that was all they were liable for.

Gordon College Freshman Dies in Car Crash in Lakeville, MA

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:42:38 -0500

A Gordon College freshman died in a car crash Saturday in the southeastern Massachusetts town of Lakeville.

Officials pronounced Monica DeMello, 18, of Middleborough, dead at the scene after being involved in a two-vehicle accident on Route 44, according to a statement from the Lakeville Police Department.

The other driver, Kathleen Allen, 23, of Middleborough, is scheduled to be arraigned in Wareham District Court on a number of charges, including drunken driving negligence, motor vehicle homicide, drunken driving with serious injury and negligence, driving to endanger, and a marked lanes violation. Emergency responders transported her unidentified passenger by medical helicopter to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Gordon College President D. Michael Lindsay wrote on the school’s Facebook page, “This is a tragedy and a shock to all of us, especially on the eve of Easter.” Lindsay said university officials will be talking with students to determine the best way for faculty, staff, and students to “celebrate Monica’s life and to grieve her loss as a community.” “May the blessed assurance of Monica’s place with our risen Savior be a comfort in these coming days,” Lindsay wrote.

A Facebook page created in DeMello’s honor now has over 900 members. The introduction page read, “We were blessed by such a beautiful person and the world is a better place by having her. You’ve earned your Angel wings Monica, now fly over us all and protect us.” Family, friends, classmates, former classmates, and well-wishers have all posted comments expressing their grief and shock at her death.

DeMello graduated from Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical High School, and formerly lived in Taunton, MA. Her mother and sister live in Middleborough, and her father resides in Florida.

Rick Sweeney, the college’s vice president for marketing and communications, said the school is planning “some opportunity for the entire campus to come together.” He described DeMello’s passing as a tragedy for her family and friends, as well as the other driver involved. The community will “remember her as a wonderful girl full of life,” he said.

Notifying the Gordon College community was challenging, Sweeney said, because students were off for Good Friday and the Monday after Easter. Students will be back on campus, where about 1,530 undergraduates live, this week.

Police Say Weymouth, MA Driver Intentionally Struck Pedestrian

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 10:05:40 -0500

Police claim a patron left Buck’s Bar & Grill without paying his tab, climbed into his car, and rammed a customer who chased him outside trying to get him to pay his bill.

Captain Rick Fuller said the driver, Michael K. Fay, 48, of Weymouth, MA refused to pay his bill and then left the restaurant. “The victim followed him outside and demanded that he return and pay the bar tab,” Fuller said. “The suspect attempted to back out and struck the victim, pinning him between two vehicles. The suspect then fled the area.”

Fay now faces criminal charges including leaving the scene of an accident after causing personal injury, operating under the influence of alcohol and causing serious bodily injury, operating a motor vehicle to endanger and leaving an accident scene after causing property damage.

Emergency responders transported the alleged victim, a 38-year-old Weymouth man, to South Shore Hospital for treatment of severe trauma, said Fuller. “The victim was later transported to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston because of the severity of his injuries,” he said. The incident took place at around 8:36 p.m.

Police found Fay shortly after the incident on North Street after officer Ryan Hamacher recognized the license plate number and vehicle matched the description witnesses provided, Fuller said. “It was confirmed that Fay was the suspect in this hit-and-run pedestrian crash,” he said.

Fay allegedly failed numerous field sobriety tests before officials charged him with operating under the influence and other offenses, according to Fuller.

Police held Fay overnight at police headquarters on $5,000 cash bail before his arraignment, Fuller said.

“The accident is currently being investigated by the Weymouth Police Fatal Crash Reconstruction Team,” Fuller stated.

Two Drivers Stuck Under Tanker in Crash on Mass Pike in Framingham, MA

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:34:18 -0500

Two women were hurt when the vehicle they were in crashed and became lodged under a tanker truck on the Mass Pike in Framingham, MA.

The accident occurred when a 2011 Honda Pilot traveling in the left lane drifted into the breakdown lane, struck a guard rail, swung back across the road and hit the side of a 2006 Western Star Tanker Trailer, said Trooper Thomas McCarthy in his report. This caused the tanker to jackknife and block all three lanes. A third vehicle, a 2013 Honda CRV carrying Lisa Nguyen, 32, of Malden, and Trang Pham, 39, of Everett, crashed and became stuck under the tanker.

Framingham EMS brought Pham and Nguyen to Leonard Morse Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The driver of the tanker was not injured and the operator of the Honda Pilot sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The accident resulted in the closure of all traffic lanes for an hour during the rescue operation, investigation, and clean-up, backing up traffic for about five miles.

Multiple people contacted the State Police Barracks in Weston about the crash on Route 90 Westbound at the 115 mile marker in Framingham. State police, and Framingham and Natick Fire and EMS all responded to the crash.

Troop E of the Massachusetts State Police and the State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section are investigating the accident.

Mother and Daughter Hurt in Arlington, MA Car Crash

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:02:12 -0500

A vehicle with five juveniles and an open container of alcohol struck and injured a mother and daughter, said Arlington Police Captain Richard Flynn.

Police responded to the incident on Sunday at 6:30 p.m., after the car full of juveniles crashed into the automobile carrying a mother and her daughter, which then hit a car parked in a driveway. All three vehicles sustained major front-end damage.

Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to free the daughter from the second car, Flynn said. She reported back and hip pain, and was bleeding from the head, while her mother complained of back and neck pain. Emergency responders brought them both to Massachusetts General Hospital.

Three juveniles left the other car unharmed, Flynn said. An officer smelled alcohol on them and noticed an open container of alcohol in the vehicle, but they all denied drinking. The female driver passed field sobriety tests. Police tracked down two young men who fled the vehicle, Flynn said. When Flynn asked why they left, they claimed they were worried of getting in trouble, but denied drinking, he said.

Police charged all five juveniles with possession of alcohol as minors, having an open container in a vehicle, and the driver with speeding and operating a vehicle to endanger, Flynn said.

Town of Wellesley Consider Adding Bike Lanes after Cyclist’s Death in 2012

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:38:09 -0500

Town officials in Wellesley are considering creating bike lanes to make roads safer for cyclists. The proposed plan comes after a 41-year-old man was struck and killed by a truck while riding his bicycle last year.

“Every time somebody is injured on our roads—particularly when someone dies—the selectmen take it very seriously,” Hans Larsen, executive director of Wellesley said.

“It calls into question, is there something else we need to do? Or is there something we should have done differently? We don’t want this to happen again, and what do we need to do to avoid that?”

The victim, Alexander Motsenigos, was riding his bike on Weston Road near the intersection of Linden Street on the afternoon of August 24, 2012, when he was hit by an 18-wheel truck. The driver of the truck fled the scene and was charged with motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation, unsafe overtaking of a bicyclist, and failing to take precautions for the safety of other travelers, but was not indicted.

Car Crash Knocks Out Power to Hundreds in Longmeadow, MA.

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:07:00 -0500

A single car crash knocked out power to hundreds of residents in Longmeadow, MA.

Longmeadow police and fire departments responded to the accident that occurred just before 6:30 p.m. near the Longmeadow Country Club. Slick road conditions caused the 16-year-old woman driver, whose name authorities did not release, to lose control of the vehicle she was operating and strike a telephone pole at 400 Shaker Road, resulting in the outage. The woman was able to free herself from the vehicle before it burst into flames.

Fire Captain Andrew Fraser said it was a miracle that she escaped her vehicle safely. “No one can figure out how she got out without getting electrocuted. It was a 1 in a million chance,” says Captain Fraser.

A witness to the accident, Sarah McCarthy, helped save the driver’s life. McCarthy was passing by after staying late at work when she and her daughter saw the minivan slide on ice, cross Shaker Road, and collide with the telephone pole. The 16-year-old girl got out of the vehicle and looked stunned, standing within feet of 13,000 volt power lines. McCarthy recognized the girl as one of her daughter’s friends. “I called over to her come here now in the best motherly tone I could. She got into the back of my car. I threw it in reverse and just as that happened, there was an explosion,” McCarthy said.

Longmeadow Police Captain John Stankiewicz said the girl was lucky. In my career, I have not seen something of this magnitude where somebody survived. She is a very fortunate young lady,” he said. Most of the time, he added, it’s safer to stay in your car if wires fall on it because the car is grounded. “It’s the lesser of two evils. You have to pick your poison. In this situation, she chose the right course of action,” he said.

The crashed caused about 650 Western Mass. Electric customers to lose electricity. WMEC said they sent a crew to make repairs, and had power turned on for just about every affected customer by 8:30 p.m. They hope to restore power to any remaining customers as quickly as possible.

The accident resulted in approximately $100,000 in damages to three poles, phone and power lines, and equipment, said Fire Captain Fraser.

Good Samaritan Helps Save Woman Trapped in Fiery Car Crash in Westminster, MA

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 13:45:31 -0500

A Good Samaritan helped saved a woman from a fiery car after she crashed head-on into another vehicle in Westminster last night.

The young woman was driving on Route 140 when she swerved into the other lane and struck an oncoming car carrying two male passengers. The woman’s car became engulfed in flames, and firefighters were dispatched to the scene.