Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog

Intersection Car Accident in Somerville Sends Seven to Hospital

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:27:00 -0500

After a recent rollover car accident in Somerville seven people were sent to the hospital, according to the Medford Patch. Four of the seven were taken away on body boards.

The accident happened shortly before 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of Mystic Valley Parkway and Boston Avenue. Officials with the Medford and the Somerville fire departments and police departments were called to the scene as well as the Massachusetts State Police. Officers were forced to close off nearby sections of Boston Avenue and Route 16 so that emergency response teams could attend to the victims and could clear the mess of the accident. Unfortunately, the accident happened right in the middle of rush hour. Emergency response teams were delayed a short while trying to get through the gridlock traffic, according to District Chief Frank Lee. He adds that this intersection has had a history of these kinds of accidents.

"Something like this happens four or five times a year," said Lee.

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand that intersections are in fact some of the most dangerous places on our roadways. They're the backdrop to many accidents each and every day. As a matter of fact, nearly half of the near 6,000,000 car accidents that happened in the U.S. in 2008 were intersection-related. Motorists are urged to be cautious in these areas to try to avoid a potentially fatal accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), there are a couple of factors that contribute to a large majority of these intersection-related accidents. Some of the most common factors include inadequate surveillance, false assumptions of other's actions, turning with obstructed views, illegal maneuvers, distracted driving, misjudgment of gap and other's speed and failure to obey traffic control devices.

Luckily, there are a few safe driving tips that can help to keep you safe when driving through intersections and through other high-risk areas.

Intersection Safety Tips:

-When coming up to a traffic light, assume that it's going to change. Slow it down a little bit. That way if it does change then you will be able to slow down in time for drivers who aren't as cautious.

-Always check the crosswalks for pedestrians.

-If the light at the intersection changes to green as you approach, be sure to keep it slow and look in all directions. You never know when there's a car coming from another direction that's going to run the red light.

-Be sure to always use your turn signals, both when changing lanes and when making turns.

-Yield to vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

-Never tailgate. Always allow enough room for you to stop safely.

-Be one step ahead of other drivers and the surrounding traffic.

-Always use your blinker to alert other travelers of your intended maneuvers.

Man Fights for Life after Chelsea Pedestrian Accident

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:19:42 -0500

An overnight accident in Chelsea sent a pedestrian to Massachusetts General Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Officials with the Massachusetts State Police are currently investigating the accident.

The accident happened along Revere Beach parkway just after midnight when the pedestrian was struck by a passing bus, according to NECN.

The Bolt Bus was being driven by a Brockton man. Currently, no charges have been filed.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand that buses are a key form of transportation throughout the state. Many residents and visitors rely on this form of transportation to get to and from work and school. While we oftentimes focus on the safety of the passengers, it's also important to focus on the pedestrians are the vehicles. These large buses pack a heavy punch when they're involved in traffic accidents and oftentimes produce deadly results.

Pedestrians need to be cautious whenever traveling near motor vehicle traffic. In 2009, there were nearly 4,100 pedestrians killed on U.S. roadways. In addition to these fatalities, there were another 60,000 people injured in these accidents. Oftentimes, pedestrians are overlooked by vehicle traffic, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It's important for pedestrians to make their movements near traffic predictable to make them better seen my motorists. These kinds of accidents are preventable. They just take some awareness from everyone.

According to the Cambridge Police Department, there are a few simple safety tips that pedestrians can use when walking around buses and bus stops to help them to avoid becoming the victim of a fatal bus-pedestrian accident.

Pedestrian Safety Tips:

-Pedestrians are required to follow all traffic control signals and directions of officers who may be out directing traffic.

-Pedestrians are required to use crosswalks to cross the street if they're within 300 feet of one.

-Pedestrians are required to yield to the right of way to authorized emergency, funeral processions, regardless of what the traffic controls may be conveyed.

-When traveling at night, wear bright clothing and wear reflectors or carry a flashlight to be able to be more visible to motorists.

While we ask pedestrians to do their part to stay safe on our roadways, we also ask motorists and bus drivers to keep an eye out for on-foot traffic. The Cambridge Police Department also offers some safety tips for drivers to help to keep our roads safe.

Motorist Safety Tips:

-Motorists are to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

-Motorists are to never block a crosswalk.

-Always expect pedestrians. Be extra cautious in residential neighborhoods and be cautious when traveling near downtown areas and shopping/business districts.

-Motorists must slow down for pedestrians.

-Motorists may not open a car door into the travel lane of a bicyclist of a pedestrian.

-Motorists must yield to pedestrians and bicyclists when making a turn.

Red Sox Announcer Dies in Boston Car Accident

Mon, 14 May 2012 09:22:34 -0500

Carl Beanie, the public address announcer for the Red Sox, recently passed away after a car accident in Boston. According to the Boston Globe, the announcer called out some excellent Sox plays through two World Series championships. He was 59-years-old.

"We are filled with sadness at this tragic news," Red Sox president Larry Lucchino said. "All of Red Sox Nation will remember his presence, his warmth, and his voice."

Our Boston injury attorneys understand that the announcer's vehicle reportedly ran off the road. He was taken to Harrington Hospital in Southbridge where he was later pronounced dead. There's no denying he will be missed. Beanie was a long-time staple at the baseball park. He's announced for a number of broadcasts, including the Associated Press, and started his career at Fenway back in 2002. He announced the World Series game when the Red Sox took home the championship to end their 86-year title drought.

Nearly everyone is Boston knows his familiar voice. He also announced wedding ceremonies, popular commercials and a number of ceremonies. A Boston magazine interview back in 2008 revealed that grooms would tell him that they were more excited to meet him than to marry their bride.

"This is where I should be," said Beanie.

He loved his baseball, he loved the Red Sox and he loved Boston.

Roadways in Boston can be dangerous. As a matter of fact in Boston there were nearly 20 fatal car crashes in 2009. Many of these accidents happened under completely preventable conditions, such as impaired driving, distracted driving, speedy driving and other forms of dangerous driving conditions. With a little bit more awareness behind the wheel, we can all do our party to help to reduce the risks of these accidents on our roadways.

To help keep our roads safe for everyone, it's important to keep an eye on health conditions. In many cases, drivers' health conditions and the medications that they're prescribed to can have a seriously risky effect on their abilities to navigate our roadway safety. Drivers are urged to talk with a doctor about driving after being prescribed to any medication.

The truth of the matter is that driving is tough and is a complex skill. Our ability to drive can be drastically changed if our mental, physical and emotional condition.

Bicycle Accidents in Boston and Elsewhere Targeted by Bay State Bike Week 2012!

Sat, 12 May 2012 07:12:08 -0500

Bicyclists throughout the state are encouraged to hop on their bike during this year's Bay State Bike Week. It's all for a good cause and to help to save lives.

This annual week-long event is being held this year from May 14th through the 20th and is used to raise awareness about bicyclists in the state. Every year, there are far too many bicyclists who are killed in traffic-related bicycle accidents in Boston and elsewhere. These accidents can be prevented!

As the weather warms up, more and more cyclists will be hitting our roadways and risks for accidents will increase. Be on your best and most cautious behavior behind the wheel to help avoid causing an accident with a cyclist.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), there have been hundreds of events registered throughout the state for this year's campaign. You're urged to sign up and participate by visiting the campaign's website. Get involved and help to raise awareness about bicycle safety.

Just two years ago, MassDOT became the very first state DOT in the U.S. to organize a state bike week event. Our state continues to be the only state in the country to dedicate an entire week to our bicyclists. Our Boston bicycling accident attorneys understand that there were more than 600 lives of bicyclists lost in motor-vehicle accidents across the U.S. in 2009. During the same year, there were more than 50,000 bicyclists injured, according to bicyclinginfo.com. What's worse is that experts believe these numbers are actually much higher as they believe that not all bicycle accidents are even reported by police.

This year, MassDOT is teaming up with MassRIDES as well as MassBIKE to successfully execute the Bay State's Bike Week. Both MassBIKE and MassRIDES are two of Commonwealth's statewide travel options program.

"The work that each community places in hosting events throughout the Commonwealth works to achieve the GreenDOT mission and the Healthy Transportation Compact statewide," Richard A. Davey, MassDOT Secretary and CEO.

In addition to all of the registered events throughout the state, there will also be more than 10 Massachusetts Transportation Management Associations (TMA) that will be giving out this year's MassCommute Bicycle Challenge. This is the state's 18th anniversary and will be used to conduct friendly competitions between residents, visitors, employers, communities, schools and others and is used to encourage everyone to use their bike to get to and from work, school, errands, etc.

Even if you're not getting out there on a bicycle, you're still encouraged to help to raise awareness about these travelers. Everyone is urged to share the road safely with one another, regardless of mode of transportation, to help make our roadways safer for all!

Fatal Car Accidents in Attleboro and Elsewhere Down, Increases Expected

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:39:45 -0500

There's good news. The number of fatal car accidents in Attleboro and elsewhere continues to plunge. The nation is actually sitting at the lowest number we've seen since 1949, according to MSNBC.

Not every state is fortunate enough to see a decrease though. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. saw nearly 32,500 roadway fatalities in 2011, which serves as a near 2 percent decline from the year before. It also serves as the seventh year in a row that we've seen a decline.

The numbers of fatalities hasn't decreased in every category. Some accidents and some areas saw increases in the number of fatal accidents. Our Attleboro car accident attorneys understand that the New England area was fortunate enough to see some of the biggest declines. Our area saw a decrease in the number of roadway fatalities by more than 7 percent in 2011. But don't let the good news fool you. There were still many areas of the country that saw increases. And we still need to be on our best behavior behind the wheel to help to keep our roadways safe.

Nationwide, the number of traffic accident fatalities has decreased by about 25 percent since 2005. When you measure these accidents in terms of per mile driven, the number is at its lowest since 1921.

Federal officials refuse to say what they believe caused the decline, but safe driving advocates say that there are probably a number of reasons. Included is the ongoing crackdown on impaired driving, which is linked to as many as half of all traffic fatalities, and the increase in the usage of seat belts, improved roadways and the developments of in-car safety systems.

Some are even blaming the downturn of the economy, saying that drivers are driving less and are therefore are facing less risks for accidents. In 2011, drivers traveled nearly 36 billion vehicles miles less than the year before. That's a more than 1 percent decline. As the economy recovers, experts believe, the number of miles driven and the risks for accidents will increase.

"Still, too many of our friends and neighbors are killed in preventable roadway tragedies every day," said the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), Ray LaHood.

LaHood notes the number of fatalities on our roadways is still far too high. He says that the NHTSA is working on new rules to address the "epidemic" of distracted driving accidents. He says that with advancements in technology, we're seeing more and more of these accidents on our roadways.

Drivers are asked to join in on the effort, too. Safe driving habits should always be a number one priority. Your safe driving habits can help to reduce the risks of accidents on our roadways.

Boston Sports Injuries: NFL Players File Suit

Wed, 09 May 2012 13:45:19 -0500

Boston sports injuries can have serious implications for pro athletes and even children who are just beginning to learn the game.

It's worse than just stitches and casts, which athletes sometimes wear as a badge of honor.

It's an issue our Boston sports injuries attorneys take very seriously.

Boston Personal Injury Attorney Jeffrey Glassman's sister suffered a debilitating back injury several years ago that shattered hopes of a promising tennis career.

So our sports injury lawyers are closely watching the developments of a lawsuit that has been filed by some 1,500 National Football League players, who say that the organization deliberately hid from them the serious health risks associated with concussions, which many suffered on an almost daily basis. Another 100 recently added their names to that list, which continues to grow.

In other sports injury news, a study recently found teenage girls involved in soccer may be particularly prone to head injuries.

The lawsuit, which has been filed in a federal court in Atlanta, alleges that time and time again, the league did not do enough to protect its players - i.e., its employees - from serious and life-altering head injuries. In fact, they even went so far as to misrepresent how head injuries would affect players, leading them to believe there would be no long-term consequences.

The NFL of course denies these claims, but this suit is the second consolidated suit to be filed against the league. The other, in Pennsylvania, has not yet been given a trial date.

At the core of the lawsuits are recent scientific studies that show that concussions can be directly linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which is a degenerative brain disease that is symptomatically similar to Alzheimer's disease. Those who suffer from it often have severe mood swings, extensive memory loss and deep depression.

The only thing that causes this disease is repeated blows to the brain. Like Alzheimer's, it can only be definitively diagnosed after someone has died.

The players contend that at least 12 cases have been identified in the brains of players who have since deceased. The actual number is likely much higher.

Players say they were never told of the dangers of the game.

It's interesting to note also the recently sad news regarding the suicide of NFL player Junior Seau. Doctors say he appeared to have been suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy for at least a year prior to his death. What's more, he is the second football player in recent years to commit suicide by shooting himself in the chest. Both men reportedly did so in order that their brains could be preserved to confirm the existence of the disease, as well as so that their brains could be used to study. Many have speculated that both wanted their brains used for research, likely so that future generations of footballers might benefit from the intense pain and confusion they felt in the years prior to his death.

While of course this affects a relatively small number of the population, there are countless youth sports leagues in which parents and coaches need to take note of this very serious issue.

Bicycle Accidents in Boston, Focus of 2012 Bike/Walk Summit

Sat, 05 May 2012 10:32:58 -0500

MassBike and WalkBoston are joining together to launch a free event, the 2012 Bike/Walk Summit.

Now, the two organizations are reaching out to pedestrian and bike advocates as well as the State House to help to raise awareness about these important forms of transportation in the City of Boston. Every year, there are far too many pedestrian and bicycle accidents in Boston and elsewhere. As the warmer months roll in, it's time to start campaigning for these vulnerable travelers once again. This year is an especially important year to send a strong message to our state senators and representatives that walking and biking should be top priorities in the city, since it looks like federal support is on the decline.

Both WalkBoston and MassBike are asking you to RSVP today! It's time to get Beacon Hill Moving. The event will be on the 17th of May from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts State House, Nurses' Hall. You're asked to schedule a meeting with your senator or representative ahead of time. When you get there, safe biking and walking advocates will provide you with an information packet for both you and your government officials. You will also be given some key talking points regarding the current issues that are currently being discussed in the big house. When your meeting is adjourned, you're asked to return to Nurses' Hall to let your peers know how it went over some free lunch.

Our Boston injury attorneys understand that this event is being organized in the heart of the Bay State Bike Week! This week-long campaign is used to push awareness regarding bicycle travel. As a matter of fact, the state of Massachusetts is the only state in the country that has its own statewide bike week. That only makes sense considering the long history of biking in the area. In 2011, there were nearly 200 events during the campaign week. This year, safety advocates are hoping for more!

Earlier this month, Bike Night: Beyond the Spandex, was held to raise awareness about bicyclists in the area. This event included a fashion show for cyclists, hors d'eouvres, cocktails and a lot of bike talk. The fashion show was to help to display some popular biking gear and to bring safe biking advocates together. Bikers were also entered into a raffle to win some great prizes, including bicycles from Giant and Specialized and a number of items from Mavic, Grey Goose Vodka, Hubway, Road ID, Sam Adams, Baily Works and more.

It wasn't only a chance for residents to get the hookup from local vendors and to win some great prizes, but it was also a chance for everyone to show their support for MassBike. As we head into Bay State Bike Week, biking advocates are urged to create and submit events to the community calendar. The more events we create the more awareness we can raise. Help to bring safe biking to the forefront and show your support today!

Bicycle Accidents in Somerville Targeted with Ticketing Officers

Thu, 03 May 2012 09:58:07 -0500

Cyclists in Somerville are being held accountable for their behavior and officers are tracking them down for not following the rules of the road. Now, cyclists are being ticketed for violating traffic rules. Enforcement efforts have been ramped up to help to reduce the risks of bicycle accidents in Somerville and elsewhere in the area.

Those who are ticketed will be required to fork over info, including their name and address, to police officers. Some aren't surprised by the news though, saying bicyclists should and have been following the rules of the road all along.

"This isn't really news," said the executive director of MassBike, David Watson. "This is not the first community in Massachusetts to enforce traffic laws for bicyclists."

Our Boston bicycle accident lawyers understand that bicyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road as motorists. According to surveys, most bicyclists know and follow the rules of the road, but there's always an exception and those exceptions are making our roadways dangerous for everyone.

Watson says that targeted enforcement isn't really fair and that everyone should be targeted and held accountable for travel along our roadways. He adds though, that it's worth a shot if it can help to make our roadways safer for all. The truth of the matter is that motorists are responsible for the vast majority of accidents involving cyclists.

Watson argues that most cyclists are in fact following the rules of the road, but he says that it's those select few that are running wild that are ruining it for everyone and giving cyclists a bad name.

To help to spread the word about the importance of safe biking habits, officials with MassBike continue to push their "Same Roads, Same Rules" program. This is a program that's aimed at both cyclists and motorists and reminds them that the road is there for everyone and we need to share it accordingly to preserve roadway safety. Watson says that targeting the behavior of cyclists without targeting motorists as well is virtually pointless. Everyone needs to be the target and treated equally.

According to a recent study, conducted by MassBike, nearly 90 percent of bicyclists know the rules of the road regarding bicycling in Massachusetts. On the other hand, only about 50 percent of motorists knew them. For this reason, MassBike and Watson are hoping that the safety campaign will reach more motorists, and bicyclists, than ever before and will be able to help to keep everyone safe on our roadways. These two forms of transportation should be able to ride in unison along our roadways. It just takes a little effort and awareness.

According to Boston Bikes, nearly 40 percent of bicycle accidents involve a vehicle and about 5 percent of accidents involve a pedestrian. In the city of Boston, most bicycle accidents happen along Massachusetts Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue.

Risks for Injury in Boston Minimized by Rental Hubway Helmets

Tue, 01 May 2012 18:48:26 -0500

The Hubway is now nine-months old and offers roughly 600 bikes at more than 60 stations to residents and visitors across the city of Boston.

Bicycling advocates say there's one thing it's missing though - helmets. This is probably the main reason why only about 20 percent of bikers in the city wear a helmet while biking. A recent study, conducted by experts at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, looked at more than 3,000 cyclists in both the Boston and the DC area and concluded that bike-share customers were about twice as likely to bike without a helmet as those with a personal bike. Experts say that these statistics are putting bikers at a higher risk for a serious head injury in the event of a bicycling accident in Boston and elsewhere, according to the Boston Globe.

"It's often more of a spur of the moment decision to use a bike share, and riders often find themselves without helmets," said study author Dr. Christopher Fischer, Beth Israel Deaconess emergency room physician.

Our Boston bicycling accident lawyers understand that the number of Hubway users with helmets may even be lower, according to previous Boston studies. Previous studies determined that less than a third of Hubway users wore a helmet. In 2009, there were more than 50,000 bike accident-related head injuries and nearly 650 fatal bicycling accidents that happened across the United States. Researchers believe that helmet use can actually decrease the risks for serious brain injury in the event of an accident by as much as 88 percent.

Fischer says that there are a large number of accidents that happen because bikers fall off of their bike because of various traffic and bike-related accidents and victims suffer anything from a little bump to a severe and traumatic head injury, and in some cases even death. He adds that helmets may not be able to protect riders in every situation, like being hit by a bus, but he says that the pros outweigh the cons and that this protection is better than none.

According to state law, bikers under the age of 12-years-old have to wear a helmet while riding a bike. Like other states, there are no laws in the books that require older bikers to wear a helmet.

According to a recent study from undergraduate students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, helmets would be beneficial if they were available to Hubway riders. The students even developed a prototype, called HelmetHub, that would offer helmets to Hubway Riders. The helmets were adjustable and would fit most heads. The helmets would be distributed by a touch screen vending machine-like device that would work much like the bike-sharing devices. The helmets could be rented and returned to any other kiosk within the city. Officials with the City of Boston expressed a little interest in the prototype, but ultimately say that issues regarding sanitation would be a top concern to overcome before making these helmets available to all Hubway users.

Framingham Accident Kills Man Taking Out the Garbage

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:59:58 -0500

A local man was recently killed in a pedestrian accident while merely finishing up some household chores. The man was killed in Framingham pedestrian accident just a few steps from home. The 61-year-old man was taking out the garbage when he was hit by a passing vehicle. According to the Boston Herald, the man was walking down his sloping driveway located on Edmands Road. That roadway is a two-lane, shoulderless road where many locals complain about speedy traffic.

The man's wife was home with their young son when a stranger knocked on the door with the news of the accident. It happened around 4:00 p.m. Officers have not released the name of the driver, but do say that he remained at the scene of the accident and an investigation is pending. A neighbor of the victim says that it was just a matter of time before an accident like this happened. She says their roadway is a very scary place for pedestrians. She says that she and her neighbors would love to see some speed bumps installed in the area to help to slow down traffic.

Our Framingham pedestrian accident lawyers understand that on-foot traffic faces some serious risks near motor vehicles. It's critical for drivers to be cautious and alert when driving through residential neighborhoods. It's in these areas where children and families enjoy the outdoors near the comfort of their own home. An alarming number of pedestrian accidents happen in residential driveways. It's a team effort and both walkers and drivers need to work together to help make our roadways safer for everyone.

Experts report that about 40 percent of pedestrian accidents occur in residential neighborhoods while only about 35 percent happen in business areas. More than 40 percent of accidents happen at non-intersection areas, including parking lots, driveways, mid-block locations and off roadway locations. Roughly 38 percent of accidents happen at crosswalks and the other 62 percent happen at non-crosswalk location.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there are nearly 6,000 pedestrians killed every year. Another 90,000 are injured annually. Police throughout the state are urging pedestrians to be cautions when walking along our streets, even in the comfort of their own neighborhoods.

Tips for Pedestrians:

-Always use sidewalks when they're available.

-Use crosswalks when you can.

-Dress in bright or light-colored clothing to help motorists to see you.

-Consider wearing reflective materials if walking during evening or early morning hours.

-Walk facing oncoming traffic if you have to walk along a roadway.

-Carry a flashlight if you have to walk during the evening.

-Don't drink and walk. Just as alcohol hinders your ability to drive, it also hinders your ability to walk safely.

-Teach children to look left, right and left again before crossing the road.

-Make eye contact with drivers before attempting to cross.

-Curb distractions. Keep your eyes off your phone while walking along roadways.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents in Commonwealth Targeted by Walk and Bicycle to School Day

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 13:59:10 -0500

There's going to be thousands of elementary and middle school students who will be celebrating this year's Walk and Bicycle to School Day. This year's program will include a number of events coordinated though the Commonwealth's Safe Routes to School Program. Students are encouraged to join in on the 2nd of May!

In 2011, there were more than 160 schools from across the area that took part in the event, making it the largest one on the books. Since then, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's (MassDOT) Safe Routes to School program has added more than 100 new schools to its list. In the program, MassDOT officials work with school staff, students, parents and local law enforcement officials throughout the Commonwealth to help to promote biking and walking to school. With help from the community, this program pushes to make biking and walking safer and reducing the risks of pedestrian and bicycle accidents in Boston and elsewhere.

Our Boston pedestrian accident lawyers understand that only about 15 percent of students walk or bike to school. During the morning rush hour commutes, more than 10 percent of the traffic is school-related traffic. This causes some congested roadways and a significant increase in air pollution. MassDOT has been organizing the statewide Walk to School Day since 2007. This campaign was designed to help to encourage our young ones to get out, get healthy and to encourage healthy choices.

"The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is committed to building infrastructure improvements near and around our community schools so that children can safely walk or bicycle to school," said MassDOT Secretary and CEO, Richard A. Davey.

There were nearly 250 pedestrians who experienced severe or incapacitating injuries in traffic-related accidents in the state of Massachusetts in 2008, according to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

There were 10 cyclists killed in the state of Massachusetts in traffic-related bicycle accidents in 2008. According to federal statistics, about a third of all bicycle accidents are the result of a motorist hitting a bike from behind or failing to yield. About 90 percent of these accidents occur at intersections of in driveways.

While we're promoting riding, biking and walking to school for our young children, it's important for parents and guardians to talk with their school-aged children about the importance of safe traveling habits. Traveling near motor vehicles needs to be taken seriously. Children should know to look both ways before crossing any street, to always cross at a crosswalk or at a street corner, to wear bright colored clothing to be seen by motorists, to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the roadway and to never walk alone at night. By reviewing just a few simple safety rules, we can help to keep our kids on a safe and healthy track to school.

Risks of Bicycle Accidents Reduced with New Wayfinding Signs, Says Mayor

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:15:29 -0500

Keep an eye out for the new signs in Boston. Recently, the Boston Transportation Department started installing 90 Bicycle Wayfinding at intersections in the Downtown area to help bicyclists navigate their way to popular Boston sites.

These signs are to help bicyclists stay on the safe route to their destinations and to help prevent bicycling accidents in Boston, according to the City of Boston.

"The installation of these new signs is yet one more step in our ongoing effort to ensure that Boston is easily accessible for cyclists, said Thomas M. Menino, the city's Mayor.

Our Boston bicycle accident lawyers understand that officials in the city urge residents and visitors to take advantage of the convenient, healthy and efficient form of transportation to get to and from their citywide destinations. For that reason, officials within Boston are working to make roadways safer for these travelers.

With the new white and green signs, smaller than your average street signs, bicyclists will be easily pointed in the right direction to some of the most popular sites in the city. The signs will be easy to recognize, too. They will have a small bicycle logo on them as well as the names of popular Boston destinations and the miles needed to go to get to that specific location. The tips of these small signs are shaped as arrows to help lead bicyclists in the right direction and to reduce confusion.

Some of the signs offer specific directional information to get to a number of hot-spot destinations. All of the signs were fabricated in-house and are being installed by officials with the Boston Transportation Department. By keeping the entire project local, the Transportation Department only had to shell out about $400 for the entire thing. It's expected to be completed within the next couple of weeks.

Some of the destinations navigated by the new signs:

-Cambridge

-Government Center

-Park Street

-Faneuil Hall

-The New England Aquarium

-North Station

-South Station

Kristopher Carter with the Boston Bikes Program says that cycling throughout the city of Boston has come a long way. He says bikers and transportation officials have been able to gain roughly 50 miles of bike lanes in addition to hundreds of bike racks. He says bikers can now enjoy the Hubway system and more bikers than ever are hitting our city's roadways because of it. He says that the signs will help to advance the cycling community into the area and help bikers to get to and from their destinations safely.

Thomas J. Tinlin, the Boston Transportation Commissioner, says that all of these Wayfinding signs are a big step for cyclists in the city of Boston. He says it's an excellent way to get more people out of their vehicles and onto a bicycle, reducing traffic, saving our environment, saving money and getting excellent exercise.

Defective Products in Brockton: CPSC Highlights Concerns

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:22:40 -0500

It's important for parents, homeowners and families to check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) recall list frequently to help to eliminate dangerous and defective products from your home.

Our Brockton injury attorneys are here to help keep you up to date on the latest recalls. Staying in the know can help to prevent a potentially fatal accident from one of these products. Here are some of the latest recalls from the CPSC.

Bike Brake Levers Recalled by Specialized Bicycle Components Inc.:

Nearly 1,000 bicycle brake levers have been recalled because the adjuster cap and brake cable can slide out and stop the brakes from working. This malfunction can cause the rider to lose control of the bike and potentially crash. The company has only heard one report of this happening. The brakes levers that have been recalled are the Tektro TL-83 brake levers. They were sold only for bikes with aerodynamic handlebars that were sold from 2010 to 2011 on the S-Works Shiv and the S-Works Shiv TT. If you have one of these levers, please stop using it and contact the company at (877) 808-8154.

Gas Grills Recalled by One Work Technologies:

Nearly 90,000 of these STOK gas grills have been recalled because it has been discovered that the grill can leak propane gas. The leaking of this gas causes an extreme risk for fire and burn hazards. There have already been nearly 600 reports of leaking gas. No injuries have been reported so far. STOK Island and STOK Quattro gas grills fall under this recall. The word "STOK" can be located on the cover of the grill as well as on the bottom of the grill stand. The recalled grills have regulators on them with the model number "AZF" on the front and a date code between 1046 and 1143 on the back. These grills were sold at Home Depot stores and Direct Tools Factory Outlets across the country from March of 2011 through February of 2012. If you have one of these items, contact the company by calling (800) 867-9624.

Battery Chargers Recalled by Sakar International:

Nearly 50,000 battery chargers have been recalled by Sakar International Inc. because the plastic screw on the back of the packs can come loose and can cause the device to separate. This separation can expose users to risks of electric shock and electrocution. This recall involves item numbers CH-1600S and CH-1600-RS which are identified with the date code MID#: 0801110. The items were sold at RadioShack, Ocean State Jobbers, Lot-Less and Cobra Digital from January of 2011 through February of 2012. If you have one of these items, please contact the company by calling (877) 397-8200.

Parents and families are urged to review the recall list from the CPSC to make sure that there are no dangerous items or defective products in your household. Staying in the know can help to drastically rescue your risks of injury. Stay safe and stay informed.

MBTA Accidents in Quincy and Elsewhere and the New Front Door Only Policy

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 07:39:15 -0500

The MBTA recently launched theFront Door Only Policy, to try to get more riders to hand over their fares. The policy started on April 17th 2012.

Recently, too many riders have been skipping out on their dues and taking the rides for free. Under the new policy, riders using the above-ground stations on the D-branch of the Green Line are only allowed to board at the front door. This policy is applies to off-peak hours, holidays and weekends. Currently, the front door only fare collection policy is being pushed on other parts of the Green Line.

From 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. as well as from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., which are considered peak hours, riders will be allowed to board at the rear and side doors as long as they have a pre-loaded CharlieTicket, a CharlieCard or another valid pass, according to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

During our last winter season, the MBTA started conducting monthly "fare blitzes" to try to enforce fare collection for all riders and to help to remind customers that they need to be paying these fares to use the system. With the front door policy and the fare blitzes, the MBTA will be continuing on in its effort to enforce collections on all transit fares.

As the MBTA says, "It's only fair...pay your fare!" Fares are used to keep the MBTA up-to-date with the latest advancements and safety measures. These fare funds help to keep you safe while using its services to help to avoid an MBTA accident in Quincy and elsewhere throughout the state.

Our Quincy personal injury lawyers understand that the MBTA offers prime transportation for many residents and visitors to get around the area. The MBTA offers riders with quick, easy, convenient and inexpensive ways to get to where they need to be. It's important for riders to pay the fare to help keep the MBTA's safety advancements up to date. Your fare helps to fund a safer ride.

Info on the Front Door Only Policy:

-Where: All above-ground stations throughout the D-branch of the Green Line.

-When: Off-peak hours, holidays and weekends.

-Why: To help enforce the collection of all riders' fares.

-Extra: Riders with disabilities and those with strollers will still be allowed to exit through the rear and side doors.

MBTA Train Riding Tips:

-While you're waiting for a train, be sure to stay in a central location where other riders can be found. Safety can be found in numbers. Never ride alone.

-When riding during off hours, stay as close to the train operator as you can.

-If someone is bothering you during your commute, move to another car and notify the train operator.

-Remember that you can contact the operator of the train by using the intercom located on each train car. Train operators are also in constant contact with the MBTA Transit Police.

Prevent Injury in Boston during the 116th Edition of the Boston Marathon!

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:26:28 -0500

Today is the 116th edition of the Boston Marathon!!!

Runners are heading to Coplet Square, more than 26 miles from the starting point at Hopkinton. If you've been outside you already know it's a hot one out there and both runners and spectators are urged to be cautious in the heat and to stay hydrated.

Boston temps should reach into the mid-80s according to The Wall Street Journal. That's about 30 degrees warmer than normal. It may not be the hottest Marathon we've witnessed, as the temps for the 1909 Marathon reached the mid 90s, but it's still a hot one.

According to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), more than a million spectators are expected to be out at this year's marathon rooting on their favorite runners, enjoying the Boston family and grabbing a drink or two from local pubs. During this time, spectators may not have to worry about pulling a muscle or winning the race, but they have to worry about a number of other injuries in Boston during this citywide event.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand that the streets are going to be crowded. We're asking residents and visitors to make travel arrangements before heading out. Some of your best options involve taking a trolley or the subway to some of the prime viewing locations along the route. To help to accommodate the increase in ridership, the MBTA is offering increased service and T officials will be on site to assist travelers.

If you're aiming to watch the runners cross the finish line, make sure you get off the Green Line at either the Hynes Convention or Arlington Street. The finish line is just a few blocks away.

Residents are urged to take the T instead of getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Not only will traffic be congested and risks for accidents on the increase, but many spectators will be grabbing a cold brew to cheer on the runners and to cool of from the Boston heat. Riding public transportation is a good way to avoid a costly and potentially fatal drunk driving car accident in Boston. Whatever you do, avoid driving if you've been drinking during this year's celebration.

Both drinkers and nondrinkers are advised to stay hydrated. Not all of us are used to this summer-like heat and may not be able to gauge the affects of the warmth. Everyone is urged to stay hydrated and to drink plenty of water. Even if you're not thirsty, drink some water.

Tips to Prevent a Heat-Related Illness from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

-Drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids. Don't wait until you're thirsty.

-Don't drink sugary fluids.

-Avoid super cold fluids. They can give you stomach cramps.

-Stay indoors if possible. Consider stopping to grab lunch inside a cool restaurant or visiting some of the local shops to cool off.

-Be sure to wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing to help keep your body cool.

-Keep a close eye on young kids, elderly residents and those who are mentally or physically ill.

-Keep an eye on your friends and family members. Lookout for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.