Bicyclist Injured in Accident near Dangerous Brockton Intersection

October 24, 2012

A bicyclist recently sustained a serious head injury when he was struck by a sport utility vehicle (SUV) while crossing Belmont Street in Brockton. The 55-year-old biker was reportedly not wearing a helmet when he was hit by an eastbound Toyota RAV4. During the accident, the bicyclist apparently flew into the windshield of the vehicle. Following the crash, the biker was reportedly transported by emergency helicopter to a Boston area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

According to Brockton Police Officer Michael Powers, the driver of the SUV was not speeding above the posted limit of 35 miles per hour at the time of the collision. Although the driver was questioned at length by the Brockton police, she was not issued a traffic citation. The exact cause of the crash is currently under investigation.

Automobile and other crashes are reportedly common occurrences on Belmont Street. The recent bicycle accident occurred about 200 feet from the location where a new crosswalk will soon be installed. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation also has plans to install approximately $2.38 million in safety improvements at the nearby intersection. The offset intersection, where Lorraine and Linwood Avenues intersect with Belmont Street about 65 feet apart, was the scene for 56 accidents between 2005 and 2007. During that time, it was reportedly the 68th most dangerous intersection in all of Massachusetts.

Within about 15 minutes of the bicycle accident, the Brockton Police Department was called to another pedestrian accident on North Montello Street. In that crash, a child was allegedly hit by a motor vehicle. Rescue crews reportedly transported the child to Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital by ambulance. The extent of the child's injuries was not disclosed.

Unfortunately, bicyclists and pedestrians throughout Massachusetts are hurt in collisions with cars, motorcycles, and trucks every day. Pedestrian accidents may result from speeding, driver inattention or impairment, dangerous road conditions, inclement weather, vehicle defects, and other factors. When a bicyclist or pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the resulting injuries are often life threatening or fatal. A pedestrian who was hurt due to a driver's negligence or carelessness may be eligible to recover compensation for medical expenses, suffering and pain, any resulting disability, and other damages. In addition, the family of someone who was killed by a negligent driver may be able to file a wrongful death claim. If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident in Massachusetts, you should contact a skilled personal injury attorney to discuss your options for recovery.

If you were harmed in a bicycle or pedestrian accident, call the Law Offices of Sousa & Sousa, P.C. at (508) 230-5300 in Brockton today. Our experienced Bridgewater pedestrian accident lawyers have more than 37 years of combined experience assisting those who were unexpectedly hurt by a driver in Massachusetts. The Law Offices of Sousa & Sousa represents clients located in Bridgewater, Brockton, Taunton, Easton, Stoughton, and other surrounding towns. To speak with a capable personal injury lawyer today, please contact the Law Offices of Sousa & Sousa through the law firm's website.

• Brockton Woman Killed in Eight Vehicle Accident Caused by Man Fleeing from Local Police, Brockton Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, October 17, 2012
• 17 of the Most Dangerous Intersections in Massachusetts Are Located in Brockton, Brockton Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, October 8, 2012

• Brockton bicyclist seriously injured after being struck by SUV in danger zone targeted for improvement, by Amy Carboneau, Enterprise News
• Road Safety Audit of Belmont Street (Route 123) at Linwood Street and Lorraine Avenue dated September 23, 2009, by BETA Group, Inc.

Photo credit: ba1969, Stock.xchng