Bus hits bicyclist in crosswalk

Commercial drivers in Boston or elsewhere, have to pass additional certification testing to obtain their special driving certification. Those with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) may also be subjected to more severe consequences if he or she is involved in a drinking and driving accident or is convicted of other types of driving infractions.

According to a news report, a Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority bus driver struck a bicyclist in a crosswalk, causing serious injuries to the cyclist. It is standard policy after a commercial bus accident, such as this MBTA crash, for the driver to undergo tests. There were no test results reported at this time.

The bus crash occurred at about 7:20 a.m. at the start of the rush hour. Apparently, the 47-year-old cyclist was crossing the street when he was hit by the front end of the bus. The accident was in the intersection of Washington Street and Federal Street in Salem.

The injured bicycle rider was taken first to Salem Hospital, and later was flown by helicopter to Massachusetts General Hospital when the extent and type of his injuries became known. His injuries are life-threatening and current condition is described as being serious.

The police department and the MBTA are investigating the accident and reportedly were in the process of an accident reconstruction. Accident reconstruction experts are frequently used to determine the speed of travel and other conditions which may have contributed to the accident.

Should the bus driver appear to be negligent in some manner, the bus company could be held liable for damages, including pain and suffering, to the 47-year-old man.

Source: Boston Herald, “MBTA bus hits man on bike in Salem,” Matt Stout, April 9, 2012