Haverhill boy on bicycle seriously injured by car

Golden Hill Avenue in Haverhill, Massachusetts, as seen from satellite images, looks like a typical tree-lined road that winds its way through a suburban neighborhood. The speed limit is reported to be 30 miles per hour. A car was travelling on that road, perhaps at the speed limit, when a young boy on his bike exited off Moody Street, to proceed onto Golden Hill Avenue.

The 13-year-old boy suffered serious head injuries when his bike struck a car being driven by a woman described as being in her late 30s. The bicycle and car accident took place at about 3:00 in the afternoon.

According to news sources, the boy flew up onto the hood of the car and some part of his body broke the windshield. It was not mentioned whether or not he was wearing a bike helmet. The 13-year-old was initially transported by helicopter to Merrimack Valley Hospital but then transferred to Boston, presumably when the extent of his injuries became known. They were described only as serious head injuries.

The police have stated that the car and its broken windshield were impounded as evidence. No charges have been filed against the woman, although the police are investigating and there was mention of an accident reconstruction.

An accident reconstruction expert would attempt to determine such things as speed of the car at the time of the crash. If the driver was speeding, then she could be held liable for the personal injuries suffered by the 13-year-old. There are other factors which could be considered as well such as texting while driving or sleep deprivation. Yet another factor is the incline of the road. Apparently Golden Hill Avenue is steep in either direction from the approximate site of the crash.

In the meantime, the 13-year-old is reportedly in stable condition, but with serious injuries.

Source: Eagle-Tribune, “Boy seriously injured in collision with car,” Mike Labella, July 18, 2012