Massachusetts pedestrian injured in hit-and-run

Authorities report that a hit-and-run involving a pedestrian occurred in Wilbraham during the evening of July 19. The 27-year-old pedestrian suffered severe injuries from being hit by a motor vehicle. The driver of the motor vehicle fled the scene, but a 27-year-old Monson man later turned himself in to police claiming responsibility.

The pedestrian was on Springfield Street around 10:45 p.m. when he was hit, suffering serious leg injuries. He was treated at a local hospital, and his injuries have been described as not being life threatening. Authorities believe that he will recover. The driver has received citations for negligent operation of a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of a personal injury crash.

When someone is injured in a pedestrian accident such as this one, investigating authorities are tasked with considering all available evidence in order to determine who was responsible. Investigators also consider eyewitness accounts and any available footage from traffic surveillance cameras. If the investigation determines that a motor vehicle driver was responsible for a pedestrian’s injuries, the victim may consider holding the driver financially accountable.

Pedestrians have the right of way in many situations, such as when they are crossing a street in a marked crosswalk or when they are walking through parking lots. However, having the right of way does not mean that a pedestrian is unlikely to be hit by a car. Because of their lack of protection from motor vehicles, pedestrians are likely to suffer severe injuries in the event of even minor accidents. A personal injury claim filed against a negligent driver could allow an injured pedestrian to recover what was spent on medical treatment.

Source: WWGB, “Pedestrian Hospitalized After Hit and Run Accident in Wilbraham,” July 20, 2014

Source: WWGB, “Driver Cited after Hit-and-Run Accident in Wilbraham”, July 21, 2014