Pedestrian accident in Massachusetts kills elderly man, dog

Routine actions such as walking a dog or jogging can turn deadly if a negligent driver makes a serious mistake. Parks, for people and for dogs, can allow people to get off of busy streets and decrease the chances that a pedestrian accident will occur. Unfortunately a pedestrian in Massachusetts was recently killed while walking his dog when he was hit by a car on a local roadway.

On Sept. 2, a man in his early 70s and his dog were struck by a car. The driver of the car was a 17-year-old male. The dog died at the location of the accident, but the man was transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Police were continuing to investigate the pedestrian accident, and the teenager must appear in court for a probably cause hearing to determine whether a criminal complaint that was served by the Massachusetts police shall be formally filed. The court will ultimately determine if there is enough evidence to support a prosecution. If this occurs, the matter will proceed through the Massachusetts criminal justice system, and the teen could face serious consequences should a conviction ultimately be obtained.

Even if criminal charges are not brought against the driver for the pedestrian accident, the family of the deceased man reserves the right to seek financial redress in a Massachusetts civil court for the loss of life. If successful, any monetary damages awarded could help pay funeral expenses and related costs. If a conviction is secured in criminal court, proof of it may be offered as evidence of liability in a related civil court proceeding.

Source: ABC6 – Providence, RI and New Bedford, MA News, Weather, UPDATE: PED walking dog, struck and killed by a 17-yo driver, No author, September 3, 2013