Pedestrians should use a crosswalk, not the highway

Most people use a crosswalk when deciding to cross the street. In Massachusetts, the pedestrian in the crosswalk is supposed to have the right of way. This does not always mean that people use the crosswalk, nor does it mean that drivers adhere to this rule of driving.

One Massachusetts man decided recently that crosswalks weren’t for him and it cost him his life in a fatal auto-pedestrian accident. The man, from Malden, attempted to cross the eight lane highway on Route 128. In so doing, he was struck so hard by one car in the northbound lane that it threw him to the southbound lane where he was struck by another passing car. The man, who worked at the coffee shop in the Newton rest area where he was crossing, was pronounced dead on the scene.

Frequent drivers of Route 128 say that it is not uncommon for people to attempt to cross the eight lanes while jumping the median that separates the four lane northbound and southbound routes. It is unclear as to why the man was attempting this dangerous feat.

An auto-pedestrian injury and or death can bring with it many personal injuries, wrongful death lawsuits, and financial, mental, physical, and medical problems for all individuals involved, especially the pedestrian. Even if only slightly bumped by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian, major medical issues can arise later on.

If you find yourself the victim of an auto-pedestrian encounter, even if you do not think that you are seriously injured, please contact a personal injury attorney. They will be able to help you assess the extent of the legal options available to you and help you understand the types of injuries and medical needs to be aware of in case they arise at any point following the accident.

Source: bostonherald.com, “Rest stop worker from Malden killed crossing Route 128,” Laurel Sweet, Jan. 3, 2013