Elderly woman killed in Massachusetts pedestrian accident

On behalf of Aiken and Aiken P.C. Personal Injury Attorneys posted in Wrongful Death, on Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Many Massachusetts residents know walking is often both a good form of exercise and a great way to travel short distances whether to school, work or shopping. Walking anywhere near traffic, however, can mean a pedestrian accident in a split second with the possibility of death, injury, medical expenses and related financial losses.Unfortunately, a recent early afternoon pedestrian accident in Springfield left one 55-year-old woman dead after she was hit by a car while walking on Boston Road near Five Mile Pond. The victim was reportedly rushed to Baystate Medical Center where she died, according to the Massachusetts State Police. The state police and Springfield police are investigating the accident together. The incident did not involve high speeds and no charges have yet been filed against the 66-year-old male driver.Police say the accident occurred when the driver was exiting an oil-service establishment and hit the woman as she was walking on the sidewalk in front. He apparently did not realize he had hit anyone and ended up dragging her several feet before stopping.In Massachusetts, in the event a loved one dies in a fatal accident, family members can file a wrongful death suit against the party determined to be principally responsible for the accident. However, unless criminal charges introduce evidence in court that establishes that person’s fault, plaintiffs will have to provide a convincing argument bolstered by evidence in order to win compensation for the pain and suffering the victim may have experienced and the family’s loss of companionship.In such cases, family members of someone killed should retain an attorney who can investigate the cause of the accident and conduct negotiations or engage in litigation with counsel for the defendant. This process often helps family members of the deceased victim obtain compensation and some sense of peace. Source: WWLP.com, “Woman killed in pedestrian accident in Springfield,” Barry Kriger, March 12, 2014