Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Truck drivers throughout the country need a little more attention, says the Secretary for the U.S. Department of Transportation, Ray LaHood.

According to a recent safety rule, healthcare professionals who medically examine these drivers need to be better tested, trained and certified to be able to more thoroughly examine a driver's ability to safely operate such a large truck. In addition to the advancement in requirements, the rule also brings a new national online database of medical examiners who have already completed the certification process laid out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA).

These examinations are used to make sure that drivers have no problems that can affect their abilities behind the wheel or increase the risks for trucking accidents in Plymouth County and elsewhere.

"Safety is our top priority and requires cooperation from everyone involved," said LaHood.

Our Plymouth Country accident lawyers understand that this new rule was enacted to help ensure that professionals in the healthcare industry who conduct these exams keep in mind all of the demands that are required to operate both passenger buses and large trucks safely. By recognizing these demands, healthcare professional will be better able to determine the troubles these drivers may face under specific health complications. Making sure that the skills and the health of these drivers are up to par is one of the best ways to help to decrease the risks of trucking accidents on our roadways.

The new National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners final rule was also created as a part of the FMCSA's commitment to making our roadways safer and to better protect all kinds of travelers. This rule enhances the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) recommendations for helping medical examiners to better track drivers' health and certificates.

In a month, the FMCSA will be posting testing and training standards for medical professionals. By 2014, all examiners will be required to be in the National Registry database and all drivers will be required to have an examination from one of these professionals. Medical personnel who do not keep up with federal standards will be taken out of the registry.

According to Anne S. Ferro with the FMCSA, drivers deserve the best medical examinations by the best medical personnel. The safety of them and of our roadways relies on it. Holding our medical professionals accountable will help to increase roadway safety.

Every year, medical professionals conduct nearly 5 million medical exams on bus and commercial truck drivers. These exams look at a driver's hearing, vision, muscular functions and look for respirators diseases, cardiovascular diseases as well as examining their medical fitness. Drivers must undergo one of these exams at least once every two years to legally hold a commercial driver's license.

Continue reading "Tougher Exams to Reduce Risks of Trucking Accidents in Plymouth County and Elsewhere" »

It's always frightening to drive next to a big rig or a tractor-trailer on the highway. Driving next to one of these big vehicles leaves drivers of passenger vehicles at risk of a serious or fatal accident. Unfortunately, accidents are typically life-threatening. A recent trucking accident in Foxboro killed an innocent driver, according to NECN.

The fatal trucking accident happened in the southbound lanes of Route 1 and North Street when a cement truck collided with a passenger vehicle. The accident was so severe that roadways in both directions were closed for over 2 hours as officials with the Massachusetts state police investigated.

Our Boston trucking accident attorneys get that feeling too, that anxious feeling when traveling next to large semis and tractor-trailers. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles has the ability to do some serious damage in the event of an accident. Oftentimes, accidents involving these large vehicles can be deadly. Luckily, with driver awareness and caution, we can all do our part to minimize these catastrophic collisions.

To no one's surprise, there have been many more traffic accidents involving these big rigs over recent weeks. Recently, a trucking accident that happened in Erving left roads closed for hours after a trailer truck flipped on its side on Route 2. This accident happened just before 10:00 a.m. right by Christina's Restaurant. State officers say that the 62-year-old driver of the truck was okay and that heavy duty wreckers were called to the scene to remove the truck from the roadway, according to 22News.

Trucking accidents can happen for a number of reasons, for both passenger vehicle driver and truck driver fault.

Trucking Accidents Can Be Caused By:

-Head-on, rear-end accidents and jackknives.

-Poor trucking maintenance, including brakes and tires.

-Sleepy and fatigued drivers.

-Dangerous road conditions.

-Poor weather conditions.

-Unsecured cargo or loads.

-Improper lane changes.

-Aggressive driving habits.

-Drug use.

-DWI.

-Lack of reflectors and poor visibility.

-Non-compliance with federal regulations.

-Driver inattention.

In all of these scenarios involving truck drivers, the drivers of passenger vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians are at an extreme disadvantage. Accidents involving big rigs, tractor-trailers, cement trucks, garbage trucks, 18-wheelers, etc. can all lead to catastrophic personal injury, death and damages. Equip yourself with safe driving habits to help to minimize these risks. Steer clear of these large vehicles when possible. Be safe, not sorry.

Trucking accidents are a common sight on our hectic Massachusetts roadways. It's estimated that about 5,000 people die each year in the U.S. because of accidents involving large trucks. In 2009, there were more than 440 vehicles involved in fatal car accidents in the state of Massachusetts. During this time, more than 20 of these vehicles were large trucks.

Continue reading "BEWARE: Trucking Accidents in Foxboro, Erving and Elsewhere in Massachusetts!" »

While large trucks only account for 4 percent of all vehicles on the road, they are involved in more than twice that many fatal car accidents in Boston and elsewhere.

While our Boston trucking accident attorneys respect the grueling job these workers have to do, our lives are often in their hands.

The sheer size of their loads means that although the truck operators are professional drivers, when they do wreck, they are more likely than a regular passenger vehicle to cause serious injury or even death.

Taking all of this into consideration, the U.S. Department of Transportation has outlined new rules for the trucking industry to follow. These new guidelines are intended to address the most common - and one of the most deadly problems for truckers: Sleepiness.

If either the trucker or the trucking company violates these new rules, they will face heavy fines.

Here's something that might jolt you awake: the National Sleep Foundation studied the issue in 2005, and found that 60 percent - more than half, or about 168 million people - reported they had driven drowsy in the past year. What's more, 37 percent said they had actually fallen asleep at the wheel!

And the National Highway Safety Administration has figured there are about 100,0000 crashes that happen each year due to tired drivers. The actual number is likely much higher, though, because those are only those accidents the sleepiness factor is actually reported, and the issue is likely under-reported.

Drowsy drivers are often compared to drunk drivers, in terms of their reaction time and their motor skills.

This is terrifying when you consider that kind of impairment at the controls of a big rig.

That's why USDOT is enacting these new rules, which restrict the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road from about 82 hours a week down to a maximum of 70 - a 12-hour reduction.

Further, every eight hours a trucker is on the road, he or she is required to take a 30-minute break. Actually, the department encourages them to take breaks even more frequently if they need, but the 30 minutes every eight hours is the minimum.

Plus, truck drivers will now only be allowed to drive 11 hours in a single day. Any more than that, and they will be in violation.

And finally, truckers who reach that 70-hour maximum road time limit will be required to take 34 hours off. The hope is that it will give them at least two consecutive nights of rest during the hours when their body needs it most.

We hope these measures will be strictly adhered to by those within the trucking industry, and that their implementation will mean a reduced number of Boston car accidents.

For those companies that decide not to push their drivers beyond the limits of the law, they'll face steep penalties of $11,000 for each violation. For individual drivers, it could mean almost $2,800 per offense.

Continue reading "Sleepy Truckers Cause Boston Car Accidents; New Rules Enacted" »

A recent tractor-trailer accident on the Massachusetts Turnpike took out a sports utility vehicle and caused traffic to back up for four miles between Exits 8 and 9. According to Charlton State Trooper Darren Specht, officers responded to the incident shortly before 5:30 a.m. The accident involved an SUV that had been rear-ended by a tractor-trailer.

After the initial collision between the SUV and the tractor-trailer, the truck reportedly hit the road's guardrail and slid down the embankment. According to Mass Live, the driver of the tractor-trailer may have fallen asleep just seconds before the collision. The truck driver was transported to Wing Memorial Hospital while the driver of the SUV was believed to be uninjured.

Our Massachusetts trucking accident attorneys understand how dangerous driving on the Massachusetts Turnpike can be. For this reason, we ask that all drivers stay off the roadway if they're feeling drowsy or sleepy. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) drowsy driving contributes to approximately 100,000 police-reported accidents every year. Experts believe the actual number is much higher because not all drivers willingly confess they were drowsy at the time of an accident. Drowsy driving accounts for nearly 2,000 fatalities and more than 70,000 injuries every year. These are costly accidents, too. Experts estimate that drowsy driving accidents cost the nation nearly $13 billion in monetary losses each year.

Drowsy Driving Facts, according to DrowsyDriving.org:

-There is no test, like a Breathalyzer, to determine if sleepiness contributed to a traffic accident.

-Officers are rarely trained in identifying if drowsiness was an accident factor.

-Self-reporting is unreliable.

-Adult drivers between the ages of 18- and 29-years-old are more likely to drive while drowsy.

-Male drivers are more likely to drive while drowsy than women drivers.

-Male drivers are twice as likely as women to fall asleep at the wheel.

-Adults with children at home are more likely to drive drowsy than adults who have no children in their house.

-Night shift workers are more likely than regular daytime workers to drive while drowsy.

-Drivers who sleep six to eight hours a night are twice as likely to be involved in a drowsy driving-related accident than drivers who regularly get eight hours of sleep.

-Being awake for 18 hours impairs a driver on the same level as someone who has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05. For someone awake 24 hours, they are impaired with the same reaction time as a person with a BAC of 0.10. You're considered to be drunk if you have a BAC of 0.08 or higher.

-A number of drowsy driving accidents have resulted in jail sentences for the driver.

-There have been multi-million dollar settlements awarded to family members of accident victims as a result of lawsuits that were filed against drivers and businesses who were involved in drowsy-driving accidents.

You're urged to refrain from driving if you feel sleepy. According to the latest poll from DrowsyDriving.org, only about 30 percent of Americans get seven or more hours of sleep regularly. That means that 70 percent of divers on our roadways are at serious risks for a drowsy driving car accident.

Continue reading "SUV Hit by Sleepy Driver in Massachusetts Turnpike Accident, Authorities Say" »

More than 300 people died in car accidents in Massachusetts in 2010. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) just released the 2010 Motor Vehicle Crashes Overview. This is the most updated car accident data available. The NHTSA concluded that nearly 33,000 people died in traffic accidents throughout the year in the U.S. This is the lowest number of fatalities since 1949.

While that may sound promising, it's important for us to point out that a good number of accidents actually saw increases throughout the year, including accidents among pedestrians, motorcyclists and occupants of large trucks.

Our Massachusetts car accident attorneys understand that the total number of traffic fatalities is expected to increase. As we finished up 2010, the number of fatalities actually started to rise. Experts believe that as the economy continues to improve, the number of traffic fatalities will increase. Drivers are urged to remain cautious on our roadways and to not take this announcement as a sign to relax safe driving habits at the wheel. There are still many dangers lurking on our roadways and with the holiday season upon us, these dangers are more common. Remain alert and cautious behind the wheel to avoid a potentially fatal accident.

There were two new measures added to this year's reports. Officials with the NHTSA decided to add the "distraction-affected crashes" and the "alcohol-related crashes" measures. As technology continues to advance, devices become more readily available to drivers and increase risks for an accident significantly. In 2010, there were roughly 3,100 people who died in distraction-related car accidents in the U.S. These accidents continue to be a huge problem on our roadways. Alcohol-related accidents are also a main concern for transportation officials as these types of accidents accounted for yet another third of all traffic accident fatalities.

"The findings from our new attitude survey help us understand why some people continue to make bad decisions about driving distracted--but what's clear from all of the information we have is that driver distraction continues to be a major problem," said U.S. Transportation Administrator Strickland.

Key Findings of the 2010 Motor Vehicle Crashes Overview:

-Nearly 33,000 people were killed in traffic accidents.

-Nearly 2.25 million people were injured in traffic accidents.

-Alcohol-related accidents made up about a third of all traffic fatalities.

-The number of pedestrians killed increased by nearly 5 percent from 2009 to 2010.

-The number of motorcyclists killed increased by nearly 35 deaths from 2009 to 2010.

-The number of large truck occupants killed increased by roughly 6 percent from 2009 to 2010.

-The number of vehicle occupants who were injured while wearing a seat belt during an accident increased.

-The number of fatal accidents in rural areas decreased, while the number of fatal accidents in urban areas increased significantly.

-The number of fatalities among individuals over the age of 55 increased significantly.

-Twenty states experienced increases in the total number of fatalities.

-Massachusetts saw a decrease of roughly 25 fatalities from 2009 to 2010.

As we round out the remainder of 2011 and head into 2012, drivers are urged to remain cautious on our roadways. As the economy continues to recover, more motorists are expected to hit our roadways, which will bring along increased risks for a fatal accident.

Continue reading "NHTSA Releases New Data: Fatal Car Accidents in Massachusetts Still High" »

A trucker from New Hampshire who was hauling garbage was both speeding and driving while distracted as he caused a trucking accident in New England involving an Amtrak train. The distracted driver realized too late that he and his tractor-trailer were going to collide with the train. By the time he hit the brake, his vehicle slid more than 200 feet directly into the path of the oncoming train. The fiery collision killed the truck driver and injured a number of others, according to the Boston Globe.

Reports indicate that the 35-year-old driver was on the phone with his employer for five minutes just before the accident happened. He was driving 20 miles above the speed limit. A following motorist said he witnessed the big rig swerve along that roadway.

Our Massachusetts trucking accident attorneys understand distracted drivers cause dangerous situations. They pose serious threats to all motorists on our roadways, regardless of how attentive we may be.

Investigators concluded that the truck driver was on the phone when the truck and the train collided. The train, traveling between Boston and Portland, was traveling at approximately 70 miles per hour with more than 110 passengers on board. Witnesses report that the train was thrown off the track, flames shot nearly three stories high and trash from the tractor-trailer was thrown everywhere. The truck driver's body reportedly landed nearly 400 feet from the accident in a ditch. Two Amtrak employees and four passengers were injured.

The truck driver's records indicate that he and his vehicle had passed an inspection at a weigh station in Eliot, located just before the scene of the accident. Reports also indicate that the train and the train's horn, lights and gates were all working properly.

Another trucker, Greg Daigneault from North Berwick, says that the driver was significantly exceeding the speed limit and was driving erratically.

"He crossed the center line at least twice and steered into the breakdown lane at least twice," said Daigneault.

Data from the trucker's GPS unit indicated that he neglected to slow down when the posted speed limit went from 55 to 40 miles per hour, and then down to 30 miles per hour.

This accident happened as the driver was making his second run of the day for Triumvirate Environmental Inc., a company in Somerville. He had started his work day at 6 a.m. and the accident occurred shortly after 11 a.m.

The driver's cell phone records reveal that he had 14 phone calls from 7:37 a.m. to the time of the accident. The last call, between him and his boss, happened during the same time that officers received 911 calls reporting the accident.

It's no secret that driver distractions can lead to fatal accidents. The risks heighten when a large truck or a train is involved. Drivers are encouraged to stay focused, alert and distraction-free to avoid these types of accidents. All too often, innocent people are killed because of accidents that involve a distracted driver.

Continue reading "Garbage Truck Causes Fiery Traffic Accident in New England with Amtrak Train " »

A new recommendation from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) could put an end to cell phone-using truck drivers.

The NTSB recently recommended this regulation to help prevent trucking accidents in Massachusetts and elsewhere. Both hand-held and hands-free devices would be prohibited, according to CNN.

This isn't the first time that the NTSB has recommended specific drivers to hang up the phone while operating a motor vehicle. The Board previously banned cell phone use by bus drivers and newly-licensed drivers.

Our Boston truck accident attorneys understand how critical this type of ban is. Too many accidents are being caused by distracted drivers. These accidents can oftentimes lead to fatal results when a large, commercial truck is involved.

In 2010, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration banned truckers from sending or receiving text messages while driving. If a trucker is busted texting at the wheel, they could potentially face a fine of $2,750.

The most recent recommendation banning cell phone use by truckers came after a 45-year-old truck driver in Munfordville, Kentucky caused an accident that killed him and took the lives of 10 others. Officials believe that he was using his cell phone when the accident happened.

After officials investigated the accident, they concluded that the driver had used his cell phone for text messages and calls nearly 70 times while he was driving in the 24-hour period before that accident. Phone records revealed that he made four phone calls just minutes before the fatal accident happened.

The accident happened as the tractor-trailer left the roadway on Interstate 65. It crossed over a 60-foot median, over a cable barrier system and crossed into lanes of oncoming traffic. The truck struck a van that was carrying a dozen people. The driver of the van, nine of its occupants and the truck driver were killed in the collision.

The investigation revealed that the driver had no health problems, the road and weather conditions were fair and there were no mechanical problems with the big rig. Officials believe the distractions caused by his cell phone are to blame for the fatal crash.

According to Deborah Hersman, a safety board chairman, a cell phone ban for truck drivers has the ability to save lives on U.S. roadways.

"When you are at the wheel, driving safely should be your only focus," said Hersman.

These recommendations would apply to all drivers that currently possess a commercial driver's license. This means that all interstate commercial drivers and all in-state drivers that operate under the authority of any similar license would be covered.

According to Boyd Stephenson, American Trucking Association's manager of safety, a great number of trucking companies already have regulations governing the use of cell phones by truck drivers. A complete ban would help to increase the safety of all motorists on our roadways.

Continue reading "NTSB Targets Cell Phone-Using Truckers to Help Reduce Risks of Fatal Car Accidents in Massachusetts" »

A trucking accident in Los Angeles landed a trucker in state prison for seven years and four months. The Massachusetts truck driver was recently found guilty by the Los Angeles Superior Court of involuntary manslaughter for a trucking accident that happened last April in which a father and a daughter were killed and a nail salon and bookstore were heavily damaged.

Accidents like this can happen anywhere when the proper safety precautions aren't taken. The Everett truck driver neglected to navigate his big rig on approved roads and failed to properly acknowledge brake issues. Trucking accidents in Massachusetts can be caused by the same circumstances. It is the responsibility of the trucker and the trucking company to ensure that these large trucks are following all safety regulations on our roadways to ensure the safety of all motorists.

Our Boston trucking accident attorneys understand that accidents with big rigs oftentimes produce deadly results. Motorists are asked to travel with extreme caution when traveling among these large trucks. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a semi, contact an experienced attorney to help you determine who may be at fault and to help you to collect the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

"No matter how much we ache for just one more day, they are never coming back," said a friend of the family that was killed in the Los Angeles accident.

The accident happened as the 25-ton semi was traveling through the San Gabriel Mountains and was unable to stop after the brakes failed. The truck sped down the Angeles Crest Highway and slammed through La Canada Flintridge, California.

By the time the truck stopped, it had run over four cars, killed two people, injured three and plowed through a nail salon and a bookstore.

During trial, prosecutors stated that the accident was a direct result of the driver's decision to take a narrow, winding road through the mountain instead of taking one of the nearby freeways to get from the desert to the Los Angeles metropolitan area. An off-duty firefighter reportedly warned the truck driver about the dangerous road and suggested that he turn around. The trucker proceeded down the mountain road for another mile and a half. During this time the big rig's brakes began to smoke. Instead of stopping the vehicle and allowing them to cool down, the trucker reportedly poured cool water on them.

Officials inspected the big rig after the accident and concluded that half of the 10 truck brakes were either incorrectly adjusted or were overheated.

The trucker has already spent 20 months in jail awaiting his trial. Officials believe that he will be released in about two years if he's well-behaved. He is expected to serve the remainder of his jail time in a low-security prison.

"For me this is a nightmare and I didn't wake up yet," said the trucker to the family of the victims. "I know each you hate me today but I ask for forgiveness."

The trucker says that he was simply following the instructions of his GPS system. He blames the accident on the lack of safety ramps for runaway trucks on that mountain. Since the sentencing, the California Department of Transportation has decided to ban all five-axle trucks from a portion of that highway.

Continue reading "Massachusetts Truck Driver Kills 2 and Injures 3 - Sentenced to More than 7 Years Behind Bars" »

A fiery Boston trucking accident shut down Route 1 after a gasoline tanker truck crashed and exploded in a fireball this past weekend. The accident triggered a number of smaller explosions that sent fire shooting towards local businesses and homes. The truck driver was killed in the accident.

The explosions happened after the overturned tanker spilled about 11,000 gallons of fuel spilled near a drainage ditch. The gas was then ignited and flames were carried down a brook that runs near the highway. The fiery explosion set a home and two greenhouse buildings on fire.

Our Boston trucking accident attorneys recognize the potential dangers that come along with these large, commercial vehicles on our roadways. Many of them carry dangerous substances as cargo. Oftentimes, accidents with these big rigs can turn deadly. It is important for both truck drivers and passenger-vehicle motorists to be cautious on our roadways, especially during the summer months when the amount of traffic increases significantly.

Nearby residents say they heard the load crash and were later warned to evacuate their house.

The 59-year-old driver of the large truck died on scene, according to state police spokesman David Procopio. Four other motorists were hurt trying to avoid the accident, according to Boston.com. One was taken to a local hospital and treated for severe burn injuries.

Police are still investigating what exactly caused the tanker to travel through the median and roll over onto its side.

More than 100 people from local neighborhoods were forced to evacuate, but were later allowed to return to their homes several hours after the incident.

A number of traffic lanes were closed because of the accident as police checked the area for potential hazards and a nearby bridge for structural damage. They were also reportedly checking a nearby fast-food restaurant's gas lines as they were apparently ruptured from the explosion.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were about 300,000 large trucks that were involved in traffic accidents in the United States in 2008. Of these accidents, more than 4,000 resulted in death. Nearly 4,500 people were killed in the accidents. These fatalities accounted for more than 10 percent of all reported traffic fatalities for the entire year. This means that one out of every nine traffic fatalities that year happened in 2008 happened in an accident that involved a large truck. Another 90,000 people were injured in these crashes.

Of the nearly 4,500 fatalities, 74 percent of them occurred to the occupants of the passenger-vehicle, 10 percent were nonoccupants and 16 percent happened to the occupants of the large truck.

In 2008 alone, Massachusetts saw nearly 500 vehicles become involved in a deadly accident that involved a large truck.

Continue reading "Boston Truck Accident Results in Fiery Explosion - Taking out Homes and Greenhouse Buildings" »

A new crash study will be taking the next two years to look into driver's actions and reactions when facing near-crash situations. The study aims to determine better ways to prevent traffic collisions before they happen, according to Forbes. This new study is much different because most previous studies of the sort focused on how to protect passengers in the event of an accident. These researchers look to prevent car accidents in Boston and elsewhere before they happen.

Throughout this study, 3,100 vehicles will be chosen to participate for two years. The study is looking for participants in Buffalo, Seattle, Tampa Bay, Durham, central Pennsylvania and Bloomington. Our Massachusetts car accident attorneys understand that this type of information will be beneficial to drivers across the United States as it will help to prevent serious or fatal accidents across the nation.

"Collision prevention is the central goal of the study" said Ken Campbell, chief program officer overseeing safety for the Strategic Highway Research Program, which is part of the non-profit Transportation Research Board. "And the driver is the key to prevent collision."

The study is looking mainly at how drivers act and react to different driving situations involving varying road, traffic and weather conditions. The data will be recorded by four different video cameras that will record the forward and rear views and the driver's face and hands. The study will also be equipping vehicles with GPS, wireless radar and various sensors.

This study is the world's largest field study of its kind. It has been sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration. The information from the participating vehicles will be recorded in a storage box held in the vehicle's glove compartment. Researchers will retrieve the data every four to six months.

Previous accident studies have only focused on saving vehicle occupants in the event of an actual accident. These studies only focused on the effectiveness of seat belts, airbags and crash-worthy vehicles. More recent studies, like this one, are shifting their focus to collision avoidance by looking into driver behavior. Driver behavior and driver habits are the primary cause of most accidents.

"You can't just look at collisions or near collisions to know what risk factors are. It's that comparison with what the driver is doing when there is not a safety-related event that tells you what the risk factors are," says Dr. Campbell.

The information will not only be used to advance vehicle technology, but to design better driver training programs as well. Motor-vehicle accidents that occur at intersections and accidents where the driver runs off the road will be initial focus areas of this study.

The participating drivers in the six states chosen to be a part of the study will receive $500 for each year they participate. Each participant is required to have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance and an approved vehicle. More than half of all vehicle makes on America's roadways are eligible for the study. Monitoring equipment is relatively easy to install and typically takes less than four hours to do so.

"This study is long overdue and has the potential for providing the most comprehensive look at why highway crashes occur," said Peter Kissinger, president and chief executive of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a nonprofit research and educational organization that provided technical advice for the study. "It is unprecedented in its scope and approach. It will be a wonderful supplement to other ongoing and planned traffic safety research efforts. My only disappointment is that the transportation research community didn't initiate the study several years ago."

Continue reading "New Crash Study aims to Reduce Risk of Boston Car Accident" »

AAA estimates that 39 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home over the upcoming Fourth of July weekend, down from 40 million in 2010, USA Today reports.

While AAA predicts a drop in traffic, 39 million people on the road means a big risk for Boston car accident injuries. And Boston Car Accident Injury Attorneys are always available to talk with clients who have been injured or paralyzed by the negligence of other drivers. Driving is a right too many take for granted.

According to 2009 data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 334 people were killed in Massachusetts in accidents. And drivers during the holiday weekend should be aware of the possibility of Massachusetts drunk driving accidents. In 2009, there were 437 drivers involved in alcohol-related accidents and 29 percent had been drinking, the NHTSA reports.

So, just because AAA believes the number of drivers on the roads during the upcoming holiday may drop, there will still be accidents and people will still be affected by them. AAA said that an average gasoline hike of about $1 from last year is to blame. The national average for gasoline is expected to be $3.74 per gallon.

It appears gasoline companies have made it a trend to drop prices just before the July 4 holiday weekend. Last year, according to The Associated Press, prices dropped 4 cents to an average of $2.67 per gallon. This year, The Associated Press found, gas prices dropped an average of 3 cents statewide, to an average of $3.68 per gallon.

Regardless of the gas prices, many people will be enjoying the holiday weekend by getting away to the beach, to lakes, amusement parks or even to catch a game at Fenway Park.

So, with many vehicles on the roads, it's best to be a defensive driver, look out for others, drive the speed limit and don't drink and drive. But that doesn't mean others will be doing the same.

If you are involved in a car accident, the first thing to do is retrieve proper medical treatment. Don't sign any waivers for insurance companies.

The sooner we are on your case, the better odds we can maximize your recovery. And while no amount of money can compensate you for your injury, personal injury law may be able to be used to help you in your recovery. Medical bills may pile up and a loss of job or enjoyment of life can hamper your well-being.

We will work to help you recover as much as we can, but we need you to contact us as soon as possible. The best case scenario is that you and your loved ones enjoy the holiday weekend and make it safe. But if it isn't, call our offices today so we can help you.

Continue reading "AAA Says Fourth of July Traffic Will Dip, But Boston Car Accidents May Not" »

It's no secret that our eyesight, our function, our coordination and our other safety skills unfortunately decline with age. Do we honestly know when it's finally time to call it quits? Doing so can help guard against the dangers of being involved in a serious -- or fatal -- car accident in Boston.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are a few warning signs that may signal to us that were no longer able to drive safely. Health Day suggests that you look within yourself to answer this question as no one is able to judge you better than yourself. Is it safe for you to be driving?

Our Boston car accident lawyers understand that aging comes with a number of obstacles, with older drivers having some of the greatest risks for serious injury. You are urged to follow the advice and recommendations in this blog, and honestly ask yourself, "Am I safe behind the wheel?"

Are you experiencing any of the following:

-Are you getting lost when taking a familiar route?

-Are you getting ticketed for numerous driving violations?

-Have you been getting into fender-benders or near-misses?

-Are there new scratches or dents on your car?

-Have you received a recommendation from a doctor suggesting that you reduce your diving or stop altogether?

-Do you have health problems or are you taking medications that can affect your driving?

-Do you find road signs or road markings overwhelming?

-Do you find yourself driving too fast or too slow for no particular reason?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, citizens aged 65 and older made up nearly 15 percent of the total resident population in the United States in 2009. Of this 15 percent, nearly 5,500 people of this age group were killed in motor-vehicle accidents throughout the year. Another 187,000 seniors suffered injuries from these crashes.

The older driving population made up nearly 10 percent of all people injured in traffic accidents in 2009 and made up nearly 20 percent of all traffic fatalities. The number of injured drivers in this age group increase 2 percent from the previous year.

Nearly 100 elderly drivers, those above the age of 64, were killed in motor-vehicle accidents in Massachusetts in 2009.

Continue reading "How often do Elderly Drivers Cause Car Accidents in Boston?" »

Interstate 95 southbound and the ramp merging from Interstate 93 turned into a nightmare earlier this week as a tractor-trailer overturned and spilled its load of sheetrock across a number of lanes in the area. The accident only left one lane open for all of the morning commuters, according the Boston-Herald.

The Massachusetts tractor trailer accident closed roads near exits 37A and 37B through the morning rush hour. Many commuters were forced to travel along alternate routes.

"It's going take a few hours to clean up, however there's no injuries," said state police Sgt. Matthew Murray. The accident occurred around 7:50 a.m. pushing traffic delays back as far as Peabody.

Our Boston trucking accident lawyers would like to remind all motorists to be extra cautious when traveling near these large tractor-trailers and semi trucks. While this accident did not injury any motorists, other incidents do not end as fortunately. Many accidents that involve these big rigs tend to result in serious, and even fatal, injuries.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were nearly 3,500 fatalities resulting from accidents that involved a large truck in the United States in 2009. Another 74,000 people were injured in these accidents. These large trucks are classified as vehicles having a gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds.

In 2009, the NHTSA reports that 21 trucks were involved in accidents with 441 vehicles. These are just the accidents that resulted in motorist death.

Trucking accident facts from the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety:

-Many truck-related accident deaths come with a large personal and financial bill. The cost of trucking accidents each year is well over $19 billion.

-These large trucks only make up about 4 percent of all registered vehicles and account for about 7 percent of all vehicle miles traveled. Still, they are involved in more than 10 percent of all accidents deaths.

-The number of deaths caused from accidents involving a tractor trailer equals the same as 26 major airplane crashes each year.

Continue reading "Boston Tractor Trailer Accident Closes I-95 and I-93" »

Recently, GMAC Insurance released the results for their 2011 National Drivers Test. These tests are nothing to brag about as the study concluded that 1 out of every 5 drivers fails to meet basic road requirements to obtain a driver's license. This means nearly 37 million American drivers, or roughly 20 percent of motorists on our roadways, would not be able to pass the written drivers test if they were to take it today. This lack of road knowledge greatly increases the risks for a car accident in Boston.

"The GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test has become the benchmark for America's driving IQ," said Scott Eckman, chief marketing officer, GMAC Insurance. "All Americans need a refresher course when it comes to rules of the road and it begins with education. We're hoping this year's GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test results will inspire drivers to arm themselves with the knowledge they need to stay safe."

Our Boston car accident attorneys note that these test results concluded that the average score on this GMAC drivers test was less than 78 percent in 2011. While this is a near 2 percent increase from the previous year, the average score is still alarmingly low. This means that a large number of motorists on our roadways lack basic knowledge of driving skills and rules.

Nearly 90 percent of drivers that took this test could not identify the correct action to take when pulling up to a steady yellow traffic light. One a quarter of tested drivers were able to list safe following distances.

"All Americans need a refresher course when it comes to basic driving rules," said Gary Kusumi, CEO and president, GMAC Insurance - Personal Lines. "Being a safe driver is about conduct, judgment and knowledge. We're hoping this year's results encourage people to arm themselves with the knowledge they need to stay safe."

Massachusetts' drivers rank 47th in the United States in driver intelligence. Our state dropped nine spots in the rankings since the previous year when we ranked 38th.

The Northeast region of the country submitted the worst scores of all regions. The Midwest region scored the best on this test. Typically, male drivers scored better than female drivers, with roughly 14 percent of men failing the test compared to approximately 27 percent of women. Older drivers also tested better.

The GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test is conducted to serve as a reminder to drivers to freshen up on their credentials to help decrease their risk of being involved in an accident.

"The GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test shows me that too many Americans are coming up short when it comes to knowing the rules of the road," said Casey Mears, driver of the No. 25 National Guard/GMAC Chevrolet in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. "Whether you're on the race track or in the real world, it's about being safe, respecting other drivers and being educated about how to handle certain situations."

The 2011 test quizzed driver knowledge through a series of 20 questions taken from state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) tests. National data was weighted to percentage of state population, gender, ethnicity and age. The seventh annual survey had 5,130 licensed driver participants between the ages of 15 and 66 from all over the country.

Want to give the GMAC Insurance National Driving Test a whirl and see how your driving knowledge measures up? Visit their website and test your driving skills.

Continue reading "New Driver Test Ranks Massachusetts Drivers Among Worst in America" »

The United Stated experienced reported 34,700 fatal vehicle accidents last year, according to the National Safety Council. This number shows a 3 percent decrease from the previous year and a fatality decrease for the fourth year in a row. Previous motor vehicle fatality trends credit the recession to the decreased number. Unfortunately, the fourth-quarter of 2010, as we started to climb out of the recession, the number of fatal car accident began to increase.

Our Boston car accident attorneys urge motorists to be prepared for more traffic and a greater risk of car accidents in Massachusetts as the economy recovers.

"As encouraging as it is to see fatalities decreasing on our nation's roads, the 2010 rate of decrease is less than a third of the previous year's decrease," said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. "We must remain vigilant in addressing roadway safety issues where the greatest impact can be made, such as distracted and teen driving. As miles traveled start to rise again from recession lows, we want to ensure the continuance of this downward trend."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that more than 10 million vehicles were involved in police-reported accidents in 2008. Passenger vehicles made up 94 percent of those involved in accidents.

The NSC also reports that motor vehicle injuries, deaths and property damage cost $236.6 in 2010, also a 3 percent decrease from 2009. This total cost includes medical expenses, wage and productivity losses, administrative expenses, property damage and employer costs.

In Massachusetts, nearly 230 vehicles were involved in fatal accidents in 2008, claiming the lives of roughly 170 motor-vehicle occupants. Percent decreases in fatal accidents are slightly higher than the national average sitting at about 5 percent each year.

Continue reading "Slumped Economy Influences Decreased Number of Boston Car Accidents" »