Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog
A Boston bicycle accident has claimed the life of a 24-year-old rider, after she was hit by a car in Brighton, the Boston Globe reported.
As we reported on our Boston Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, safety advocates continue to push for improved infrastructure as Boston seeks to become a world-class cycling destination. The Boston Globe reports more than 700 cycling accidents in Boston are reported each year. Nationwide, 716 fatal bicycle accidents were reported in 2008; another 52,000 riders were seriously injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Boston police said the collision was an accident and that the driver will not face charges. The crash occurred on Commonwealth Avenue on Monday afternoon, near the intersection with Kelton Street. A purple bicycle with a bent wheel could be seen in the middle of the street.
The victim was transported to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Emergency personnel were quick to blame the woman for not wearing a helmet — saying she suffered a serious head injury that might have been avoided. We would also point out the injury might have been avoided had a careless driver not plowed into her bicycle.
“The city’s putting together a pretty decent set of bike lanes; we’re trying to make sure the network spreads to the rest of the city,” said Peter Stidman, 38, director of the Boston Cyclists Union. “It’s not moving at the pace that would make us America’s cycling city, which is something the mayor likes to say.”
The intersection has proved to be among the city’s most dangerous. Four cyclists and pedestrians were struck there between 2002 and 2007, compared to a citywide average of one accident per 10 intersections.
If you have been injured in a Boston bicycle accident or pedestrian accident, contact Massachusetts Injury Attorney Jeffrey S. Glassman for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call 877-617-5333.