MBTA Accidents

April 16, 2012

Prevent Injury in Boston during the 116th Edition of the Boston Marathon!

Today is the 116th edition of the Boston Marathon!!!

Runners are heading to Coplet Square, more than 26 miles from the starting point at Hopkinton. If you’ve been outside you already know it’s a hot one out there and both runners and spectators are urged to be cautious in the heat and to stay hydrated.

Boston temps should reach into the mid-80s according to The Wall Street Journal. That’s about 30 degrees warmer than normal. It may not be the hottest Marathon we’ve witnessed, as the temps for the 1909 Marathon reached the mid 90s, but it’s still a hot one.

According to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), more than a million spectators are expected to be out at this year’s marathon rooting on their favorite runners, enjoying the Boston family and grabbing a drink or two from local pubs. During this time, spectators may not have to worry about pulling a muscle or winning the race, but they have to worry about a number of other injuries in Boston during this citywide event.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand that the streets are going to be crowded. We’re asking residents and visitors to make travel arrangements before heading out. Some of your best options involve taking a trolley or the subway to some of the prime viewing locations along the route. To help to accommodate the increase in ridership, the MBTA is offering increased service and T officials will be on site to assist travelers.

If you’re aiming to watch the runners cross the finish line, make sure you get off the Green Line at either the Hynes Convention or Arlington Street. The finish line is just a few blocks away.

Residents are urged to take the T instead of getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Not only will traffic be congested and risks for accidents on the increase, but many spectators will be grabbing a cold brew to cheer on the runners and to cool of from the Boston heat. Riding public transportation is a good way to avoid a costly and potentially fatal drunk driving car accident in Boston. Whatever you do, avoid driving if you’ve been drinking during this year’s celebration.

Both drinkers and nondrinkers are advised to stay hydrated. Not all of us are used to this summer-like heat and may not be able to gauge the affects of the warmth. Everyone is urged to stay hydrated and to drink plenty of water. Even if you’re not thirsty, drink some water.

Tips to Prevent a Heat-Related Illness from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

-Drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty.

-Don’t drink sugary fluids.

-Avoid super cold fluids. They can give you stomach cramps.

-Stay indoors if possible. Consider stopping to grab lunch inside a cool restaurant or visiting some of the local shops to cool off.

-Be sure to wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing to help keep your body cool.

-Keep a close eye on young kids, elderly residents and those who are mentally or physically ill.

-Keep an eye on your friends and family members. Lookout for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
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April 15, 2012

MBTA Bus-Bicycle Accident in Salem Seriously Injures Cyclist

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

After a recent bicycling accident in Salem, a 47-year-old bicyclist was transported to Boston hospital and treated for serious injuries. The accident happened just before 7:30 a.m. on Washington and Federal Streets when the cyclist was hit by a Route 544 bus. According to local police officers and officials with the MBTA, the bicyclist suffered from multiple “serious trauma.”

He was fist taken to Salem Hospital and then later transported to Massachusetts General Hospital via MedFlight. His last status, according to the Salem Police, noted that he was suffering from possible life-threatening injuries. The most recent updates indicate that he was in surgery and was listed in critical condition.

No one on he MBTA bus was injured in the accident. The crash is still being investigated by Salem police officers and by MBTA officials. It’s unknown as of now if anyone will be facing charges in the accident, but Brian Gilligan, Salem Police Captain, reminds bicyclists to abide by motor vehicle traffic laws to help them to avoid a potentially fatal accident.

Our Boston MBTA accident lawyers would like to remind residents that cyclists have rights on our roadways, too. In Commonwealth, bicyclists are allowed to ride on a bikeway, street or public road if they wish. They’re just not allowed to ride on express state highways or limited access roadways where signs are posted prohibiting these two-wheeled riders. Riders are also allowed to ride along sidewalks that are outside of business districts as long as local law doesn’t say otherwise, according to MassBike.

Other Bicyclist Rights:

-Bicyclists are permitted to carry children or other passengers as long as they’re inside an enclosed trailer or a similar device on the bicycle and as long as it restrains them as well as protects their head in the event of an accident. These riders aren’t required to wear helmets.

-Bicyclists can race on any public street or road in Commonwealth as long as it’s affiliated with a recognized bicycle organization. Approval from the appropriate police department must be received before the race is held.

-Bicyclists are permitted to have as many reflectors and lights on their bike as they wish. As a matter of fact, it’s encouraged.

Responsibilities of a Bicyclist in Commonwealth:

-Obey all traffic regulations and laws.

-Use the appropriate hands signals to communicate maneuvers to other travelers.

-Allow pedestrians with the right of way.

-Ride with other cyclists in a single-file line unless passing someone else.

-Both hands must be kept on both handlebars at all times.

-Riders under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet at all times. These helmets must meet ANSI requirements.

-A taillight and a headlight must be used when riding anytime a half hour after sunset or a half hour before sunrise.

-Reflectors must be adhered to all bike pedals.
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April 12, 2012

Risks for MBTA Accidents in Boston Up with Ridership Increase

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The MBTA may have recently announced potential double-digit fare increases, but the popular transportation system was also able to announce a significant increase in ridership for the 13th month in a row.

According to the Boston Globe, this last February marked a record high for that month’s figures for the MBTA. Currently, the T provides transportation for nearly 1.5 million passenger trips on commuter rails, subways, buses and The Ride each and every weekday. Just in February, there was a more than 8 percent increase in ridership. This increase made that the highest February in the MBTA’s history.

Typically, February is the slowest month of the year for ridership. With the beautiful, warm weather we’ve had lately, with the rising gas prices and with the improvements the T has made, transportation officials believe that the T is becoming more of an everyday option for residents.

Unfortunately, an increase in ridership means and increase in the number of trips and the number of loads that these trains, subways and buses have to carry. With more wear and tear come more risks for accidents. Be cautious when riding on our transportation system as MBTA accidents in Boston and elsewhere are likely when safety precautions are not met.

Our Boston MBTA accident attorneys understand that there was a near 20 percent increase in the ridership on weekday bus rides alone. The Green Line’s ridership rose by more than 12 percent. Ridership on the Blue, Orange and Red Lines increased by about 5 percent and the ridership on the harbor ferry service jumped by nearly 13 percent. That’s a lot more riders and a lot more trips than the previous year. It’s important for transportation officials to keep equipment up to date and in the proper condition to meet such high demands.

Recently, the Boston Globe also reported that the cost of a subway trip could run riders about 30 cents more. The news source also reported an expected 25 cent jump in busing fees and even some tickets for the commuter rails could soon exceed $10 for the first time ever. This was all discussed through a recent budget-balancing meeting. If all of these plans are approved, the fare hikes could take place as early as July 1.

With more trips and more riders, the MBTA needs more money. Keeping all of these trains, buses and subways in good-working order for the public is a costly project. One of the most effective ways to fund these projects is to raise fare costs. It may seem unfair to the community, but when you think about it you’re helping to fund your own safety and you’re still saving cash at the gas pump.

If you remember, this isn’t the first hike we’ve talked about. We recently told you about the increases in the 2011 transportation ridership. Well, the trend is continuing on. We can only expect more in the future.
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April 10, 2012

MBTA Bus Accident in Boston Sends Eight to Hospital

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A recent MBTA bus accident in Boston landed eight people in the hospital, according to My Fox Boston. The accident happened shortly before noon at Morton Street on Route 21, sending two bus riders and two passenger-car occupants to the hospital. It all happened when an MBTA bus rear-ended a rental car, damaging both vehicles.

Twenty-five riders were on the bus at the time of the accident. Six of them were taken to local hospitals and were treated for injuries after the collision. Two men who were in the rental car were also taken to local hospitals and treated for back and neck injuries. Accident reports indicate that the driver of the rental car was cited by Transit Police for making an illegal turn.

Our Boston bus accident attorneys understand that some accidents are just that, accidents. But in some of the most dangerous scenarios, these accidents are caused by other drivers. Some of the most common factors that can cause serious MBTA bus, train and rail accidents include dangerous roadway conditions, irresponsible driving habits, poor weather conditions, driver negligence, defective equipment and even blocked or dangerous bus stops. Regardless, it’s important for bus drivers to be properly trained to handle these dangers. Equally important is that nearby drivers travel with extra cautious around these large vehicles and pay extra close attention to our city’s busy surroundings.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are about 12,000 people who were injured in busing accidents in 2007. To make matters even worse, experts predict that nearly 40 people die in these kinds of accidents every year.

How these busing-related injuries break down:

-12,000 injuries a year.

-About 1,000 injuries a month.

-More than 230 injuries a month.

-Nearly 35 injuries a day.

With gas prices slowly rising and travel getting more costly, we can only expect more riders on MBTA systems. It’s a quick and convenient way for residents and visitors who are looking to save a little bit of cash as well as a way to help the environment. It’s an easy way for all of us to navigate the city of Boston and beyond.

According to the MBTA’s website, the number of busing accidents within the MBTA system has declined in both 2008 and 2009 (calculating by the number of preventable accidents per number of miles traveled). In 2009, the MBTA averaged roughly 1.5 accidents for every 100,000 miles traveled. These recent statistics illustrate a rough 25 percent decrease from 2007.

While we may have seen a reduction in these kinds of accidents in recent years, the very real truth is that risks are still extremely high and accidents are likely. Be cautious when using public transportation just as you would on any other mode of transportation.
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March 1, 2012

Boston Accidents May Increase with Uptick in MBTA Ridership

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

During the end of 2011, rider statistics for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) totaled nearly 1.5 million per weekday. As of November of 2011, the system had seen its third straight month of more than 1.3 million riders. State officials conclude that 2011 was the busiest year on the books since 2008.

MBTA General Manager Jonathan Davis says that the average weekday ridership was a near 6 percent increase from that time during the year before. That was also the second-largest increase in the last 40 months. Unfortunately, more riders mean more risks for MBTA accidents in Boston and elsewhere. Riders are still encouraged to take advantage of the convenient transportation system, but to please do so responsibly.

Our Massachusetts MBTA accident lawyers understand that the largest spike in the number of riders happened in July of 2011, when we saw a 7 percent increase. As we plow through 2012, riders are asked to be careful as the number of riders is expected to continue increasing. As the system is used by more and more people, the equipment is forced to work harder. It’s critical for the Transportation Authority to keep these vessels in top-notch shape to protect riders. Operators should also be qualified to help ensure the safety of riders.

According to Davis, more and more people are taking advantage of the system because it is catering to the modern-day traveler’s needs. The MBTA now has applications available on smartphones that allow customers to see when the next train or bus is coming. Davis also credits the state’s growing economy for the increase. More people are heading back to work and require a quick and efficient way to get there.

Davis said the growth speaks to an expanding economy, which means more jobs. That creates a higher demand for MBTA service, whether that is to transport them to work or the doctor’s office or to shopping and entertainment.

Last year, November marked the 10th consecutive month of climbing ridership. Officials believe this trend will continue through the rest of the year. The transportation system only saw a decrease in January 2011 with a decrease of less than 3 percent.

The T saw its busiest year in 2008. During this time, there was an annual increase of more than 4 percent in ridership.

Davis says that as the economy continues to recover and continues to strengthen, we can expect the need for MBTA services to increase as well.

Right now, the MBTA is facing more than a $160 million deficit for the fiscal year that starts in July of 2012. MBTA officials are still talking fare hikes to help make up for the shrinking budget. The last time that T fares were raised was back in 2007.
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August 5, 2011

Train Accident Shuts Down AmTrack Trips between Boston and New York

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A large truck was the cause of canceled train trips after the driver ran his vehicle into an overhead power system near New Haven, Connecticut. The collision caused Amtrak to suspend all trains traveling between Boston and New York for more than three hours last week, according to The Wall Street Journal. Trains between New York and Boston were the only ones affected in the accident.

Our Boston personal injury lawyers urge all residents and visitors to take advantage of the convenient public transportation options that are offered throughout our state. We would also like to take this time to raise awareness about the importance of passenger safety on these rides. This goes out to those traveling near these modes of mass transit as well. Transportation companies are responsible for providing safe transportation for residents and visitors of our city. A number of injuries that occur within mass transit accidents can be easily prevented by taking a few precautionary steps.

As we recently reported on our Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, the MBTA witnesses nearly 2,500 accidents each year that are caused by motor-vehicle drivers. The MBTA believes that roughly 500 of these accidents could be prevented.

New Haven police are investigating the AmTrak accident from earlier this week. No train passengers were hurt in the accident, according to Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari.

Amtrak crews have already made repairs to the damaged tracks and to the overhead power system. Service between New York and Boston has been restored.

There are more than 600 railroads in the United States. About 200,000 miles of track help these trains navigate throughout the country. There have been about 12,000 train accidents annually since 2002. Unfortunately, these accidents took the lives of about 1,000 people. Train accidents can be caused by a number of factors, including the negligence of the train operator, lack of safety provisions by train companies, locomotives, trolleys and even motor-vehicle operators.

These companies are required by law to effectively protect all passengers and operators of their vehicles. These accidents can occur in any number of places, including at railroad crossings where light is dim and where signals fail to notify passenger vehicle occupants that a train is approaching.

Trains are also able to derail. This can happen because of mechanical failures or improper track and equipment maintenance. Speedy or fatigued drivers also contribute to these accidents. Oftentimes cargo can become loose or unsecured in the event of an accident, resulting in spills of hazardous waste or other dangerous objects.

Determining the cause and the fault of a train accident, or any other mass transit accident, can be a complicated and lengthy process. You are urged to seek an attorney if you’ve been involved in one of these accidents as they can help you determine fault and proper compensation.
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July 18, 2011

Seven Passengers in Hospital after Massachusetts Bus Accident

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A Massachusetts bus accident sent seven Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority bus passengers to area hospitals recently. The bus accident happened on Route 28 when a motorist reportedly made a sharp left turn in front of the MBTA bus and forced the bus driver to slam on the brakes to avoid a major collision, according to The Milford Daily News.

The driver of the SUV that cut off the bus, a 72-year-old Milton resident, was taken to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston and reportedly suffered a neck injury. The elderly driver will be cited for failing to yield when turning, says T spokesman Joe Pesaturo.

We know that Massachusetts residents and visitors rely on this form of public transportation on a daily basis. We expect these buses to get us to and from our destinations safely.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand that these travelers also trust that the operator of these buses, trains and subways have completed proper training and possess safe, alert and cautious driving habits. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. According to the MBTA website, its drivers are typically involved in nearly 2,500 accidents every year. About 500 of these accidents are considered to be preventable. The MBTA buses take about 4.5 million bus trips every year. MBTA buses have been involved in 11 fatalities since 2000.

The injured bus passengers were from Randolph:

-Marie Dory, 60
-Felicia Florence, 45
-Connie Harding, 55
-Linda Whittaker, 48
-Evelyn Morales, 37
-Kennie Boulin, 21
-Jean Nelson, 39
The bus driver reports that the bus was heading north on Randolph Avenue when the SUV tried to turn left onto Chickatawbut Road in front of the bus. The driver says that the bus and the SUV still made some contact after she braked.

Luckily, about 350 buses of the MBTA fleet of more than 1,000 come equipped with eight cameras a piece. These bus cameras provide views of inside the bus, in front of the bus and on either side of the bus. Some MBTA subway cars and stations also have video cameras. These cameras can help implicate some people and vindicate others in the event of an accident.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration Office of Safety Analysis, nearly 40 MBTA accidents have been reported to have occurred from January to March of this year. During the first three months of 2011, there were 2 reported fatalities involving an MBTA accident or incident. In 2009, there were 221 fatal bus crashes reported across the United States. The same year in Massachusetts, there was one single bus accident that resulted in a fatality.

We rely on the operators of these buses every day to travel our roadways safely. With the proper training, cautious driving techniques and safe driving habits, we can all hope to enjoy public transportation without injury.
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June 4, 2011

Two New Locomotives to MBTA to Save Money and Reduce Risk of Injury in Boston Train Accident

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) recently purchased two advanced locomotives from the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), making for the newest editions to the fleet in decades. These new additions were picked up by the MBTA because they were not only more fuel and energy efficient, but they meet new safety regulations. With these new locomotives, passengers are expected to be better protected during a train accident Boston and elsewhere throughout the area.

“These new locomotives are more fuel efficient and more reliable, improving on-time performance for the benefit of the commuters,” said Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray.

Many residents and visitors use our public transportation system for quick and efficient travel throughout the area. However, riding on our subways and trains is not always a safe endeavor. Riding public transportation comes with its own risks. Our Boston personal injury attorneys have reported incidents involving the MBTA and the injuries caused to residents and visitors involved in these mishaps. Riders must put total trust in the drivers and rely on these drivers to get them to their destination safely and in a timely manner. If you are injured in one of these accidents, it is critical that you contact an experienced attorney to help you to fight for your rights against these large transportation companies.

The upgrades to the fleet are expected to lower fuel costs, prevent unnecessary idling and reduce nitrogen oxide levels by 20 tons per engine annually. The reduced fuel usage is expected to save nearly 40,000 gallons of fuel and roughly $80,000 per locomotive each year, according to Government Technology.

“We were able to utilize this technology on the new locomotives,” said Steven Mudge, the MBTA’s director of vehicle engineering, “because in the older [locomotives], if you were to shut down the main engines, then you’d also shut the lights, air conditioning and heat off on all the coaches behind it.”

After calculating the total cost savings the MBTA is considering to update all of their rail fleets to these more fuel efficient cars. The MBTA was able to purchase these new locomotives when the recession reduced the need for Utah’s rail fleet.

“We wanted to have extra locomotives available as our system grew and as we increased our frequency,” said Mudge. “But we were really planning for long range — a 2030 time frame.”

The new train purchases are part of a larger procurement plan by the MBTA. Back in July of 2010, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation board of directors approved a near $115 million contract with Idaho-based Motive Power to supply 20 new diesel-electric locomotives. These 20 locomotives are not expected to be in service until 2013.

The MBTA is currently operating under a contract with the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co. The current contract includes their fleet of more than 400 coaches and 80 locomotives that carry about almost 150,000 passengers roundtrip every weekday.

“Some of this equipment that was originally built in ’79 is getting fairly expensive to maintain,” Mudge said, “and we’re facing obsolescence on a lot of the components we need on a day-to-day basis.”

Aside from the technology efficiencies, these newly purchased locomotives come equipped with improved safety features. These features meet the American Public Transportation Association’s crashworthiness standards,

They also include conventional strength-based requirements for equipment used at less than 125 mph, dynamic sled testing of occupant seats and crash-energy management for equipment used above 125 mph.

Because of previous accidents, MBTA’s director of vehicle engineering says they’ve pushed to employ crashworthiness techniques and crumple zones to ensure crew and rider safety in the event of an accident.
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February 26, 2011

Winter increases risk of slip-and-fall, accidents on MBTA property

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Our Boston personal injury lawyers know busy commuter systems increase your risk of slip and fall injuries during winter months. We have noted on earlier posts to our Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog issues regarding the MBTA.

The Boston Globe reports the brutal winter is taking a heavy toll on commuters, the Department of Transportation and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Bitter cold temperatures and high snow totals have taken their toll on the state’s snow removal budget, the T, and the roadways.

Eight big storms have averaged 34 hours of plowing or salting apiece, and 6 highway districts needed trucks to remove snow or ice on at least 18 occasions. District 1 (Western Massachusetts) had trucks go out 24 times and District 3 (which has 77 communities including state roads in Worcester and Framingham) needed trucks 31 times.

Due to heavy snowfall the roofs on 4 of Massachusetts’ 140 salt barns have collapsed. These barns are used to store the salt around the state for use on roadways. So far $75 million has already been spent and another $10.9 million has been billed. The cost to fix the salt barns has not been added to these amounts. Considering the fact that the state is $22.5 million over budget for snow removal, the Department of Transportation will need help from lawmakers to get through the rest of the winter.

On the T, disruptions and delays were abundant on the Red and Orange Lines. It could be due to their aging cars, all cars on the Orange Line were bought in 1979 and about 1/3 of the Red Line cars were bought in 1969. A useful life for one of these cars is 25 years according to the manufacturer. The 5- and 6-year-old cars on the Blue Line have performed well in the tough winter conditions.

A review of all Red and Orange Line cars will be conducted to see what can be done to keep them in service-ready condition.

The aging commuter rail system has had its share of snow-related track problems and breakdowns, causing headaches to thousands of commuters. Though two new surplus locomotives arrived two weeks ago, it is little help for a fleet of 80 locomotives and 400-plus coaches that are 30+ years old. At a cost of $300+ million the delivery of 20 locomotives and 75 coaches is over a year away.

Analysts and officials believe it will take about $3 billion to address the T replacement, vehicle and infrastructure maintenance needs.
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January 1, 2011

Driver pleads guilty, admits to texting, in Boston MBTA Subway accident that injured more than 60

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The driver responsible for a Boston subway accident that injured more than 60 people has admitted to text messaging at the time of the accident and pleaded guilty to criminal charges in connection with the May 2009 rush-hour crash, the Associated Press reported.

As our MBTA injury lawyers have reported, the crash lead to tough new rules preventing MBTA employees from using cell phones while on the job.

The driver pleaded guilty in Suffolk Superior Court to gross negligence by a person in control of a common carrier. He was sentenced to two years of probation and 100 hours of community service. He admitted to texting his girlfriend in the moments before the accident at the Government Center subway stop. He ran through red and yellow warning lights and crashed into the two-car train ahead.

He was fired. The assistant district attorney had asked for a six-month jail sentence, citing the number of injuries and the cost of the crash — which has been tagged at about $10 million.

The driver submitted a letter of apology to the court.

“Not a day goes by where I am not reminded of the suffering that my actions caused and the broad impact of my accident,” he wrote. “I pray that one day I will be able to make amends in some ways to the affected persons.”

Several personal injury lawsuit remain pending as a result of the accident.

Since the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority enacted the ban, which prohibits operators from possessing cell phones or similar devices while on the job, 22 MBTA employees, including bus and train workers, have been discharged or suspended for violating the policy.
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