Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog

November 6, 2012

Young Man Hit by Orange Line Train

A 20-year-old man was hit by an oncoming Orange Line train, according to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

The Boston Herald reports that the man was walking along an area that was fenced off to the public. The accident happened as the train was heading into the Malden Center station. Thankfully, the man is expected to survive, but suffered some serious injuries to his extremities. He was being treated at the Massachusetts General Hospital. The accident happened just before 9:00 p.m. Officials with the Transit Police report that the visibility was poor because of the rain in the area.

“Service was suspended in both directions and bus diversion was established. While (investigators) are down on the tracks they hold the trains and use the buses,” said Lt. John Landers with the Transit Police.

Our MBTA accident lawyers understand that while trains are awfully convenient for residents and visitors to the area, they can also be extremely dangerous. While officials claim that the MBTA has been getting safer in recent years, the truth of the matter is that there are still far too many accidents occurring. According to the most recent statistics, there are close to 1.5 accidents that happen for everyone 100,000 miles traveled. This might not seem like a lot to you, but when you figure how many millions of miles are traveled by the fleet every year, you’d think twice.

Many of the accidents that occur with the MBTA are in fact preventable. Officials estimate that close to 85 percent of accidents that happened in 2009 that involved only MBTA buses could have been avoided had drivers been more cautious. The case isn’t always the same when we’re talking about MBTA’s trains and subways. In these cases, it should be common knowledge that these vehicles are not able to stop to avoid an accident. Residents have to rely on the warnings of gates and flashing lights to alert them about upcoming trains and subways. It’s when these systems don’t work that accidents result. That’s why we’re asking customers to be their own warning system and to be aware of their surroundings at all times. Awareness is one of the best ways to cut out your risks for an accident.

Safety Tips from the MBTA:

-While waiting for a train or subway, make sure you wait in a central location. Stay in areas that are well lit and stay away from tracks.

-Keep an eye on where the closest Police Call Box is should you encounter an emergency.

-When riding on a train, remember that the operators can be reached by using the intercom that is located at the end of every train.

-When riding during off-peak hours, make sure you ride as close to the train operator as possible.

-Should you be attacked, be sure to scream or blow a whistle in order to bring attention to your situation.

-Keep children close by and supervised at all times. Hold the hands’ of young children.
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November 4, 2012

Accident Risks & The Push to Turn Boston Green

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Officials in Boston and in Springfield are looking to make the area greener.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), they’re working to triple the share of travel in the state by transit, walking and biking. This is an established vision that’s going to sweep the state. Not only is it going to help to whip residents and visitors into shape, but it’s going to help to save money and to make the roadways a little less congested. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand that an increase in this kind of vulnerable traffic is going to bring about an increase in the risks for accidents, injuries and fatalities. We’re asking all of those who continue to commute by vehicle, to be cautious of travelers of all kinds. Bicyclists and pedestrians are entitled to our roadways too and they follow laws of their own to help to reduce the risks of accidents. Safe travel is a team effort.

What officials are trying to do is to allow other forms of transportation to absorb the travel demand that continues to contribute to highway congestion. This is an obstacle that’s slowing down our potential for economic growth. By getting more people out on their feet and out on their bicycles, we will all be able to offer a helping hand in the fight against obesity. Currently, we’re seeing some record rates of obesity across the country.

MassDOT may be dealing with a tight budget and limited resources, but officials say they’re ready to tackle the challenge and provide healthy and sustainable transportation options for all customers.

“We all have a stake in achieving a statewide mode shift goal and establishing a sustainable transportation system that meets all our customers’ needs and that we can afford to maintain.” said Richard A. Davey, Secretary for MassDOT.

One of the main goals of this project is to also help to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. Officials with MassDOT are looking to reduce the level of GHG emission by at least 25 percent by 2020.

Pedestrians and bicyclists are more likely to be injured or killed in an accident with an automobile than the occupants of the vehicle.

Safety Tips:

-Make sure you use sidewalks and bike lanes. Stay away from vehicular traffic.

-Wear bright colors to be easily seen by motorists. If you’re walking near dawn or dusk, you should also make sure you’re equipped with a flashlight and reflectors.

-Only cross at crosswalks or at street corners. You’re more likely to get into an accident when jaywalking (or biking) because motorists don’t expect you in these areas.

-Avoid traveling at night. Drivers are less likely to see you in the dark.
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November 3, 2012

More Tainted Drugs Found at Framingham Pharmacy

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Our Boston defective drug attorneys were dismayed to learn that the same pharmacy believed responsible for manufacturing the medicines connected with a national deadly meningitis outbreak may have more dangerous drugs on the market.

NBC News is reporting that at least 10 different kinds of bacteria were detected in a number of drugs produced by the firm, including eight separate lots of a drug used to treat serious itching and and at least two lots of a medication used to slow or stop the heart during surgical procedures.

That doesn’t include the five different kinds of fungi that have been linked to the Framingham pharmacy, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has dubbed responsible for the meningitis outbreak. As of Nov. 1, there had been at least 377 identified cases of meningitis stemming from drugs distributed by this facility. Others who had been infected suffered strokes and joint infections, as well. At this point, we understand that 28 people have died.

The FDA has also announced tests are underway on two other drugs produced by the facility, though those results aren’t yet in.

As of now, we aren’t aware of any additional infections as a result of the bacteria newly discovered in these other drugs, but that could because it’s not yet been widely reported or diagnosed.

The facility has been forced to halt operations while the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control continue testing and new cases continue to emerge. However, our understanding is that the fungus and bacteria has been located in unopened bottles, which were still on the shelves as of Nov. 1. That means we’re likely to see even more infections.

What’s especially troubling is that those individuals infected with the fungal meningitis may not immediately test positive, as the lab tests used to detect it are not highly sensitive.

Both Massachusetts and federal inspectors have been conducting simultaneous and ongoing investigations at the site, where they reportedly discovered bacteria and mold throughout its “clean rooms” during the past nine months.

The company’s license to operate has been revoked permanently, and all products and drugs produced by the company have been recalled. Unexpired drugs used by its sister company were also recently recalled, after evidence was discovered indicating sanitation concerns.

In all, the FDA has indicated there are an estimated 14,000 people in nearly two dozen states that received the tainted steroid injections that led to the meningitis infections. Typically, stroke, severe illness or death occurs within the first five to six weeks after injections were received. FDA officials say this means that the danger should mostly have subsided by next week, but those who received the injections should still be on high alert and under close medical supervision.
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November 2, 2012

Operation Yellow Blitz and Massachusetts School Bus Safety

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Officers throughout the state recently participated on “Operation Yellow Blitz.” It was a statewide effort to try to get drivers to be more aware of the rules of the road and to be more cautious when traveling near school buses. This is an enforcement effort that’s put on by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles and law enforcement agencies across the state, according to Wicked Local Bedford.

Our Bedford injury attorneys understand that these buses carry our children and they need all of the protection they can get. What might be more dangerous than actually riding the bus is getting on and off of it each day. When nearby drivers are not cautious at bus stops and other areas where passengers are boarding or deboarding, innocent children are injured.

According to the Bedford Police Department, there were five officers in the city whose sole duty was to hunt down drivers who didn’t stop for school buses when they had their stop signs extended and their red lights flashing. If drivers were busted, they were handed a $250 fine for their first time offense. Second offenses were even more costly.

In an effort to continue this campaign, drivers are asked to stop for school buses that are displaying stop signs and flashing red lights. Stopping could help to save a child’ life. Sometimes, officers will even follow these buses to and from school just to make sure that motorists are following the rules.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), dozens of law enforcement agencies across the state participated in this operation. It was conveniently scheduled during National School Bus Safety Week.

Reports indicate that there were more than 30 motorists who were busted passing school buses illegally during this time.

In every state in the country it is illegal for a driver to pass a school bus that is stopped to pick up or drop off kids. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), drivers need to continue to use caution. Make sure you slow it down when you’re driving through residential areas and through school zones. You also never pass a school bus on the right. Not only is it dangerous, but it’s illegal. You should also stay out of the area around the school bus. A good rule of thumb is to stay at least 10 feet away from all buses. Remember that traffic must stop in both directions of an undivided roadway as well. Keep a close eye out for children in these areas too, as they don’t understand the workings of traffic like you and I and are more likely to put themselves in harm’s way.

You should also talk with your kids about pedestrian and school bus safety to make sure they do their part to stay safe out there, too!
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October 31, 2012

Boston Injury Attorneys Urge Caution in Sandy’s Wake

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Recently, officials with the City of Boston and City Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced that business and homeowners in the area who were affected by Hurricane Sandy can turn to them for assistance. City officials are working to reopen business in the area and to get residents back to work. It’s not actually during the hurricane that is most dangerous, but before and after. Beforehand, you’ve got to prep your house for the worst. After, you have to clean the mess behind. Both come with some serious risks for accidents, injuries and fatalities.

Our Boston personal injury lawyers understand that it is critical that homeowners and business owners do what is necessary to reverse the damage caused by water and wind before the winter seasons moves in. You want to make sure that all windows are properly covered. If you’re not planning on staying at the property in question, then you should make sure that all outside items are moved inside and that all electrical equipment is unplugged and moved away from windows. If you’re leaving your business or home, make sure that you have all of the things you need, including important documents, medications, nonperishable food items, extra clothing, cash and even a first-aid kit.

Our area got winds between 40 and 50 miles per hour. That was enough to do some serious damage. Wind gusts reached 80 miles per hour. It was so bad that Mayor Menino asked local employers to let their workers stay home. We had coastal flood warnings as well as and high wind warnings for the area. Both of these warnings went through Monday morning.

“I urge Boston employers to assist the city in keeping residents safe, and allow employees to work from home,” said Menino.

Helpful Phone Numbers:

-Office of Business Development: 617-635-0355.

-Boston Home Center: 617.635.HOME
Trees were a big problem in the area. Officials with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department report that there are fallen branches and trees all over! Crews are trying to figure out which areas are most important and are tackling cleanup there. They’re starting with public sidewalks and streets. As of Tuesday morning, there were over 600 reports of tree-related emergencies through the Mayor’s 24 Hour Service.

When cleaning up your property, whether your business or your home, be cautious of hanging or downed power lines. This is where the risks for electrocution comes in. Even if you think a line is dead, never go near it. Call the local power company and have them deal with it.

So what can you do in the future to stay safe? You can start by registering for emergency notifications with the City of Boston. You’re also urged to call the Mayor’s 24-hour hotline (617-635-4500) with any storm-related issues or concerns. Education and awareness are two of your best keys for safety in these kinds of disasters.
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October 29, 2012

Boston Injury Attorneys Wish You a Safe Halloween

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Halloween is right around the corner. But did you know that it’s the most dangerous day out of the entire year for your child? That’s right. They’re more likely to be involved in a pedestrian accident during All Hallow’s Eve than during any other night of the entire year.

For this reason, officials with the City of Boston and our Boston personal injury lawyers are here to offer you some important and effective safety tips to make sure that everyone stays safe during this year’s Halloween activities.

Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips:

-Never allow young children to go out on their own.

-Take little ones trick-or-treating earlier in the evening.

-Make sure that you’re familiar with the neighborhoods you’re in.

-Pick neighborhoods that have sidewalks and less traffic.

-Make sure children know to stay in a group.

-Make sure that everyone has a curfew.

-Make sure you keep a cell phone with you.

-Only approach houses that are well lit.

-Consider keeping personal information, like name, phone number and address, inside of your child’s costume.

-Make sure that everyone knows not to go into someone’s home that they do not know.

-Make sure that we use sidewalks and driveways. Never cut across anyone’s front yard.

-Never go into the home of someone who you don’t know.

-Be cautious of other people’s dogs. Never approach one that you do not know.

-Make sure that you plan out your trip before you go.

-Only cross the work by using crosswalks or by crossing at a street corner.

Costume Safety Tips:

-Make sure that all children carry a flashlight with them.

-Make sure that all costumes are brightly colored to make sure that they’re easily seen by motorists.

-Make sure that point objects, like the ones on swords and devil’s forks, are made of soft materials.

-Make sure that everyone is wearing comfortable shoes for walking.

-Consider trying out face paint instead of a mask. Masks only block a child’s view. You want to make sure that they can see everything around them at all times.

-Make sure their costumes are flame resistant.

-Don’t allow costumes to be too long and serve as trip and fall hazards.

Safety Tips for Your Treats:

-Never consume any candy before having an adult look at it first.

-Toss our candy that is not in its original container, that looks like it has been tampered with or is homemade.

If you’re staying home this year, you’re asked to use artificial light in your jack-o-lanterns. You never want to leave candles unattended when you do use them. You should always make sure that your home is well lit and that your walkways are unobstructed. Lastly, you should make sure that your pets are secure. You don’t want to run the risk of one getting loose and really scaring a trick-or-treater.
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October 28, 2012

Massachusetts Traffic Safety Watch: Counterfeit Airbags Endangering Your Family?

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Would your airbags protect you and your family if you were involved in a car accident?

Officials with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are saying that they might not if you’ve had them replaced within the last 3 years.

Recently, safety officials announced a safety advisory alert for counterfeit airbags. There have been some problems with organized criminals selling fake airbags to various mechanics in the state. These airbags were most commonly purchased online.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand that the untrained eye may never be able to identify one of these airbags. They have the same insignia and the markings of major automakers. They’ve been created to mimic original, certified airbags. The NHTSA has already completed a test that has determined that these airbags run the chance of not deploying at all when needed, and some even caused explosions and shrapnel deployment.

Officials have also not been able to pinpoint which cars they can be found on. This is not a risk you should consider taking. If you’ve had your airbags replaced in the last 3 years by a shop not affiliated with a new-car dealership, you should consider getting them checked out by a professional. That’s the only way that you’re going to be able to tell if you have one of these counterfeit airbags.

If this pertains to you, then you should get in touch with the call center that has been created by each auto manufacturer to schedule an inspection of your vehicle. You can get more information about these call centers and more information on the counterfeit airbags on the SafeCar website.

“Anytime equipment that is critical to protecting drivers and passengers fails to operate properly, it is a serious safety concern,” said Ray LaHood, Transportation Secretary.

It’s important that all vehicle owners are alerted about this situation. Share this information with your friends, your family and your loved ones. It could help to save lives. It’s also important that you keep up with the latest vehicle safety recalls. Many times, vehicle owners are never informed about their vehicles and the dangers that accompany them, including problems with the tires, the internal and external devices and even the airbags.

Airbags are one of the most important lines of defense in the event of a car accident. It’s critical to make sure that these devices are working correctly — at all times.

To help to stop these airbags from being installed in our vehicles, the NHTSA is working alongside the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to make sure that none of these airbags are making their way into the country. Organized criminals are developing and selling these kinds of dangerous products. It’s clear that they have little to no regard for U.S. safety. Have your airbags checked today!
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October 26, 2012

Pedestrian Seriously Injured in Sadbury Auto Accident

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A 66-year-old pedestrian from Sadbury has been seriously injured in an accident. She was struck by a car on Fairbank Road. According to The Metro West Daily News, the accident happened at about 6:00 p.m. Officers say that the woman has sustained “potentially life-threatening injuries.”

The driver involved in the accident remained at the scene and cooperated with officials, according to Lt. Scott Nix, spokesman for the police. No one has been cited or has been charged in the accident, but it is still being investigated by the Massachusetts State Police and the Sadbury Police. Officers closed down the road for nearly 4 hours following the accident.

Our Sadbury pedestrian accident lawyers understand the risks. Residents and visitors to the area can simply walk to and from their destinations, or take longer journeys on buses, trains and subways. It’s a way of life here in Massachusetts. Unfortunately, inattentive or negligent motorists increase the risks for everyone. These on-foot travelers are involved in auto accidents all too often and one of the top causes of these accidents is driver inattention.

Recent reports conclude that more than 107 million Americans walk each and every day as a regular mode of transportation. The New England area accounts for more than 10 million of these walkers. That’s partially the reason why pedestrian accidents are so common in our state. Another reason why these kinds of accidents happen all of the time is because drivers just don’t recognize these travelers as legitimate traveler. They think that just because they don’t have a vehicle that they don’t matter along our roadways. Oftentimes they’re just overlooked and disregarded.

There are a number of reasons that people walk, including travel to and from school or work, recreation, personal errands, health benefits and even walking the family pet. No one walks around town searching for irresponsible drivers. Still the match is oftentimes made and serious accidents result.

Pedestrians are must less likely to survive an auto accident than the occupants of a vehicle.

Pedestrian accidents can be completely random and can affect some of the most responsible of walkers, but the href=”http://www.iihs.org/”target=”_blank:>Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) follows these accidents and can point out some pretty significant trends.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics:

-Pedestrians over the age of 70 have the highest death rate among and age group involved in pedestrian-auto accidents.

-About 70 percent of the pedestrians who were killed in traffic accidents in 2007 were male.

-If the victim is over 60-years-old, it’s likely that the accident happened in an intersection.

-Vehicles involved in pedestrian accidents are oftentimes speeding when the crash occurs.

-Pedestrian accidents are likely to occur over the weekend periods.

-Most pedestrian accidents happen in urban areas.

-More than 70 percent occur on major roadways.

To help to reduce these accidents, pedestrians are asked to use sidewalks whenever possible. You should only cross the road by using an intersection or by using a street corner. You have to stay one step ahead of the traffic around you. Make sure that you look drivers in the eyes before crossing in front of them. Smart travel and defensive travel is safe travel.
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October 24, 2012

Cash Aimed at Distracted Driving Enforcement in Massachusetts

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Officials with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced that they would be offering close to $600,000 to both Massachusetts and Connecticut to help them to create, plan and conduct campaigns and high-visibility enforcement efforts to get drivers to stop text messaging behind the wheel.

Each state is going to receive about $300,000 to train its officers on more effective ways to hunt down and spot drivers who are text messaging behind the wheel. The money will also help to fund more campaign messages and media spots to help to spread the word about the dangers of texting and driving.

“We have come a long way in our fight against distracted driving, but there is still much work to be done,” said Ray LaHood, U.S. Transportation Secretary.

Our Quincy accident lawyers understand that the State of Massachusetts already bans all drivers from text messaging behind the wheel, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The problem is that drivers aren’t listening. One of the most effective ways to get drivers to follow road laws and to help to increase safety on our state’s streets is to up the ante. This is done by more campaigns, more awareness programs and more police enforcement. And that’s where the NHTSA is coming in.

Currently, there are only 39 states that have laws that place bans on drivers text messaging. Only 10 states have laws that are designed to stop all drivers from using a hand-held cell phone at the wheel. Even though these laws are spread out across the nation, there are still far too many drivers who are getting into distracted driving car accidents because of these devices. In many states, like in Massachusetts, drivers are banned from text messaging behind the wheel but not from using a cell phone. With the mixture of these laws, it’s tough for officers to be able to tell if a driver was text messaging or was dialing a number to call — one illegal and one not, but both looking similar.

When all of these activities are banned, it’s much easier for an officer to bust a driver.

To help to stop drivers from text messaging behind the wheel, officials in both Connecticut and in Massachusetts will be using spotters and stationary patrols on elevated roadways. They will also be able to perform more roving patrols. The funds are to help these states to judge the effectiveness of each wave of high-visibility enforcement. The study period will be two years. The results are going to be used to help to determine which efforts should be used in other states to help to get drivers to hang up the phone.

In just 2010, there were more than 3,000 people who were killed in car accidents that involved a distracted driver. Another 415,000 people were injured in these same incidents. It’s such a problem, that these accidents account for close to 20 percent of all of the injury accidents reported that year.
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October 22, 2012

Parking Spaces Making More Spaces for Smaller Vehicles

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

According to the Boston Transportation Department, the city is now done with its Scooter and Motorcycle Parking Program in a number of areas in the Financial District.

Officials say there are going to be close to 20 parking spots that will soon be established to help to provide those who ride motorcycles and scooters in the area with a place to park with a meter. These spots will mimic the close to 40 slots that were installed on Boylston and Newbury Streets in the Back Bay back in 2010.

“The Back Bay parking slots are popular, there is demand to create more of them, and the Financial District is another busy area of the City where we expect that parking slots will be utilized regularly,” said Thomas J. Tinlin, the Transportation Commissioner.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand that scooters and motorcycles are a popular form of transportation in the area, especially during the warmer months. These vehicles offer drivers a quick, convenient and inexpensive way to get around the city.

New Parking Slots Will be Located:

-Four spaces between Wendell and Franklin Streets on Batterymarch Street.

-Four spaces at India Street on Milk Street.

-Four spaces at Oliver Street on High Street.

-Three spaces between High Street and Purchase Street on Pearl Street.

These spaces are all a part of the Complete Streets program. This is an approach to transportation creation, planning and projects that the city started a few years ago to help to make sure that our streets are not only environmentally friendly, but that they’re accommodating to everyone.

To make room for the new spots, officials will be taking out three metered spots in each area, in addition to curb space that is unregulated. Typically, normal parking spots are about 20-feet long. Since the new spots are only 5-feet long, we can park four motorcycles and/or scooters in the same space.

To park in these new spots, it’s only a quarter an hour. Regular sports are $1.25 an hour. There’s also no time limit at these spots. Most normal spots for passenger vehicles have a 2-hour time limit.

With this program growing each passing day, the government is starting to grab on to the benefits of these kinds of alternative transportation methods in the big-city environment. These smaller vehicles produce less pollution, they help to alleviate congestion, they help to sustain the environment and they take up less space when parking.

Regardless of where they park, travelers need to be cautious when traveling with these smaller vehicles. Scooter riders and motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injury and death in the event of a traffic accident. Remember that they have rights to our roadways too, and they need to be treated with the same respect as any other driver. Help to keep them safe out there and travel courteously.
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