Every state has its roadways and intersections where traffic accidents seem to be and are in fact higher than at other locations within the state. In Massachusetts, there are a select group of cities and towns where car accidents occur more frequently than in others. One of these is Brockton where 17 of the most dangerous intersections in the state presently exist to give motorists and pedestrians pause when traveling to or walking on or about these hazardous roads.
Brockton Accidents by the Numbers
The state conducted a survey using the years from 2008 to 2010 of 200 intersections and ranked them according to fatalities and serious accidents rather than simply on the number of collisions or other minor accidents. It may come as no surprise to local residents that Brockton accidents rank near the top with 17 of the most dangerous intersections surveyed. According to the study, Brockton’s intersection of Pleasant and West Streets accounted for 90 accidents in this 3-year period with 31 injuries and was considered the 6th worst in the state.
Brockton has a population of about 95,000, making it the state’s 7th largest city. Major highways including Route 24 travel through and around the area. What accounts for so many traffic hazards may be attributable to weather, road conditions, number of vehicles, lighting, merging and congestion problems, design of the roadway and other features that may cause confusion or frustration among motorists.
Other factors may include:
- Traffic merging suddenly from freeway into a suburban setting
- Prolonged road or building construction that lasts for years
- Lack of bicycle lanes or those that are not easily visible
- No refuge areas for pedestrians
- Merging of cars, trucks, buses, pedestrians and bicyclists
- Lack of turn lanes
- Need for more or better operating traffic lights
- No measures to slow traffic
- Need for more protection for pedestrians
- Lack of or poor signage
- Poor road maintenance
There are also factors involving driver behavior:
- Distracted driving—cell phone use, reading, eating, not focusing on the road
- Intoxicated and drug impaired driving
- Speeding
- Frustration with slow moving vehicles
- Fatigue
Unfortunately, Massachusetts has about 350 fatal accidents per year and around 4500 serious car accidents. Many of these occur at these 200 intersections. Most of these accidents can be prevented by better road design, installation of more safety features to slow traffic, protecting non-motorists and by keeping traffic flowing smoothly without confusing or frustrating motorists. Brockton accidents can also be reduced if drivers refrain from drinking or taking drugs before driving, by slowing down and being courteous, conduct that sadly may be too much to expect.
A Brockton car accident lawyer, such as attorney Neil Burns, is familiar litigating serious personal injury cases in Brockton and can properly advise you regarding the liability of other motorists but also the potential liability of the city, contractors or other parties whose negligence may have contributed to your accident. This can include road design defects, failure to maintain the roadways or equipment failures that may have caused or exacerbated your injuries.
Damages in a Car Accident
Most persons injured in car accidents incur economic losses but also suffer other damages that affect their ability to engage in everyday activities. Damages can be difficult to prove and without an experienced Brockton car accident lawyer, you may not realize all the compensation that you otherwise would be entitled to obtain.
Typical damages in a car accident injury case include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future wage loss
- Permanent disability
- Loss of earning capacity
- Diminished enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma
- Spousal claim for loss of consortium
Call Car Accident Lawyer Neil Burns
Brockton car accident victims have the benefit of plaintiff’s attorney Neil Burns to handle their claims from start to finish. With over 30 years of experience in handling car accident claims in Brockton and the surrounding communities, Neil Burns has obtained millions in compensation for his clients, even in cases where liability was hotly contested. Call his office today for a free evaluation of your injury claim: 617-227-7423.