It seems that most cities and towns of significant size have problem streets or intersections where more accidents occur than in other parts of the community. In Peabody, Massachusetts, car accidents have been occurring at a level that has concerned city officials at the intersection of Wilson Square and Tremont Street. In a 4-year stretch between 2012 and 2016, 100 accidents occurred in Wilson Square alone. A traffic study conducted by WorldTech found that cars traveling through this intersection were prone to accidents on Central Street. About 27,000 cars can be expected on Central Street each day!
As a result of that study, state and federal funds of $9.7 million will be used to re-design a one-mile stretch of Central Street that includes street re-surfacing, new crosswalks, sidewalks, traffic signals and landscaping. City officials report that the project will take at least one year to complete and that meetings will be held with residents, business owners and stakeholders in the Central Street area to get input on design and renovation. Reducing the number of Peabody, Massachusetts car accidents while maintaining reasonable access to businesses by residents and passers-by and preserving the corridor’s character will undoubtedly be among the topics discussed.
What to Do If In a Car Accident
Car accidents are common. While most are simply fender benders and do not cause injuries, a fair number do result in injuries. There were nearly 40,000 accident fatalities nationwide in 2016 and an estimated 4.6 million injuries. While cities like Peabody seek to reduce the incidence of car collisions, the National Safety Council reported that traffic fatalities nationwide are on the increase. Texting and driving may be a key factor in many accidents and many states have banned use of hand-held devices by all motorists. Massachusetts recently passed legislation that finally banned all use of such phones while driving by minors and adults.
If you are in a car accident, here are some suggestions for what to do:
- Check yourself for injuries such as broken bones, blood, or pain.
- Check your passengers. If someone is injured, get a sense of how serious it is.
- Call 911 even if you or someone else only appears slightly injured. You have no idea if there are internal injuries or if other unseen injuries are present.
- If you or a passenger are seriously injured, remain in the car and wait for medical assistance.
- If your car presents a traffic hazard and you are able to do so, move your car to a safe location that is just off the roadway. Otherwise, leave it where it came to rest.
- Do not talk to the other motorist involved in the accident but if able, obtain license plate number, driver’s license number, address, phone number, and insurance information from the other driver.
- If possible, take photos of all vehicles involved noting the property damage and location of the vehicles, license plates, driver and passengers.
- Police will ask for a statement about what happened. If you are shaken up or injured, advise the officer if you can give a statement at a later time.
- Seek immediate medical attention even if you only feel slightly injured since symptoms may not manifest for another day or two.
- Call your insurance agent regarding the accident.
- If contacted by the other party’s insurer, let them know you are injured but do not give them a statement or any other information about the accident. You are not required to give them a statement, written or verbal, regardless if the adjuster tells you that a claim cannot be processed without one.
- Call a personal injury accident lawyer. The attorneys at Burns and Jain have handled thousands of accidents over decades of experience. The sooner you contact an attorney after your accident, the more likely valuable evidence will be preserved so that you can obtain the most compensation for your accident injuries.
Damages in a Car Accident
Your damages in a car accident will depend on the nature and extent of your injuries. If a serious injury, you might have future medical expenses and wage losses. Typical damages include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future income losses
- Emotional trauma
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Spousal claim for loss of consortium
Retain the Law Offices of Burns and Jain
Car accidents are frequent and injuries can be significant, affecting your job, family and your future in many cases. Let an attorney highly experienced in Peabody, Massachusetts car accidents handle your injury claim or that of a loved one. We handle all cases with the same diligence and thoroughness to ensure you receive the most compensation available for your claim. Call us today for a free consultation: 617-227-7423.