Massachusetts banned texting while driving and teenagers using cellphones while driving. However, is it time to consider banning using iPods while walking? The number of deaths among pedestrians in Massachusetts is up from 14 in the first six months of 2009 to 25 in 2010 for that period. The distracted pedestrian is the target of lawmakers in several states, who are considering laws aimed at distracted pedestrians. The reason? An 0.4% increase, nationally, in pedestrian deaths. When a pedestrian is injured by a motor vehicle, was his electronic distraction a factor? You can bet the insurance defense attorney will use that information.
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Boston bike accident attorney Neil Burns reports that a helpful study has been undertaken by the Boston Cyclists’ Union regarding the locus of bike accidents in and around Boston. Their interactive bike map of Boston boasts of being the “best source of online information available on bike crashes” in Boston. I’ll bet they are correct. The map includes Cambridge bike accidents and Brookline bike accidents and, of course, offers satellite and hybrid views. The most alarming finding, to a motor vehicle accident attorney was that only 34% of those bikers picked up by ambulances were wearing helmets.
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We know, we know, Tom Brady is invincible. The best quarterback in football, Superbowl rings on more fingers than anyone, and an amazing win against Pittsburg on Sunday night. But caught by the paparazzi while riding bicycles with his wife and two sons, we see that neither Tom nor Gisele wear helmets when they bike around Boston. Bicycle injury lawyer Neil Burns reports that while the law in Massachusetts does not require adults to wear helmets, it is highly recommended. Last year 630 bicyclists died in the US, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Brain and spinal injury lawyer Neil Burns notes that 91% of bicyclists killed in 2008 were not wearing helmets. “A helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injury resulting from a bicycle crash,” according to NHTSA Bicycle Safety tips.
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For Massachusetts and Boston area residents, the warmer weather often means spending more time outside. So motorcycle and pedestrian injury attorney Neil Burns wants to remind Boston area pedestrians and motorcyclists to remain safe as the warmer weather approaches. “It’s a good time to review Massachusetts laws and road rules pertaining to pedestrian and motorcycle operation and safety,” says Boston injury attorney Neil Burns, citing Massachusetts laws and regulations.
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For Massachusetts residents, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino recently announced a major bicycling safety initiative for the City of Boston. Boston injury attorney Neil Burns has represented many victims who suffer injuries resulting from bicycle accidents. Following a recent wake of bicycle accidents, we want Boston and Massachusetts residents to stay safe while riding their bicycles.
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Massachusetts persons hit and injured by cars are covered by auto insurance. Recently, the District Court in the Boston suburb of Newburyport recently decided that a pedestrian does not actually need to be struck by the automobile in order to recover from the auto insurer. “While this case is not yet controlling,” notes Boston accident and pedestrian injury attorney Neil Burns, “it still provides some nice clarity into when pedestrians can recover from auto insurance.”
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In 2008, Boston, Massachusetts was the twenty-first largest city in the United States. We have seen our share of this in our personal injury practice. Because Boston is such a large city, a number of pedestrian accidents happen each year. In fact, more than 5,000 pedestrians die each year in the United States because they are hit by motor vehicles or bicycles.
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We have been representing victims on bicycles and pedestrians who have been struck by cars and trucks in Boston, and throughout Massachusetts, since 1985. Each case is different, however, we have drafted this column for general reference for our clients.

Massachusetts has a law which guides lawyers and courts as to the legal responsibility of bicycle riders:
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