A 2009 hit-and-run pedestrian accident on a Massachusetts college campus has recently been settled for $3.25M. According to Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, the plaintiff pedestrian, a 21-year-old college student at the time, was injured when she was struck by a vehicle on campus. The defendant operator of the vehicle was found to be driving while intoxicated (DWI) when the accident occurred. Unfortunately, the injuries sustained by the plaintiff were so severe she is unable to accurately recall the drunk driving accident. In all, she suffered multiple traumas, including a foot-long scar on her face. She also sustained facial fractures and cerebellar hemorrhage. The injuries required numerous reconstructive surgeries, totaling $77,000 in medical bills.
The defendant operator fled the accident scene, but was soon apprehended by campus police. He later pled guilty to driving while intoxicated (DWI), leaving the scene of an accident, and reckless driving. The defendant resided with his parents at the time of the drunk driving accident. He held an underlying motor vehicle liability policy of $250,000 on the vehicle and $5 million homeowner's umbrella policy. After mediation, the case ultimately settled for $3.25 million paid by the umbrella carrier.
Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents are unfortunately all too common in Massachusetts. Earlier this month, a 6-year-old boy sustained serious injuries after being struck by a car on Delhi Street, near the Walker Playground, in Mattapan. He was treated at Boston Medical Center and police are still looking for the accident vehicle.
Most pedestrian accidents are the result of a motorist's negligence. Such negligence can take the form of operating under the influence, failing to abide by traffic laws and road signs, texting while driving, speeding, running red lights or stop signs, failing to stop at a crosswalk, or simply not paying adequate attention to the road. Sadly, insurance companies may attempt to fault the pedestrian to avoid payment. Consequently, a claim's success often hinges on a swift and thorough investigation of the motorist. As such, victims of a pedestrian accident or their family should seek legal representation as soon as possible.
Bellotti Law Group is a full service law firm that maintains offices in Cambridge, MA and Quincy, MA and is dedicated to providing cost-effective solutions to your legal problems.
