Elderly Pedestrian Struck by MBTA Bus Alert During Hospital Transfer in Chelsea, MA

A pedestrian accident involving a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) bus in Chelsea, Massachusetts, has raised questions about safety, accountability, and legal recourse. The incident, which occurred at the corner of Broadway and Cross Street, highlights the dangers of pedestrian and vehicle interactions, especially in areas lacking proper safety signals. Harrington & Harrington puts a focus on this accident and how it sheds light on dangers and damages to pedestrian victims, their families, and adds to the broader conversation about pedestrian safety in Massachusetts.

Pedestrian Struck By Bus Accident Injury Lawyers

Incident Details: a City Bus Fails to Yield to a Pedestrian

On Thursday morning, January 4, 2024, a 71-year-old woman was struck by an MBTA bus at the intersection of Broadway and Cross Street. Surveillance footage shows the bus turning from Broadway onto Cross Street when it hit the woman from behind with its front bumper.

While initial reports indicated the woman might have ended up under the bus, Transit Police were quoted as saying, “at no time was the pedestrian under the bus.” Despite being conscious and alert, she sustained neck, back, and leg pain and was taken to a nearby hospital, likely St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, for treatment.

The intersection where the accident occurred is painted with a pedestrian grid, implying an exclusive pedestrian crossing phase, but has blinking yellow and red traffic lights and no pedestrian walk signals, raising concerns about inadequate traffic control measures. The MBTA bus made a left turn from Broadway Street, controlled by a flashing yellow light, into Cross Street, controlled by a red flashing light, while the pedestrian was in the middle of crossing Cross Street, with her back to the bus, as seen on surveillance video posted online by WCVB ABC-5 Boston. Passengers on the bus rushed to her aid. The bus driver has been taken out of service, according to MBTA. No other details, including the name of the victim, her current condition, or other factors contributing to this accident were released by authorities. Furthermore, it is unknown whether a police investigation was done for this incident. Massachusetts law says a driver must yield to a pedestrian when the pedestrian is on the same half of the roadway or within 10 feet of the motorist (General Laws, Part 1, Title XIV, Chapter 89, Section 11). MBTA operates the entire bus network in the state of Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island. Of all vehicle drivers on Boston roads, a professional bus driver whose prime responsibility is to pick up and drop off pedestrians and move them about the city should be more aware than other drivers, such as truck or delivery drivers, of a pedestrian in the path of their vehicle.

Pedestrian Injuries in Bus Accidents: Serious Consequences and Long-Term Impact

Pedestrians have the legal right of way on Massachusetts roads, but that does not shield them from the devastating consequences of collisions with buses. The sheer size and weight of buses make these accidents especially severe, often leaving victims with debilitating injuries.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents Involving Buses

Pedestrian injuries in bus accidents often fall into the following categories:

  • Neck and Back Injuries: The force of a collision can strain or tear muscles, ligaments, and vertebrae. Victims may face long-term pain, reduced mobility, or conditions such as herniated discs.
  • Leg and Pelvic Injuries: Buses’ high bumpers frequently strike pedestrians in the lower body, causing broken legs, dislocated hips, or severe soft tissue damage. These injuries often require surgeries, physical therapy, and lengthy recovery periods.
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even if the pedestrian doesn’t make direct head contact, the jarring motion from the collision can lead to a concussion or more severe brain trauma.
  • Internal Injuries: The force of impact can damage internal organs, causing internal bleeding or organ failure, which may require emergency medical intervention.
  • Psychological Trauma: Many victims develop anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being struck, which can interfere with their ability to resume normal activities.

Hidden Long-Term Effects

Some injuries, such as TBIs or chronic pain disorders, may not manifest immediately but can have lifelong consequences. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial, even if injuries appear minor. A skilled attorney can also help you identify potential future costs related to your injuries, ensuring your liability claim accounts for long-term needs.

Who’s Responsible in Pedestrian Accidents Involving Buses?

Liability in bus-pedestrian accidents is rarely straightforward and often involves multiple parties. Massachusetts’ comparative negligence laws allow victims to recover damages even if they share partial fault, but identifying and proving negligence is key.

Key Liable Parties in Bus Accidents

The Bus Driver

Drivers have a legal duty to yield to pedestrians under Massachusetts law. Common negligent behaviors include:

  • Failing to yield at crosswalks
  • Distracted driving, such as using a phone or engaging with passengers
  • Speeding or reckless driving in congested areas
  • Making unsafe turns without properly checking for pedestrians

The Transit Authority (MBTA)

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is responsible for ensuring its drivers operate safely. The agency may be liable if:

  • The driver was negligent while on duty.
  • Training procedures were inadequate or poorly enforced.
  • Vehicle maintenance issues, such as faulty brakes, contributed to the accident.

The Municipality

Poorly designed roads, inadequate lighting, or a lack of pedestrian signals often play a role in these accidents. The city or municipality may share liability if unsafe infrastructure contributed to the collision.

Proving Liability in Bus Accidents

Establishing negligence requires gathering strong evidence, including:

  • Surveillance footage (like the videos in the Chelsea accident)
  • Eyewitness testimony
  • Accident reconstruction reports
  • Driver logs and MBTA records
  • Expert testimony

An experienced personal injury attorney such as Harrington & Harrington can manage these complex investigations and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

Legal Options for Pedestrian Accident Victims in Massachusetts

Massachusetts law provides avenues for pedestrians injured in accidents to seek compensation for their injuries and losses. This is especially crucial for senior citizens like the 71-year-old victim in this case, who may face unique challenges and additional needs because of the accident. Navigating these legal options can be complex, but with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, victims can pursue the justice and financial support they deserve.

Types of Compensation Available

Medical Expenses

Pedestrian accidents involving senior citizens often result in injuries that require extensive medical care. Compensation can cover:

  • Emergency care, surgeries, and hospital stays
  • Physical therapy, rehabilitation, and assistive devices like walkers or wheelchairs
  • Long-term care needs, including home health aides or modifications to accommodate mobility challenges
  • Ongoing medical treatments, including from medical specialists, which are often necessary for older adults with slower healing times

Lost Wages and Financial Stability

While seniors may no longer have traditional employment, they can still experience significant financial impacts. Compensation can account for:

  • Income lost due to temporary or permanent inability to work for those still employed
  • Additional expenses for assistive devices, residential services and home health care
  • Loss of contributions to household income or caregiving duties, which may now require outside assistance

Pain and Suffering

Physical pain and emotional trauma often weigh heavily on older victims. Compensation in this area addresses:

  • Chronic pain or reduced mobility caused by injuries such as fractures or spinal damage
  • Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD stemming from the accident
  • Loss of enjoyment of life due to limitations on hobbies, travel, or family involvement

Future Losses

Older accident victims may face long-term consequences that impact their quality of life. By the very fact that this victim was walking around downtown Chelsea conducting her business, she demonstrated her independence and good health before the accident. Should she be unable to do this in the future, she will have suffered a significant setback in her quality of life. Compensation for future losses includes:

  • Diminished independence, requiring ongoing care or relocation to an assisted living facility
  • Long-term medical expenses for chronic conditions related to the accident
  • Potential loss of life expectancy, a factor courts may consider when assessing damages

Why You Need an Experienced Boston Personal Injury Lawyer

Bus-pedestrian accidents often involve large entities like the MBTA or municipal governments. These parties are well-resourced and employ skilled attorneys to defend against claims. A Boston personal injury lawyer at Harrington & Harrington will:

  • Investigate your accident thoroughly
  • Handle communications with insurance companies and opposing counsel
  • Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
  • Take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached

 

Protect Your Rights After a Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrians have a right to safety on Massachusetts roads, but bus accidents often lead to life-altering injuries and financial burdens. At Harrington & Harrington, we understand the challenges you face and are committed to helping you secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us guide you through this complex legal process while you focus on healing.

How Harrington Lawyers Can Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, legal representation is vital. At Harrington Lawyers, we have decades of experience fighting for injury victims in Boston and surrounding areas, including Chelsea. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Proven Results: Our team has recovered tens of millions of dollars for clients.
  • Compassionate Representation: We treat every client with care and respect, guiding them through each step of the legal process.
  • Thorough Investigation: We dig deep into the details of your case, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting experts to strengthen your claim.
  • No Upfront Fees: You only pay if we win your case.

 

Preventing Pedestrian Accidents: A Shared Responsibility

The Chelsea accident underscores the need for improved pedestrian safety measures. Blinking traffic control lights and lack of walk signals at intersections create unnecessary risks. Municipalities, transit authorities, and drivers must prioritize safety by:

  • Installing proper traffic control signals and pedestrian signals.
  • Conducting regular driver training programs.
  • Implementing stricter safety policies for transit systems.

As a community, we must work together to reduce pedestrian accidents and protect vulnerable road users.

Complex Auto Accident Injury Claims and Why Hiring a Boston, MA Car Accident Lawyer May Be Necessary

Auto accidents are never straightforward, but the complexity increases when multiple vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, or e-bike riders are involved. These vulnerable road users often bear the brunt of collisions, suffering life-altering injuries that require a thorough legal strategy to secure rightful compensation.

Why Auto Accident Claims Can Be Complicated

Unlike minor accidents, crashes involving vulnerable road users or multiple parties demand:

  • Detailed Investigations: Understanding the accident’s dynamics, including road conditions, driver behavior, chain of events, and vehicle mechanics, is critical.
  • Expert Analysis: Accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and economic experts may need to weigh in to build a compelling case.
  • Legal Knowledge: Massachusetts operates under comparative negligence rules, meaning liability can be divided among parties. Victims need an attorney to navigate these nuances and protect their rights.

Challenges Faced by Vulnerable Road Users

Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists lack the physical protection afforded by vehicles, making their injuries particularly severe. Common scenarios include:

  • Drivers Failing to Yield: Many drivers misjudge a pedestrian’s crossing speed or fail to notice cyclists in their blind spots.
  • Inadequate Road Design: The lack of proper bike lanes, pedestrian signals, or clear signage often contributes to accidents.
  • Insurance Company Tactics: Insurers may argue contributory negligence to reduce payouts, claiming the injured party was partially at fault.

By hiring a skilled Boston car accident lawyer, you ensure that your case is handled with the care and expertise it deserves. Your attorney will:

  • Collect and preserve critical evidence, such as surveillance footage or eyewitness accounts.
  • Consult with specialists to accurately calculate damages, including future medical costs and loss of earning capacity.
  • Negotiate assertively with insurance companies to secure the compensation you’re entitled to.

Common Injuries Found in Multi-Vehicle Crashes and Their Life-Changing Consequences

Accidents involving multiple vehicles or vulnerable road users often result in severe, long-lasting injuries that affect every aspect of a victim’s life. These injuries extend beyond the physical, creating emotional, financial, and relational burdens for victims and their families.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians are especially vulnerable to head injuries. Even with helmets, the force of a collision can lead to concussions, skull fractures, or TBIs, causing:

  • Memory loss.
  • Impaired speech or motor skills.
  • Cognitive deficits that may require lifelong rehabilitation.

Spinal Cord Injuries

A collision’s impact can damage the spinal cord, resulting in:

  • Partial or complete paralysis.
  • Chronic pain or reduced mobility.
  • The need for assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, and extensive home modifications.

These injuries not only limit a victim’s independence but also place significant emotional and financial strain on their family members.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Pedestrians and cyclists frequently sustain fractures to critical areas like the pelvis, arms, and legs. These injuries often require:

  • Multiple surgeries.
  • Physical therapy over several months or years.
  • Long-term physical limitations that may prevent victims from returning to work or enjoying previous activities.

Internal Injuries

The blunt force of a crash can damage internal organs, causing life-threatening conditions such as:

  • Internal bleeding.
  • Punctured lungs.
  • Liver or kidney damage.

Emergency surgery is often required, followed by weeks or months of recovery.

The Ripple Effects on Victims and Families

The aftermath of a severe auto accident extends far beyond physical injuries. For victims, it often means:

Loss of Income: Many are unable to work, either temporarily or permanently, creating financial instability.

Mounting Medical Bills: From emergency care to ongoing treatment, the costs can be overwhelming.

Emotional Trauma: Anxiety, depression, and PTSD are common among victims, further impacting their quality of life.

For families, the challenges include:

Caregiving Burdens: Relatives may need to take on caregiving roles, disrupting their own lives and careers.

Financial Strain: Families often bear the weight of medical expenses and lost household income.

Emotional Impact: Witnessing a loved one’s pain and struggle can take a toll on the entire family’s mental health.

What To Do After a Serious Accident

After any serious accident, including those involving vulnerable road users, the steps you take can greatly affect your ability to recover compensation.

  1. Call 911: Always report the accident and request emergency assistance.
  2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
  3. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident site, your injuries, and any damage to vehicles or personal property.
  4. Avoid Talking to Insurance Companies: Speak with an attorney before providing a statement to protect your rights.
  5. Contact a Boston Personal Injury Attorney: A skilled lawyer will guide you through the legal process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Boston Personal Injury Attorneys

Get the Car Accident Representation You Need When You Team Up With Harrington & Harrington

At Harrington & Harrington, we pride ourselves on providing aggressive representation for accident victims. Whether you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist, or driver, our team is dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable.

We take the time to understand your case, gather evidence, and craft a strategy that maximizes your recovery. From negotiating with insurance companies to taking your case to court, we’re prepared to fight for you every step of the way.

Big Insurance Companies Have Their Own Lawyers

Insurance companies are not on your side. They hire skilled attorneys to protect their bottom line, often working to deny claims or minimize payouts.

Our team levels the playing field. Harrington & Harrington has decades of experience countering the tactics of big insurance companies, ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Your Own Policy May Have Coverage

Massachusetts is a no-fault insurance state, meaning your own insurance policy may provide coverage for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. However, navigating these policies can be confusing. Instead of protecting your interests, your insurance company may be working to protect their own bottom line. Your experienced Harrington & Harrington personal injury team will review your policy and ensure you maximize your benefits, including underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage.

Fighting For Your Financial Rights After an Accident

Accident victims often face significant financial challenges, from medical bills to lost income. At Harrington & Harrington, we fight to recover every dollar you’re entitled to, including compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (past and future).
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
  • Pain and suffering.
  • Property damage.

Over 50 Years in Business – Advocates for Pedestrian and Accident Victims

Since 1966, Harrington & Harrington has been a cornerstone of advocacy for accident victims across the Boston area. Our extensive experience spans a wide range of cases, from pedestrian and bicycle accidents to motorcycle crashes and complex multi-vehicle collisions. Over the decades, we’ve developed a deep understanding of Massachusetts personal injury law and built a reputation for securing justice for those harmed on our roads.

Our longevity isn’t just about years in practice—it’s about the trust we’ve earned from generations of clients. Families across Boston have turned to us in their most challenging times, knowing we deliver more than legal representation. We provide compassion, guidance, and determined advocacy needed to protect their rights. With over 50 years of experience, we’re uniquely equipped to handle even the most complicated cases, including those involving severe pedestrian injuries.

Tens of Millions Recovered – Proven Results in Pedestrian and Vehicle Accident Cases

At Harrington & Harrington, winning isn’t an aspiration, it’s the standard we uphold for every client. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for accident victims, including those involved in pedestrian and vulnerable roadway user accidents. These outcomes are not coincidental; they’re the result of meticulous preparation, strategic negotiations, and aggressive representation in the courtroom.

Pedestrian accidents often involve large entities like transit authorities, municipal governments, or insurance companies, and they bring unique challenges. We have the expertise to counter their tactics, build strong cases, and secure the compensation our clients deserve. Our proven track record shows we’re not afraid to go to trial when necessary, ensuring our clients get justice and financial recovery for their injuries and losses.

Bilingual Representation for Pedestrian Accident Victims

Language barriers should never stand in the way of justice. At Harrington & Harrington, we are proud to serve Boston’s diverse community with bilingual legal services. Hablamos español. This ensures that Spanish-speaking accident victims can communicate their stories, understand their rights, and participate fully in the legal process.

Our bilingual attorneys and staff provide clear, accurate explanations of every legal step. We also ensure all case materials and communications are properly translated, so critical details are never lost. Whether you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, cyclist, or driver, we’ll work tirelessly to make sure your voice is heard, and your rights are protected.

Always Available – 24/7 Support for Vehicular Accident Victims

Accidents don’t wait for business hours, and neither do we. Harrington & Harrington is available 24/7, 365 days a year, to assist you when you need us most. Whether you’ve just been injured in a pedestrian accident or have pressing questions about your case, our team is ready to help. While our office is centrally located in downtown Boston, we proudly serve communities throughout the region, including Chelsea, Quincy, Roxbury, Dorchester, and beyond. Call us anytime at (617) 227-1795, email DanH@Harringtonlawyers.com, or visit our website to get immediate assistance.

Our commitment to around-the-clock availability provides peace of mind during stressful times. When you reach out to us, you’ll connect with someone knowledgeable and compassionate who can address your concerns and help you take the next steps.

No Fees Unless We Win – Justice Without Financial Risk

We believe everyone deserves high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why Harrington & Harrington operates on a contingency fee basis—you won’t pay anything unless we win your case. This policy ensures that pursuing justice is a risk-free process for accident victims and their families.

By eliminating the financial burden of legal fees, we allow you to focus on your recovery while we fight for maximum compensation. Whether you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, cyclist, or driver, we’ll leverage our decades of experience and every legal tool available to secure the outcome you deserve.

Let Harrington & Harrington be your trusted partner during this challenging time. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you move forward.

Award-Winning Boston Personal Injury Lawyers – Call Harrington & Harrington After a Crash

With a proven track record of decades and a reputation for excellence, Harrington & Harrington is one of Boston’s most trusted personal injury law firms. We’ve helped thousands of clients recover tens of millions of dollars, and we’re ready to help you too.

Time is critical after an accident. Evidence can fade, and insurance companies will start building their defense immediately. We’re here 24/7, ready to fight for your rights. With no upfront fees and a commitment to your success, you can trust us to secure the justice you deserve. Contact Harrington & Harrington today by phone (617) 227-1795, email DanH@Harringtonlawyers.com, or visit our website for a free consultation. Put us on your case now!