The Covid-19 pandemic has changed nearly every facet of our daily lives, including traffic patterns. Currently, the volume of traffic on the road remains low as many employees continue to work from home. With no clear timeline as to when the pandemic will resolve, this will likely be the continued status quo. Although fewer cars on the roadway may sound like a safer situation, it actually can create new dangers like speeding. If you were injured in a car crash, contact our team of Boston car accident attorneys today to learn more about your potential right to compensation.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation reports that the volume of traffic is down as much as 20% compared to the same timeframe in 2019. In Boston, however, the traffic volume is down by nearly half. To the south, there is a 19% decrease in traffic while there is an 18% decrease in traffic to the north. If you are someone who normally commutes to and from the city, the roads hardly resemble the typical rush hour patterns that commuters are used to.
Boston is one of the most traffic-ridden cities in the world. In fact, a recent report listed Boston as number 83 on its list of the 100 worst cities to drive in. Drivers in Boston spend even more time behind the wheel than drivers in many other major cities and they are more likely to have an accident as a result.
Although the reduction in traffic seems welcome, across the nation police departments and other transit authorities are showing huge increases in speeding. In Massachusetts, the police have written over 15,000 citations for speeding. Nearly 260 of these were for speeding at 100 miles per hour or more, according to a recent news report.
If you were injured in an accident involving a speeding driver, you can bring a personal injury claim to recover compensation. In general, drivers in Massachusetts are required to operate their vehicles with reasonable care and skill. This includes traveling at the speed limit and adjusting one’s speed according to any road hazards or weather conditions that are present. Just because the speed limit is set at a certain pace doesn’t mean it is always safe to travel at the maximum speed limit allowed, for example.
Next, you must show that you would not have been injured but for the defendant’s excessive speed. One of the best ways to help support your claim for compensation is to include a copy of any police report prepared after the crash showing that the driver was cited for excessive speed and/or how it caused the accident to take place.
As experienced Boston car accident attorneys, Mass Injury Group can help you with all aspects of your claim, including gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies. While you focus on healing and dealing with the disruption that the accident has caused, we will make sure that your rights are asserted to the fullest extent. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, call our office today at 617-263-0060 or contact us online to get started.