A Revere woman was killed after being struck and dragged nearly half-a-mile by an MBTA bus Tuesday evening.
According to police reports, Gayle Johnson of Revere, was fatally hit by the 110 MBTA bus around 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Johnson had left her job in Medford and boarded the bus for a five-mile trip home. Police suspect that Johnson had gotten off at her stop when she was struck and dragged. When first responders arrived Johnson was dead in the street.
Police are investigating whether the bus driver was impaired at the time of the accident. Officials claim the 56-year-old driver showed no signs of impairment and was subjected to drug and alcohol testing, which is MBTA policy. The driver has not yet been charged, and the case still remains under investigation. This incident is dynamic in that it involved the MBTA and was a hit-and-run accident.
More than 4,000 pedestrians are killed each year according to the National Highway Traffic Administration. In fact, pedestrian accidents represent 3% of all fatal auto-related incidents in the United States.
Most hit-and-run accidents occur in metropolitan areas where there is a high volume of both automobile and pedestrian traffic. 73% of all pedestrian accidents occur in urban settings, and typically these types of accidents take place during nighttime hours. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding and reckless driving, and distracted driving by motor-vehicle operators are the most common factors that cause pedestrian accidents. About 20% of drivers involved in pedestrian accidents flee the scene according to the NHTSA.
This case also involved a driver who was an on-duty public transportation worker. Whether you utilize public transportation regularly or sporadically, the risk of potential injury is ever-present. Victims of these types of incidents may wonder who is responsible for paying medical bills, lost wages, or any costs related to their injury. Enlisting the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer is most advised when these types of incidents occur.
At the law offices of Altman & Altman, our seasoned Pedestrian Accident and MBTA Accident Attorneys have nearly 50 years of experience handling these types of cases and assisting clients in receiving the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one was injured in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident or an MBTA accident, call one of our attorneys today for a free initial consultation. Our lawyers are available around the clock to answer any questions about your case, and all consultations are free and confidential.