Somerville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Somerville, MA

The aftermath of a serious pedestrian accident leaves many victims reeling, facing severe physical injuries, significant medical expenses, lost income, and the added pressure of communicating with an insurance company that is focused on limiting its financial exposure rather than fully compensating you. The days and weeks following a pedestrian accident can be disorienting, and the decisions made in that period often have direct consequences on the outcome of a claim. Our Somerville, MA pedestrian accident lawyer is prepared to take the burden of that process off your shoulders and pursue the compensation you are owed.

Fogelman Law LLC has represented injured pedestrians and their families across Massachusetts since 2010. Our attorneys have the litigation experience to take these cases as far as necessary, and we handle all pedestrian accident matters on a contingency-fee basis. There is no cost to speak with us, and no legal fee unless we secure recovery on your behalf. Contact us today to get started.

Why Choose Fogelman Law LLC for Pedestrian Accidents in Somerville, MA?

Attorneys With Demonstrated Results in Pedestrian Injury Cases

Founding attorney Matthew J. Fogelman has been litigating serious injury cases in Massachusetts for over 23 years. A graduate of Boston College Law School (2002), he has secured significant recoveries for pedestrians and other accident victims throughout the Commonwealth, including a $1 million settlement for a jogger who was struck by a vehicle and severely injured. His cases have been tried to verdict in Middlesex, Norfolk, and Suffolk Counties, and his record in catastrophic and permanent injury cases is well established.

Partner Jeffrey Simons brings 14 years of personal injury litigation experience and has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star every year from 2019 through 2025. Associate Jillian Dahrooge, admitted in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, has also received the Super Lawyers Rising Star designation from 2023 through 2025.

As a pedestrian accident lawyer in Somerville, our firm has helped clients recover millions of dollars in cases involving vehicle collisions, serious injury, and wrongful death.

Professional Leadership and Recognized Credentials

Matthew Fogelman currently serves as Vice President of the Massachusetts Association of Trial Attorneys (MATA), one of the leading plaintiff trial attorney organizations in the Commonwealth. He is also a member of the Massachusetts Employment Lawyers Association. Jeffrey Simons also holds an MATA membership. These affiliations reflect the level of professional commitment and peer recognition that our attorneys bring to every case.

Contingency Fee Representation — No Fee Unless We Win

Our firm handles all pedestrian accident cases on a contingency basis. No fee is charged unless we recover compensation for you. We believe that the financial burden of being injured should not also prevent a person from obtaining serious legal representation.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

“Matt was incredibly helpful during a difficult time. He was kind, patient and honest. His expertise was invaluable and his approach was highly appreciated. 10/10 would recommend.”

— Jessica Kahan

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Types of Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle in Somerville

Our attorneys represent clients across a broad range of pedestrian accident matters arising from accidents, negligence, and unsafe conditions throughout the city and the surrounding Middlesex County communities.

• Crosswalk and Intersection Accidents. Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks violate Massachusetts law and create serious hazards. These are among the most common pedestrian accident scenarios we handle. Somerville’s dense street network, including high-traffic corridors like Broadway and Highland Avenue, makes crosswalk compliance a persistent safety concern. Our attorneys are prepared to investigate these incidents thoroughly, including reviewing traffic signal data, surveillance footage, and police reports.
• Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents. When a driver flees the scene after striking a pedestrian, the injured person is left with significant uncertainty about how to pursue a claim. Our firm has handled hit-and-run accident claims and understands the specific investigative and coverage issues these cases present, including uninsured motorist coverage.
• Distracted and Impaired Driver Accidents. Pedestrians are at heightened risk when drivers are using mobile devices, impaired by alcohol, or otherwise inattentive. We gather the evidence needed to establish fault clearly in these cases and pursue full accountability from responsible parties.
• Parking Lot and Driveway Accidents. Not all pedestrian accidents occur on roadways. Parking lots and private driveways present real hazards, and liability in these settings involves different considerations than standard traffic accidents. Our attorneys also handle premises liability claims arising from these circumstances.
• School Zone and Sidewalk Accidents. Children and adults walking near school zones, construction sites, and poorly maintained sidewalks are vulnerable to injury caused by negligent drivers and negligent property owners alike. We assess all potential liable parties when investigating these claims.
• Wrongful Death. When a pedestrian is killed as a result of a driver’s negligence, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Massachusetts law. Our firm has represented families in these deeply difficult cases and understands the full scope of compensation available to surviving spouses and dependents.

Massachusetts Legal Requirements for Pedestrian Accident Claims

Several provisions of Massachusetts law directly govern pedestrian accident cases and should be understood by anyone considering a claim.

Driver Duty to Yield. Under M.G.L. c. 89, § 11, drivers are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing in marked crosswalks. The statute prohibits a driver from passing another vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk for a pedestrian, and it requires that drivers not enter a crosswalk while a pedestrian is actively crossing. A violation of this statute is direct evidence of negligence and a critical element in most pedestrian accident claims.

Statute of Limitations. Under M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A, a pedestrian accident claim in Massachusetts must generally be filed within three years of the date of the accident. Failing to meet this deadline extinguishes the right to pursue compensation entirely, regardless of the strength of the underlying claim.

Comparative Negligence. Massachusetts applies a modified comparative negligence standard under M.G.L. c. 231, § 85. If a pedestrian is found to share some responsibility for the accident, such as crossing outside a crosswalk, their recovery is reduced in proportion to their assigned fault. Recovery is barred entirely if their fault exceeds 50 percent.

What Damages Are Recoverable in a Somerville Pedestrian Accident Case?

Pedestrian accident injuries are often severe. The lack of any physical protection for a person struck by a moving vehicle means that even low-speed collisions can cause significant and lasting harm. Massachusetts law allows injured pedestrians to pursue several categories of compensation.

Economic Damages. These include all quantifiable financial losses caused by the accident. Past and future medical expenses are typically the largest component, encompassing emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical care required as a result of the injury. Lost wages for time missed at work and diminished earning capacity for those whose injuries permanently affect their ability to work are also recoverable. In cases involving paralysis, traumatic brain injury, or other catastrophic harm, future economic damages can be substantial.

Non-Economic Damages. Massachusetts law allows injured pedestrians to recover for non-economic losses, including physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and, for affected spouses, loss of consortium. There is no statutory cap on non-economic damages in most pedestrian accident cases in Massachusetts. The value of these damages is directly influenced by the quality of the evidence presented, which is one reason thorough documentation from the outset matters so much.

Wrongful Death Damages. When a pedestrian accident results in death, the estate and surviving family members may pursue damages under Massachusetts wrongful death law, including the fair monetary value of the decedent to survivors, funeral and burial expenses, and, where the driver’s conduct was willful or reckless, punitive damages. Our attorneys also address uninsured motorist coverage and lien issues that often arise in serious pedestrian accident recoveries, including lien reductions to maximize what clients ultimately receive.

Contact Fogelman Law LLC

If you or a family member has been struck by a vehicle in Somerville or anywhere in Massachusetts, Fogelman Law LLC is ready to review your case and help you understand your legal options. Our attorneys handle pedestrian accident matters on a contingency fee basis, meaning no legal fees unless we recover on your behalf. Initial consultations are free.

When you reach out to our firm, you will speak with an attorney who can assess the specific facts of your situation and provide a candid evaluation. We are thorough, responsive, and committed to clear communication throughout the process. Contact us to schedule your free consultation with our Somerville pedestrian accident lawyer.