Cars often travel at a slower pace in the city, but a car collision can still cause serious injury. This is especially likely when a car accident involves a pedestrian, as the following case illustrates.

A 21-year-old man attending Tufts University in Somerville, Massachusetts, was badly injured on Nov. 8 when he was hit by an SUV. The accident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. as the man was crossing Packard Avenue at the intersection with Powderhouse Boulevard. A deputy police chief for the Somerville Police Department said the victim was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

The deputy police chief also said the investigation into the accident continues, and no charges have been filed against the driver yet.

A city spokesperson stated that this intersection has been an item of concern for Somerville officials. It has already received several improvements over the last few months that were designed to increase pedestrian safety. These measures include pedestrian warning signs, new stop signs, and fresh paint on the crosswalk.

The city spokesperson added that city officials have scheduled a meeting with representatives from Tufts University to talk about the safety of pedestrians on the campus. The spokesperson added that the intersection has not been the scene of a fatal accident since 2000, but that will do little to comfort the most recent victim and his family.

Anyone who has been the victim of a car accident should explore all of their legal options. A personal injury claim often asks for compensation for factors such as the loss of physical function and emotional trauma.

Source: Boston.com, “Somerville pedestrian accident site had been safety concern,” Jarret Bencks, Nov. 14, 2012