A bicyclist was recently killed by a truck in a major Massachusetts community just east of Worcester. The 27-year old victim was struck by a landscaping truck while riding her bicycle near an intersection. The victim was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. According to witnesses, the victim was either hit by an SUV or had to move out of the way of an SUV which caused her to be hit by the truck.
The intersection where the accident occurred has a reputation as a problematic intersection where there have been 69 accidents from 2008 to 2012 which includes 15 bicycle accidents. The Massachusetts State Police accident reconstruction team was investigating the fatal accident. A fatal accident can be a traumatic experience for family members and loved ones and can lead to significant shock and stress in the lives of family members who have suffered the unexpected loss of a loved one.
Surviving family members of victims of fatal accidents may not always be aware that resources are available to help them with some aspects of what they are suffering following a fatal accident. Families may suffer significant emotional and financial harm following a fatal accident. The legal process provides options for families, through a wrongful death action, to recover compensation for medical and funeral expenses, loss of support and services and pain and suffering damages. Damages depend on the characteristics of the victims and the circumstances so additional damages may be available as well, depending on the situation.
Surviving family members have a lot to face following the death of their loved one. The personal injury legal process seeks to help where it is able and provide options to lighten the load of surviving family members in certain areas which is why it is important for victims and their families to be aware that these resources are available to them.
Source: CBS Boston, “Bicyclist Dies After Being Struck By Truck In Cambridge,” June 23, 2016