Hit by a Car in Massachusetts? You're Likely Covered — Even Without a Vehicle.

Being struck by a car is one of the most serious injuries a person can suffer. If you were hit while walking — in a crosswalk, a parking lot, or along the road — Massachusetts law gives you real options, including access to the at-fault driver's insurance and the PIP coverage on the vehicle that hit you. I'm Steven Pardini, a personal injury attorney serving southeastern Massachusetts, and I help injured pedestrians understand exactly what they're owed and fight for it.

  • 12 years of plaintiff-side personal injury experience

  • Negotiation-first approach, most cases resolve before filing suit

  • No fee unless I recover for you

  • House calls, Zoom, and coffee shop meetings available

  • Personal handling on every case, you work with me, not a case manager

You Don't Need to Own a Car to Collect PIP Benefits

Many pedestrians assume that because they weren't in a vehicle, they have no access to auto insurance benefits. That assumption costs people money. Under Massachusetts law, the Personal Injury Protection coverage on the vehicle that struck you can pay your medical bills and a portion of lost wages — regardless of fault and regardless of whether you own a car yourself. If the driver was insured, that PIP coverage is available to you from day one.

 

If the driver was uninsured or fled the scene, there are still paths forward. Massachusetts maintains the Massachusetts Insurers Insolvency Fund and hit-and-run provisions that may apply to your situation. I review the specific facts of your case and identify every source of coverage before we discuss next steps.

Crosswalk Law and Pedestrian Right of Way in Massachusetts

Massachusetts law is clear: drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. When a driver fails to yield, runs a red light, or is distracted at an intersection, they bear liability for the injuries that follow. Insurers sometimes argue that the pedestrian stepped out unexpectedly or was outside the crosswalk — a tactic designed to shift blame and reduce the payout.

 

I counter those arguments with evidence. I obtain traffic camera footage, intersection diagrams, police reports, and witness statements to document exactly where you were and what the driver did. Crosswalk and right-of-way facts are not matters of opinion — they are provable, and proving them is how I establish liability on your behalf.

A Denial from the Insurer Is Not the Final Word

Insurers deny pedestrian PIP claims more often than most people realize. Common reasons include disputes over whether the incident involved a qualifying vehicle, questions about whether your injuries are related to the accident, or blanket administrative denials that count on you not pushing back.

 

I gather the additional documentation needed to challenge those denials directly — medical records, accident reports, and correspondence that demonstrates the insurer's position is wrong. When a denial cannot be resolved through negotiation, I file suit. Insurers know I'm willing to litigate, and that changes how they respond.

What a Pedestrian Accident Claim Is Worth

The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of liability, and the insurance coverage available on the at-fault vehicle. Pedestrian injuries are often serious — broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and long recovery timelines — which means the stakes are high and the insurer's incentive to minimize your claim is equally high.

 

I pursue every category of damages you're entitled to: medical expenses (past and future), lost income, pain and suffering, and in serious cases, permanent disability. I document your losses thoroughly and negotiate from a position of preparation. I've handled cases across New Bedford, Fall River, Quincy, and Revere — dense urban areas where pedestrian accidents happen regularly at busy intersections and downtown crossings — and I know how local insurers approach these claims.

How I Handle Pedestrian Accident Cases

Confirming Your Coverage

Before anything else, I identify every insurance policy that may apply to your situation — the at-fault driver's liability coverage, their PIP policy, any uninsured motorist provisions, and your own policies if applicable. Pedestrians often have more coverage available than they expect.

Building the Liability Record

I collect the evidence that establishes fault: police reports, intersection and crosswalk documentation, traffic camera or surveillance footage, witness accounts, and any available data from the at-fault vehicle. If the driver disputes what happened, I build the record that shows what the evidence actually says.

Negotiating Before Filing Suit

My approach is to resolve cases through negotiation whenever the insurer is willing to engage honestly. I have established fee agreements with GEICO, Progressive, and Liberty Mutual that allow me to resolve many claims without litigation — which means faster resolution and lower friction for you. When an insurer refuses a fair number, I file.

Keeping You Informed at Every Step

I handle every case personally. You won't be handed off to a paralegal or left waiting for a callback. I meet clients in Wareham, at local coffee shops, or at your home if mobility is a concern after your injury. You'll know where your case stands because I tell you directly.

Pedestrian Accidents Across Southeastern Massachusetts

Pedestrian accidents in this region follow predictable patterns. Downtown New Bedford and Fall River see frequent pedestrian strikes at busy intersections where foot traffic and vehicle volume compete. Quincy and Revere have dense residential neighborhoods with crosswalk hazards near commuter rail stops and commercial strips. Cape Cod's summer traffic surge creates dangerous conditions on Route 6 and near the Canal gateway, particularly for seasonal visitors unfamiliar with local traffic patterns.

 

I serve injured pedestrians throughout southeastern Massachusetts, from Wareham and Taunton to Brockton and Attleboro. If you were hurt anywhere in this region, I can help — including by coming to you if getting to my office isn't practical right now.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accident Claims in Massachusetts

  • How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Massachusetts?

    Massachusetts has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. The clock typically starts on the date of the accident. Missing this deadline almost always bars your claim entirely, so it's worth getting a legal review early — even if you're still treating.

  • What if the other driver didn't have insurance?

    Massachusetts requires uninsured motorist coverage on all auto policies. If the at-fault driver had no insurance, your own UM coverage becomes the source of recovery. I evaluate your policy and the at-fault driver's status as part of the initial case review.

  • Does Massachusetts PIP cover me if I was a passenger or a pedestrian?

    Yes. PIP follows the vehicle, not the driver. If you were a passenger in the insured vehicle, that vehicle's PIP covers you first. Pedestrians and cyclists struck by a vehicle can access PIP through the vehicle that hit them. I can walk you through exactly which policy applies to your situation.

  • What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

    Massachusetts uses modified comparative negligence. You can still recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% at fault — but your recovery is reduced by your share of fault. If the other driver's insurer tries to assign you more fault than the evidence supports, that's something I push back on directly.

  • Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a minor fender-bender?

    It depends on whether you have injuries. If you sought medical treatment, there's a real claim to evaluate — and a free consultation costs you nothing. If you walked away with no injuries and no bills, you may not need representation. I'll tell you honestly either way.

  • How does the July 2025 insurance limit increase affect my claim?

    Starting July 1, 2025, Massachusetts minimum liability limits increased from 20/40/5 to 25/50/25 — meaning at-fault drivers must carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage. For accidents occurring on or after that date, there's more minimum coverage available from at-fault drivers' policies. This doesn't change how PIP works, but it does affect what's recoverable in a third-party claim.

Ready to Talk? The Consultation Is Free.

If you were hit by a car in Massachusetts, the questions you have right now — about coverage, liability, and what happens next — are exactly what I'm here to answer. Call my office, submit a contact form, or request a callback and I'll reach out to you. If getting to Wareham isn't practical, I'll come to you.