Snow Plow Accidents in Boston, MA

Across Massachusetts, some snow plows operate throughout the winter in parking lots, even days and weeks after a snowstorm. These are privately-owned snow plows which shopping plazas or grocery stores may hire and they may operate at night or during shopping hours at times. Because of the risk for injury, snow plow drivers have a duty to use reasonable care, especially near pedestrians.

Snow plow drivers should have a commercial driver’s license and specialized training to safely operate. Experience is essential. When a driver is inexperienced, overworked or distracted, there is a high likelihood for a snow plow collision and a pedestrian fatality. Driver fatigue is a leading cause of snow plow crashes.

Breakstone, White & Gluck is a top-rated Boston personal injury law firm which is highly experienced in representing clients injured by pedestrian accidents, car accidents and truck crashes. If you or a loved one has been injured by a driver’s negligence, learn your legal rights.

Who Will Pay My Injury Claim Against a Snow Plow Truck Driver?

If you consult with one of our attorneys, we can advise you on your legal rights and potential sources of insurance compensation in your specific situation.

But in Massachusetts, when someone has been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, they may be entitled to pursue compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages. You may seek compensation from the snow plow driver, their employer or potentially another party.

Under Massachusetts law, drivers must purchase a minimum level of auto insurance. Snow plow drivers who work as independent contractors and charge for their services must purchase commercial vehicle insurance with additional coverage. If a driver works as an employee, our attorneys can evaluate whether you may make a claim through the employer's insurance.

When someone has been killed by a snow plow operator's error or negligence, their spouse or family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the driver or their employer. The investigation into a fatal snow plow accident must begin immediately to preserve the evidence as the victim is no longer here to speak to what happened.

Fatal Snow Plow Accidents in Massachusetts

Snow plow crashes have seriously injured and killed numerous pedestrians in Massachusetts. In February 2015, a snow plow driver hit and killed a Weymouth woman outside a condominium complex. The woman had come out of her condo to clear snow from her vehicle and was struck by the plow in the parking lot. The plow driver was later cited for motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation of a motor vehicle, according to a news report.

Days later, a 60-year-old baker at a Medford grocery store was killed as he left work for the afternoon. According to a local news report, the worker stepped into the parking lot and attempted to walk by a snow plow in a parking space. Then, the snow plow truck driver backed up into the worker, ultimately running over him. The worker died from his injuries as he was transported for medical care.

The full story came out in June 2016, when the plow driver was criminally charged with vehicular manslaughter for his role in the crash. Police allege the driver had smoked marijuana several times during his shift and had been awake for 17 hours before starting his shift in the parking lot. The driver also had a history of driving violations.

Our Boston snow plow accident lawyers offer free consultations

With more than 100 years combined experience, Breakstone, White & Gluck has represented many families who have suffered the painful and tragic loss of a loved one due to a pedestrian accident caused by a driver's negligence. Our Boston attorneys are committed to representing your best interests and achieving the best financial results.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a snow plow accident, our attorneys can provide you with a free legal consultation to learn your legal rights. To set up a consultation at our office in Government Center, call 800-379-1244 or use our contact form.