Framingham is grieving. On Monday, September 14, 2026, Framingham Police confirmed they are investigating the city’s third fatal pedestrian crash in less than a month, as reported by the MetroWest Daily News. The latest crash happened around 8:20 p.m. on Saturday, September 12th, near 280 Worcester Road (Route 9).
It followed two other deadly crashes. On Labor Day evening, September 7th, a 62-year-old Framingham man was struck and killed on Hollis Street. On August 23rd, a 39-year-old Framingham father was struck and killed on Irving Street by a driver who did not stop.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims and their families who have been impacted by these tragic accidents. During this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with those suffering and offer our unwavering support and compassion.
Why MetroWest Pedestrians Are at Risk
Many of our busiest roads were built to move cars, not people. Route 9 (Worcester Road) runs through Framingham, Natick, and Wellesley as a multi-lane commercial corridor lined with plazas, driveways, and bus stops. Downtown Framingham, Route 135 through Natick Center and Wellesley, and the areas around commuter rail stations all mix heavy foot traffic with moving vehicles.
All three Framingham crashes happened after dark, and shorter fall days mean more walking in low light. According to WalkMassachusetts, more than 43% of Massachusetts pedestrians killed in 2025 were 65 or older.
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Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrian crashes come down to driver behavior:
- Distracted driving: phones and screens pull eyes off the road.
- Impaired driving: alcohol and drugs slow reaction time.
- Speeding: small increases in speed sharply raise the risk of death.
- Failure to yield: at crosswalks, intersections, and turns.
- Parking lot and driveway crashes: backing up or pulling out without looking.
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Know the Law: Massachusetts Protects Pedestrians Under M.G.L. c. 89, § 11, drivers must stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk on their half of the road or close to it. Pedestrians are also “vulnerable road users,” and drivers passing them must keep at least four feet of distance. |
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
These steps protect both your health and your claim:
- Call 911 and get medical care right away. Some serious injuries are not obvious at first.
- Make sure a police report is filed.
- Gather evidence if you can: photos and witness contact information.
- Act fast on video. Nearby cameras often record over footage within days.
- Avoid recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with a lawyer.
- Call an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
Your Rights as an Injured Pedestrian in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a no-fault state, but injured pedestrians may be entitled to much more than basic benefits:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): the striking vehicle’s PIP coverage pays up to $8,000 for medical bills and lost wages ($2,000 if you have health insurance, which then picks up ongoing treatment).
- A full injury claim against the driver: once you meet the state’s threshold (over $2,000 in medical expenses, or injuries such as a fracture), you can seek pain and suffering, future care, and lost wagers and earning capacity.
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage: for hit-and-run drivers or drivers with too little insurance.
Being hit by a car does not automatically entitle you to compensation. You must show the driver was negligent, such as by speeding, texting, or failing to yield, and that the negligence caused your injuries. You can recover as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Insurers often try to shift blame to pedestrians, which is why our tips for pedestrians hit by cars focus on preserving evidence early.
When a Pedestrian Accident Is Fatal: Wrongful Death Claims
Nothing can replace a loved one, but a wrongful death claim under M.G.L. c. 229, § 2 (learn more about Massachusetts wrongful death claims) can hold the responsible party accountable and provide financial stability. Damages may include:
- Medical and funeral expenses
- Lost income, services, and support
- Lost companionship, care, and guidance
- Conscious pain and suffering before death
- Punitive damages for gross negligence or reckless conduct, such as drunk driving
The civil case is separate from any criminal prosecution, so families need not wait for a conviction. When alcohol is involved, we also investigate whether a bar served a visibly intoxicated driver.
How Attorney Chuck Pappas Helps Injured Pedestrians and Their Families
Attorney Chuck Pappas has more than 20 years of experience representing injured people and their families. He has been named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Civil Plaintiff list and recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star. From his main office at 639 Concord Street in Framingham, he serves clients in Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Ashland, Sudbury, and throughout MetroWest.
He preserves evidence quickly, finds every insurance policy, and prepares each case for trial. That approach has produced real results for injured pedestrians, including:
- $895,000 for a worker hit by a truck in Dover
- $845,000 for a worker struck by a truck on Route 9 in Worcester
- $425,000 for a pedestrian struck in a Westwood parking lot
- $200,000 for pedestrians struck in a Worcester crosswalk by a distracted driver
Every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Massachusetts
Who pays my medical bills if I am hit by a car while walking in Massachusetts?
The Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage on the vehicle that struck you typically pays first, up to $8,000, or $2,000 if you have your own health insurance, which then covers ongoing care. MedPay on your own auto policy may add protection.
What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?
You may still recover. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is mandatory in Massachusetts and can apply to hit-and-run crashes, even when you were on foot. Your own policy or a household relative’s policy may provide coverage.
Can I still recover if I was not in a crosswalk?
Often, yes. Under Massachusetts comparative negligence, you can recover if you were not more than 50% at fault, though your award is reduced by your share. Drivers must use reasonable care toward pedestrians everywhere.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident or wrongful death claim in Massachusetts?
Generally, three years from the accident for injury claims and three years from the date of death for wrongful death claims. Key evidence can disappear within days, so contact an attorney early.
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Massachusetts?
The executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate brings the claim under M.G.L. c. 229, § 2. Any recovery goes to the surviving spouse, children, or other family members as the law provides.
How much does it cost to hire Attorney Pappas for a pedestrian accident case?
Nothing up front. Consultations are free with no obligation, and cases are handled on a contingent fee basis with no money down. You pay no attorney’s fee unless he recovers compensation for you.
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Pappas Law, LLC is a personal injury law firm centrally located in Framingham, Massachusetts that serves pedestrians struck by vehicles in Boston, greater Boston/Metrowest, Worcester and all other surrounding towns. Attorney Pappas has over two decades of experience representing people injured in accidents, conducting investigations and working with medical professionals all with the focus on getting clients the money they deserve.