Teenage boy dies in potential wrongful death in Massachusetts

In a perfect society, bicyclists would always be safe no matter where they roam. Unfortunately, this is not a perfect world; and bicyclists are unfortunately at a considerable amount of risk each time they ride their bikes on the road. This proved to be the case last year for one teenage bicyclist who was killed after a vehicle hit him as he was riding his bicycle on the road. Cases like this could result in a wrongful death lawsuit in Massachusetts.

The incident happened in Sept. 2013 when the 13-year-old boy was hit by a vehicle while riding his bicycle. The driver of the car was a teenage girl who is now facing charges as a result of the incident. She was taken to the hospital following the crash as a precaution; however, it was not reported that she had suffered any injuries.

The teenage driver is being charged with motor vehicle homicide as well as speeding. The police stated they would be investigating the incident shortly after the incident occurred, but law enforcement officials were said to have not taken any action until recently, when they charged the driver. The district attorney declined to make a statement with more details since the case involves minors.

The family of the decedent may want to pay close attention to the criminal proceedings in Massachusetts court. The evidence and testimony presented in a criminal case like this can also be used in any future wrongful death lawsuit. However, in this case the plaintiffs may have to sue the family of the driver or separate owner of the vehicle, since the driver is still a minor. If the plaintiffs prevail, the driver’s family may have to pay monetary reimbursement to the plaintiffs for their loss.

Source: The Boston Globe, “Teenage girl cited for motor vehicle homicide in fatal Hopkinton crash in September 2013“, Kiera Blessing, Sept. 4, 2014