Last week, a 38-year-old man was killed and a four-year-old girl was critically injured in a Whitman pedestrian accident. According to accident witnesses, a maroon Dodge Ram pick-up driven by 46-year-old Richard C. Brown of Attleboro struck Edward W. Cordwell, Jr. of Whitman and his girlfriend’s small child on Temple Street. The child, Kiera Crawford, was reportedly riding a bicycle equipped with training wheels across the street while Cordwell walked alongside her. According to Whitman Police Deputy Chief Tim Hanlon, Cordwell apparently attempted to shield the child from being hit the truck. Still, Kiera’s small bicycle was found wedged under the front of the pick-up.
Witnesses stated the force of the impact threw Cordwell more than 10 feet. Despite that rescue workers responded within minutes, Cordwell died as a result of his injuries. Kiera was reportedly knocked unconscious during the collision. Immediately following the accident, the child was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital with serious injuries.
Although the cause of the fatal accident is still under investigation by the Whitman Police Department, Hanlon stated the accident victims were not in a crosswalk at the time of the crash. Still, Brown’s driver’s license was suspended until the results of the investigation are available. His driving record reportedly contains a number of moving violations and surchargeable accidents. It is unclear whether Brown will face criminal charges in connection with the tragic incident.
Too often, drivers fail to notice bicyclists and pedestrians as they speed down Massachusetts roadways. When a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle, the resulting injuries are normally life-threatening or fatal. Pedestrians are placed at risk every day by inattentive or impaired drivers, hazardous road conditions, and even automobile defects. The victim of a pedestrian accident may be eligible to receive financial compensation for medical costs, pain, suffering, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, any resulting temporary or permanent disability, and other damages. If you were hurt in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you should contact a capable Massachusetts personal injury lawyer as soon as you are able.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Massachusetts bicycle or pedestrian accident, do not hesitate to call the KJC Law Firm at (617) 720-8447. Our knowledgeable Boston pedestrian accident attorneys are available to explain your rights and assist you in filing your injury claim. The diligent lawyers at the KJC Law Firm have more than 90 years of combined experience representing the victims of preventable accidents in Massachusetts. Our hardworking attorneys assist clients throughout the Greater Boston area, including Worcester, Cambridge, Cape Cod, Lowell, and Springfield. For a free consultation with a skilled attorney, contact our team now.
Additional Resources:
VIDEOS: Witnesses recall ‘horrifying’ pedestrian crash in Whitman, by Erin Shannon, enterprisenews.com
Whitman: License of driver in fatal pedestrian accident suspended, by Steven Dodrill, 959watd.com
