If you live south of Boston, chances are you’ve experienced the horror that is Route 24. This stretch of road is infamous amongst locals. Some call it a racetrack. Others know someone who’s gotten into a car wreck or even died on it. According to a report by CBS Boston, it’s responsible for 3,645 crashes, 1,198 injuries, and 21 fatalities from 2016 to 2019. By number of crashes, Route 24 is the fifth most dangerous highway in Massachusetts. The only roads more dangerous are I-93, the Mass Turnpike, I-95, and I-495.
Where is Route 24?
Route 24, also known as the Fall River Expressway or the Amvets Highway, is a 40-mile-long stretch of freeway in South Shore Massachusetts, connecting Fall River to Boston. It goes through numerous cities and towns including Brockton, Taunton, Fall River, and New Bedford.
Why is Route 24 so dangerous?
Route 24 is an outdated highway built in 1951. On-ramps have sharp curves and incredibly short merging ramps. Its travel lanes are barely curved which tends to encourage speeding and reckless driving. Between its outdated design, huge cost to upgrade, and MassDOT budget limitations, crashes are likely to continue into the foreseeable future. Although MassDOT has made minor improvements over the years such as repaving and putting up anti-glare screens, Route 24 continues to be a dangerous highway.
Although the posted speed limit is 65 miles-per-hour, it’s not uncommon to see traffic racing along at speeds as great as 80 miles-per-hour. It’s also not uncommon to see motorists flying by at even greater speeds in the fast lane.
What types of accidents have happened on Route 24?
In February 2017, 20-year-old Corey Wasilewski of Brockton died from injuries in a car crash on Route 24. The other driver involved in the crash later plead guilty to negligent operation of a motor vehicle and speeding.
In December 2020, Isbraham Rosa, a 20-year-old Boston native, died after losing control of his vehicle, going off the roadway, and striking a tree. He was the only one in the car and was pronounced dead at the scene.
In June 2021, a 28-year-old man from Tiverton, Rhode Island crossed the median and struck a pickup truck. The driver of the truck suffered serious injuries and the man who crossed the median died at the scene.
What should you do if you get into a crash on Route 24?
Crashes happen frequently on Route 24. You might have seen them on the news or even witnessed one yourself. If you find yourself involved in an accident, it’s important to call a car crash lawyer right away to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may have limited time to file a claim. A lawyer can help guide you through the process.
Unlike what the insurance companies might lead you to believe, they’re not actually “on your side.” The goal of the insurance company is to make money for their shareholders, not to watch out for your best interest. What you say to the insurance company may be used against you at a later time in order to deny your claim. The insurance industry is not a multi-billion-dollar industry for saying “yes” to everyone involved in an accident. Don’t go it alone. An experienced attorney will deal with the insurance company so you don’t have to.
What’s a common mistake made by car crash victims?
One major mistake that car crash victims make is failing to file a claim because they think their injuries are too minor. Some injuries are invisible such as those involving the brain. These injuries may eventually result in depression or loss of taste or smell. The effects of other physical injuries may be delayed and take days or weeks to manifest themselves. Regardless of how severe you think your injury is, it’s best to seek medical attention right away. A medical professional can diagnose, treat, and document any injuries you may have. Timely and professional medical documentation may also be an asset in your personal injury claim.
Regardless of your circumstances, it’s always prudent to seek professional legal advice if you’ve been involved in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident on Route 24. You might be surprised to learn that some attorneys offer free consultations and don’t charge you anything unless they win your case. If you sleep on your rights, you may lose them, so it’s best to take action as soon as possible.
