Dogs and Jogs Massachusetts Protects Dog Bite Victims and Pedestrians
when they are crossing roads or intersections. Massachusetts General Law Chapter 89, Section 11 says that the pedestrian has the right of way when in a crosswalk and approaching vehicles must slow down and yield their right of way. Additionally, drivers may not pass vehicles stopped to give pedestrians the right of way. But what if you get hit and you are not in a crosswalk? You may still be entitled to compensation. The following is a quote from a Massachusetts judge who presided over a case we recently tried as she was instructing the jury on the law in Massachusetts: “The rights and duties of a pedestrian and the operator of a motor vehicle in the use of public ways are reciprocal, and each may rely to some extent on the other using proper care. Pedestrians have a duty to exercise due care in their use of public ways. Due care requires that the plaintiff exercise the care and caution that you would naturally expect from a reasonably prudent person under the same or similar circumstances. Further, a pedestrian has a right to cross a street while not in a crosswalk but must do so using due care.” Just because someone crosses a street outside of a crosswalk does not automatically prevent them from successfully claiming and recovering damages in a personal injury claim. If you have a question about either a dog bite or a pedestrian accident, give us a call. Since 1998, Spada Law Group has successfully handled hundreds of such cases.
Spring is here, and the weather will soon be warm and inviting. People are spending more time outside enjoying the warmth after another cold New England winter. Here at Spada Law Group, we don’t have to check the forecast to know the seasons have changed. We can simply look at the types of cases that are coming into our office. As summer approaches, clients inevitably hire us for more dog bite and pedestrian accident cases. Before the weather gets nice, here’s what you need to know about these types of cases in Massachusetts. Massachusetts has one of the toughest dog bite laws in the country. If a dog harms you in Massachusetts, the dog’s owner is liable for any damage the dog causes. It doesn’t matter if the dog has never bitten anyone or shown aggression before. However, the owner may not be liable if the victim of the bite was trespassing on the dog owner’s property or if the victim was teasing or abusing the dog. If you have a dog, keep it leashed in public and be sure you have adequate homeowners or renters insurance to protect you should your dog cause an injury. If you get bitten, get as much information as you can about the owner of the dog and talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to understand your legal rights. Massachusetts Law Protects Dog Bite Victims
Hungry for something different? Treat yourself to Thailand’s most popular street food, Thai basil chicken! Pad Kra Pao Gai (Thai Basil Chicken) Local Chef’s Corner
INGREDIENTS • 1 chicken breast • 5 cloves garlic
• 4–10 Thai chilies • 1 tbsp coconut oil • 1 tsp oyster sauce • 1/2 tsp light soy sauce • 1 splash dark sweet soy sauce • 1/2 tsp sugar • 1 handful Thai holy basil leaves DIRECTIONS 1. Chop chicken breast into bite- size pieces. 2. Peel the garlic and rinse the chilies, then mince them together. 3. Heat your wok on high and add coconut oil. When oil is hot, stir-fry garlic and chilies until fragrant. Toss in chicken and stir continuously until chicken is fully cooked. 4. Add oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark sweet soy sauce, and sugar. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds. 5. Throw in holy basil. Fold it into the chicken then immediately remove from heat. 6. Serve hot with a side of rice and a fried egg.
Massachusetts Law Protects Pedestrians
There are several laws in Massachusetts meant to protect pedestrians and bicyclists
Inspired by EatingThaiFood.com
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