ABINGTON (PLYMOUTH STREET), Plymouth County, Mass., Oct. 14, 2026 — An adult man was hit by a vehicle Tuesday evening, October 13, on Plymouth Street in Abington and taken to a hospital, according to authorities. His injuries were described as critical but not considered life-threatening.
First responders found the man injured in the street after the crash was reported around 6:30 p.m., Abington Fire Chief Jack Glynn said. He was taken to South Shore Hospital, according to the fire department.
Abington police said the driver remained at the scene and is not facing criminal charges. Investigators have not released further details on how the crash happened.
The pedestrian crash was the second vehicle crash reported in Abington that day, Glynn said. Around 10:55 a.m., a car struck a house and then a tree on Helen Drive, injuring the driver, who was the only person hurt in that incident. That driver's injuries were not considered life-threatening, and police said the Helen Drive crash remains under investigation, with no word yet on potential charges. There was no indication the two crashes were related.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
Who Faces the Greatest Danger When Struck by a Vehicle
Age and visibility shape a lot of what happens when a pedestrian is hit. Older adults tend to suffer more serious injuries from the same impact that a younger person might walk away from, because bones and tissue become more fragile with age. Children are harder for drivers to see at intersections and between parked cars, and they're less predictable about when they'll step into a roadway.
Darkness is its own factor, independent of who's walking. Low light cuts down the time a driver has to spot someone and react, especially on streets without dedicated crosswalk lighting. Pedestrians wearing dark clothing or walking along the shoulder of a road without sidewalks face longer odds simply because they're harder to see until a vehicle is close.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 68,244 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. That figure spans every age group and every type of roadway, from rural two-lanes to city intersections, and reflects how often people on foot end up in the path of a vehicle regardless of who is technically at fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most pedestrian crashes happen?
A large share occur away from intersections, often where someone crosses mid-block or where there's no marked crosswalk nearby. Roads with higher speed limits and little separation between sidewalk and traffic also see more of these crashes.
Are pedestrian crashes more common after dark?
Yes. Reduced visibility at night and during dusk or dawn hours makes it harder for drivers to see people on foot in time to stop or swerve.
What should someone do after being hit by a vehicle?
Call 911 right away, even if injuries seem minor at first. Some injuries, including internal ones, don't show symptoms immediately. Get checked by medical professionals and ask responding officers for a copy of the incident report.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
In Massachusetts, pedestrians generally have the right of way in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, but drivers and walkers both share responsibility for watching out for one another before crossing or turning.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Abington, MA
If you witness or are involved in a pedestrian crash, call 911 immediately so police and paramedics can respond. Remember to stay at the scene if you're able, and avoid moving an injured person unless there's immediate danger, since movement can worsen certain injuries.
Seek medical evaluation even if you feel okay in the moments after the crash. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries take hours to become apparent. Make sure to keep records of any treatment, and request a copy of the police report once it's available for your own records.
If you're a bystander, try to note details like the time, location, and direction of travel for anyone involved, and share that information with responding officers. Small observations can matter to an investigation.
