Boy Fatally Hurt in Bike Crash on Cherokee St in New Bedford, MA

New Bedford, MA (June 12, 2026) – A 5-year-old boy died Wednesday afternoon, June 10, after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bike on Cherokee Street in New Bedford. The child has been identified as Liam Pinheiro, a preschool student in the Acushnet Public School district.

Bristol County Sheriff’s Office said Pinheiro was on his bike when a vehicle hit him. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with police. 

Investigators are continuing their work to piece together the full sequence of events leading up to the wreck. 

We extend our deepest condolences to the Pinheiro family and to everyone in New Bedford and Acushnet who is grieving this unimaginable loss.

What Options Does a Family Have After a Fatal Child Accident in New Bedford, MA?

When a child is killed in a traffic crash in New Bedford, the family may have legal options available to them, including a wrongful death claim against the driver or other responsible parties. Massachusetts allows certain family members to pursue compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship. 

Speaking with a personal injury attorney soon after the crash can help clarify what steps may be available and what documentation matters most.

New Bedford sits in Bristol County, an area with several corridors that see significant pedestrian and bicycle activity. Routes like Acushnet Avenue, Kempton Street, and the stretch of Route 6 through the city's North End carry heavy traffic near residential neighborhoods where children are frequently present. Crashes that involve young cyclists and pedestrians have occurred along these roads, and families in such circumstances often face decisions they are entirely unprepared for.

The consequences of losing a child in a traffic crash extend far beyond the immediate tragedy. Families are often left managing funeral costs, grief, and in some cases, time away from work, all at once. A bicycle accident attorney with experience in wrongful death cases can review what happened, identify who may be liable, and explain whether a legal claim could help offset some of those burdens.

If you are dealing with the aftermath of a fatal crash in New Bedford and want to understand what options may be available, you can reach out to our team. At  Fiorentino Legal, P.C., we can review yur situation and explain what options may be open for your family under Massacuchetts law. 

To learn more, call Fiorentino Legal, P.C. at (617) 990-2568. We can walk you through your situation and explain what legal paths may exist. 

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Fiorentino Legal, P.C. has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Fiorentino Legal, P.C. so we can promptly review and update the content.



Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Fiorentino Legal, P.C. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.