Driver Flees on Foot After Head-On Crash on Center St in Dighton, MA

Dighton, MA (August 21, 2026) – A head-on collision left four people hurt on Thursday evening, August 20, on Center Street in Dighton

As the Dighton Police reported, a driver fled on foot after causing the crash. They arrived at 7:18 p.m. and with the help of emergency services, transported two adults and two children to area hospitals for treatment of their injuries.

Authorities said the man accused of causing the crash left the site before officers arrived. Investigators later identified a suspect. Charges are expected to be filed.

The investigation into this wreck remains ongoing. 

We hope everyone hurt, including the two young children involved, recovers fully.

How a Criminal Case and a Civil Claim Differ After a Crash in Dighton, MA

When a driver flees the site of a crash and faces criminal charges, that process runs separately from any civil claim the injured people may bring, and the outcome of one doesn't determine the outcome of the other. 

These cases can be hard for victims since a criminal prosecution can take months to resolve while a family's medical bills continue to arrive in the meantime. Massachusetts allows injured people to pursue compensation through a civil claim regardless of whether or how the criminal case concludes.

For families with injured children, this distinction can be especially confusing, since a criminal conviction might feel like justice has been served, even though it doesn't cover medical expenses, missed school, or the emotional toll a serious crash takes on a young child. Children can face injuries that take longer to fully assess, since it isn't always easy to determine how a fracture or head injury might affect development or recovery over time.

Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This rule allows an injured person to recover damages as long as they're found 50% or less at fault. A car accident lawyer typically works independently of the criminal investigation, and they can gather witness statements and the police report to build a civil claim that doesn't have to wait on the criminal court's timeline.

At Fiorentino Legal, P.C., we can help your family understand how the civil and criminal processes work together. We can evaluate the details of your accident and explain what next steps could be beneficial for you. 

If you were affected by a crash and want to learn more about your options under Massachusetts law, you can call Attorney Christopher Fiorentino of Fiorentino Legal, P.C. at (617) 990-2568. Our team is ready to talk with you and guide you through the next steps. 

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.