Suspect Charged with Intent to Murder After Hit-and-Run in Charlestown, MA

Charlestown, MA (August 23, 2026) – Boston Police Department officers and emergency crews responded Thursday evening, August 20, to a severe hit-and-run pedestrian collision. The incident occurred near 161 Bunker Hill Street at approximately 7:05 p.m. 

First responders arrived at the scene and discovered a car that had crashed through a fence, with the driver having fled on foot. Witnesses informed detectives that the driver and the pedestrian had been involved in an argument immediately preceding the crash. First responders found the pedestrian in critical condition in the roadway.

Boston EMS paramedics rendered urgent on-scene medical care before transporting the victim to a local hospital for emergency treatment.

On Friday evening, the fleeing driver turned himself in to Boston police. Authorities charged him with assault with intent to murder, leaving the scene of a crash causing personal injury, and reckless operation. He is expected to be arraigned in Charlestown District Court.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Our thoughts remain with the injured person as they work towards recovery.

What Legal Options Are Available After an Intentional or Hit-and-Run Crash in Charlestown, MA?

Following an intentional vehicular assault or hit-and-run crash in Massachusetts, injured victims have three primary avenues for financial recovery: claiming no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) medical benefits, filing an Uninsured Motorist (UM) claim, or suing the perpetrator directly.

Civil lawsuits operate independently of criminal proceedings. While criminal courts penalize the offender, injured victims retain the right to sue the wrongdoer for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

However, recovering compensation from an intentional offender or an unidentified driver presents insurance challenges. Standard liability policies often exclude deliberate acts, and hit-and-run drivers are frequently never found.

In these cases, victims rely on first-party coverage: mandatory PIP provides up to $8,000 for immediate medical costs and lost wages, while Uninsured Motorist (UM) policies cover remaining losses, pain, and suffering.

To recover third-party damages, claims must satisfy state liability standards and filing rules. Victims can recover damages if they are 50% or less at fault. Seeking pain and suffering damages requires spending over $2,000 in medical costs or sustaining severe injuries. All claims are subject to a strict three-year statute of limitations.

If you have questions about possible legal options after a pedestrian crash, you can contact Attorney Christopher Fiorentino of Fiorentino Legal, P.C., at (617) 990-2568.

Our personal injury lawyer can explain general steps that may be available and help you understand what options could apply based on your situation.

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.