Boston Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney
Though car accidents may be the most common type of accident, dealing with the consequences of car accidents is anything but routine. Most people don’t know where to look for payment of the accident-related medical expenses, how to get reimbursed for accident-related lost income, or who pays for out-of-pocket costs, rental car expenses, towing, and/or storage charges resulting from their accident.
The experienced attorneys at Diller Law, LLP, do not charge a fee for the initial consultation because we know how complicated it is for accident victims to understand Massachusetts’s laws regarding payment of these vehicle-accident-related losses. We operate on a contingency fee basis because we would rather work on helping accident victims pay their medical expenses and other related costs first.
A motor vehicle accident attorney in Boston from our team can assist you in understanding your rights and fight for every dollar you deserve. We are dedicated to providing the ongoing and comprehensive legal support you need, no matter how complicated your personal injury lawsuit is.
How Massachusetts’ Motor Vehicle Accident Laws Affect Personal Injury Claims
When you hire a motor vehicle accident lawyer in Boston from our law firm, we ensure that you know exactly what your legal rights are. Because Massachusetts is a no-fault state for auto accidents, you would first be required to file a claim against your own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance after a collision.
Your Personal Injury Protection insurance can address medical expenses and lost wages up to your coverage limit. You don’t have to show that the other party was responsible, either.
If your losses surpass your PIP coverage, however, you may have the chance to file a personal injury claim. To do so, you have to show that the other party is liable. That’s not always simple to do, especially if you were partly responsible for the car accident.
What Is Modified Comparative Negligence?
The state follows modified comparative negligence laws, so you can be partly to blame and still recover losses, but you must not be assigned more than 50% of liability. If you are, you could be barred from recovering anything.
To make things even more stressful, you have the statute of limitations to worry about. This is the deadline for filing a claim. In Massachusetts, you typically have three years to file a motor vehicle accident claim.
This may seem like a long time, but it’s never a good idea to wait to start the process. Evidence can disappear, and eyewitnesses may no longer be available. With a personal injury attorney in Boston from Diller Law, LLP on your side, you can get started fighting for your rights immediately.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Boston
Boston is a busy city that experiences an influx of commuters every day as they travel in from the suburbs. It’s no surprise, then, that there are so many car accidents on the roads. Most of these collisions are the result of driver error, but that’s not always the case. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common causes of crashes in Boston.
Speeding
When there is a lot of traffic, you can count on drivers being in a hurry to get to their destination. Speeding is a serious concern on a vacant road, much less a crowded one. It makes car accidents more likely to occur because the driver will struggle to stop in time if a hazard appears.
At the same time, you are more likely to suffer serious injuries due to speeding because the force on impact is more substantial. Many accidents that lead to wrongful death are the result of speeding drivers.
Distracted Driving
Distracted drivers might not be able to spot changes on the road in time to avoid them. There are many distractions that could lead to car accidents, including using a cellphone, looking at the GPS, changing radio stations, and speaking with passengers. Daydreaming could be an issue, too.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving refers to actions like running red lights or stop signs, tailgating, and rapidly changing lanes. It involves the at-fault driver operating the vehicle without considering the safety of others.
Fatigued Driving
Being exhausted behind the wheel of a vehicle can make someone distracted. Coordination can suffer, as can depth perception and spatial awareness. It’s also possible for the driver to fall asleep, losing complete control of the vehicle.
Intoxicated Driving
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol impacts reflexes, coordination, and concentration. Someone who’s intoxicated might be more reckless, too, and attempt maneuvers when it’s not safe to do so.
Auto Malfunctions
Not all car accidents are caused by driver misconduct. Sometimes, the vehicle itself could malfunction and lead to the crash. After these collisions, it’s essential to establish what caused the car accident to be able to pursue compensation. If a part was defective, for example, it may be necessary to file a substantial loss claim against the manufacturer.
Road Conditions
If there are potholes, pavement cracks, or other substantial damage to the road, it’s possible for drivers to lose control of their vehicles. If that occurs, pursuing a car accident claim against the government entities that are in charge of maintaining the road may be the best option. These are particularly complicated car accident cases that require fast action.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Boston
To protect yourself and any future claim you choose to pursue, it’s important to take certain steps after a Boston car accident.
Get to Safety
Before doing anything else, ensure that you and others in your vehicle are safe and that you’re not at risk of being hit again. If possible, leave the car. Don’t move, however, if you are actively bleeding, have hit your head, or feel a significant amount of pain. You could make a serious injury even worse.
Call Emergency Services
Make certain that you get EMTs to the site of the car accident. Often, people assume that they’re not hurt because they don’t feel immediate pain, but the shock of the car accident and adrenaline could be dulling the discomfort you would otherwise feel.
Have the medical professionals assess you. If they recommend going to the hospital, do so. Not listening to them could impact your health and your car accident claim.
You’ll also want to ensure the police get to the scene. You will need a report to file a claim. Let the officer know as much as you remember about the collision, but don’t mention fault. The same applies when you exchange information with the other parties. Don’t apologize, either, since that can be seen as an admission of fault.
Gather Evidence to Build a Strong Personal Injury Case
If you’re well enough to remain at the site of the accident, start gathering evidence. Take photos and videos of the vehicle, the scene of the accident, your injuries, and anything else you think could show how the crash occurred. Speak with witnesses, too, and get their contact information.
A Boston personal injury lawyer may be able to use those witness statements later to corroborate your car accident case. Our team will continue the process of gathering evidence, such as footage from traffic cameras and expert witness testimonies.
Call Your Insurer
Let your insurer know you were in an accident, but don’t mention too many details. You should wait to make a statement until you’ve spoken with a Boston car accident lawyer.
Contact Our Boston Car Accident Lawyers
As soon as you can, contact a Boston injury lawyer from our team to schedule a consultation. We offer the support you need from the start of the claim process.
Rely on a Trusted Law Firm for Help Seeking Full and Fair Compensation in Your Car Accident Case
If you were involved in a Boston car accident as a pedestrian, bicyclist, motorcyclist, passenger, or driver, you should contact one of our experienced personal injury lawyers. We can help to establish the liable parties and begin the process of gathering evidence. With a car accident attorney in Boston from Diller Law, LLP assisting you, you can focus on healing from serious injuries while we handle the rest.
To ensure that you’re not further burdened by the collision, we offer free consultations to help you seek compensation. Additionally, you don’t have to pay for any of our services up front. We only get paid if you do. Contact our team to speak with one of our attorneys about filing a legal action today.
