Were you involved in a serious crash on the highway? Accidents of this nature often lead to major injuries due to high speeds and multi-vehicle collisions. In turn, victims are often overwhelmed, confused, and stressed, but you’re not alone.
At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, our highway accident lawyers in Natick have the skills and knowledge to represent you after a crash. Our attorneys come equipped with 21-plus years of experience, and in that time, we’ve recovered more than $250 million in compensation. We’re here for you as your Natick car accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Highway Crashes in Natick
Several factors contribute to highway collisions in Massachusetts, and many of them are intensified by the unique conditions of high-speed roadways. The following causes are common occurrences in the area:
- Speeding: Speeding is a primary factor in many highway crashes. According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), speeding contributes to the severity of injuries and the likelihood of fatal accidents on highways like I-90.
- Distracted driving: The use of mobile devices, in-car entertainment systems, or GPS units often leads to critical moments of inattention. On highways where traffic shifts rapidly, even a brief lapse will likely result in devastating outcomes.
- Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a significant problem in Massachusetts. Impaired drivers are less able to react to sudden changes in traffic patterns, which will likely lead to multi-vehicle pileups on busy roadways.
- Fatigued driving: Especially among commercial truck drivers, fatigue is a major issue. Long hours on the road without sufficient rest will likely result in delayed reaction times or fatigue behind the wheel.
- Aggressive driving and road rage: Highways tend to amplify aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, making abrupt lane changes, and brake-checking. These actions dramatically increase the likelihood of collisions, especially during rush hour in Natick.
- Weather conditions: Massachusetts’ winters bring snow, ice, and freezing rain, all of which reduce traction and visibility. Even during warmer months, sudden rainstorms often create slick roads that contribute to hydroplaning and rear-end collisions.
Your Natick personal injury lawyer will help you determine what caused the collision that left you injured.
Types of Highway Accidents
Highway accidents differ from local collisions in terms of both impact severity and accident dynamics. Our Natick highway accident lawyers have found that several accidents are particularly common on Massachusetts highways, such as:
- Rear–end collisions: These are often caused by speeding or sudden braking in congested traffic. Due to higher speeds, rear-end crashes on highways often lead to significant neck, spine, or head injuries.
- Multi–vehicle pileups: Chain-reaction accidents are more common on highways, where one crash will likely trigger a series of collisions behind it. Fog, ice, and sudden stops often lead to these pileups, and liability is often difficult to untangle.
- Sideswipe and merging accidents: On-ramps and off-ramps present particular risks as vehicles merge into or exit from fast-moving lanes. Misjudging distances or failing to yield will likely result in sideswipe accidents that escalate quickly.
- Truck crashes: Large commercial vehicles frequently travel through Natick via I-90 and Route 9. Due to their size and weight, crashes involving tractor-trailers often cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
- Rollover incidents: SUVs and vehicles with higher centers of gravity will likely be prone to rollovers, especially during high-speed maneuvers or in collisions with barriers and guardrails.
- Tire blowouts and mechanical failures: On highways, a sudden tire blowout or brake failure often sends a vehicle careening into other lanes or off the road entirely. Poor maintenance and defective vehicle parts are often at fault.
Liability in Massachusetts Highway Accidents
Massachusetts is a no-fault insurance state, which means that after an accident, a driver’s own insurance typically covers their medical expenses up to the limit of their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
However, when injuries are severe or exceed the PIP threshold, victims are allowed to pursue claims against the at-fault party. To step outside the no-fault system and pursue a liability claim, the injured party must meet one of the following conditions:
- Incur more than $2,000 in reasonable medical expenses
- Suffer serious injuries, like permanent disfigurement, fractured bones, or substantial loss
Once a case meets this threshold, determining liability involves proving negligence. These parties are often liable in highway-related incidents:
- Other drivers: If a motorist was speeding, texting, or driving under the influence, they will likely be held responsible for the resulting damages.
- Commercial trucking companies: If a truck driver caused the crash, the company that employed or contracted them will likely share liability under the doctrine of respondeat superior.
- Vehicle manufacturers: In cases involving mechanical failures or defective parts, the vehicle or component manufacturer will likely bear responsibility.
- Government entities: If poor road design, inadequate signage, or lack of maintenance contributed to the accident, local or state agencies could be liable under certain conditions. However, these claims involve strict notice requirements and procedural rules under M.G.L. c. 258, also known as the Massachusetts Tort Claims Act.
Reach Out to Our Natick Highway Accident Law Firm as Soon as Possible for More Information
Highway accidents often result in major injuries that carry serious consequences. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash on busy highways in the area, you could be facing medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress, among other consequences.
The good news is that you’re not alone. At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we’re here to help you through such a difficult time. Our highway accident lawyers in Natick are dedicated to protecting the rights of victims like you and pursuing the compensation you need to recover.
The Stone Cold Guarantee® is our set of promises that puts your needs first. We promise to communicate clearly, support you at all times, and advocate for your rights every step of the way. We’ll fight to protect you while you focus on getting better.
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