Yes, it is worth getting a car accident attorney after being injured in a collision with other vehicles. If you were recently involved in a crash but you’re not sure if hiring legal counsel is worthwhile, remember that attorneys understand the law in ways that will benefit you.
By reaching out to a car accident lawyer in Boston, your attorney will handle the legal side of things so that you have the bandwidth to focus on healing from your injuries and recovering from the experience. Your lawyer will take a lot of stress off your shoulders.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Massachusetts
If you find yourself wondering, “Is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident?” it’s important to understand everything a lawyer will do for you after you hire them. With attorneys by your side, you’ll have a professional handling all legal matters on your behalf.
One of these matters is determining what happened in the moments leading up to the crash. Your attorney will need to determine what caused the collision in order to prove fault and apply liability. These are causes of car accidents your lawyer will likely consider:
- Distracted driving: Talking on the phone, eating while driving, or adjusting controls behind the wheel are leading contributors to collisions. Even momentary distractions have the potential to result in rear-end accidents, T-bone collisions, or side-swipes.
- Speeding: Driving above the posted speed limit or going too fast for road conditions are two ways by which drivers increase the likelihood of getting into a crash. High-speed collisions often result in more severe injuries and greater property damage as well.
- Driving under the influence: Operating a vehicle while intoxicated continues to be a major issue when it comes to crash rates in Massachusetts. Even small amounts of alcohol reduce reaction times, impair judgment, and increase the risk of a collision.
- Weather conditions: Massachusetts is known for its harsh winters and unpredictable weather. Unfortunately, these conditions typically create a hazardous environment that contributes to the area’s rate of collisions.
Types of Compensation Available in Massachusetts Crash Cases
Massachusetts law lets people who are injured in car crashes pursue compensation, though the type of compensation you are eligible to receive will depend on the details of your situation. This typically includes the following:
- Medical expenses: Compensation often covers emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages: If an accident prevents a person from working, they will likely be entitled to recover the income that they lost while recovering from their injuries.
- Pain and suffering: Massachusetts recognizes non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life resulting from a collision.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for vehicles, personal items, and other property damaged in a crash are often recoverable.
- Long-term or permanent disability: Incidents that result in lasting impairments typically lead to compensation for future medical care, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule, as outlined in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 231 § 85. This means that injured parties who are partially at fault for the incident that left them hurt in the first place will have their compensation reduced proportionally by their percentage of fault.
For instance, let’s say someone is determined to be 20% responsible for the collision. In that case, 20% of their total compensation will be deducted from the amount that they ultimately receive. This emphasizes the importance of establishing liability and documenting evidence.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, the majority of personal injury claims from car accidents must be filed within three years of the date of the crash. Missing this deadline often means you’ll lose your right to pursue compensation altogether, so it’s important to act fast.
It’s also worth noting that if your claim involves a government entity, the rules are even stricter. These cases often have shorter filing deadlines, and it’s not uncommon for them to coincide with specific notices or procedures.
Contact Our Boston Car Accident Law Firm to Learn More About Why It’s Worth Getting a Car Accident Lawyer for Your Case
If you’ve been injured after being involved in a collision, you don’t have to figure out what to do next all by yourself. It’s not only worth getting an attorney for a car accident case; this is a decision that can give you true peace of mind. These situations are often stressful, confusing, and overwhelming, but our Boston car accident lawyers are here to assist you.
At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we’re proud to serve our community. Our car accident attorneys in Boston understand the Massachusetts court system, and we know how the local insurance companies operate. With this information in mind, we’re able to protect your rights.
When you call us, we’ll respond within 24 hours as part of our Stone Cold Guarantee®. There’s no obligation, just information®. We’re ready to guide you through every step of the process in your pursuit of compensation. Injured? Better Phone Stone®.
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