Boston Car Accident Lawyers

If you need a car accident lawyer, contact one of our personal injury lawyers here at the Bellotti Law Group, P.C. We pride ourselves on achieving a high level of success through a client-centered approach that is focused on our client’s objectives.

Auto accident injury cases differ from one another, especially when an insurance company is involved. Boston car accidents are quite common, and it’s crucial to have an auto accident attorney on your side. An attorney will gather evidence on your behalf, such as relevant medical records, police reports, documentation by another party, another driver's insurance company, and contact with your own insurance company. This investigation is used by our experienced car accident lawyers in order to maximize the value of your case.

We view every case as an opportunity to provide you and your family with the top-notch legal service in the pursuit of justice. Car accident claims can be complicated, especially with the high crash rates prevalent in Boston, and even more complicated with the addition of insurance companies.

Steps to Take After You’ve Been In A Car Accident

Seek immediate medical care, contact your local authorities, and gather information about the accident (pictures, witness contact information, insurance information of motor and vehicles involved and other parties, etc.). If you are a car accident victim, it is vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible, for your own safety.

When you have been in a car crash, the adrenaline can stop you from feeling pain in the moment. You may not recognize certain injuries immediately, such as whiplash and internal bleeding. Even if you believe everything is okay, you should still get medical attention following a Boston car accident in order to ensure you are okay.

Am I Required to Report My Car Accident to the Police and RMV?

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws (Ch. 90, Sec. 26), drivers are mandated to fill out and submit a Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report form to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles within five days of involvement in an accident, under the following conditions: a) any fatality or injury occurred, or b) damages exceeding $1,000 were sustained by any single vehicle or other property. Additionally, a duplicate of the report must be furnished to the police department with jurisdiction over the location of the incident.

Should I Report a Car Accident to My Insurance Provider?

Individuals involved in minor collisions frequently opt not to report such incidents to their auto insurance providers due to two assumptions: they believe their insurance premiums will rise, and they think the matter can be resolved with the other driver without involving insurance companies. However, it is crucial to be aware that all auto insurance policies nationwide mandate policyholders to promptly report any accidents that could potentially activate coverage. Neglecting to inform your car insurance company about an accident may lead to the termination of your policy.

How Long Do I Have to Report a Car Accident to My Insurance Provider?

Promptly report a Boston car accident to your auto insurance policy provider following its occurrence. While the time allotted for reporting varies across policies, the majority of car insurance and companies necessitate swift notification of auto accidents.

Massachusetts Insurance Requirements: Personal Injury Protection

In Massachusetts, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a mandatory component of auto insurance policies. PIP covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault in the accident. It's crucial to understand the extent of your PIP coverage, as it can significantly impact the compensation you receive in a personal injury claim.

Drivers must maintain the following minimum auto insurance coverage to operate a full motor vehicle Massachusetts: $5,000 for property damage per car accident, $20,000 for bodily injury per person and $40,000 per auto accident, $20,000 per injured person and $40,000 per auto accident for bodily injury caused by uninsured vehicles, and $8,000 per person, per car or other motor vehicle accident caused, in Personal Injury Protection (PIP).

In Massachusetts, PIP coverage generally covers up to $8,000 in medical expenses, lost wages, or funeral expenses. However, if the injured individual has health insurance, PIP typically covers only up to $2,000 in medical expenses.

Exclusions to Personal Injury Protection Coverage

For those without health insurance, PIP does not cover additional medical bills. PIP exclusions include driving under the influence, speeding, racing, committing a felony, intentional injury, ride shares, car shares, and compensated transportation services.

Drivers in Massachusetts must carry a minimum amount of auto insurance coverage in case of an accident. When an accident occurs, the individual must first file a claim with their auto insurance company for PIP benefits and other applicable benefits.

Comparative Fault Laws in Massachusetts

Under Massachusetts personal injury law, the determination of liability in car accidents is governed by a "comparative negligence" system, which involves assessing the negligence of all involved parties. Crucially, even if you are partially at fault, you can still pursue legal action.

As stipulated by Massachusetts' Ann. Laws ch. 231, section 85, the state employs a "modified comparative negligence" model, which permits car accident victims to seek damages from another party or at fault driver's insurer, as long as their own responsibility does not surpass 51 percent.

Nonetheless, the court may reduce the claimant's financial damages proportionally to their degree of negligence. To ensure you obtain the maximum compensation for your injuries, or wrongful death, it is advisable to consult a knowledgeable and experienced Boston car accident lawyer who can identify all liable parties and evaluate your claim.

Accident victims can recover varying amounts of compensation, depending on their case and the specifics of their car accident injuries and the accident scene.

Types of Car Accident Compensation

In Massachusetts, victims of personal injury incidents can claim full compensation for past and future losses related to their bodily injury claim. Damages are classified into two categories: economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover financial costs, expenses, and losses resulting from the accident, such as: medical bills and expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, physical therapy, property damage, and funeral and burial expenses in fatal cases. These costs are verifiable and quantifiable, often backed by invoices, bills, or receipts, and cover both current and future expenses.

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages address subjective injuries, including disfigurement, scarring, disability, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, mental anguish, and PTSD. However, insurance companies might deny claims or offer insufficient settlements.

In such cases, enlisting a well experienced car accident lawyer or attorney proves advantageous, as they can guide you through the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

When selecting a Boston car accident lawyer, seek one with experience in handling similar cases, a thorough understanding of state laws, and a successful track record. Ensure you feel comfortable with and trust the attorney to represent your best interests.

If I File a Personal Injury Claim for a Car Accident, Will I Have To Go To Court?

You rarely need to attend court for personal injury car accident lawsuits. The only reason you would need to go to court for a personal injury lawsuit is in the event that the other driver's insurance company you’re suing refused to reasonably settle your case.

The majority of car accidents are settled outside of court. In some cases, an insurance company may doubt the severity of your injuries, or try to evade claiming any liability. In these cases, going to court would be necessary.

How Long Does It Take to Settle My Case or Will I File a Lawsuit?

As a general rule, you have three years from the date of your car crash to either settle your case or file a claim in court to begin the legal process.

You lose the legal right, in most cases, to pursue the person who was at fault for whatever accident occurred, if you neglect to file a claim before this three-year deadline (which is called the Statute of Limitations).

Three-years can seem like a very long time, but in reality it is not, and before you know it, the statute of limitations can prevent you from obtaining the proper justice and compensation that you deserve.

Although some injuries aren’t always recognized or as bothersome immediately following the accident, time is of the essence, which is why having an experienced, skilled Boston car accident attorney on your side is extremely important.

How Much Can I Receive in Compensation If My Accident Was Caused by Someone Else?

A Boston and car accident lawsuit lawyer will help you thoroughly review and understand that there are many aspects of a car accident lawsuit that are taken into consideration when you are seeking to find compensation for property damage, lost wages, or medical expenses.

This covers car damage, valuables inside your motor vehicle, immediate medical bills for your injuries, future further medical bills and costs, future physical therapy sessions, a substitute for income you missed when you were injured, and a sum for your pain and trauma.

Not all of these will apply to all cases, but it's a great foundation to consider how much you'll be looking for with the support of a car accident attorney. Don't let your car accident claim fall by the wayside!

Seek Out An Attorney

If you have been in a car accident, seek out a car accident attorney to navigate you through the insurance company settlement negotiations. Insurance companies prioritize their profits above all else, and will use their extensive legal teams to give you as little money as possible. As a general rule of thumb, avoid accepting the insurance company’s first offer.

What We Can Do For You

We offer a comprehensive approach to handling your case, including obtaining your PIP benefits, securing compensation for lost wages, communicating with all relevant insurance companies, investigating the accident, identifying liable parties, ensuring your medical bills are paid, analyzing long-term financial and medical care needs, and evaluating your injury claim.

Regardless of the type of vehicle involved, lawyers for car wrecks are essential in navigating personal injury claims. They have the necessary experience and knowledge to help you build a strong case, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries, damages, and emotional distress. Whether you need a Brockton car accident lawyer or a Medford car accident attorney, the attorneys at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. can help you with your car accident claim. Since every motor vehicle accident is unique, our attorneys deliver personalized legal advice and action based on the specific circumstances of your car accident. We provide free, confidential legal consultations.

Massachusetts Car Accident Statistics

According to the most recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 2,189,000 car crashes reported in 2014.

In other words, the sad reality is approximately 90 people die each day in a motor vehicle accident, and more than 6000 people are seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents. On more of a local level, Massachusetts accounts for approximately 108,379 of the national average.

Critical Factors in Car Accidents

Each year there are more than 2 million car crashes- of those the critical reason in 94% of cases was assigned to the driver. Driver related critical factors are broadly classified into four main divisions:

• Recognition errors - such as playing with electronic devices - account for 41% of accidents,
• Decision errors - such as speeding and falsely assuming other drivers’ actions - account for 33% of accidents,
• Performance errors - such as overcompensation - accounts for 11% of accidents, and
• Non-performance errors - such as falling asleep at the wheel - accounts for 7% of accidents.

The Costs of Car Accidents in the U.S.

According to NHTSA, car accident cases cost Americans more than $277 billion annually. That number includes medical expenses, lost productivity and wages, legal services, EMS services, cost of an insurance claim, and property damage.

When you factor in a quality of life valuation, the yearly total goes up by $594 billion. Auto collisions can cause a serious physical injury to the parties involved. An experienced attorney at Bellotti Law Group will seek maximum compensation on your behalf.

Bellotti Law Group will seek compensation for you against the other driver's insurance company at fault driver or party to the car accident attorneys to the fullest extent of the law. You deserve to recover financial compensation in a timely manner. Contact an experienced auto accident lawyer for help with your case at 617-225-2100.

Car Accident Types

• Rollover car accidents
• Rear-end car accidents
• Hit-and-run car accidents
• Head-on collision car accidents
• Side-impact (t-bone and broadside) car accidents
• Back-over car accident

Other Types of Auto Accidents

• Bicycle car accidents
• Pedestrian car accidents
• Uninsured motorist car accidents
• Underinsured motorist car accidents
• Dram shop liability
• Social host liability

Common Reasons for Auto Accidents

• Distracted driving (talking on cell, smartphone use) car accidents
• Texting while driving
• Failure to yield the right-of-way car accidents
• Teen driver car accidents
• Speeding car accidents
• Taxi cab car accidents
• Drunk driving car accidents
• Unsecured truck load car accidents
• Mass Pike, Rte. 128, I-93 and I-95 car accidents
• Construction zone accidents
• Construction site car accidents
• Parking lot and parking garage car accident

High Auto Collision Locations in MA

According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), these are the intersections of high Boston auto accidents:

• Morton Street and Harvard Street in Boston: Between 2015 and 2017, there were 44 car crashes.
• Massachusetts Avenue Connector and Frontage Road in Boston: Between 2014 and 2016, there were 77 total car crashes, 13 of which had fatalities or injuries. Additionally there were 64 non-reported crashes and property damage only crashes.
• Gallivan Boulevard and Granite Avenue in Boston: Between 2014 and 2016, there were 38 crashes. 19 of those crashes caused fatalities or injuries.
• Ash Street and West Elm Street in Brockton: Between 2013 and 2015, there were 57 car accidents. 27 out of those 57 accidents involved injured people.
• Memorial Drive and River Street in Cambridge: Between 2014 to 2016, there were 27 crashes. 14 of those crashes caused fatalities and injuries.
• VFW Highway and Bridge Street in Lowell: Total of 129 accidents, resulting in over 40 people with injuries.
• Boston Street and Hamilton Street in Lynn: Between 2014 to 2016, there were 43 crashes, 13 of which involved fatalities.
• Randolph Avenue and Chickatawbut Road in Milton: Between 2012 and 2015, there were over 60 car accidents. This resulted in 34 injuries and one fatality.

If you can, try to avoid these high crash intersections! When car crashes occur, it is best to have a Boston auto and car accident lawyer on your side. An experienced car accident attorney can protect you in legal disputes, ensure that your rights are not violated, and help you pursue damages. Call one of the experienced auto accident attorneys at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. for a free case evaluation at 617-225-2100.

Why Choose Us?

At Bellotti Law Group, P.C., our personal injury lawyers understand that choosing the right legal team is extremely important for victims of auto accidents, however, finding the best fit isn’t always easy.

With so many different attorney’s out there, we take pride in separating ourselves from the others by taking an approach that puts the client first.

If you are in a car accident lawsuit in need of a car accident lawyer, contact Bellotti Law Group P.C.. We regularly represent people who have been involved in car accidents and families who have sadly lost loved ones on highways and roads.

We Are Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys

We know that injuries from auto accidents can in so many ways affect individuals' lives, in addition to their family’s and friend’s lives as well. A car accident adds an unwanted burden to your life that can impact you, both physically and emotionally, in so many different ways than you could ever imagine.

The legal team at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. has extensive expertise in personal injury claims and knows exactly how to apply that expertise in all types of auto accident instances.

To ensure that all your concerns are met efficiently and properly, we will collaborate with any related insurance company, as well as other parties involved in your car accident case too. After a car crash, you don't need to be uncertain about what to do: place the Bellotti Law Firm team on your side.

Contact An Auto Accident Lawyer

At Bellotti Law Group, P.C., we use the skills and knowledge gained through decades of protecting injured clients to create a powerful case for you. Attorney Peter Bellotti instills a culture of legal excellence at our firm, carrying on the tradition of client-centered representation that made the Bellotti name synonymous with legal success in the Boston area.

Our distinct and innovative litigation techniques have led to many favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients, allowing them to hold at fault, negligent parties accountable while moving towards as full a recovery as possible.

We Offer Free Case Evaluations

Bellotti Law Group, P.C. has three offices that are conveniently located in Boston, Cambridge and Quincy. If you or your loved one has been the victim of an automobile accident. Contact us today via telephone for a free consultation or online by submitting our brief contact form on our website.

---