Driver Not to Blame?

If you have been in an auto accident and haven't brought a personal injury claim because you don't think another driver was to blame, you may still be eligible for compensation.

Inadequate maintenance, signage, lighting or construction on highways, plus other highway defects like overgrown trees and poorly placed utility poles, can also result in serious accidents. Call us at (978) 744-8000 to evaluate whether your auto accident case may have other potential defendants.

Your Auto Accident Lawyers

In Salem, Massachusetts and the Greater Boston Area

An auto accident can have serious and lasting effects on you and your family. At the Salem, Massachusetts law firm of Mazow|McCullough, PC, our auto accident lawyers are dedicated to helping those who have been injured or have suffered the wrongful death of a family member pursue fair and just compensation for their losses.

Auto Accident Tips
Auto Accident FAQs
Auto Accident Resources

Call our Essex County, MA office today for a free initial consultation.

(978) 744-8000

Auto Accident Tips

Auto Accidents - An Overview

Auto accidents turn lives upside down in an instant. Suddenly, you or a loved one are blindsided by serious health problems, loss of time or property, or even death.

There are many causes of auto accidents, including driver error, negligence, manufacturing defects and dangerous weather, but the result is always the same - a complete upheaval of your world.

If you have been injured in an auto accident, the first thing to do is receive appropriate medical treatment.

The second thing to do is talk to an auto accident lawyer. An experienced, knowledgeable and helpful attorney will explain your rights, your options and the appropriate way to handle insurance claims.

Determining Fault in Auto Accidents

It is not always easy to tell who is responsible in an auto accident. You may be certain of who was to blame, but determining fault in law can be complicated. Issues like who acted when and which specific laws apply to the auto accident will need to be considered.

If you believe another driver was at fault, you may have to prove that the driver breached a duty of care to you. That is, he or she was not acting with sufficient watchfulness, attention or caution and caused you harm.

An ethical auto accident lawyer will advise you on the proper steps for proving fault and seeking compensation. They can also provide invaluable legal knowledge when dealing with insurance companies.

Auto Accident Injuries and Compensation

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, you may be eligible for various types of compensation for injuries and damages, including:

Payment for medical bills
Compensation for lost wages
Payment for pain and suffering
Damages to your vehicle

Each case is unique and typically involves complex questions of proof and fault. An experienced auto accident lawyer can help you determine your legal options.

Auto Accident Insurance Claim Dos and Don'ts

It is important to know the right steps to take when making an auto insurance claim after an accident. Not taking the right steps could have a significant impact on the amount of compensation you ultimately receive. Before you make a claim, talk to an auto accident lawyer first.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists

Uninsured and underinsured motorists are a risk to themselves and the public at large. If they injure you or a loved one in an auto accident, their inadequate insurance (or lack of it) may not cover your damages. If this is the case, injured parties may be covered by their own insurance policies.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident and the other party does not have adequate insurance, it is important to contact an auto accident lawyer. An experienced accident attorney can help you create a plan for seeking compensation.

No-Fault Auto Insurance

No-fault auto insurance is designed to allow a driver to collect from his or her insurance company, no matter who was at fault in an auto accident.

Massachusetts is a no-fault insurance state, which means it has specific laws determining when, how much and for how long after an auto accident an injured person can collect compensation.

An expert Massachusetts auto accident lawyer will be trained in no-fault law. If you have been injured in an auto accident, an attorney can show you how the law will affect your claim for damages.

What to Do If You Are in an Auto Accident

If you have been in an auto accident, you will have important decisions to make - both now and in the future. Your first priority should be your health. Your second priority should be a consultation with an auto accident lawyer. An experienced attorney is an invaluable ally for long-term decisions.

Auto Accident FAQs

Q: I have been in an auto accident. Should I see a doctor?

A: Yes. If you have been injured in an auto accident, it's important to see a doctor immediately, even for minor aches or pains. These minor aches could mean nothing or they could be symptoms of more serious injuries. You will need a qualified medical practitioner to tell you the difference.

You should also see a doctor after an auto accident for legal reasons. If you decide to bring a compensation claim against a driver or another party, you will be required to produce an official documentation of your injuries. You will also need to demonstrate that you made every effort to have these injuries treated.

Q: Can I take action against parties other than the at-fault driver?

A: Yes. If you have been injured in an auto accident, there may be other parties who should be held responsible. For example, if you were hit by a drunk driver, the business who served alcohol to the driver could be at fault. Massachusetts dram law prohibits businesses from serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons.

Third parties can also be held responsible for manufacturing defects, debris in the road, inadequate lighting or maintenance - anything that may have caused or worsened the auto accident. Even the owner of a car driven by an at-fault driver can be held liable, if he or she negligently allowed the driver to use the car.

Find more information about Auto Accidents

Auto Accident Resources

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
A government agency, the NHTSA was formed to make U.S. highways safer for motorists and travelers.

What Are the Driving Laws in My State?
The Insurance Information Institute provides summaries of Massachusetts laws regarding auto insurance, seatbelts, drunk driving and more.

National Safety Council
A nonprofit organization, the National Safety Council has useful links and articles on improving road safety. Topics include seatbelt use, safe teenage driving and how to reduce motor vehicle crashes.

US Department of Transportation (DOT)
This federal agency focuses on policy and lawmaking to ensure safer travel throughout the United States.

MedlinePlus: Motor Vehicle Safety
Approximately every 12 minutes, someone in the U.S. dies from an auto accident. Hosted by the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, MedLine Plus offers vital tips for preventing crashes.

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