Auto Accidents

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited. Even if a driver had only one or two drinks, they may still be unable to safely operate their vehicle.

Drunk drivers that cause accidents face harsh lifetime penalties and families of drunk driving victims are often eligible for significant compensation for the massive damages alcohol- or drug-induced accidents cause.

What happens if I’m in an accident in an Uber or Lyft?

If you are in an accident involving a ride sharing service, an attorney can help. Ridesharing services have some liability policies in place that protect riders. Massachusetts law requires these companies to carry a million-dollar liability policy that’s in effect when the driver has a passenger in the vehicle, and both Lyft and Uber voluntarily have these policies in place in New Hampshire and other states where it’s not legally required.

However, the liability in ride sharing accidents isn’t always clear. Uber and Lyft both have much smaller liability policies in place for when the driver is logged into the app but without a passenger in the vehicle and this coverage may not be enough to cover accident damages. To protect your interests, you need an attorney who can work to prove that the ride sharing service is liable for your injuries. In some cases, the driver may also bear liability.

In 2023, nearly 970 people were killed in collisions involving a large truck. An additional 41,733 people were injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

If you are injured or if you lose a loved one in a crash with a commercial truck, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, recovery-related costs, lost future earning potential, loss of consortium, pain and suffering, disfigurement, wrongful death, and more.

How many teen car accidents result in death?

In 2023, more than 5,580 people died in auto collisions involving at least one teen driver. This represents a 4.2% increase from 2022 according to data. Furthermore, the number of teen motor-vehicle occupant deaths also increased in from 2,556 in 2022 to 2,707 in 2023. Only 38% of these deaths were the teen drivers themselves. The other 62% of fatalities included passengers, occupants of other vehicles, and non-occupants.

Is it safe to drive in the winter in Massachusetts?

Winters in Massachusetts and New Hampshire can be harsh and the risk of a traffic accident increases when there’s snow and ice on the road. Combined with heavy traffic around cities like Boston and Manchester, winter driving can easily turn into a deadly activity.

If you can avoid driving on snow and ice at all, it’s better to wait until the roads have been cleared before venturing out in your vehicle. If not, it’s critical to practice safe winter driving habits, such as driving slower, giving yourself more time to brake, and taking curves very carefully.

Massachusetts is a no-fault state, which means that both drivers’ insurance coverage may come into play in an automobile accident. Legally, Massachusetts drivers must have the following types of basic coverage:

• $20,000 liability coverage for bodily injury per person
• $40,000 liability bodily injury coverage per accident
• $5,000 liability coverage for property damage
• $8,000 no-fault coverage for personal injury projection
• $20,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person
• $40,000 uninsured motorist coverage per accident

Under the no-fault rules, your own insurance policy must pay up to $2,000 for medical bills if you are injured in a car accident, regardless of who causes the accident. If you incur additional medical expenses or if you suffer serious injuries including permanent disfiguration, broken bones, or lost vision or hearing, you can hold the other driver responsible and make a claim to their insurance company.

How do I know if someone else’s negligence caused my car accident?

Some examples of negligence in auto accident cases include:

• Driver fatigue
• Driver impairment
• Distracted driving (using cell phones, GPS, eating, grooming, or talking)
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Failure to maintain vehicles to meet proper safety standards
• Failure to screen drivers, by employers
• Other negligent hiring patterns
• Not training drivers correctly
• Breaching federal regulations related to commercial drivers
• Breaking state laws on ridesharing services
• Overloaded commercial trucks
• Manufacturing issues with vehicle components (airbags and tires, for example)

A quality auto accident lawyer can help you identify the liable party or parties, prove negligence, and file an insurance claim or a lawsuit for your damages.

Determining who may be liable for your car accident is key to recovering the maximum settlement award available in your case. Your attorney should explore the following potential responsible parties depending on the circumstances and facts surrounding your case.

• The other driver
• The company the driver works for, if applicable
• The designer manufacturer of your vehicle, the other driver’s vehicle, or any of its components or parts
• The city or municipality where the accident occurred
• Bars under dram shop liability laws

What can be included in an auto accident settlement?

In addition to proving negligence, your auto accident attorney needs to show that you suffered damages directly as a result of the other party’s negligence.

Depending on the specifics of your case, your damages may include the following or more:

• Medical bills
• Medical devices and equipment
• Medication costs
• Ambulance fees
• In-home services (healthcare, cleaning, childcare)
• Lost wages
• Reduced future earning capacity
• Permanent disability
• Pain and suffering
• Mental or physical distress
• Costs associated with post-traumatic stress disorder
• Disfigurement
• Loss of life enjoyment
• Loss of consortium
• Final medical expenses for deceased victims
• Funeral expenses related to wrongful death
• Property damage to your vehicle or other property

What’s the best way to stay safe when driving a car?

Driving is an inherently risky activity and always carries the danger of potentially getting into an accident. However, there are several steps you can take to reduce your likelihood of being involved in an automobile collision, such as:

• Driving the speed limit
• Obeying all traffic laws
• Ensuring your vehicle is well-maintained
• Keeping your cell phone on silent while driving
• Wearing your seat belt
• Checking your map and plan your route before you start driving
• Using a hands-free device for GPS or voice calls if needed