Massachusetts Truck Accident Lawyer
When a truck accident occurs, insurance companies of the at-fault party are quick to try to avoid any liability for the accidents. For victims who have suffered devastating injuries, the immediate pressure that insurance adjusters may place on them following an accident can be overwhelming.
If you were the victim of a truck accident and wish to recover compensation for your injuries, be sure to enlist the services of a seasoned tractor-trailor accident injury attorney. Our Massachusetts truck accident lawyers can help you to obtain police reports, interview witnesses, survey the accident scene, and start the processing of building a claim for damages. Call John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407 today.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Massachusetts
The involvement of a large commercial truck often results in more severe crashes and catastrophic injuries. The weight and size of these vehicles relative to other passenger vehicles also tend to cause more damage. These accidents may arise for various reasons, including:
- Distracted driving, especially by electronic devices
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Disregarding traffic laws, such as speed limits
- Inexperienced or unqualified drivers of commercial vehicles
Most operators of commercial semi tractor-trailers work for a trucking company or other entity. If the accident occurs in the course of employment, then the employer may be liable for any negligent actions of the truck driver. Since determining which parties may be responsible in a personal injury claim is not always a straightforward task, consulting a Massachusetts truck accident lawyer may be helpful.
Damages You May Recover in a Massachusetts Truck Accident Claim
While the damages in personal injury claims may vary, they can include many of the following items of compensation:
- Medical bills
- Property damage to vehicles
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost income
Other types of damages that may be available can include loss of future earning capacity due to an inability to return to work, pain and suffering, and in cases involving fatalities, funeral and burial expenses. In particularly egregious situations, you may also be able to recover punitive damages. These damages are rare and typically are reserved for those cases in which trucking companies have engaged in repeated misconduct or frequently disregarded federal regulations.
Why You Should Avoid Quick Settlement Offers for Your Truck Accident in Massachusetts
If you are suffering from severe injuries, you may be vulnerable to accepting quick settlement offers made by an insurance company that are far below a reasonable settlement amount. In some cases, victims are unable to sustain themselves while dealing with expensive medical bills, thus feeling the pressure to accept a settlement right away. If you want to ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you need, you should consider contacting a truck accident attorney in Massachusetts before signing any legal paperwork or agreeing to any settlement amount.
Statute of Limitations for Massachusetts Truck Accidents
Statutes of limitation are laws that all states enact to place limits on the filing of personal injury claims and other types of lawsuits. Individuals who do not bring their claims within the stated timeframes are likely to lose their ability to recover any compensation for their injuries through a personal injury claim.
Under Massachusetts General Laws 260§2A, individuals who sustain injuries in truck accidents generally only have three years from when their accidents occurred to file personal injury claims against all potentially liable parties. As a result, victims should be mindful of this deadline and seek legal advice well in advance of the applicable statute of limitations.
Call a Massachusetts Truck Accident Attorney Today for Help
Working with a Boston truck accident lawyer may be instrumental in obtaining compensation for injuries resulting from a catastrophic 18-wheeler accident. The catastrophic nature of truck accident injuries, dealing with potentially multiple liable parties, and the maze of federal regulations that apply to the trucking industry all can result in complicated claims.
Rather than trying to handle matters on your own, consider seeking legal advice. You may put yourself in a better position to recover full compensation in your claim by retaining the services of a professional Massachusetts personal injury attorney. to learn more, schedule a consultation at (617) 925-6407 as soon as conveniently possible.
