Haverhill Car Accident Lawyer
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be difficult. The harm caused by motor vehicle collisions can impact victims’ lives in several ways. Many drivers do not consider the consequences of their actions before exhibiting carelessness behind the wheel.
Our attorneys understand how distressing it can be when you incur a serious injury that was not your fault. Thankfully, we can help recover financial compensation for your car accident injuries. There are multiple types of monetary damages that may be available to you.
Seek guidance from our experienced car accident lawyers today by calling the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407 for a free case review.
Actions to Take Immediately After Suffering a Car Crash in Haverhill, MA
After being struck by a negligent driver, it can be difficult to keep your composure. However, taking the following actions can protect your interests and help your chances to obtain payment for your injuries.
If you were hurt because of your car crash, call 911 right away. A police officer must visit the scene of your collision to draft an accident report. Furthermore, the emergency dispatcher can send emergency services if you require immediate medical care.
Additionally, you should attempt to trade contact and insurance information with other motorists involved in your crash. This information may be helpful when building your potential claim. However, when conversing with other parties, you should not make any statements that can be interpreted as apologies or admissions of fault.
The next step you should take after your accident involves collecting evidence at the scene. First, contact information for any witnesses should be retrieved if possible. Witnesses can offer both oral and written testimony that helps our car accident lawyers establish why your collision happened. It may also be beneficial to take photos at the scene if you can. Photos from your accidents’ scene can help identify contributing factors and disprove defendant’s alternative theories of fault.
Finally, you should call our law firm as quickly as you can after your accident. Our lawyers will review your claim and explain the appropriate course of action. If you wait too long to seek legal help, you may miss the deadline for filing your case.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits in Haverhill, MA
Statutes of limitations are regulations that establish time windows for filing certain types of lawsuits. In Massachusetts, the time limit for filing car accident cases is governed by Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 260, § 2A. Usually, you must bring your lawsuit to court within three years of the date your collision occurred. Failure to act in accordance with this deadline could cause your potential case to be dismissed.
Even though you may have up to three years to file your lawsuit, you should reach out to our car accident attorneys as soon as you can. As time passes after your crash, important evidence can be misplaced or begin to deteriorate. For example, injuries can heal without proper medical documentation and important financial documents can be lost. The more quickly you get in touch with our team, the more efficiently we can retrieve the evidence we need to win your case.
Examples of Car Accident Injuries You Can Sue for in Haverhill, MA
In order to file a car accident lawsuit against another driver in Massachusetts, you must have suffered a significant injury. The following are common car accident injuries that you can sue for in Haverhill:
Broken or Fracture Bones
Those who suffer broken or fractured bones because of their car accidents may be able to sue for the damages they incur. These injuries often happen when victims violently strike hard objects inside of their vehicles during collisions.
Spinal Cord Damage
Spinal cord injuries are often related to collisions that occur at high speeds. Victims who suffer spinal cord damage can experience restrictions on their abilities to work and enjoy their daily lives.
Head Injuries
Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries like concussions can produce a wide range of symptoms that affect victims’ quality of life. Furthermore, head injuries can also cause facial disfigurement that prevents injured parties from partaking in social activities and engaging in familial relationships.
Torn Ligaments
Many car accident victims suffer torn ligaments in their knees, shoulders, and wrists because of their crashes. These injuries often require costly surgical procedures to repair. Also, the recovery time for torn ligaments can be lengthy.
When to Seek Medical Treatment for Your Car Accident Injuries in Haverhill, MA
If you did not receive immediate medical treatment for your car accident injuries, you should see a doctor as soon as you can. Official documentation of your injuries is required in order to recover payment for the damages you incurred. By waiting too long to seek medical care, you may let your injuries heal without being documented.
Also, defendants and their insurance companies regularly attempt to use delays in medical treatment to complicate settlement processes. For instance, the defendant’s attorney may argue that you are not truly hurt because you did not see a doctor immediately after your accident. Furthermore, your failure to attend follow-up appointments may also be used against you.
Who is Responsible for Damages Caused by Car Accidents in Haverhill, MA?
If you suffered minor injuries because of your car accident in Massachusetts, you can be limited to seeking compensation from your own insurer. In this case, your insurance company should pay for the medical bills and lost wages caused by your injury.
However, if your car accident caused serious harm, you may be able to seek payment by filing a lawsuit against the other driver. In this case, the other driver may be held accountable for a wide range of economic and non-economic damages related to your injuries.
After Suffering a Motor Vehicle Collision in Haverhill, Call Our Attorneys for Support
Connect with our experienced car accident lawyers today by calling the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407 for a free case evaluation.