Attleboro, MA Car Accident Lawyers
Car accidents are a very common source of personal injuries in Attleboro, MA. Unfortunately, in many cases, harmful collisions occur because drivers act negligently behind the wheel. For instance, a crash may happen because a motorist was speeding, driving drunk, or disobeying traffic signals.
In the aftermath of your harmful accident, you may have multiple options for pursuing compensation. The team at our firm can review your case and explain the appropriate steps to take. Further, we can help build your potential claim and negotiate for the full extent of compensation available to you.
Seek assistance from our car accident lawyers at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan by dialing (617) 925-6407.
Common Types of Harm Caused by Car Crashes in Attleboro, MA
Car crash victims can incur a wide range of debilitating and painful injuries. Thankfully, if you suffered any of the following as a result of your crash, then our car accident lawyers can evaluate your potential claim for compensation:
Head Injuries
Head injuries are frequently sustained in car accidents when a victim’s head strikes the dashboard, steering wheel, or windshield. In many instances, these impacts lead to traumatic brain injuries like concussions and intracranial hematomas.
Head injuries can have serious consequences, leading to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and mood changes. Treatment often involves medical evaluation, rest, and, in severe cases, surgical interventions to alleviate pressure on the brain.
Neck and Spinal Injuries
Neck and spinal injuries are also common types of harm that result from car accidents. One of the more common forms of neck injuries suffered by crash victims is whiplash. Whiplash results from the abrupt back-and-forth motion of the head and neck during a collision. Victims with this injury may experience neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
More severe spinal injuries can include herniated discs or fractures, which can cause long-term disability. Treatment for these injuries may involve physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgery to address spinal issues.
Chest Injuries
Chest injuries can happen because of the impact of a car accident. Victims may suffer rib fractures, internal organ damage, or contusions. These injuries can be painful and lead to complications such as punctured lungs or cardiac trauma. Medical treatment may involve pain management, monitoring for internal bleeding, and surgery in cases of severe trauma.
Abdominal Injuries
Furthermore, victims of car accidents regularly suffer abdominal injuries. During a crash, abdominal injuries can occur when the victim’s body forcefully strikes the steering wheel or other objects. Injuries may range from abdominal bruising to organ damage, such as liver or spleen injuries. Immediate medical attention is crucial for diagnosing and treating internal bleeding or organ damage, which may require surgical intervention.
In some cases, the severity of an abdominal injury may not become apparent until days after a crash. If you are experiencing any degree of abdominal pain as a result of your accident, then it is imperative that you seek medical treatment as soon as you can. Our team can help locate the right doctor for you.
Extremity Injuries
Car accidents can also cause various extremity injuries, such as fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue damage to arms, legs, and hands. Victims may experience pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Treatment options for these injuries can vary drastically, but they typically include immobilization and physical therapy. In some cases, surgical repair is necessary to restore function and reduce long-term complications.
Psychological Injuries
Car accidents can also result in psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Victims may experience emotional distress and fear of driving after the accident. Treating these injuries may involve therapy, counseling, and medication to manage symptoms.
Burn Injuries
Lastly, burn injuries can occur during car accidents because of fires, explosions, or contact with hot surfaces. Victims may suffer from first-degree burns, which cause mild skin damage. In more severe cases, victims may sustain second-degree or third-degree burns that can lead to tissue damage and scarring.
Treatment for burn injuries involves immediate cooling of the burn, wound cleaning, and sometimes surgical procedures like skin grafts. The recovery process for burn victims can be lengthy and painful, often necessitating ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. Fortunately, crash victims with burn injuries may be able to pursue payment for the immense physical pain they endured.
Time Limit to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Attleboro, MA
The time limit to file a car crash case in Massachusetts is set forth by Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 260, § 2A. Usually, you will have up to three years from the date your crash happened to bring your claim to court. If you wait too long to file, then you may miss out on your chance to obtain financial compensation for your car accident injuries.
Furthermore, as time passes, important evidence needed to support your lawsuit may become difficult to preserve or collect. For example, physical evidence can deteriorate, and pertinent details can be forgotten. The sooner you get in touch with our car accident attorneys, the more efficiently we can gather the information we need to win your case.
What if You Share Fault for Your Car Accident in Attleboro, MA
There are multiple situations where parties can share the blame for their car crashes. For instance, a speeding driver may share fault for a collision with an impaired driver. Further, a motorist who makes an improper lane change may be partially to blame for a crash with a distracted driver.
Fortunately, if you share fault for your collision in Massachusetts, then you may still be able to pursue payment for your injuries. However, the amount of compensation you can recover may be limited.
Massachusetts courts abide by the doctrine of “modified comparative fault” when awarding damages in car accident cases. In other words, damages are apportioned based on parties’ percentages of blame. For example, if you are 20% to blame for your collision while the other party is 80% at fault, then they must pay for 80% of your damages while you are left to account for the remaining 20%.
It is important to note that you will be unable to pursue payment if you are considered to be more than 50% at fault for your collision.
Support from the team at our firm can be crucial when gathering evidence and establishing fault in your case. We can help ensure that you recover the full range of damages you are owed.
Steps to Take Immediately After Your Car Accident in Attleboro, MA
It can be hard to keep your composure in the aftermath of a car accident, especially one that caused serious injuries. Still, there are certain actions you may take that will enhance your recovery and improve your ability to recover financial compensation:
Remain at the Scene and Call 911
After a car accident, it is crucial to remain at the scene and immediately call 911. This is a legal requirement after an accident that causes an injury or significant property damage. Further, reporting a crash helps ensure the safety of all parties involved.
After dialing 911 and reporting your accident, the authorities will arrive to assess the situation, provide medical assistance if necessary, and create an accident report that may be vital for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Exchange Information with Other Parties
While still at the scene, it is essential to exchange information with other parties involved in the accident. This information should include names, contact details, insurance information, and license plate numbers. This data is necessary for filing insurance claims and for any potential legal actions that may follow.
Document the Scene
Documenting the accident scene is a critical step in gathering evidence. Use your smartphone or a camera to take pictures of the vehicles involved, the damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be valuable when dealing with insurance companies or legal proceedings. Additionally, it’s beneficial to note the names and contact information of any witnesses who can provide statements about what they observed.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t believe your injuries are severe, it’s important to seek medical attention after a car accident. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately, and prompt medical evaluation can identify and treat hidden injuries. Additionally, medical records can serve as evidence for any claims or legal actions related to the accident.
Call Our Attorneys
Once you’ve addressed immediate safety concerns and sought medical attention, it’s wise to contact our attorneys who specialize in car accident cases. Our team of legal professionals can provide valuable guidance and support while pursuing payment for your injuries. By hiring legal representation early in the process, you can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Damages Available in a Car Accident Lawsuit in Attleboro, MA
There are multiple types of damages that may be recovered in a car accident lawsuit. During your free case review, our team can explain which of the following you may pursue:
Medical Expenses
First and foremost, you may be able to obtain compensation for any medical expenses stemming from your car accident injuries. These expenses can encompass a wide range of costs, including but not limited to ambulance fees, hospital stays, surgical procedures, prescription medications, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatments.
The financial burden of these medical bills can be overwhelming, but pursuing a lawsuit can help ease this burden, ensuring that you receive the compensation necessary to cover the costs associated with your injuries and your journey to recovery.
Lost Wages
If you have been unable to work because of the injuries sustained in a car accident, the you may also recover compensation for your lost wages. This compensation is not only intended to cover the income you have already lost but also to account for any future earnings you might miss out on because of ongoing medical treatments, disabilities, or limitations caused by the accident.
Calculating lost wages can be a complex process, and it often requires collaboration with financial and legal experts to ensure that you receive the full and fair compensation you are entitled to. Fortunately, our team can help find the experts needed to support your claim.
Property Damage
Car accidents can also result in substantial property damage, particularly to your vehicle. In a car accident lawsuit, you have the opportunity to seek payment for the costs associated with repairing or replacing your damaged car, and any other personal property that was affected in the accident.
It’s essential to keep records of all property damage, repair estimates, and receipts to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve to make your property whole again.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Beyond the more apparent expenses like medical bills and property damage, car accidents can lead to various out-of-pocket expenses that you may be eligible to recover in a lawsuit. These expenses can include transportation costs related to medical appointments, home modifications, or any other costs you’ve had to pay directly because of your injuries.
Documenting and presenting these out-of-pocket expenses in your case is crucial to ensure that you receive comprehensive compensation for all the financial losses you’ve incurred. Accordingly, you should keep the receipts for any expenses incurred because of your car accident injuries.
Pain and Suffering
Lastly, you may also pursue payment for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by your car accident injuries. Pain and suffering compensation recognizes the physical and emotional distress you’ve experienced as a result of your crash. While these damages are less tangible than medical expenses or property damage, they are equally significant in acknowledging the hardships and emotional toll the accident has taken on your life.
To determine the value of these damages, various factors are considered like the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and your emotional well-being.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers for Help with Your Case in Attleboro, MA
Get support from our car accident attorneys by calling the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407.
