Danvers, MA Car Accident Lawyer
No one expects to be in a car accident. A great number of crashes are caused by negligent drivers who strike unsuspecting motorists. Fortunately, you may be compensated for damages caused by an accident.
There are two potential routes to compensation. In some cases, victims must file claims with their own insurance companies to pursue monetary damages related to a crash. However, other victims may file car accident lawsuits against at-fault drivers. A car accident lawyer can help explain the legal options available to you.
If you were injured because of a car accident in Danvers, MA, get help pursuing the compensation available to you. Contact our experienced Danvers car accident lawyers by calling the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407 for a free case review.
When to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Danvers, MA
Courts in Danvers follow no-fault car insurance rules. Accordingly, after most crashes, drivers will seek compensation through their own insurers. Lawsuits may only be filed against other drivers after especially severe accidents. Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 231, § 6D establishes that at-fault motorists can only be held liable for accidents that lead to any of the following:
- $2,000 in medical bills
- Severe and permanent disfigurement
- Significant loss of sight or hearing
- Broken bones
There are several types of injuries that may fall into one of the aforementioned categories. If you suffered serious injuries because of a crash, our Danvers car accident lawyers can help determine if you may file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Elements of a Danvers, MA Car Accident Lawsuit
Car accident lawsuits can come in many forms. Depending on the circumstances of your crash, there is a wide array of legal strategies that may be applied to your case. In every case, however, the following four elements must be satisfied:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- The defendant breached their duty of care
- You were injured because of the defendant’s breach of duty
- You suffered damages as a result of your injuries
Analyzing these elements and applying them to the facts of your case can be a challenging process. Our Danvers car accident lawyers can help ascertain whether these elements have been satisfied during a free case review.
Damages Available in Danvers, MA Car Accident Lawsuits
There are multiple types of monetary damages available to plaintiffs in Danvers car accident lawsuits. The damages awarded in your case will depend on the extent of injuries caused by your crash. Our experienced Danvers car accident lawyers can help assess which of the following damages may be available in your case:
Property Damages
Plaintiffs can be compensated for property damage they suffered because of an accident. For instance, victims’ vehicles are often badly damaged because of a crash. In such cases, plaintiffs may recover monetary damages for the cost of repair or replacement of their vehicle.
Defendants may allege that certain damage was not caused by the crash at issue. Accordingly, you should take photos of your damaged car at the scene of your accident. Photos from the scene can help our Danvers car accident lawyers hold a defendant responsible for the property damage you incurred.
Medical Expenses
Damages for medical expenses may also be recovered in Danvers car accident lawsuits. There is a wide array of injuries caused by car crashes. Many of these injuries require expensive medical care. Accordingly, you may be compensated for any medical expenses related to your accident. Medical expenses are typically calculated using medical records and bills.
You may also be compensated for the cost of future medical treatment related to your injuries. Expert witness testimony is typically required when seeking damages for medical expenses that will occur in the future. Our Danvers car accident lawyers can summon the appropriate experts to recover such damages in your case.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Many victims incur out-of-pocket expenses because of accidents. For example, a victim may have to pay for child care while they attend medical appointments and court proceedings related to their accident. Accordingly, damages for out-of-pocket expenses are another form of compensation that may be pursued by plaintiffs in Danvers car accident lawsuits.
Out-of-pocket expenses are usually established through receipts or other financial documents. Therefore, you should preserve receipts for any expenses you incurred because of your crash.
Physical Pain and Emotional Suffering
Lastly, plaintiffs may also seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering they sustained because of their car accidents. The impact of physical pain and emotional anguish can be hard to quantify. However, many accidents produce devastating impacts on victims’ quality of life. Our experienced Danvers car accident lawyers can help fight for pain and suffering damages in your case.
Dealing with Insurance Companies in Danvers, MA Car Accident Lawsuits
Dealing with insurance companies is often the most frustrating part of pursuing a car accident lawsuit. First, insurers will likely hire defense lawyers and private investigators in attempts to shift blame for your crash. By alleging that you were at fault, defendants may avoid paying the full value of your claim. Our Danvers car accident lawyers can help fight insurance companies and prove that another driver was at-fault for your crash.
Furthermore, the assistance of our attorneys can be highly valuable when negotiating for fair compensation before trial. Most plaintiffs will have to decide between reaching a settlement agreement or taking their case to trial. Those who settle early will receive an agreed-upon sum from the defendant in exchange for their cases being dismissed. However, not all settlement offers are fair. Our team can lean on years of experience when negotiating with insurance companies, so you may receive a better settlement offer in your case.
If You Were Injured Because of a Car Accident in Danvers, MA, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you were injured because of a car accident, seek guidance and support from our experienced Danvers car accident lawyers by calling the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407 for a free case review.
