Somerville is one of the most densely populated cities in the northeast U.S. Despite the relaxed neighborhood feel, the streets are teeming with heavy volumes of traffic, which increases the potential for car accidents. In many cases, the accident could have been prevented if only someone had exercised proper caution.
When a car accident is caused by the negligence or other wrongdoing of another person, a Somerville car accident lawyer may be able to help you receive compensation to make up for your losses. a successful Somerville personal injury attorney could help you protect your rights, investigate the cause of the accident, and fight to get you a fair recovery after your accident.
Get support from our car accident attorneys at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan by dialing (617) 925-6407.
Compensation for Injuries in a Somerville, MA Car Accident Claim
The harm suffered in a car accident often includes more than broken bones and dented fenders. Physical injuries frequently have long-term effects that may require medical care indefinitely. The injuries could affect the ability to work on a short or long-term basis. Moreover, the emotional trauma may never fully heal.
A Somerville car accident lawyer could help recover compensation to make up for a variety of these effects, including those anticipated in the future. Some losses, often referred to as economic losses, are relatively straightforward to calculate. For instance, if certain medical care will be required in the future, it is possible to estimate the costs, multiply by the anticipated number of years, and derive an approximate amount needed.
Other losses are noneconomic, meaning that they do not have a direct monetary equivalent. These factors have as much or more of an impact on an injured individual as the direct economic losses, so the civil legal system provides compensation for this type of loss. a damage award could provide amounts to cover pain and suffering, emotional anguish, loss of enjoyment of favorite activities, and inconvenience.
Benefits of Retaining a Somerville Car Accident Lawyer Early in Your Case
For numerous reasons, it is a good idea to consult a Somerville car accident lawyer before too much time passes. an attorney can ensure that a claim is prepared and filed before the three-year statute of limitations deadline.
In addition, an attorney could also start to work right away collecting evidence while it is most readily available. it is a good idea to locate and interview witnesses and photograph the accident scene as soon as possible after an accident. an attorney could assist with these and other tasks, including preservation of video so that that it is not erased.
Finally, working with an attorney can also prevent an accident victim from taking actions or making statements that could be used against them later. an accident lawyer could handle questions from insurance companies to allow the victim to focus on healing.
No-Fault Insurance in Somerville, MA
State laws allow injured motorists to file a lawsuit in many car accident cases even if the injured person has not exhausted all personal injury protection benefits. Due to no-fault insurance coverage requirements, many accident victims may seek recovery from their insurance company only to find that the insurer is unwilling to pay out a fair amount to cover the injuries.
A Somerville car accident lawyer could assist in negotiating with a victim’s insurance company as well as the insurance company of the person responsible for causing the accident. The no-fault insurance laws can complicate accident cases, but they may still allow for a fair recovery.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits in Somerville, MA
In Massachusetts, the deadline to file a car accident lawsuit is set forth under Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 260, § 2A. You will typically have three years from the date of a crash to file your case against the at-fault party. Noncompliance with this deadline may cause your potential claim to be dismissed.
Despite potentially having up to three years from the date of your accident to bring your lawsuit to court, you should begin building your case as soon as possible after your collision. As time passes, the evidence required to support your claim can become hard to gather or preserve. For example, a witness may forget an important detail, or a crucial document can become misplaced. The more quickly you connect with our car accident lawyers, the more efficient the evidence collection process will be.
Common Sources of Car Crashes in Somerville, MA
There are many forms of negligence that can lead to car accidents in Somerville. If your collision stems from any of the following, then you may be entitled to payment for the harm you endured:
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving remains a significant contributor to car accidents in Massachusetts. Individuals operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol pose a substantial threat to road safety. Despite legal consequences and public awareness campaigns, this reckless behavior persists, leading to severe consequences for those involved in accidents with impaired drivers.
Tired Driving
Fatigue-related accidents are prevalent on Massachusetts roads. Drivers who operate vehicles while fatigued or drowsy jeopardize their own safety and that of others. The consequences of tired driving can result in serious collisions, as impaired reaction times and compromised decision-making abilities become prominent issues on the road.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become a pervasive issue, with the use of mobile phones being a primary concern. The prevalence of drivers engaging in activities such as texting or using apps while driving increases the risk of accidents. The impact of distracted driving extends beyond the immediate parties involved, affecting the safety of everyone sharing the road.
Speeding
Excessive speed remains a leading cause of car accidents in Massachusetts. Drivers who exceed speed limits compromise their ability to respond to unexpected situations promptly. Speeding not only increases the severity of accidents but also elevates the likelihood of collisions, making it a significant factor contributing to road incidents.
Running Red Lights
Disregarding traffic signals, particularly running red lights, is a common cause of accidents in Massachusetts. Drivers who fail to adhere to traffic signals put themselves and others at considerable risk. Collisions resulting from running red lights can cause serious injuries and property damage.
Tailgating
Tailgating, or following too closely, is another prevalent issue on Massachusetts roads. Drivers who engage in this behavior reduce the margin of safety, amplifying the likelihood of rear-end collisions. Tailgating is a dangerous practice that frequently leads to accidents, often with severe consequences for those involved.
Improper Lane Changes
Accidents frequently occur because of improper lane changes. Drivers who fail to signal or check blind spots before changing lanes pose a significant threat to road safety. Collisions resulting from improper lane changes can lead to disputes over liability and the need for legal intervention.
Illegal Left Turns
Illegal left turns contribute to car accidents in Massachusetts. Drivers who make left turns without proper signaling or in violation of traffic regulations create hazardous situations. Accidents stemming from illegal left turns can lead to complex legal scenarios, necessitating the expertise of a car accident lawyer.
Improper Vehicle Maintenance
Neglected vehicle maintenance can be a causal factor in accidents. When drivers fail to ensure their vehicles are in proper working condition, mechanical failures can occur, leading to accidents. Addressing the role of improper vehicle maintenance is crucial in understanding the root causes of accidents in Massachusetts.
Wrong-Way Driving
Wrong-way driving incidents pose a serious threat to road safety. Whether because of confusion, impairment, or other factors, drivers traveling in the wrong direction on roadways contribute to high-risk situations. Understanding the implications of wrong-way driving is essential in addressing and preventing accidents on Massachusetts roads.
Common Areas Where Car Accidents Occur in Somerville, MA
There are areas where car accidents occur more frequently. Being aware of these potentially dangerous locations can help motorists remain safe on the roads.
Intersections
Intersections are prominent locations for car accidents in Massachusetts. The convergence of vehicles from different directions increases the risk of collisions, especially when factors such as disregarding traffic signals or failing to yield right of way come into play. Accidents at intersections can lead to complex liability issues, often requiring legal expertise to navigate.
Highways and Freeways
Highways and freeways witness a high incidence of car accidents in Massachusetts. The combination of high speeds and heavy traffic on these roadways amplifies the potential for severe collisions. Accidents on highways often result in significant injuries and property damage, necessitating legal assistance to address the complexities of such cases.
Parking Lots
Parking lots, despite lower speeds, are common locations for car accidents. Issues such as distracted driving, failure to yield, and limited visibility contribute to collisions in parking areas. Determining liability in parking lot accidents can be challenging, requiring legal support to navigate through insurance claims and potential legal actions.
School Zones
School zones are critical areas where the safety of pedestrians and school children is of utmost concern. Accidents in school zones can occur because of speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield to pedestrians. Addressing the legal implications of accidents in school zones requires a nuanced understanding of traffic regulations and potential liability issues.
Construction Zones
Construction zones present heightened risks for car accidents in Massachusetts. Changes in road conditions, reduced speed limits, and narrowed lanes can lead to confusion and increase the likelihood of collisions. Understanding the unique challenges posed by accidents in construction zones is essential for effectively addressing legal aspects and pursuing compensation for those involved.
Talk to a Somerville Car Accident Attorney Today to Discuss Your Claim
Seek assistance from our car accident lawyers by calling the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407.