Springfield, MA Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents can be unavoidable. Each day in Saugus, numerous people are injured in car accidents caused by other drivers’ negligence. There are many forms of careless behavior that lead to car crashes. Sadly, these accidents can cause life-altering injuries.

Massachusetts is a no-fault car insurance state. Accordingly, in most cases, victims of car accidents in Saugus must make a claim under their own insurance policy for damages related to the crash. However, claims may be made against at-fault drivers in cases where a victim suffered a serious injury or incurred at least $2,000 in reasonable medical expenses. In most situations, a car accident lawyer can help recover compensation after an accident.

If you were injured because of a car accident, seek assistance from our experienced Saugus car accident lawyers by calling the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407 for a free case review.

Can I Sue After a Car Accident in Saugus?

You may only bring a claim against an at-fault driver if you suffered a “serious injury” or incurred at least $2,000 in reasonable medical expenses because of a crash. Serious injuries refer to injuries that cause permanent and serious disfigurement, fractured bone, or significant loss of hearing or sight. If your injuries qualify under this definition, you are not limited to filing with your own insurance policy. However, other drivers’ insurance companies may hire defense lawyers, doctors, and private investigators to refute your claim. Defendant’s insurers will likely try to shift blame or dispute damages.

In all other cases, you will have to file a claim for damages under your own insurance policy. Our lawyers can help sue your own insurance company if a claim was improperly denied.

Therefore, the ability to sue can depend on the circumstances of your accident.  Car accident victims should contact our Saugus car accident lawyers for help recovering the compensation they deserve.

Settling a Car Accident Case vs. Taking a Car Accident Case to Trial in Saugus

When plaintiffs file a car accident lawsuit against their own insurer or a negligent driver, they must endure a long pre-trial process. This process allows parties the time to gather evidence and negotiate. In some cases, parties may reach a settlement agreement. A settlement agreement is a type of legal contract that helps resolve disputes before going to trial. Under a settlement agreement, parties will agree upon an amount of compensation to be paid and their case will be voluntarily dismissed. Both parties in a car accident lawsuit can save lots of time and money by avoiding trial.

In some instances, settling a case is not the right decision. Insurance companies may make low settlement offers and ignore what your case is truly worth. Taking a case to trial can allow plaintiffs to recover more compensation for their injuries. However, if a plaintiff loses at trial, they may not receive any monetary damages. Our Saugus car accident lawyers can help victims determine if settling or going to trial is the right decision in their case.

What to Do After a Car Accident Case in Saugus

Car crashes can be traumatic, frightening experiences. The aftermath of an accident can be difficult to navigate. Still, it is important to keep your composure. There are certain steps you can take after an accident that will protect your interests in a future car accident claim. Victims should take the following actions after a crash:

Remain at the Scene

You should find a place near the scene of an accident to safely wait for help to arrive. Victims who flee the scene of an accident may be charged with a hit and run. However, you should not remain in an area where you can be struck by another vehicle.

Call 911

You should also call 911 as soon as possible for an accident. A dispatcher may send help for anyone who required immediate medical attention. Further, a police officer must visit the scene to collect statements and create an official accident report.

If you suffered an accident involving a driver who committed a hit and run, you should still remain at the scene and call 911. An officer may be able to help identify the unknown driver.

Exchange Information with Other Parties

Next, you should exchange information with any other parties to an accident. This includes contact information such as names, addresses, and phone numbers. Additionally, you should collect insurance information and license plate numbers from all other drivers involved in an accident. Additionally, you should collect contact information for any witnesses to a car accident. This information can assist you when filing your car accident claim.

Document the Scene

It can also benefit you to document the scene of an accident with photographs and videos if possible. Some defendants will attempt to claim that property damage was incurred after an accident happened. Photos of a damaged vehicle can help prove that certain damage occurred because of a crash.

Lastly, you should also take note of the exact time an accident occurred and write down your personal recollection of the event. Certain details may fade from memory over time. Your personal recollection can help our Saugus car accident lawyers when filing your claim.

Seek Medical Treatment

You should seek medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible after an accident. A doctor must document your injuries in order for you to recover compensation.

Furthermore, some injuries may go unnoticed for some time before eventually worsening. A doctor will be able to treat any underlying injuries suffered because of a car accident. Our Saugus car accident lawyers can help refer the proper physicians for your injuries.

Contact Experienced Car Accident Lawyers

Lastly, victims should contact car accident lawyers for help with their case. The process for recovering compensation after an accident can be complex. Our Saugus car accident lawyers can help file a claim with your own insurer or bring suit against a negligent driver.

If You Were Injured Because of a Car Accident in Saugus, Our Lawyers Can Help

If you were injured because of a car accident in Saugus, get help recovering the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced Saugus car accident lawyers by calling the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407 for a free case review.Regrettably, automobile collisions are frequently occurring in Springfield. If you have sustained injuries as a result of someone else’s reckless driving, you have the option to pursue remuneration for the damages incurred.

Being involved in a vehicle accident can lead to various physical and emotional problems that require extensive medical treatment to recover from. However, it can be a complex process to obtain the compensation you deserve. Fortunately, our firm can provide valuable assistance in navigating the legal system and determining the appropriate compensation for your case. We possess the skills to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to, regardless of the type of accident you experienced.

To get your free case review with our car accident attorneys, call the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407 today.

Proving a Car Accident Case in Springfield, MA

To successfully prove liability and receive compensation for damages in a car accident case in Springfield, it is essential to understand the elements of negligence. By gathering compelling evidence and presenting a strong case in court, your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in your lawsuit greatly increase. Our car accident lawyers can assist you in gathering and organizing evidence to establish each element of negligence. To recover compensation in a lawsuit, each of the following elements must be satisfied:

Duty of Care

To prove your case, you need to demonstrate that the defendant had a responsibility towards you. In Springfield, all drivers are obligated to follow the local traffic laws and drive cautiously to ensure the safety of other road users. This includes obeying traffic signals, maintaining a safe driving distance, and adhering to posted speed limits. Referring to the local traffic laws and regulations can help you establish that the other driver had a duty of care towards you.

Breach of Duty

It is necessary to demonstrate that the other driver failed their duty of care by acting negligently. Actions such as reckless driving, breaking traffic laws, or engaging in dangerous behaviors while driving, such as texting or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, could demonstrate that a driver has failed to meet their duty of care. The breach can be established with evidence such as surveillance footage, traffic citations, and witness statements.

Causation

After establishing the previous two elements, it becomes necessary to demonstrate that your damages were a direct result of the defendant’s breach of duty. This means that it must be shown that the accident would not have occurred if the defendant had taken reasonable care under the circumstances.

Proving this element is usually the most challenging and often requires testimony from experts such as medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, or other experts to establish a causal link between the defendant’s breach of duty and your injuries.

Damages

Lastly, it is necessary to demonstrate that the other driver’s negligence caused you actual harm or losses. These damages can take the form of both financial and psychological losses. To establish your damages, you should have documentation such as medical bills, proof of lost wages, property damage assessments, and evidence of the pain and suffering you have undergone as a result of your injuries. In most cases, you will need an expert to testify on the psychological harm caused by your car accident injuries.

Typical Causes of Car Accidents in Springfield, MA

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s carelessness, you are entitled to receive compensation, regardless of the type of car accident that occurred. There are several reasons why car accidents happen, and below are some of the most common causes of car accidents in Springfield:

Traffic Violations

In Springfield, car accidents happen quite often because of drivers violating traffic laws. These violations often result in severe injuries, such as not giving way to others, running red lights, and ignoring stop signs or traffic signals. It is the responsibility of every driver to strictly follow traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and obeying traffic signals. When drivers fail to follow these rules, accidents can occur, especially at intersections where drivers usually do not notice or respect traffic signals.

Speeding

Speeding is a leading cause of car accidents in Springfield. The purpose of speed limits is to ensure safe driving speeds on most roads and highways. When drivers exceed these limits, they might struggle to control their vehicles, particularly on hills and curves where slowing down is essential. Moreover, speeding increases the distance required to stop, which can be perilous if there is a need to stop suddenly for another vehicle or pedestrian. Therefore, it is crucial to adhere to speed limits to ensure everyone’s safety on the road.

Distracted Driving

Car accidents caused by distracted driving are a significant concern, and our team can assist you in recovering compensation for them. When drivers get distracted by their cell phones or other technology, their reaction times slow down, and they have less control over their vehicles on the road. This significantly increases the chances of crashing into another car or hitting an obstacle, such as a pedestrian crossing the road or road construction. These types of accidents can be catastrophic since a distracted driver might not have enough time to prevent a collision.

Illegal Lane Changes

Car accidents are frequently caused by negligent drivers who change lanes illegally. They often fail to use their turn signals or check their mirrors and, as a result, make sudden lane changes without warning or consideration for other drivers. This reckless behavior can result in serious accidents, including head-on collisions if the other driver is forced into oncoming traffic.

Tailgating

Rear-end collisions caused by tailgating are a common occurrence in Springfield. If you find yourself being tailgated, avoid the temptation of speeding up to get away from the driver behind you. Instead, gradually slow down your vehicle until you create enough distance between you and the tailgater. If necessary, come to a complete stop. If you were involved in a car accident caused by someone who was following too closely, you might have the right to file a lawsuit against them for negligence.

Drunk Driving

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Springfield can increase the chances of being involved in a car accident. As a popular beach destination, many individuals visit to have a good time, but some do not exhibit responsible behavior by choosing to drive after consuming alcohol or drugs. Drivers who are intoxicated exhibit slower reaction times and impaired judgment compared to sober drivers.

Our Springfield, MA Car Accident Attorneys Are Here to Help

Reach out to the Law Office of John J. Sheehan by calling (617) 925-6407 for a free evaluation of your case with our car accident attorneys.