Springfield, MA Car Accident Lawyer
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.
