Weymouth, MA Car Accident Lawyer

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Car accidents are a very common source of injuries in Weymouth, MA. Unfortunately, many of these accidents result from drivers’ negligence. For instance, crashes regularly happen because motorists are disobeying traffic signals, driving distracted, and speeding.

You may be able to recover damages for your car accident injuries. In order to determine the appropriate path to payment, you must review the totality of circumstances surrounding your crash. The team at our law firm can help file your case, gather evidence, and negotiate for fair compensation.

In the aftermath of your collision in Weymouth, MA, seek guidance from our experienced car accident attorneys by calling the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407 to discuss your potential claim.

What if You Share Blame for Your Collision in Weymouth, MA?

There are scenarios where potential plaintiffs may share some of the blame for their collisions. For instance, a driver may share fault for their accident if they were speeding when they were struck by a drunk motorist who committed an improper lane change. In that case, the speeding driver may still be able to recover compensation for their injuries. However, the amount of damages they are awarded in a car accident lawsuit can be limited.

Massachusetts courts adhere to the rule of modified comparative fault when assigning damages in car accident lawsuits. This means that compensation is apportioned based on parties’ percentages of fault. As an example, if you are 15% responsible for your crash while the defendant is 85% to blame, then they will be ordered to pay for 85% of the damages you sustained while you must account for the remaining 15% on your own.

It is important to note that if you are over 50% at fault for your collision, then you will be unable to recover monetary damages in a car accident lawsuit. Support from our car accident lawyers can be highly valuable when building your case. We can help gather evidence that proves the defendant is at fault. Accordingly, you may recover the full range of compensation you deserve.

Common Locations for Car Accidents in Weymouth, MA

Car accidents happen at many different types of locations. Still, there are specific areas where crashes occur more often than others. The following are all common locations for car accidents in Weymouth:

Intersections

Intersections are a common location for car accidents. These are places where two or more roads cross each other, creating multiple directions from which vehicles can come. The complexity of navigating these routes is often heightened by the presence of pedestrians and cyclists. Misinterpretation of traffic signals, failure to yield, and distraction are among the common reasons for accidents at intersections.

Highways

Many vehicle collisions also happen on highways. Vehicles traveling at high speeds, the presence of large commercial trucks, and the complexity of entering and exiting lanes often contribute to the risk. Furthermore, driver fatigue is a significant factor in highway accidents, particularly on long, monotonous stretches.

Residential Areas

Residential areas are another common location where accidents occur. The presence of parked cars, narrowing of lanes, and limited visibility due to structures or vegetation are typical issues in these areas. Additionally, drivers often lower their guard in residential zones, leading to reckless driving and speeding.

Parking Lots

Parking lots are also common site for car accidents. These areas are typically filled with cars moving in every direction, pedestrians walking between vehicles, and drivers focused on finding a parking spot rather than on other cars. The tight spaces, combined with cars backing out blindly from parking spots, increase the risk of collisions.

Rural Roads

Finally, rural roads are a common location for car accidents. These roads often lack proper signage and lighting, are not well maintained, and have sharp turns and narrow lanes. Furthermore, the low traffic on these roads may lead to higher speeds or reckless driving, and the remoteness of these locations can delay emergency services, exacerbating the consequences of any accident.

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries that Occur in Weymouth, MA

Car crashes can result in a wide range of different injuries. Some of these injuries may heal relatively quickly while others can produce long-term consequences. The following are all common types of harm suffered by car accident victims in Weymouth:

Head and Brain Injuries

Many car accident victims sustain head and brain injuries. A sudden stop or change in direction can cause the vehicle occupants’ heads to jerk violently, potentially leading to concussion, bruising, or traumatic brain injury. Severe cases can result in cognitive impairment or chronic headaches.

Whiplash

Whiplash is another common injury associated with car accidents, particularly with rear-end collisions. This injury results from the rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck and head, similar to the cracking of a whip. It often leads to neck pain and stiffness. Further, some people with whiplash can experience complications such as chronic neck pain and long-term joint dysfunction.

Chest Injuries

Chest injuries are also prevalent, usually caused by a violent collision with the steering wheel, dashboard, or seat belt. These can range from contusions or bruises to more serious complications like broken ribs or internal injuries. Airbags, while life-saving, can also cause chest injuries due to the force of their deployment.

Arm and Leg Injuries

Many accident victims incur injuries to their extremities. Arms and legs are often thrown forward in a crash, potentially leading to fractures, sprains, or dislocations. In many cases, knee injuries can occur when victims’ knees strike dashboards or seats.

Psychological Harm

Lastly, psychological injuries should not be overlooked. Car accidents can be traumatic experiences, leading to mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. These can have just as profound an impact on an individual’s quality of life as physical injuries.