Worcester, MA Car Accident Lawyer
Many collisions with other cars happen unexpectedly and unavoidably. Careless drivers can cause crashes through countless types of negligent actions like driving distracted, speeding, and running red lights. Such accidents can cause victims to undergo debilitating physical pain, emotional hardship, and financial distress.
Fortunately, injured parties can seek monetary damages for their injuries. Some victims must pursue claims with their own insurers, while others may file lawsuits against the drivers that caused their accidents. A car accident lawyer can help explain the appropriate path to compensation in your case.
If you were injured because of a car accident in Worcester, MA, get help recovering the financial compensation available to you. Contact our experienced Worcester car accident lawyers by calling the Law Office of John J. Sheehan today at (617) 925-6407 for a free case review.
Time Limit to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Worcester, MA
The time limit to file a car accident lawsuit in Worcester is established by Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 260, § 2A. Under that statute of limitations, victims will generally have 3 years from the date of a crash to file a car accident lawsuit in Worcester. However, you should not wait to file your claim. Pertinent evidence can become difficult to preserve and collect over time. For instance, crucial witnesses may leave town or forget relevant details. Furthermore, important pieces of physical evidence and photo evidence can be lost. Accordingly, you should contact our Worcester car accident lawyers as soon as possible after an accident, so we may begin building your case right away.
There are exceptions to the 3-year statute of limitations, however. For example, parents may file lawsuits on behalf of their children at any point until they turn 18. After turning 18, according to Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 260, § 7, the new adults will have three years to file cases related to collisions that happened while they were minors. The statute of limitations can be confusing in some instances. Our Worcester car accident lawyers can help explain how the statute of limitations applies to your lawsuit during a free review of your case.
Common Injuries Caused by Car Accidents in Worcester, MA
Car crashes can produce a wide array of devastating injuries for victims. The monetary damages awarded in your lawsuit will likely depend on the type and extent of injuries you suffered. Our Worcester car accident lawyers can help recover fair compensation related to any of the following types of injuries:
Broken Bones
Broken bones are one of the most common types of accidents caused by car crashes in Worcester. Victims often suffer broken bones when the violent impact of a collision causes them to strike an object inside of their vehicle during a crash. Such injuries can be very painful and debilitating, often forcing victims to spend time away from work while they recover. In more serious cases, those with broken bones may require surgical treatment.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are another type of particularly common injury caused by car accidents. Soft tissue injuries refer to damage to ligaments, muscles, and tendons. These injuries can affect nearly any area of the body and can cause victims to experience serious pain and immobility.
Soft tissue injuries can occur because of the forceful impact from a crash or because a passenger is hit by an object inside of their vehicle. In some cases, these injuries can take a long time to heal. If you suffered soft tissue injuries because of your car accident, our experienced Worcester car accident lawyers can help pursue compensation related to the harm you incurred.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries can describe damage to internal organs or internal bleeding. These injuries are typically caused by crashes involving large vehicles or collisions that occur at high speeds. Internal injuries can produce severe symptoms but may not become painful until days after an accident. Waiting for internal injuries to worsen can lead to dire consequences for victims. If you suspect you may have suffered internal injuries because of a crash, you should seek a medical assessment right away. Our Worcester car accident lawyers can help find the right doctors for you.
Burns
Furthermore, many car accidents can cause burn injuries. In some cases, crashes can cause vehicles to catch fire or explode – causing injuries. However, burn injuries can also occur because a victim contacted hot metal, hot liquids, or dangerous chemicals during the course of an accident.
Burn injuries are one of the most painful types of injuries incurred by car accident victims. In especially severe cases involving third-degree burns, victims may require skin-grafting procedures during treatment. Fortunately, if you suffered burns because of a car crash, our Worcester car accident lawyers can help fight for a wide range of economic and non-economic damages related to the harm you suffered.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are typically caused by external blows to the head and are one of the most severe types of injuries caused by car accidents. Traumatic brain injuries such as concussions can produce a long list of devastating symptoms. In some cases, those with such injuries may require long-term medical care.
Traumatic brain injuries can severely inhibit victims’ abilities to enjoy the same hobbies and activities they did before their accidents. Accordingly, victims may recover compensation for their diminished quality of life.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Lastly, spinal cord injuries are another type of severe injury caused by car accidents. Such injuries typically occur because of accidents at high speeds or collisions involving large vehicles. Spinal cord injuries can lead to severe pain, immobility, and even complete paralysis. If you suffered a spinal cord injury because of a car accident, you should reach out to our experienced Worcester car accident lawyers for assistance pursuing the full range of compensation available to you.
When to Call Our Lawyers After a Car Accident in Worcester, MA
If you’ve been involved in a car crash in Massachusetts, then you should seek support from our car accident attorneys as quickly as possible. Waiting to seek legal counsel can significantly jeopardize your ability to build a strong case and pursue rightful compensation.
As previously mentioned, time is of the essence because crucial evidence may be lost or degraded, making it more challenging to establish the facts surrounding the accident. Moreover, prompt action allows us to navigate the complex legal processes efficiently, ensuring that important deadlines are met, and paperwork is filed accurately.
Waiting can also give insurance companies an opportunity to exploit any gaps in your case, potentially leading to a less favorable outcome. By contacting our team promptly after a car accident, you enhance your chances of a successful resolution.
When to Call a Doctor After Suffering a Car Accident Injury in Worcester, MA
Seeking immediate medical treatment after a car accident is crucial for various reasons.
First and foremost, delaying medical attention can complicate the process of documenting injuries. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately but can worsen over time. If left untreated, it becomes challenging to establish a clear connection between the accident and the subsequent injuries. Seeking prompt medical care ensures that injuries are properly documented, creating a vital link between the accident and the harm suffered.
Furthermore, waiting to seek medical treatment may give insurance companies an opportunity to cast doubt on the severity of your injuries. Insurance adjusters may argue that a delay in seeking treatment implies that the injuries are not as significant as claimed, potentially affecting the compensation you are entitled to receive. To protect your rights and strengthen your case, it is imperative to obtain medical attention promptly after a car accident.
Common Causes of Car Crashes in Worcester, MA
A high number of car accidents occur because of motorists’ negligent behavior. For instance, the following are all common causes of car crashes in Worcester:
Tired Driving
Tired driving poses a significant risk on the roads, leading to an increased likelihood of car accidents. Fatigue impairs a driver’s ability to maintain focus and react quickly to changing traffic conditions. Drivers who neglect to get adequate rest are more prone to making critical errors behind the wheel, putting themselves and others at risk.
Illegal Lane Changes
Illegal lane changes contribute to many car accidents, often resulting from impatience or a failure to signal properly. When drivers abruptly change lanes without considering their surroundings, it increases the chances of collisions with other vehicles. Such maneuvers can catch fellow drivers off guard, leading to dangerous situations and potential accidents.
Improper Left Turns
Improper left turns are a common cause of car accidents, often occurring when drivers misjudge the timing or distance of oncoming traffic. Failing to yield the right of way while making a left turn can result in collisions at intersections. These accidents can lead to significant injuries and property damage because of the force involved when vehicles collide from opposing directions.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a prevalent and hazardous behavior that diverts a driver’s attention away from the road. Activities such as texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting in-car entertainment systems significantly increase the risk of accidents. Drivers who engage in distracting activities compromise their ability to react promptly to potential hazards, heightening the probability of collisions.
Speeding
Excessive speed is a leading factor in car accidents because it reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. Speeding not only compromises a driver’s control over their vehicle but also makes it challenging to adjust to unexpected obstacles. The force generated in high-speed collisions often results in more severe injuries and damage, making it imperative for drivers to adhere to posted speed limits for the safety of everyone on the road.
Establishing Fault for a Car Crash in Worcester, MA
In order to obtain maximum compensation for your car accident injuries, you may need to present evidence that proves your accident happened because another party acted negligently. There are many types of evidence that can be used to establish fault. For example, our legal professionals may utilize any of the following in your case:
Eyewitness Testimony
Eyewitness testimony is a valuable form of evidence used to establish fault in a car accident. Individuals who observed the incident can provide firsthand accounts of the events leading up to the collision, helping to clarify the sequence of actions and determine liability. Their statements can offer critical insights into the actions and behaviors of the parties involved.
Accident Scene Photos
Photographic evidence taken at the accident scene can provide valuable insights into the conditions at the time of the collision. These photos may capture skid marks, property damage, and the positioning of vehicles, helping to reconstruct the sequence of events. Photographs can serve as a tangible record of the accident scene, assisting in the assessment of fault.
Expert Witness Testimony
Expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals, can provide specialized knowledge to support claims of fault. Accident reconstruction experts can analyze the evidence and circumstances to recreate the accident, shedding light on factors like speed, impact angles, and contributing factors. Medical experts can offer insights into the causation of injuries, helping to establish a connection between the accident and the harm suffered. Their testimony can be pivotal in complex cases.
Cell Phone Records
In cases where distracted driving is suspected, cell phone records can serve as important evidence. Analyzing phone records can reveal whether a driver was using their phone at the time of the accident, such as texting or talking. This information can be instrumental in proving negligence and attributing fault to a driver who was not fully focused on the road.
Traffic Violation Citations
Lastly, if one or more parties involved in the accident received traffic citations, these citations can be used as evidence to establish fault. Violations such as running a red light, failure to yield, or speeding can directly contribute to the cause of the collision. Traffic violation citations issued by law enforcement provide an official record of the negligent actions that led to the accident.
If You Were Injured Because of a Car Accident in Worcester, MA, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you were hurt because of a car accident, seek support from our experienced Worcester car accident lawyers by calling the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407 for a free case review.
