Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
- Are ATV Risks Avoidable?
A: What Risks are Associated with ATVs? Like some automobiles and motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have a high risk of possible rollovers and collisions. Hundreds of thousands of people are injured or killed every year in ATV accidents. Many suffer lifelong complications. Some manufacturer models are more prone to rollovers than others due to defective… read more…
- What are the seat belt laws in Massachusetts?
A: In the state of Massachusetts, seat belt laws exist to protect car operators and passengers in the event of a car accident. The seat belt law states that anyone riding in or operating a motor vehicle who is over the age of 16 must wear a properly fastened seat belt. Under the Massachusetts seat… read more…
- What should I do if I am injured on a public bus or other form of public transportation?
A: While most rides on public transportation are generally safe, operator error, equipment malfunction, and other factors sometimes lead to crashes and their resulting injuries. Recent statistics from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration state that 12,000 people were injured in bus accidents in 2007. Causes of Public Transportation Accidents Poor Weather Conditions Defective Equipment… read more…
- How do I handle the after effects of my Massachusetts car accident?
I didn’t feel any pain until hours after the accident and I went to the ER. I was given medication for back and neck pain, but now the pain is actually getting worse. I didn’t file a police report and the other driver’s insurance adjuster is being hostile towards me. What should I do? A:… read more…
- What happens when the driver’s car insurance isn’t enough to cover an accident victim’s medical bills and injuries? My son suffered serious leg injury in a car accident in Massachusetts and his medical bills are well over $100,000. He is still being treated for his injury. What kind of legal options does he have if any?
A: When your own liability insurance is inadequate in covering your son’s medical bills from his Massachusetts car accident you may have several alternative resources to obtain financial damages from. There’s no arguing against your own insurance coverage, you are only allowed to claim up to the policy limits you agreed to. If your son’s… read more…
- Who is at fault for a car accident in Massachusetts when the crash was caused by a medical emergency such as a heart attack or stroke?
A: In the State of Massachusetts, car accident liability includes special circumstances for unforeseeable emergencies such as, the sudden onset of a heart attack or stroke in the operator of a vehicle. If a person driving a motor vehicle has an unexpected medical emergency and as a result causes a car accident, they cannot be… read more…
- How do I know if a brain injury is mild, moderate or severe?
A: There are three different levels of brain injury – mild, moderate and severe – each has different causes and subsequent symptoms. An assessment, called the Glascow Coma Scale (GCS) is used to determine the level of injury.Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Sometimes a loss of consciousness occurs, but does not have to occur to… read more…
- What is “Driver Fatigue”?
A: Driver Fatigue, also referred to as drowsy driving, is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents, especially for semi-trucks and 18-wheelers. Driving Fatigue occurs when the driver of a car is overtired, which slows reaction time and often leads to swerving into other lanes, medians, guard rails, or other cars/trucks on the road…. read more…
- Will the insurance company give me a fair settlement if I write them a reasonable letter?
A: The short answer is, no. The insurance company’s adjusters are very experienced and often consult with defense attorneys behind the scenes. Adjusters are trained to take advantage of the fact that claimants have little knowledge or experience in determining the fair value of their claim. They may be pleasant and act concerned, but their main goal… read more…
- What are the different types of brain injuries?
A: There are two primary causes of brain injury: traumatic and acquired. A traumatic injury occurs from an external blow to the skull, causing damage to the brain. Acquired injury occurs inside the brain from factors such as stroke or a tumor.Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)Traumatic brain injury can occur when a blow to the head… read more…
- I was seriously injured in a car accident in Massachusetts. The person who hit me totaled my car and didn't have insurance. What are my legal options?
A: When you are seriously injured in an auto accident with an uninsured driver you must rely on your own car insurance coverage to file a claim for your damages. You have 2 options to recover damages from an auto accident with an uninsured driver – your Uninsured Motorist Coverage or a personal injury lawsuit…. read more…
- My wife was badly injured in a Massachusetts car accident. Even though the police report indicates the other driver was at fault, his insurance company will only cover our property damage. Should we use our uninsured motorist coverage or file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver’s insurance company to cover my wife’s injuries, medical bills, and lost wages?
A: Insurance companies do not always have the final say when it comes to whether or not they will cover a victim’s injuries resulting from a Massachusetts car accident. If the insurance company attempts to settle for an unfair amount, you will need an experienced Massachusetts car accident lawyer to file a personal injury lawsuit… read more…
- My daughter was crossing the street at a Boston crosswalk when she was struck by a car and severely injured. The police report states that the driver may have been drunk. Should I file a personal injury lawsuit to cover my daughter’s medical bills?
A: Whether the driver was driving while intoxicated or not, your child’s injuries from being struck by a car are most likely cause for a personal injury lawsuit. When your child has been seriously injured in a Massachusetts car accident you should contact a Massachusetts child injury attorney for guidance on your legal options. Pedestrian… read more…
- I recently had a car accident in Massachusetts.
As a result I ended up with a concussion and my son had neck and back injuries. The insurance adjuster is offering us $750 for pain and suffering. This seems very low. I still get headaches from it. Should I hire a personal injury lawyer? A: Pain and suffering damages are often contested as they are… read more…
- My husband was pinned against a wall by a delivery van/truck as it was backing into his company’s loading dock to make a delivery. He had to have surgery to repair his broken leg. What are our legal options in Massachusetts?
A: When you or a loved one has suffered severe injury while on the job, they are entitled to support from their employer’s Workers Compensation insurance. Massachusetts law requires all employers to cover their employees through a Workers’ Compensation insurance policy.You MUST report the truck accident immediately to your employer and begin documenting the evidence… read more…
- How long should it take for a car accident/personal injury claim to be settled in Massachusetts?
A: Your personal injury claim is made up of many unique factors, from the circumstances of the accident, to the extent of your injuries and the parties involved. This means that no two accident claims will be alike, even if they share similar factors. As such, no one is able to determine a concrete timeline… read more…
- What should I do after a car accident in Massachusetts?
A: If you have been injured in a Massachusetts car accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be wondering what course of action you should take in the days and months following the accident.DON’T SIGN ANY INSURANCE FORMSYou should not let anyone from an insurance company coerce you into signing any documents. Other party’s… read more…
- What should I do after a car accident in Massachusetts?
A: If you have been injured in a Massachusetts car accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be wondering what course of action you should take in the days and months following the accident.DON’T SIGN ANY INSURANCE FORMSYou should not let anyone from an insurance company coerce you into signing any documents. Other party’s… read more…
- What procedures should a captain follow after a boating accident occurs?
A: Every year thousands of people are injured or die while engaging in recreational boating activities. According to the annual U.S. Coast Guard report on boating accidents, operator inattention is the number one contributing factor of accidents. Although a lack of awareness may have contributed to an accident, it is important that attention is paid… read more…
- What is the victims of drunk driving trust fund?
A: In March of 2002, legislation establishing the Victims of Drunk Driving Trust Fund (DDTF) was passed in Massachusetts. The enabling statute for the Fund states that grants will be “awarded to community-based programs in the commonwealth to provide counseling and support services to victims of accidents caused by persons driving under the influence of… read more…
- What is the most common cause of fatal boating accidents?
A: In an annual report on recreational boating, the U.S. Coast Guard lists “Alcohol Use” as the number one cause of fatal boating accidents. Boating while under the influence of alcohol use was linked to 21% of all fatal accidents. Of the 339 recreational boating deaths reported nationwide, 145 were caused by alcohol use. … read more…
- What is my personal injury case worth?
A: This is a question that clients often ask at their initial consultation. At this point in the process it is a question that is impossible to answer. Personal injury cases are complex by nature and require substantial analysis to evaluate. It is impossible for an attorney to give you a value until he or she has had a… read more…
