Boston Auto Accident Lawyers

Anyone who has ever been involved in a car accident knows how frightening it can be, regardless of the severity. Moreover, it can also be extremely frightening and concerning when the legal process begins, especially if the accident resulted in injuries. Just when you think that the aftermath will be a straightforward process, questions and uncertainty start to set in, bringing significant stress and discomfort to people’s every day lives. These questions can range anywhere from how you handle the claim, what legal rights, if any, you may have, and how to determine whether you are at fault for the accident or not. Receiving the proper information and guidance on how to correctly navigate this process can bring tremendous relief and security to ones life, which is why having a professional, experienced accident attorney on your side is crucial.

At Bellotti Law Group, P.C., we use the skills and knowledge gained through decades of protecting injured clients to create a powerful case for you. Attorney Peter Bellotti instills a culture of legal excellence at our firm, carrying on the tradition of client-centered representation that made the Bellotti name synonymous with legal success in the Boston area. Our distinct and innovative litigation techniques have led to many favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients, allowing them to hold at fault, negligent parties accountable while moving towards as full a recovery as possible.

According to the most recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 2,189,000 car crashes reported in 2014. In other words, the sad reality is approximately 90 people die each day in a motor vehicle accident, and more than 6000 people are seriously injured. On more of a local level, Massachusetts accounts for approximately 108,379 of the national average. On an annual basis in Massachusetts, there are over 300 fatal auto-related accidents and nearly 5,000 serious injuries due to driver's carelessness, recklessness and negligence. Due to the fact that car accidents have become such regular occurrences in the United States, drivers should be informed of how they can avoid these serious accidents and what they do should they find themselves involved in one.

Each year there are more than 2 million car crashes- of those the critical reason in 94% of cases was assigned to the driver. Driver related critical factors are broadly classified into four main divisions:

• recognition errors - such as playing with electronic devices - account for 41% of accidents,
• decision errors - such as speeding and falsely assuming other drivers’ actions - account for 33% of accidents,
• performance errors - such as overcompensation - accounts for 11% of accidents, and
• non-performance errors - such as falling asleep at the wheel - accounts for 7% of accidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) stated that in 2014 the leading cause of death in 16-24 year olds was motor vehicle accidents. The top driver behaviors that caused fatal car crashes were speeding- where nearly half of people speeding were also above the legal alcohol limit, drunk driving, running red lights, fatigue, and distracted driving- which includes more often than not- cell phone use. Touching further on distracted driving, the ever-evolving technological aspect of our lives and society is something that we just all have no choice but to accept. However, one thing nobody should ever accept is falling victim to a driver's utter carelessness and recklessness by way of technology while operating a motor vehicle.

From a cost standpoint, it is no secret that car accidents result in a significant financial hardship that could bring unwanted and stress and uncertainty into your life. This is especially true in light of the Covid-19 Pandemic that in and of itself placed a major financial burden on millions of individuals and American households. According to NHTSA car accidents cost Americans more than $277 billion annually. That number includes medical expenses, lost productivity and wages, legal services, EMS services, insurance administration, and property damage. When you factor in quality of life valuation, the yearly total goes up by $594 billion. With car accidents as a daily occurrence drivers should know how to protect themselves before and after a car accident.

• Get and maintain proper insurance coverage
• Always keep proof of insurance and your registration in your glove compartment box
• Be sure to have your driver’s license with you whenever you drive
• Keep a first aid kit in your car in case you or someone else is injured in a car accident

Being prepared before an auto accident occurs is the most effective way of ensuring that the aftermath goes as smooth as possible. The most important step you can take is to make sure that you have the proper insurance coverage. Failing to ensure that you have the proper insurance coverage can end up being much more costly for you and your family in the long run and make for a much more stressful aftermath. Further, in addition to having the proper coverage, you always want to make sure that you keep proof of your insurance and registration in your glovebox. This is a very important step as well because exchanging papers with the other driver(s) immediately after the accident is a must and the last thing you want to do is have to chase the other party for their proper paperwork. This also goes for having your driver’s license with you whenever you drive. Again, exchanging information with the other involved parties after the car accident is a must, so being prepared will always make for an easier process moving forward. Lastly, you always want to make sure that you keep a first aid kit in your car, which is very important just in case you or someone else is injured in the accident. This is a way for you to act quickly if there are injuries while the paramedics are on the way.

• Stop and move to a safe location to access damages and check for injuries.
• Call the police. Never assume the other driver is calling. Call even if the accident is minor, an officer can give an impartial analysis of the accident which is helpful if and when the other driver wants to blame you.
• Exchange information with the other driver, make sure to get: registration information (including make and model of the car and VIN), car insurance information, phone number and address of the other driver and any passengers also involved.
• Take photos of the scene of the accident as well as pictures of all vehicles involved in the accident
• Promptly seek medical care for any injuries.
• Seek legal advice. Many times the other insurance company (and occasionally your insurance company) will reach out and try to settle a claim for a minimum payment. Don’t try to settle the case alone, instead find a lawyer who can advocate for you with your best interests in mind.

After an auto accident, you always want to make sure that you stop and move to a safe location to assess the damage and check for injuries. This is very important because it will put you out of harms way and ensure that no further damage is done to your or another vehicle. Moreover, you always want to make sure that you call the police. Even if the accident is minor, you always want to call the police because an officer will give an impartial analysis of the accident, and this is very helpful if the other driver is trying to blame you after the fact.

As stated above, you always want to make sure that you exchange information with the other driver and take photos of the scene of the accident. This goes for any other vehicle involved, in addition to yours. It is always important to document any of the damage because, as they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words”, and if the other driver tries to claim that the damage is worse later on, this can help you reject their claim. Next, always seek medical care for any injuries, or any potential injuries. Some injuries may not be apparent immediately following an accident, however, they can develop later on. That is why if you have any questions or concerns at all, it is always important to seek medical care from a medical professional.

Finally, and arguably the most important step, seek legal advice after the accident. Opposing insurance companies, and occasionally your insurance company, will try to capitalize on the situation and contact you in an effort to try and settle a claim for a minimum payment. Do not try and settle your case alone, insurance companies rarely have your best interests in mind, however the right car accident attorney will.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, please call us at 617-225-2100 to speak with the experienced Boston car accident lawyers at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. today.

Car accidents occur in many ways,

• Rollover car accidents
• Rear-end car accidents
• Hit-and-run car accidents
• Head-on collision car accidents
• Side-impact (t-bone and broadside) car accidents
• Back-over car accidents

…can involve more than just motor vehicles,

• Bicycle car accidents
• Pedestrian car accidents

…happen for many different reasons,

• Distracted driving (talking on cell, smart phone use) car accidents
• Texting while driving
• Failure to yield the right-of-way car accidents
• Teen driver car accidents
• Speedingcar accidents
• Taxi cab car accidents
• Drunk driving car accidents
• Unsecured truck load car accidents

…occur in a variety of locations,

• Mass Pike, Rte. 128, I-93 and I-95 car accidents
• Construction zone accidents
• Construction site car accidents
• Parking lot and parking garage car accidents

…and often involve complex topics such as:

• Uninsured motorist car accidents
• Underinsured motorist car accidents
• Dram shop liability
• Social host liability

A Boston car accident lawyer will help you thoroughly review and understand that there are many aspects of an accident that are taken into consideration when you are seeking to find compensation for property damage, lost wages or hospital and medical expenses. This covers car damage, valuables inside your vehicle, immediate medical bills for your injuries, future medical costs if you have to follow up on your injuries, future physical therapy sessions if necessary, a substitute for income you missed when you were injured, and a sum for both your pain and trauma. Not all of these will apply to all cases, but it's a great foundation to consider how much you'll be looking for with the support of a car accident attorney. Don't let your car accident claim fall by the wayside!

The other important point to remember here is that, since Massachusetts is a comparative negligence jurisdiction, this suggests that the negligence of the parties to an accident is compared when determining liability. A client that is partially at fault can still recover damage (but not more than 50 percent at fault), but the percentage of fault would reduce their damage.

For example, if a client is found to be 20 percent at fault at trial they may recover $100,000 judgment. The judgment will be decreased by their percentage of fault, or $20,000 in this case, and $80,000 will be received by the plaintiff. This reduction of damages is allowed by the judge, not the jury, since it is the jury's duty to actually determine the proportions of relative blame and the client's total damages. Again, if the jury finds the client more than 50 percent at fault, the client will not recover any damages. Our car accident lawyers understand Massachusetts car accident, pain and suffering; personal injury protection laws and will advise you on the strength of your case.

As a general rule, you have three years from the date of your car crash to either settle your case or file a claim in court to begin the legal process (because every rule has exceptions). You lose the legal right, in most cases, to pursue the person who was at fault for the accident that caused the injury and damages if you neglect to do so before this three-year deadline (which is called the Statute of Limitations). Three-years can seem like a very long time, but in reality it is not, and before you know it, the statute of limitations can prevent you from obtaining the proper justice and compensation that you deserve. It is always an unfortunate situation and deflating feeling when a victim, who was involved in a car accident and injured as a result, loses their legal right to bring a claim in court and begin the legal process. Although some injuries aren’t always recognized or as bothersome immediately following the accident, time is of the essence, which is why having an experienced, skilled Boston car accident attorney on your side is extremely important.

At Bellotti Law Group, P.C., we understand that choosing the right legal team is extremely important for victims of auto accident, however, finding the best fit isn’t always easy. With so many different attorney’s out there, we take pride in separating ourselves from the others by taking an approach that puts the client first. The approach begins with always being cognizant of the fact that Boston car crashes can be costly, dangerous, and stressful. Our Boston car accident lawyers at Bellotti Law Group P.C. regularly represent people who have been involved in car accidents and families who have sadly lost loved ones on highways and roads. We know that injuries from auto accidents can in so many ways affect individuals lives, in addition to their family’s and friend’s lives as well. A car accident adds an unwanted burden to your life that can impact you, both physically and emotionally, in so many different ways than you could ever imagine. In no time, the costs and stress add up and your insurance company may refuse to pay the bills. Confusion and dissatisfaction can be caused by insurance providers concerning auto insurance coverage.

The reality is that automobile accidents can happen at any time and any place because of someone else's incompetence, recklessness, or pure negligence. Driving itself will always be considered a risk, however, that risk can be heightened tremendously when there are other irresponsible driver’s on the road who prioritize their own interests over the health and safety of others. When so much is at stake, having a professional, experienced auto accident lawyer who is extremely knowledgeable about the laws and who is familiar with the insurance firms' methods is of paramount importance. If you don’t have an experienced auto accident attorney in your corner, insurance companies, whether it’s your own or the other driver’s, can take advantage of you by dragging out the process and putting their own interests first. We take pride in keeping insurance companies in-check and holding them accountable so that they don’t capitalized on an already vulnerable victim’s unfortunate situation. It's this simple: our team of accomplished, skilled car accident attorneys here at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. are always available to bring your life back to normal and get you the justice that you deserve.

The legal team at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. has extensive expertise in personal injury law and knows exactly how to apply that expertise in all types of auto accident instances. Our MA car accident lawyers at the firm will examine the causes and factors that contribute to responsibility in incidents, so that you can be completely prepared to manage it when the insurance firms contact you. To ensure that all your concerns are met efficiently and properly, we will collaborate with insurance providers and other parties involved in your case. After a car crash, you don't need to be uncertain about what to do: place the Bellotti Law Firm car accident team on your side.

With millions of Americans depending on cars, vans, and bikes as means of transportation to get them where they need to go on a daily basis, cars are the most popular mode of transport in the Country. This is still true even though millions of Americans were not traveling due to Covid-19, because people are starting to resume normal every day activities, like traveling to and from work. Unfortunately, the sad reality is that vehicular collisions pose major threats to the health and safety of all those who may be involved, whether they were behind the wheel or not. Even a relatively minor accident may have potentially negative repercussions that victims of an auto accident cannot be able to afford on their own. This is precisely why these suffering victims need an experienced, trusted accident lawyer, who will provide them with the support they need and stand up to the other driver's insurance company.

Car accidents can lead to anything from minor injuries to a wrongful death in the worst of cases. An accident lawyer in Boston must be hired since car accident victims have the right to receive compensation for their losses in all cases in which someone else was at fault. Our legal team at the Bellotti Law Group P.C. understands how important it can be to a suffering individual to get this compensation, not to mention the sense of fairness and renewal that many people get from holding the responsible party for the crash accountable. A Massachusetts accident lawyer at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. knows how devastating car crashes in Massachusetts can be and will always fight for our clients to ensure that they receive the justice that they deserve.

Bellotti Law Group, P.C. has three offices that are conveniently located in Boston, Cambridge and Quincy. If you or your loved one has been the victim of an automobile accident, Contact us today via telephone for a free consultation at 617-225-2100 or online by submitting our brief contact form on our website.