A car accident is truly a scary moment, but it can also be taxing over time. From the initial shock of the crash, it’s the beginning of a process that may require insurance claims, medical treatment, and, in certain cases, legal representation. If you find yourself in need of a car accident attorney in Boston, here are some things to keep in mind when searching for the right lawyer to take on your case and get you the maximum compensation you’re seeking or protection at trial.
Finding the Right Attorney
If you’re looking for an experienced car accident attorney, you may want to start by Googling “Boston car accident attorney” to seek out the legal minds in your area. You can set up a free consultation with a lawyer to get an assessment of your legal options. However, each individual case is not the same. A car crash can happen anywhere in the Boston area. You could be the driver, the passenger, or even a pedestrian—all auto accident cases are unique. However, one standard remains: keeping track of all of the paperwork.
Let’s say you were involved in a car crash and required medical care. Acquiring an accident report from the Boston Police Department, as well as medical bills and insurance documentation, will only benefit your car accident lawyer and better your case to receive maximum compensation. When it comes to civil litigation, much like criminal litigation, the proof is in the evidence. All of these invoices, claims disclosures, and more will help your side in a car accident case.
Deadlines in the Legal System
It’s important to make sure that you act within the confines of personal injury law after an auto accident, no matter how minimal. In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations gives you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, usually starting from the date of the accident. In some circumstances, a discovery date is invoked for a case. For example, if you were involved in an accident and didn’t discover a medical issue until a later date, the three-year term limit starts from the time doctors discovered the issue.
While you may opt for a quick settlement from your insurance company, the clock is ticking when it comes to personal injury matters. It’s important to have a lawyer that has an understanding of the legal process within a certain jurisdiction. Some injury claims against a city, county, or state government agency only have a two-year timeline to file a formal claim.
Legal Facts To Know
There are parts of the legal process that anyone pursuing legal action in Massachusetts should be aware of. For example, accident cases may invoke “comparative fault” rules in certain cases. If you’re injured in a car accident but could be at fault to some extent in the crash, the comparative fault rules reduce damages if an injured party shares less than 50 percent of the fault. It also eliminates damages for an injured person if they are considered more than 50 percent at fault after due diligence.
Massachusetts is a “no-fault” state when it comes to auto insurance and car accidents. In a no-fault state, those injured in car accidents are expected to seek compensation under their own coverage. However, there is significant leeway in the negotiating process based on the severity of the injuries and property damage. You could still claim considerable money to help deal with medical bills or expenses brought on by being out of work. It’s all about forming the right attorney-client relationship to pursue the proper legal options for your case regardless of vehicle damage, the type of injuries, and the claim process through your insurer.