Boston Car Accident Lawyer

One of the first recorded car accidents in the United States occurred in Boston in 1928 when a car collided with a trolley bus. The car driver tried racing the trolley, then crashed into a concrete pillar, which totaled the vehicle. Since then, this historical city has had its share of car accidents.

Boston is an interesting traffic hub. Motorists deal with everything from historical cobblestone roads that wind through our city to packed highway on-ramps. Not to mention, Boston has more one-way streets than any other U.S. city. All these factors contribute to car accidents happening here on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, it only takes a split second for an otherwise perfect trip in the city to become a catastrophic accident. A car accident leaves you shaken to your core. Then, there's the aftermath of recovering from physical injuries as you attempt to get to all of your many doctor appointments. On top of all this, you are unable to go back to work due to your injuries, and the medical bills are piling up fast.

You may experience feelings of fear, anxiety, anger, or sadness. It's not easy grappling with the fact that someone's reckless behavior disrupted your life and brought a great deal of stress onto you. If you or a loved one needs help rebuilding your life after a traumatic motor vehicle accident, you may benefit from having a Boston car accident attorney as your advocate.

Car Accident Lawyers: Finding Justice for Auto Accidents

Rubenstein Law advocates for those injured in Boston car accidents. We provide our clients with reliable and aggressive legal representation. Our legal team understands that those involved in vehicle crashes are dealing with an overwhelming amount of problems ranging from physical limitations to financial stressors. We want to help.

Rubenstein Law is a personal injury law firm that has been serving clients since 1988 and has helped them to receive billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. Plus, our personal injury lawyers have decades of experience.

Our firm provides free consultations. You can speak to a live person 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to discuss your auto accident case.

Rubenstein Law works hard to secure justice for anyone affected by a car accident. With our fee structure, clients only pay legal fees if we win their cases. This is called a contingency fee.

How Common Are Car Accidents?

It's a tragic reality that car accidents occur all too often, especially in the United States.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 38,824 traffic fatalities in the United States in 2020, the highest number since 2007. Additionally, car crashes are the leading cause of teenage death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In Boston, car accidents are becoming increasingly frequent, especially in busy areas like the Seaport District. According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, car accidents are especially common in Boston and Suffolk County. In 2019, there were an average of 12.1 collisions on Boston city roads daily.

These statistics show the risk of car accidents happening anytime, anywhere. Although the auto industry has made strides in making vehicles safer, there's no perfect safeguard against human error. People make mistakes behind the wheel that often result in devastating consequences. Until drivers adopt better habits, streets and highways will pose a risk for accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

Typical Car Accident Types

Car collisions can have a lasting impact on the lives of those injured and their families. Car accidents can inflict a heavy emotional and financial burden on those affected. Medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, and lost wages due to missed work are just a few examples of the financial burdens you may experience after being injured in an auto accident.

Many types of car accidents happen, but some occur more often than others. These include the following:

1. Rear-end Collisions

These occur when one car hits another from behind. Reckless drivers cause accidents by tailgating, distracted driving, or poor road conditions. Rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries, including whiplash and neck and back injuries. In some cases, they can also lead to permanent disability or death.

2. Side-impact Collisions

This car crash is also known as a T-bone. This wreck occurs when one car hits another from the side, forming a T-shape, resulting from drivers running red lights or failing to yield the right of way. Side-impact crashes often result in serious injuries, including broken bones, internal bleeding, and traumatic brain injuries.

3. Head-on Collisions

These incidents occur when two cars collide head-on. These crashes occur due to driver errors, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or falling asleep at the wheel. Head-on wrecks can be especially devastating due to the sheer amount of force between two vehicles moving toward each other when they crash. As a result, they often result in severe injuries or death.

4. Rollover Accidents

These crashes occur when a car flips over onto its side or roof. Rollovers happen because of speeding, distracted driving, or weather conditions. Rollover accidents are particularly dangerous because they can cause the vehicle to catch fire or explode.

5. Single Vehicle Accidents

These car wrecks happen when a car hits an object like a tree or guardrail, or a driver loses control and veers off the road. According to the National Safety Council's Injury Facts, single vehicle crashes accounted for about 54 percent of all motor vehicle deaths in the U.S. in 2020.

Types of Car Accident Injuries

Every year, millions of people get injured in car accidents. Whether dealing with a minor fender bender or a catastrophic car crash, car accident injuries can range from mild to severe. Identifying your injury type is crucial for seeking fair compensation and medical recovery.

Here are some of the most common car accident injuries in Boston:

Whiplash – According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, whiplash is a frequent injury people suffer in car accidents. Whiplash happens when the head moves forward and backward rapidly, damaging neck and shoulder ligaments and tendons.

Symptoms can include:

• Stiffness
• Pain
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Ringing ears

While doctors can treat whiplash if caught early enough, it can worsen without proper care. Treatment for this condition includes physical therapy or chiropractic care.

Fractures – Broken bones can happen if someone is crushed between cars or thrown from their vehicle due to a lack of seat belt use or airbag failure. The recovery time for a fracture depends on its severity and location on the body. For example, a broken arm can take four to eight weeks to heal, while a broken leg may take up to 12 weeks.

Brain Injuries – Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most severe car accident injuries. The CDC places the severity of TBIs into three categories: mild, moderate, and severe. For example, a concussion is a mild TBI. The moderate-to-severe TBIs can lead to long-term problems, such as memory loss, sensory disturbances, personality changes, or even death.

Permanent brain damage affects an individual's ability to talk, walk or even think clearly after being involved in a car crash. According to the CDC, there were approximately 223,135 hospitalizations related to TBI in the U.S. in 2019. Additionally, in 2020 there were 64,362 TBI-related deaths.

What to Do After a Car Accident

It's a typical afternoon in Boston. You're driving home from work, taking the same route you take every day. Suddenly, out of nowhere, another car swerves into your lane and slams into the side of your vehicle. You're shaken up. Now what? After a car wreck, you may not know what steps to take. Here are some helpful suggestions to assist you in the aftermath of an auto collision.

1. Call 911

The first step is to call 911. Boston's emergency medical service (EMS) and the police department will arrive. The police can perform several tasks, such as securing the accident scene, assessing the injuries, documenting the accident, and issuing tickets. Boston officers will file a report, which your attorney can use later in legal proceedings. EMS workers will also evaluate you and the others involved for signs of injuries.

2. Exchange Information

If you are physically able to, get contact info (name, address, phone, license, insurance) of the other involved drivers and any eyewitnesses. You need this information to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit if the need arises.

3. Document the Accident Scene

Document the scene with photos or videos as soon as possible after the accident. This evidence includes taking pictures of both cars at different angles, skid marks on the road, traffic signs, nearby buildings or landmarks, street signs, and anything else that can recreate the incident. Also take pictures of any visible injuries you may have.

4. See a Medical Provider

You need a physical exam after a car accident, even if you don't have any apparent injuries. Some severe conditions don't exhibit symptoms immediately, such as whiplash, concussion, internal bleeding, or traumatic brain injury. This documentation is needed for insurance, especially if you file a car accident claim. Additionally, getting a medical report can help document your injuries and the cost of treatment. Furthermore, you may uncover an injury you weren’t aware of, which could require immediate treatment.

5. Call Your Insurance Company

Insurance companies must verify the accident's facts and calculate the compensation owed to claimants. Your insurance agent will need several documents to process your claim. The paperwork you need depends on the insurer and the accident details. Generally, what's submitted are police reports, medical bills and records, and car repair estimates.

6. Get Your Vehicle Fixed

After the accident, get your car repaired as soon as possible. The insurance company may send an adjuster to inspect the damage and assess how much it will cost for repairs. You can choose a local body shop or one approved by your insurer to repair your vehicle.

7. Hire An Experienced Car Accident Attorney

A trusted Boston car accident lawyer safeguards your rights and secures just compensation for harm caused by another driver's carelessness. An attorney can evaluate the evidence, deal with insurance companies, and represent you in court. For example, an attorney can negotiate a settlement on your behalf or file a lawsuit if the driver's insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation.

What Do Auto Accident Lawyers Do?

Auto accidents can cause stress and confusion, especially when another driver is responsible for the harm done to you. Car accident attorneys can assist in such situations by representing your best interests and ensuring you get the maximum compensation under the law. Let's look at what our Boston car accident lawyers can do for you.

What Services Do Auto Accident Lawyers Provide?

Auto accident lawyers provide a variety of services for clients who have been injured in an automobile accident, including:

• Investigating the facts of your case to determine liability and damages
• Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf to secure a fair settlement
• Representing you in court, if needed
• Advising you on all aspects of your case
• Ensuring that all deadlines are met so that you have the best chance for success
• Helping to locate witnesses and expert testimony as needed
• Explaining the applicable laws, regulations, and precedents relevant to your case

Benefits of Having an Auto Accident Lawyer in Boston

Having an experienced auto accident lawyer on your side during this difficult time can make a big difference in protecting your rights and ensuring that any settlement or damages awarded are fair.

Additionally, they can minimize the stress associated with dealing with insurance companies or going to court by handling all communication on behalf of their client. With their knowledge of local laws and regulations, they can also provide valuable advice throughout every step of the process.

The Risk of Not Having an Attorney Represent You After An Auto Accident

Without legal representation from an experienced auto accident lawyer, many potential issues could arise during litigation or negotiation with insurance companies.

For example, insurance adjusters may pressure you to settle your personal injury claim for far less than you deserve. It's also possible they may reject your claim outright. Either way, you don’t win. To avoid being taken advantage of by the insurer, you need legal representation.

Filing a lawsuit may be your best option for recovering the money you need. Facing well-financed insurance companies or a negligent party in court without legal representation assistance is unwise. The legal process is complex, and an attorney's experience and knowledge of local laws, regulations, and precedents can make the difference between winning or losing a case.

What Sets Our Injury Services Apart?

You're already dealing with enough in your regular day to day life. Now, you just got into a car accident, and you have to figure out your next steps. You want someone who can answer all of your questions, who will be available when you need them, and who has experience getting successful settlements for their clients. Rubenstein Law in Boston is the answer. Here is some of what sets us apart.

Customer Service Above All Else

At Rubenstein Law, we prioritize customer service above all else and offer 24/7 availability via live operators. We ensure our clients can reach someone on our team if they have an urgent question about their car accident claim, or just need reassurance. We make ourselves accessible so our clients feel empowered and informed throughout the claims process.

Major Settlement Victories

Our team knows how to win cases and get our clients the compensation they deserve after being injured in a car accident. We've won significant settlements for our clients.

Here are a few of our results:

• $1.6 million for a head-on collision car accident
• $2.3 million for a car accident caused by a reckless driver
• $5.1 million for a car accident injury
• $6.5 million for a car accident with traumatic brain injury
• $8.3 million for a rollover accident

Our impact in the personal injury field is undeniable. The verdicts and settlements speak to our law firm's ability to fight for our clients on every level—and win.

In-Depth Knowledge of Car Accident Claims

The attorneys at Rubenstein Law are skilled professionals in personal injury specifically related to car accidents in Boston. We can work hard (and smart) to secure a successful settlement for you or your loved one's after an auto accident.

Our knowledge is based on decades of experience working with thousands of cases from start to finish, giving us insight into every aspect of a car accident lawsuit, from filing paperwork to knowing how insurance companies work behind the scenes.

Compassion for The Injured and Their Families

Our personal injury attorneys bring compassion, empathy, and insight to every case we take on here at Rubenstein Law's Boston office. Even though it's legal work, it's also personal work. This is why it matters who you choose as your lawyer when filing a car accident lawsuit in Boston. We strive to get you results and provide support through this chapter in your life by empathizing with your situation and offering the best representation possible.

Questions to Ask a Boston Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents can cause a lot of stress during the weeks and months following the wreck. You may have to miss work, undergo medical treatments, and manage tons of insurance paperwork. With so much to keep track of, it’s a lot easier on you to have a Boston car accident attorney working on your case for you. By asking the following questions, you can be sure you are getting the best possible car accident attorney for your situation.

1. How long have you practiced law?

Asking about an attorney's legal experience and years of practice is vital to ensure that you have a skilled lawyer. An experienced attorney can guide you on the best legal strategies for your case and give you peace of mind knowing that you're in capable hands. For example, a recent law school grad may need help to handle a large-scale case, while an attorney with decades of experience knows the ins and outs of car accident law.

2. What types of cases do you specialize in?

It's essential to find out if the attorney has dealt with similar cases as yours before. If they specialize in car accident cases, they'll have access to resources and contacts to help build a strong case for you, such as investigators, medical experts, and car accident reconstructionists.

3. Will other attorneys work on my case?

This question helps you understand the firm's size and capability in handling your case. A larger firm often means more personnel available to handle different aspects of your case, such as evidence gathering, case law research, strategy development, or settlement negotiations.

How they answer the question lets you know if more lawyers will be available in the event that your case goes beyond settlement negotiations and into the trial phase.

4. How much will my case cost?

Attorneys may charge hourly rates or a contingency fee. The average hourly rates personal injury lawyers charge range from $100 to $400 per hour, depending on the case type and the attorney's experience level.

Some lawyers have a contingency fee agreement that allows you to pay only when you win your case, and it will be a percentage of your final settlement amount.

Request quotes upfront to avoid unexpected costs or make payment arrangements with your attorney.

5. Do I need any documents or information before our consultation?

Some attorneys may want you to submit certain documents before meeting with you. The information may include police reports, medical records, insurance policies, and employment records. This is to help them understand the main facts of your case before they give you their opinion. To be prepared for a meeting with an attorney, ask beforehand what kind of information they may require, whether the discussion is in-person or virtual.

6. What is your approach toward settlement negotiations?

Attorneys use varied methods in negotiating settlements with the parties involved in a car accident case. Some lawyers prefer mediation because it can be a less adversarial way to resolve a dispute. Mediation allows the parties involved in a case to meet with a neutral third-party mediator to find a mutually acceptable solution. It can be less time-consuming and less expensive than going to trial.

Other lawyers prefer going to court and having a judge or jury decide the outcome of a case. Litigation can be necessary when negotiations or mediation fail to resolve the issue. A court case allows the parties to present evidence and arguments in a formal setting, and a ruling by a judge or jury can provide a final, enforceable decision.

However, litigation can be time-consuming and expensive, and the outcome can be uncertain. Therefore, Boston car accident lawyers may pursue litigation only when it's best for their client's interests.

Make sure you know what strategy they will aim for before signing up with them as legal representation.

7. Will I need expert testimony or witnesses at trial or during settlement negotiations?

The purpose of expert testimony is to provide the court with specialized knowledge and insights to help support the facts you are presenting. The expert can help clarify complex technical, scientific, or medical information, which is often crucial in determining the outcome of a case.

For example, expert witnesses in a severe car accident case which resulted in a traumatic brain injury can include:

• Neurologists
• Neurosurgeons
• Rehabilitation specialists
• Traffic safety experts
• Accident reconstructionist
• Automotive expert
• Forensic toxicologists

The benefit of an attorney with access to expert witnesses is that they can testify on your behalf and help secure a successful outcome.

How to Find the Right Car Accident Lawyer

Imagine driving home from work when a distracted driver slams into your car, resulting in serious injuries. You require medical care and financial reimbursement for your recovery, but the idea of navigating the legal system adds to your stress. How do you find an experienced car accident attorney in Boston to help you? Here are some tips that will get you started on the right path.

1. Research Your Options

Start looking for lawyers with experience handling car accident cases. Ask friends, family members, or co-workers for recommendations. Once you have a list of potential candidates, read reviews online. You can find reliable customer reviews on the following platforms:

• Google Reviews
• Yelp
• Martindale-Hubbell
• Avvo
• com

Additionally, visit the attorney websites to gauge their track record of success. Look at the settlements and verdicts they have won. Also, check for any disciplinary actions or past suspensions by the Massachusetts Bar Association.

The Board of Bar Overseers (BBO) is another valuable resource. The organization oversees the conduct of lawyers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The BBO is responsible for investigating and evaluating complaints against lawyers in Massachusetts, ensuring that attorneys comply with ethical standards and the rules of professional conduct, and imposing disciplinary action when necessary. The BBO also assists in providing information to the public regarding the licensing and regulation of lawyers in the state.

2. Consider Their Availability

An experienced car accident attorney will be available to answer your questions and respond to any concerns promptly. Look for car accident attorneys who offer 24/7 customer service, provide free consultations and have on-site staff who can take care of administrative tasks quickly.

3. Look For A Legal Team

Access to a legal team is critical when dealing with complex cases such as car accidents. Ask whether the attorney will work alone or involve other attorneys to provide comprehensive representation, such as researching legal precedents or preparing court documents. A typical team includes Boston car accident lawyers, paralegals, legal secretaries, and administrative staff. The more people a law firm has working on your case, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.

4. Research Possible Contingency Fees

Most car accident lawyers work on contingency fees, which means they only get paid if you win your case. For instance, if you settle for $10,000, the attorney may charge a third or 33.33% of that amount, which is $3,333.33. Contingency fees do not require any up-front payment for legal services, meaning you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket. When the settlement funds come in, your fee will be taken out first and you will receive the rest of the compensation to cover expenses such as medical bills, transportation to medical appointments, and home care assistance.

You may also encounter flat fee arrangements. The attorney charges a set fee to handle a particular legal matter, regardless of the time and effort required to complete the case. The flat fee covers all services related to the case, including legal research, document drafting, and representation in court if necessary. This fee structure is typical of straightforward car accident claims.

An example of a straightforward car accident case where an attorney would charge a flat fee might be where the driver who caused the accident is clearly at fault, and their auto insurance company is willing to pay for the damages.

In certain situations, attorneys may charge hourly fees or upfront retainers. The hourly billing can average between $100 and $400. Before signing any agreements, know how much the legal services will cost.

5. Don't Sacrifice Quality For Cost

It's natural to want an affordable car accident lawyer who will stay within your budget but remember: never sacrifice quality for cost! The best way to ensure you receive top-level legal representation is to find an experienced car accident lawyer in Boston. A low-cost attorney may need more experience in car accident cases, lack the resources and staff to handle complex cases, or may spread themselves too thin by taking on too many claims. They may cut corners to save time and money, harming your case. If you end up with a much smaller settlement because you did not hire a quality lawyer, the money you saved in fees (and more) will likely be lost in your final outcome anyway.

6. Find Someone With Good Communication Skills

Make sure that whoever you choose has good communication skills. They should be able and willing to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer that values open communication keeps clients informed during each stage of their case, from filing paperwork through settlement negotiations. You will never wonder what is going on with your case or worry that things aren’t proceeding in a positive fashion.

7. Check Credentials and Certifications

Common types of credentials and certifications for Boston car accident lawyers include:

• Massachusetts Bar Association Certification
• Board Certification
• Memberships in Professional Organizations (e.g., Boston Bar Association)

Check their website or online profile to check if a car accident attorney has the necessary credentials, certifications, and licenses. Many attorneys list their credentials and certificates on their websites or other online platforms, such as LinkedIn.

You can also check with the Massachusetts Bar Association to ensure the car accident attorney is licensed to practice law in the state. Additionally, you can check with the relevant certification or credentialing organization to verify the attorney's certification status. Some examples of credentialing organizations for Boston car accident lawyers include the National Board of Trial Advocacy and the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys.

What to Expect: Car Accident Injury Compensation

You can receive financial relief if you suffer a severe injury in a car accident. But what exactly is meant by compensation? In the legal world, it refers to money or damages awarded to a car accident plaintiff due to negligence or wrongdoing. A financial award gives you access to the resources you need to recover and get back on your feet.

Let's look closer at what those with car accident injuries can expect for compensation.

Types of Compensation

There are four types of compensation that car accident victims may be eligible for: economic damages, non-economic damages, punitive damages, and wrongful death damages.

Economic damages refer to any tangible losses incurred due to the personal injury claim. Examples of monetary recovery can include:

• Property damage to the vehicle
• Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and income due to missed work or inability to work
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Home modifications or accommodations due to permanent disability
• Transportation costs for medical appointments
• Insurance deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses
• Rental car or alternate transportation expenses while the vehicle is repaired or replaced

Non-economic damages refer to intangible losses. Though harder to measure than economic damages, non-economic damages resulting from an injury can still be available in specific situations. For instance, you could receive payments for the following:

• Pain and suffering, including physical pain and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life or the inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
• Disfigurement, scarring, or permanent disability
• Loss of companionship or consortium, which refers to the impact of the injury on personal relationships, such as the loss of a spouse or child's parental guidance
• Emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Loss of reputation or humiliation may apply to cases where the injury results in public exposure or embarrassment

Punitive damages are on rare occasions awarded as punishment for particularly egregious negligence or wrongdoing. In the case of a serious car accident lawsuit, punitive damages could be granted in the following scenarios:

• Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs
• Reckless or aggressive driving
• Intentional actions that lead to a motor vehicle accident, such as road rage or purposely hitting another vehicle or pedestrian
• Gross negligence or willful misconduct, such as driving a car that is known to be unsafe or ignoring traffic laws

Wrongful death damages in a Boston car accident lawsuit compensate the surviving family members for their losses due to their loved one's death. These damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred before the decedent's death
• Loss of financial support that the deceased person would have provided to the surviving family members
• Loss of services that would have been provided, such as household tasks or childcare
• Loss of companionship and guidance, which refers to the emotional support, love, and guidance that the lost loved one would have provided to the surviving family members
• Pain and suffering experienced by the injured person before death could also be recoverable as a separate claim known as a survival action

Factors That Impact Compensation Amounts

The amount of compensation someone is eligible for depends on several factors, including where they live, how serious their injuries were, whether intentional negligence was involved, and the resources available through insurance policies and other potential sources.

Though it is impossible to predict an amount in an article like this, because so many factors influence the final outcome, speaking with a seasoned attorney should help shed light on the potential outcome of your particular case.

Connect With a Car Accident Injury Lawyer Today

Have you been injured in a Boston car accident and don't know where to turn? Rubenstein Law is a well established personal injury law firm with offices in the Boston area and over 30 years of experience helping our clients get the compensation they deserve. We have achieved billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients, so you can trust your motor vehicle accident case will be handled with care. Plus, we provide free case evaluations, as well as operate on a contingency fee basis, so there is no cost to you unless and until we win your case.

We have a team of operators available 24 hours, 7 days a week to take your call. Don't suffer from the financial burden and the stress of your car accident any longer. Rubenstein Law has the resources and experience to assist you every step of the way. Let us represent you so you can focus on healing and moving on with your life.

Contact us for your free consultation today. We are here for you during these difficult times. Don't wait another day.