Quincy Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents have many causes, but negligence is usually the underlying cause. Victims can suffer mild to severe injuries and economic loss. Sometimes, car accidents cause catastrophic injuries that affect the quality of a person’s life and their ability to earn a living. The Quincy, Massachusetts, car accident lawyers at Marasco & Nesselbush are ready to help victims seek compensation for their injuries.
- Updated date:
- May 30, 2024
After you’ve been in a car accident, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your next steps and what lies ahead. You can seek compensation from those whose negligence caused your injuries. However, Massachusetts car accident laws are complex and difficult to navigate alone. In addition, insurance companies are eager to deny you the compensation you deserve or pay you as little as possible.
This is why you need an experienced Quincy personal injury lawyer on your side to guide you through the complexities resulting from car accidents. The skilled and compassionate attorneys at Marasco & Nesslebush help car accident victims in Quincy seek compensation. Contact us for a free case review and guidance on the next steps.
Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Quincy, MA?
You may be unsure if hiring a car accident lawyer is a good idea after you’ve been in an accident. If you were injured, there are several reasons to consider hiring an accident lawyer from Marasco & Nesslebush in Quincy, MA:
Car Accident Lawyers Have Deep Knowledge of the Law
With their formal training and practical experience handling car accident cases, Marasco & Nesslebush’s car accident lawyers know what it takes to bring a successful car accident claim. They know the legal requirements, the processes for filing a car accident case, and how to present the case in settlement negotiations or court to give you a high chance of getting a favorable outcome.
They Know How To Gather Evidence
The strength of your car accident case rests on the evidence you present. You need to prove that the defendant caused the accident to convince the insurance company to settle or for the court to rule in your favor.
Our car accident lawyers can help you gather the necessary evidence you need to win your case. From analyzing photos and videos of the crash, reviewing the physical evidence, interviewing witnesses, or going through the police report, they know where to look for evidence to prove your case.
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They Can Negotiate With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies have high-powered lawyers on their side and years of experience under their belt. You don’t want to face them alone. Even if insurance companies offer you a settlement, they don’t have your best interest at heart. After all, it’s business for them, and the less they pay you, the better for them.
Marasco & Nesslebush’s accident attorneys know all the tricks and tactics insurance companies employ to deny you compensation and how to counter them.
They Know All the Damages You Can Recover
Without a background in personal injury law, you may not know the full extent of the damages you can recover.
Our car accident lawyers can evaluate the crash’s effects on every aspect of your life and the damages the law allows you to recover. They’ll work to pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
You Don’t Pay Any Fee Unless You Win
At Marasco & Nesslebush, our skilled and knowledgeable car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee arrangement, meaning you won’t pay a dime unless you win. So you don’t have to worry about paying upfront.
Work With Auto Accident Lawyers With a Track Record of Winning
The success of your car accident claim and the amount of money you can recover depends on multiple factors. While nobody can guarantee the outcome of your case, you should work with a car accident lawyer who consistently gets top results.
Our car accident lawyers at Marasco & Nesselbush have an impressive track record of recovering several seven-figure settlements and verdicts for our clients. Here are some of our noteworthy recoveries for our clients:
- $6,200,000 awarded to a client who sustained serious injuries in a rollover crash caused by a distracted driver
- $4,500,000 recovered for a client who sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car crash
- $2,500,000 awarded to the estate of a woman once M&N uncovered the truth about a fatal pedestrian accident
- $1,400,000 won for a family whose son passed away due to a brain injury sustained in a high-speed car accident
- $1,250,000 recovered for a young woman injured as a passenger in a recklessly operated vehicle
- $1,000,000 recovered to compensate a client for emotional distress after witnessing a tragic car accident
What Factors Influence a Car Accident Settlement?
Several factors affect how much you can recover as compensation, including the following:
Massachusetts’ Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
If you were partly at fault for the accident, the percentage of your fault would reduce the amount of damages you can recover. Under the Massachusetts modified comparative negligence rule codified in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 231 Section 85, you won’t recover any amount if your share of the blame is 51 percent or more.
If you share less than 51 percent of the blame, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of the fault.
The Severity of the Injuries You Sustained
Generally, the more severe your injuries, the more money you can get as compensation. If the injuries caused you to miss work days or will affect your ability to work in the future, you can recover damages for lost and lost future income.
Strength of Your Evidence
As the plaintiff, you must prove fault to recover in a personal injury case. If you have strong evidence proving the other party caused the accident, you will probably recover higher compensation.
Medical Bills
In a successful car accident case, you’ll be reimbursed for all medical expenses. So, if you incur more costs in treating your injuries, you may recover more money.
Parties' Willingness To Settle
If the insurance company is willing to settle, it is more likely to accept your claim. And when you hire a skilled and experienced trial lawyer ready to take your case to a jury if necessary, insurance companies are usually more willing to settle with you.
At Marasco & Nesselbush, our accident attorneys prepare every case for trial if the insurance company isn’t cooperative. And our reputation as award-winning trial attorneys gets insurers to negotiate in good faith.
Liability in Massachusetts Car Accidents
Massachusetts is a “no-fault” car accident state, so your insurance company pays for your medical expenses, property damage, and other economic losses, even if you were at fault.
Under Massachusetts law, your auto insurance policy’s personal injury protection, or PIP, coverage covers your medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses up to $8,000.
However, you sue the at-fault party to recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, if your medical bills exceed $2,000 or the injury led to disfigurement or loss of bodily function.
Steps That You Can Follow After A Car Accident In Quincy, MA
Seeking legal consultation after a car accident can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for any damages or injuries sustained. Here are some steps you can follow after a car accident in Quincy, MA, with an emphasis on legal consultation:
Immediate Aftermath
- Check for Injuries: First and foremost, check yourself and others involved for any injuries. Seek medical assistance immediately if needed.
- Safety First: Move to a safe location, if possible, especially if the accident occurred in a dangerous spot like a busy intersection.
- Call 911: Report the accident to the authorities. This ensures that medical assistance and law enforcement are dispatched to the scene.
- Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant signage.
- Witness Information: Obtain contact information from any witnesses present at the scene.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid discussing fault or making any statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Stick to the facts when speaking with the police.
Aftermath and Legal Consultation
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel injured immediately, it’s essential to get a medical evaluation as some injuries may manifest later.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Consult with an Attorney: Contact a qualified attorney who practices personal injury law and handle car accidents. They can provide legal guidance and protect your rights throughout the process.
- Gather Evidence: Continue gathering evidence related to the accident, such as medical records, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies.
- Follow Legal Advice: Follow the advice of your attorney regarding communication with insurance companies and any legal proceedings.
- Know Your Rights: Understand your rights under Massachusetts law regarding compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from the accident.
- Keep Records: Maintain thorough records of all expenses and communications related to the accident. This includes medical bills, repair receipts, and correspondence with insurance companies.
Stay Informed: Stay informed about the progress of your case and be proactive in following up with your attorney.
Damages You Can Recover in a Car Accident Lawsuit
In a lawsuit against the at-fault party, you can recover economic and non-economic damages, including the following:
- Medical bills, including future bills and rehabilitation costs
- Cost of medical equipment and drugs
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Lost future income
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for injuries or property damage caused by a car accident is three years. It starts counting from the day of the accident.
Process Of Working With A Car Accident Lawyer
Working with a car accident lawyer involves several steps, each crucial for ensuring that your case is handled effectively and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Here’s a detailed guide on the process:
Initial Consultation
Before engaging a car accident lawyer, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research to identify reputable legal professionals in your area. Look for lawyers with expertise in handling car accident cases, positive client reviews, and a track record of success. Once you’ve identified potential candidates, schedule an initial consultation with each lawyer to discuss your case. Many lawyers offer free consultations, during which they’ll assess the details of your accident, injuries sustained, and the potential legal options available to you. To make the most of the consultation, gather all relevant documents beforehand, including accident reports, medical records, insurance information, and any correspondence with the other party or insurance companies.
Case Evaluation
During the initial consultation, the car accident lawyer will thoroughly evaluate the specifics of your case. You’ll have the opportunity to provide details about the accident, including how it occurred, the extent of your injuries, and any other relevant information. Based on this discussion, the lawyer will assess the strength of your case and discuss potential legal strategies and outcomes with you. Additionally, they’ll explain their fee structure, which may include contingency fees, where they only get paid if you win the case, or hourly rates for their services.
Retaining the Lawyer
If you decide to proceed with a particular lawyer, you’ll need to sign a retainer agreement outlining the terms of representation. This agreement will detail the lawyer’s fees, payment arrangements, and the scope of their responsibilities in handling your case. Additionally, you may need to sign authorization forms allowing the lawyer to obtain relevant documents and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf. Once the agreement is signed and all necessary authorizations are provided, the lawyer officially becomes your legal representative for the case.
Investigation and Documentation
After retaining the lawyer, they will begin the process of gathering evidence and documentation to support your case. This includes collecting accident reports, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and medical records detailing your injuries. Depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer may also consult with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists to strengthen your case. Furthermore, they’ll meticulously document all damages incurred as a result of the accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Negotiation and Settlement
Once the necessary evidence has been gathered, your lawyer will draft a demand letter outlining the damages you’re seeking and present it to the insurance company representing the at-fault party. From there, negotiations with the insurance company will commence. Your lawyer will advocate on your behalf to reach a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your injuries and damages. This negotiation process may involve multiple rounds of back-and-forth discussions until a mutually acceptable agreement is reached. If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will prepare to escalate the case into litigation.
Litigation (if necessary)
If negotiations with the insurance company fail to yield a satisfactory settlement, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit and proceeding to litigation. This involves formally initiating legal action against the at-fault party by filing a complaint with the appropriate court. Once the lawsuit is filed, both parties will enter the discovery phase, during which they exchange information and evidence related to the case. Your lawyer will prepare your case for trial by gathering witnesses, preparing testimony, and developing legal arguments to present in court. If the case proceeds to trial, your lawyer will represent you in court and advocate for your rights before a judge and jury.
Resolution
The resolution of your case can occur through either a jury verdict or a negotiated settlement. If a settlement is reached, your lawyer will review the terms of the settlement agreement to ensure they are favorable before advising you to accept. Once you’ve agreed to the settlement, your lawyer will facilitate the distribution of funds, deducting their fees and expenses as outlined in the retainer agreement. If the case proceeds to trial and a verdict is reached, your lawyer will assist you in understanding the implications of the verdict and any further legal actions that may be necessary. Throughout the entire process, your lawyer should keep you informed about the progress of your case and respond promptly to any questions or concerns you may have.
Contact A Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you deserve to receive fair compensation for your injuries. When you work with an experienced car accident lawyer at Marasco & Nesselbush, you can rest assured knowing we will go the extra mile to pursue a successful outcome. We take a personal interest in every client and devote time to understanding their unique circumstances. We will hear and address all your concerns and keep you well-informed on the progress of your case at every stage.
Call us today at (401) 443-2991 or fill out our contact form to learn about your options.