Do you have to go to court for a car accident in Massachusetts? While some drivers file lawsuits to secure compensation for their losses, a Boston car accident lawyer may help you get damages through an insurance settlement.
In many cases, settling out of court allows you to get funds for your medical bills, property repairs, pain and suffering, and lost pay. You can discuss all options to resolve a car accident claim 24/7 with our team at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers.
Find out more by calling or completing our online contact form.
Can You Go to Court for a Massachusetts Car Accident?
You have the option of filing a lawsuit against the person who caused your car accident in Massachusetts. Going to court can help you get compensation after a head-on, rear-end, or side-impact accident.
However, suing the at-fault driver is only one of the options available after a collision. Your Boston personal injury lawyer may recommend trying to settle with the insurance company before you file a lawsuit. As part of the Stone Cold Guarantee, clients have the option to file a lawsuit within six months of their initial offer if they want to accelerate the resolution process.
Our team can review your situation with a risk-free, no-obligation consultation to give you more information about the best way to resolve your case. Remember that you must file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires after your accident, which, in most cases in Massachusetts, is 3 years.
When Should You Go to Court After a Car Accident?
Generally, we recommend clients attempt to resolve car accident claims out of court. Filing a lawsuit can result in court fees and often increases the time it takes to secure compensation for your losses.
Therefore, allowing your lawyer to negotiate with the insurance company may represent the best choice for your situation. However, insurance companies may refuse to treat you fairly or even try to blame you for the collision.
In these situations, your legal team may suggest filing a lawsuit against the driver who hit you. We can help with lawsuits involving drunk, tired, and distracted drivers.
Can You Get Compensation if You Go to Court in Massachusetts?
Filing a car accident lawsuit can help you get compensation for your:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages, bonuses, and raises
- Diminished earning potential
- Property repair bills
- Pain, emotional suffering, and mental anguish
However, you may also get compensation through an insurance settlement. You only get damages if your lawyer can show that someone else caused the accident through an act of negligence, directly resulting in your injuries.
How do You Go to Court for a Car Accident?
Going to court requires you to file a lawsuit against the person responsible for your accident. After you file the lawsuit, the at-fault party will have a chance to respond to the allegations.
Sometimes, filing a lawsuit convinces the insurance company to take your claim more seriously. The company may decide to settle instead of going through the court process.
If the company refuses to negotiate, the court will set dates for your trial. Your lawyer will provide information about all essential hearings so you know what to expect from the legal process. Filing a lawsuit is possible without a lawyer but not recommended. It is like performing surgery on yourself – best left to the professionals.
What Happens if You File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Car accident lawsuits can take a significant amount of time to resolve in Massachusetts. Your lawyer will handle all aspects of the case so you can focus on your recovery. Generally, attorneys:
- Collect evidence to support a client’s case
- Track all the financial costs of an accident
- Work with car accident experts
- Present your claim before a judge and jury
As a local law firm, we understand the judicial system and the Massachusetts Rules of Evidence. We use this knowledge to help clients who file lawsuits as part of our Stone Cold Guarantee.
After your lawyer presents your case in court, the jury will make a decision about providing you with compensation.
How Long does It Take to Go to Court in Massachusetts?
A lawsuit can be filed immediately after an incident, although on most occasions, it is not. Unless there is an urgent need to secure evidence from the wrongdoer, in most cases, the investigation and negotiation take place before involving the courts.
Sometimes, it can take a year or more to get your first court date, depending on the backlog in the court system. Generally, the process moves more quickly once your court date arrives.
Keep in mind that your lawyer may continue negotiations with the insurance company while your lawsuit progresses. If you decide to settle, your lawyer can resolve the lawsuit on your behalf. You take care of you; we’ll take care of everything else after a collision.
Speak to Us About Going to Court for a Massachusetts Car Accident
Do you have to go to court for a car accident in Massachusetts? No, in many cases, a car accident lawyer can resolve your case by negotiating a settlement with insurance adjusters. Our team at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers can review your specific needs now.
We’re available to help day and night after an crash. Fill out our online contact form or call to learn more.
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