The at-fault party for a car accident in Massachusetts generally has to cover the losses of other drivers. So, how is fault determined in a car accident case? Determining fault often requires a thorough investigation by lawyers.
A Boston car accident lawyer may have to look for witnesses and collect evidence to show that another driver acted negligently. Our team at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers can provide you with more information about the investigative process.
We can also represent you after an accident, helping you seek compensation. Find out more by calling or completing our online contact form.
What Makes Someone at Fault for a Car Accident?
Anyone who causes an accident through negligence holds fault for the collision. Therefore, you may file a legal claim against anyone who directly causes your accident through a dangerous action, like:
- Running a red light
- Swerving between lanes
- Tailgating in traffic
Our team takes the time to investigate what happened and show that another driver acted dangerously to cause your collision. You can count on that as part of our Stone Cold Guarantee.
Does Fault for Car Accidents Matter in Boston?
You can only get compensation for your losses after a car accident if someone else caused the collision. Massachusetts allows you to seek damages if someone else was primarily responsible for the collision.
For a free legal consultation
Better Phone Stone
800-577-5188
How do Lawyers Determine Fault for Car Accidents?
Lawyers use several methods to determine fault for your car accident. Depending on your situation, they may:
- Find and interview any witnesses
- Get a copy of the accident report from the police
- Visit the location of your accident
- Look for videos or photos taken of the accident
- Work with car accident reconstruction experts
Our legal team has over 20 years of experience, giving us the training and resources to thoroughly investigate these accidents. We can get to work right away on your case when you contact us for help. Insurance companies are already investigating, so you should have your team on the case, too.
After collecting evidence to show the other driver’s fault, your lawyer can take steps to resolve our claim and bring you compensation for your losses. You have two primary options to resolve car accident cases in Massachusetts:
Settling with the Insurance Company
Your lawyer may present all the evidence they gathered about your car accident to the insurance company during settlement negotiations. The company may accept this evidence and provide you with funds to cover your:
- Current and future healthcare costs
- Lost pay
- Diminished earning potential
- Property damage (including vehicle repairs)
- Pain and emotional anguish
We negotiate aggressively on behalf of clients who turn to us for help after a collision.
Filing a Lawsuit
The insurance company may refuse fair settlement offers in some cases. In these circumstances, our team can help you file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation in court.
We’ll work to prove the other driver’s fault in court, helping you get a judgment to cover all of your losses. You can discuss this option with a Boston personal injury lawyer.
Can You Help Your Lawyer Determine Fault?
You can take steps immediately after a Boston car accident to strengthen your legal claim for compensation by demonstrating the other driver’s fault. First of all, make sure that you call the police to report the accident.
We can use the official accident report to back up your story about the accident. You can also help by getting pictures of:
- Your injuries
- The damage to your vehicle
- The position of all cars in the accident
- Hazards that contributed to the accident
Do your best to get contact information for all witnesses who saw your collision and the at-fault driver. We’ll utilize all this information when building your car accident claim, boosting your chances of securing maximum compensation.
Keep in mind that Massachusetts’s comparative negligence laws mean that you may receive less compensation if you hold partial fault for an accident. Therefore, we understand the importance of showing another driver’s responsibility.
How Long do Lawyers Have to Determine Fault?
Your lawyer has to demonstrate the other driver’s fault before the statute of limitations expires in Boston. Generally, you’ll have three years to move forward with your request for compensation before you run out of time.
Speak to Us About the Fault for Your Car Accident Claim
How is fault determined in a car accident claim? Generally, determining fault requires an investigation, discussions with witnesses, and a review of accident reports. Our team at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers can handle the investigative process on your behalf.
You can focus on your recovery while we handle everything else after a collision. Allow us to get started today by calling or completing our online contact form.
Not Trusting What You’re Being Told?
Better Phone Stone
800-577-5188