In 2020, 14,584 car accidents in Massachusetts resulted in an injury and 327 led to fatalities. Often, people who are involved in an auto accident leave their fates in the hands of the insurance companies because they don’t realize they deserve more than what the companies are willing to provide.
Have you been in a car crash and wonder whether it’s worth it to obtain an attorney to represent you? You may think that there is no need unless you need representation in court, but a car accident lawyer can handle many aspects of your claim, even if you never step foot in a courtroom. If you leave it to the insurance companies, you may not get fair compensation for damages or injuries.
Offers Legal Council
When you are involved in a car accident, it isn’t always easy finding out what you should do. Massachusetts car accident attorneys understand the system. They know the law and get how insurance companies and healthcare systems operate. They also know your right and can help you protect them. The team at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers has a reputation for successively fighting for our clients’ rights, both with insurance companies and in the courtroom.
Investigates Your Case
It takes a great deal of skill and experience to investigate a case. It also takes time and perseverance. Hiring an attorney can save you from the hassle while also ensuring you have the available evidence to support your claim.
Gathering Evidence for Damages
Motorists who are involved in a car crash in Massachusetts must fill out a crash report if damages exceed $1,000 or if someone is injured or killed in the accident. In these instances, police are usually involved as well. Accident attorneys obtain copies of law enforcement reports, estimates for property damages, and photographs of the accident.
Gathering Evidence for Injuries
Massachusetts is a no-fault auto insurance state. When you are in a car accident, your insurance covers the cost of medical care, no matter who is at fault, until your medical expenses cross the $2,000 threshold the state establishes for recovering pain and suffering damages in court.
General Assembly Laws Chapter 231, Section 6D, allows you to seek compensation from the other driver’s insurance if you receive injuries from an auto accident that exceed the $2,000 threshold. The exceptions to this rule are accidents that result in death, permanent disfigurement or disability. A car accident attorney gathers the evidence needed to evaluate your medical costs.
Obtaining the necessary documentation from your medical and insurance providers can be a challenge, but an attorney knows how to get ahold of them. Car accident lawyers can also call on medical experts to evaluate the records and weigh in on potential future medical costs that may push you over the threshold for pain and suffering.
Gathering Evidence for Liability
The no-fault regulations in Massachusetts only apply to injuries. If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you can file a claim against their insurance provider for vehicle repairs or — if the car was totaled — replacement. However, you must prove that the other driver was liable.
An attorney who specializes in car accident cases gathers evidence to demonstrate liability. This evidence is required for filing a claim for property damage as well as for filing for pain and suffering or medical expenses that exceed the legal threshold for no-fault insurance.
Communicates With Third Parties
Contacting the necessary third parties can be a challenge. Dealing with them is even harder. A car accident attorney can do this for you.
Negotiating With Lien Holders
Any time you receive benefits from an insurer for damages from a car crash, that insurer is considered a lienholder. If you have a case that results in a settlement or judgment, those lienholders get their cash before you, and you get whatever is left over. An experienced lawyer negotiates with your lien holders to reduce their lien amounts.
Negotiating With Insurers
Insurance companies are notorious for playing hardball and withholding benefits. They’ll do whatever they can to keep from paying out what you have a right to receive. They also know that most people don’t have the time or expertise to fight them. An aggressive car accident attorney like Jason Stone can negotiate with providers to ensure you receive your full benefits.
Represents You in Court
If your car accident case goes to court, you need a lawyer representing you who knows how to navigate the legal system and present evidence that supports your claim.
Presenting Driver Negligence Evidence
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 94% of all traffic accidents in the U.S. are due to human error. Examples of common driver errors include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Speeding
- Driving while intoxicated
- Not adhering to traffic signs or signals
A lawyer understands how to present evidence that supports claims of driver negligence to demonstrate liability for the other driver.
Obtaining Fair Compensation
If you are involved in a serious accident, it can significantly impact your life, now and potentially for years to come. In addition to physical injuries, you may lose wages, experience emotional trauma and have other challenges leading the life you could have led if it weren’t for the accident. A car accident lawyer understands how much you stand to lose and knows what your losses are worth. Your attorney would fight for fair compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Mental health assistance and emotional distress
- Household assistance
- Transportation costs
- Quality of life losses
If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident, you may be able to receive compensation in a wrongful death claim.
Get Legal Assistance
If you’ve been in a traffic accident, and you need legal assistance, Jason Stone and his team are ready to assist you with your claim. We understand the financial burden a car crash can create, so we’ve implemented our Stone Cold Guarantee. We don’t get paid until you do. Get in touch today. There’s no obligation, just information.
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