Haverhill Car Accident Lawyer

Were you involved in a car accident? At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we understand that a crash of this nature likely will change your life in an instant. Many people who are hurt in vehicular collisions end up with physical injuries, financial hardship, and emotional distress. 

With a Haverhill personal injury lawyer from our law firm by your side, you won’t have to face the aftermath of a car accident on your own. We are here to help you through the legal process of filing a car accident claim and pursuing compensation. 

We’ve been helping clients for over 21 years, and in that time, we have recovered more than $225 million for 15,000 cases and counting. Plus, with our Stone Cold Guarantee®, you won’t owe us anything unless we recover compensation in your case.  

Common Causes of Car Accidents 

Collisions happen for a variety of reasons, but your car accident attorney in Haverhill needs to determine the cause of the crash if you want to pursue compensation. 

Let’s take a look at some common causes of car crashes. 

Driving While Distracted 

Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating behind the wheel, or engaging in other distractions are less focused than drivers who aren’t multitasking. 

Since their attention isn’t fully focused on the road, they are more likely to get into a car crash. Furthermore, Massachusetts laws prohibit drivers from using a mobile device while driving, so this behavior is illegal.

Speeding

Speeding is another major factor that contributes to car accidents. Drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for the road conditions often have less time to react, meaning they won’t be able to avoid unexpected hazards as well.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense in Massachusetts. State laws make it illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. 

DUI accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities. Furthermore, the at-fault driver might face criminal penalties in addition to facing responsibility for civil liability.

Operating a Vehicle Recklessly

Reckless driving includes behaviors such as tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, and running red lights. These actions likely will create dangerous situations for everyone on the road—including the driver acting recklessly.

In Massachusetts, drivers are expected to operate their vehicles with due care and attention. In doing so, they likely will actively avoid circumstances that would otherwise put people around them in harm’s way.

Encountering Dangerous Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, and fog are common weather conditions that could make driving hazardous. Drivers should adjust their behavior behind the wheel to match the weather conditions. 

Failing to do so likely will lead to collisions as a result of slippery roads, poor visibility, and slower reaction times.

Coming Across Poor Road Conditions

Unmarked potholes, uneven pavement, and poorly maintained roadways often contribute to car crashes. In cases where road conditions are to blame, government agencies or private property owners likely will be held responsible for failing to maintain safe roads.

Massachusetts Car Accident Laws

To effectively pursue a car accident claim, you must understand two important laws in Massachusetts. 

No-Fault Insurance System 

Massachusetts operates under a no-fault insurance system. This means—regardless of who’s at fault—your insurance company will pay for your medical expenses and lost wages after a collision. 

This is true if you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which is required by law. However, if your injuries are serious, you likely will have the right to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver. 

To qualify for this, your injury must meet the following criteria:

• Permanent and serious disfigurement
• Fractures
• Loss of a body part
• Permanent loss of function of a body part or organ
• A significant limitation of a bodily function
• Death

Comparative Fault in Massachusetts

Massachusetts follows a modified comparative fault rule. In other words, you could still recover compensation even if you are found partially at fault for the accident.

However, the exception is that you must be found less than 51% at fault. Additionally, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault you are awarded. 

Statute of Limitations

In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident is three years from the date of the crash. If you do not file within this time frame, you likely will lose your right to pursue compensation.

Reach Out Today to Schedule a Consultation with a Haverhill Car Accident Lawyer 

If you were injured in a car accident, don’t wait to take action. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we will start working on your case. Call Jason Stone Injury Lawyers today to set up a consultation at no cost to you. 

Car crashes leave you with a lot of financial stress, but with our Haverhill car accident lawyers by your side, you won’t have to worry about how you’ll afford legal representation. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you never need to reach into your pocket to pay us. 

Plus, with our Stone Cold Guarantee® at the forefront of everything we do, we’re here to help you recover emotionally, physically, financially, and legally.