Best Boston Car Accident Lawyers

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when choosing a car accident lawyer in Boston?

Look for an attorney with specific experience handling car accident cases in Massachusetts courts and a proven track record of successful settlements or verdicts. The best lawyers offer free consultations, work on contingency (no upfront costs), and have strong communication skills to keep you informed throughout your case.

Check their credentials, including Massachusetts Bar admission, professional memberships like the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys, and client reviews. Experience with Boston-area insurance companies matters because local attorneys understand how carriers like Commerce, Safety, and Arbella typically handle claims.

Ask about their caseload and whether they'll personally handle your case or pass it to junior attorneys. You want someone who has time to focus on your specific situation and understands Massachusetts comparative negligence laws under M.G.L. c. 231, § 85.

How much does a Boston car accident lawyer cost?

Most car accident lawyers in Boston work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. The standard fee ranges from 33% to 40% of your settlement or verdict, with lower percentages typically applying to cases that settle before trial.

You pay nothing upfront, and the lawyer covers case expenses like filing fees, expert witness costs, and medical record retrieval. If you don't recover compensation, you owe nothing for attorney fees, though some agreements require reimbursement of costs.

Always get the fee structure in writing before signing. Massachusetts requires attorneys to provide clear written fee agreements, so review what percentage applies at different case stages and whether costs are deducted before or after the fee calculation.

What types of car accident cases do Boston lawyers handle?

Boston car accident attorneys handle rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, drunk driving accidents, hit-and-runs, and multi-vehicle pileups. They also manage cases involving rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft, commercial trucks, and accidents on major Boston roadways like I-93, Route 1, and the Mass Pike.

Lawyers take on cases involving serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and soft tissue injuries. They also handle wrongful death claims when accidents result in fatalities.

Many attorneys specialize in cases with disputed liability, uninsured or underinsured motorist claims, and accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists. Experience with Massachusetts no-fault insurance laws under M.G.L. c. 90, § 34M is essential for navigating the state's complex insurance system.

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Massachusetts?

You have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 260, Section 2A. This statute of limitations is strict, and missing the deadline typically means losing your right to compensation through the courts.

Property damage claims have a separate three-year deadline. If a government vehicle caused the accident, you must file a notice of claim within two years with the specific government entity involved.

Start the claims process immediately, even though you have three years to sue. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies may question delayed claims. Early action also allows time for settlement negotiations before the lawsuit deadline approaches.

What damages can I recover after a Boston car accident?

You can recover economic damages, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and future medical care costs. Massachusetts law allows compensation for both current expenses and reasonably anticipated future costs related to your injuries.

Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent scarring or disfigurement. Massachusetts doesn't cap these damages in most car accident cases, though the amount depends on injury severity and impact on your life.

If the at-fault driver was grossly negligent or intoxicated, you might recover punitive damages designed to punish extreme misconduct. Your compensation may be reduced under Massachusetts comparative negligence rules if you share fault, but you can still recover as long as you're less than 51% responsible.

When should I hire a lawyer after a car accident in Boston?

Hire a lawyer immediately after seeking medical treatment, especially if you suffered serious injuries, the other driver disputes fault, or the insurance company offers a quick settlement. Early representation protects you from making statements that could harm your claim and ensures proper evidence preservation.

You need an attorney if your injuries require ongoing treatment, you've been out of work, or the insurance company denies your claim. Cases involving commercial vehicles, government entities, or multiple parties also require legal expertise to navigate complex liability issues.

Don't wait until the insurance company makes a lowball offer to seek help. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you can't pursue additional compensation even if your injuries worsen. A lawyer evaluates the full value of your claim before you make binding decisions.

How do Massachusetts comparative negligence laws affect my case?

Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule under M.G.L. c. 231, § 85, which reduces your compensation by your percentage of fault. If you're 20% responsible for the accident and your damages total $100,000, you'd recover $80,000.

You can still collect damages as long as you're 50% or less at fault. If you're 51% or more responsible, you recover nothing regardless of your injuries or losses.

Insurance companies often try to assign partial blame to accident victims to reduce payouts. A skilled Boston attorney challenges unfair fault allegations by gathering police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction evidence to protect your recovery rights.

What's the difference between settling and going to trial?

Settlements resolve cases faster, typically within months rather than years, and provide guaranteed compensation without the uncertainty of a jury verdict. You avoid the stress of testifying and maintain more privacy since settlement terms often remain confidential.

Trials may result in higher compensation if your case is strong and the insurance company's offer is unreasonably low. Going to court allows a jury to hear the full impact of your injuries and may produce verdicts that reflect the true value of serious or permanent harm.

Most Boston car accident cases settle before trial because both sides want to avoid litigation costs and unpredictable outcomes. Your attorney negotiates aggressively while preparing for trial, which often motivates insurance companies to make fair settlement offers. You always make the final decision on whether to accept a settlement or proceed to trial.

How long does a car accident case take in Boston?

Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries often settle within 3-6 months. More complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed fault, or multiple parties typically take 12-24 months to resolve.

Cases that go to trial extend the timeline considerably, sometimes taking 2-3 years from filing to verdict. Massachusetts courts in Suffolk County can have crowded dockets, which affects scheduling for hearings and trial dates.

The timeline also depends on when you reach maximum medical improvement, meaning your condition has stabilized. Settling before understanding the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs can leave you undercompensated for long-term care costs.

What evidence do I need for a strong car accident case?

Collect photos of vehicle damage, injuries, skid marks, traffic signs, and road conditions at the accident scene. Take pictures from multiple angles and capture the overall intersection or roadway layout.

Obtain the police report from the Boston Police Department or Massachusetts State Police, which documents the officer's findings about fault and any citations issued. Get contact information for witnesses who saw the accident happen.

Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts related to your injuries. Document lost wages with pay stubs and employer letters. Your attorney will also gather surveillance footage, phone records if distracted driving is suspected, and expert testimony to strengthen your case.

Can I switch lawyers if I'm unhappy with my current attorney?

You have the right to change lawyers at any time, though your original attorney may claim a portion of the fee for work already completed. Massachusetts legal ethics rules protect your ability to choose representation that best serves your interests.

Review your current fee agreement to understand any provisions about attorney withdrawal or substitution. Most contingency agreements address how fees are divided if you switch counsel mid-case.

Before making a change, communicate your concerns with your current lawyer. Many issues stem from misunderstandings about case timelines or strategy. If problems persist, consult with a new attorney who can review your case file and advise whether switching representation makes sense at your case's current stage.

What makes Boston car accident cases unique?

Boston's dense traffic, narrow streets, and aggressive driving culture create unique accident scenarios. Cases often involve complex intersections like Kenmore Square or Storrow Drive accidents, where multiple factors contribute to crashes.

Massachusetts's no-fault insurance system requires injury victims to first seek compensation through their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage before pursuing claims against at-fault drivers. You can only step outside the no-fault system if your injuries meet the serious injury threshold defined in M.G.L. c. 90, § 34O.

Local attorneys understand how Boston-area hospitals document injuries, which insurance companies operate in the region, and how Suffolk County juries typically evaluate damages. They know Massachusetts-specific requirements like the state's mandatory minimum auto insurance coverage of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for bodily injury liability.

What questions should I ask during a free consultation?

Ask about the attorney's specific experience with car accident cases similar to yours, including their success rate and average settlement amounts. Find out how many cases they're currently handling and who will work on your file day-to-day.

Clarify the fee structure, including what percentage they charge and when that percentage increases. Ask how costs and expenses are handled and whether you're responsible for them if the case is unsuccessful.

Discuss their communication practices, including how often you'll receive updates and the best way to reach them with questions. Ask about their assessment of your case's value, potential challenges, and realistic timelines for resolution.

Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company already made an offer?

Yes, especially if you haven't finished medical treatment or don't know the full extent of your injuries. Initial insurance offers typically undervalue claims because adjusters want to close files quickly and cheaply before you understand your case's true worth.

Insurance companies have teams of lawyers protecting their interests, so you need someone protecting yours. An attorney evaluates whether the offer covers all your medical expenses, lost income, future care needs, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Once you accept a settlement, you can't reopen your claim if complications develop or additional injuries emerge. A Boston car accident lawyer negotiates with insurance adjusters who may not be offering fair compensation based on Massachusetts case law and comparable verdicts in similar cases.

What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?

Your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage provides compensation when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Massachusetts requires insurance companies to offer UM coverage equal to your liability limits, though you can reject it in writing.

If you don't have UM coverage, you can sue the at-fault driver directly, but collecting a judgment from an uninsured defendant is often tricky. Your attorney may investigate whether other insurance policies could apply, such as the driver's employer if they were working at the time.

In hit-and-run accidents where the driver can't be identified, your UM coverage still applies. You must report the accident to the police within 24 hours and cooperate with your insurance company's investigation to qualify for benefits under your policy.