Personal Injury
Car Accidents
Understanding Your Rights After an Auto Accident
Navigating the aftermath of a vehicle collision can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. The attorneys at Butters Brazilian LLP specialize in representing car accident victims suffering from life-altering injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, broken bones and permanent disfigurement. A common misconception is that car accident cases are straightforward. In fact, the opposite is true. The process of navigating a car accident case and proving liability can be quite complex. Additionally, many cases require intense investigation and expert analysis to prove liability and the extent of the damages claimed. Unfortunately, people who go through this process without having a knowledgeable attorney frequently underestimate the value of their case, and, as a result, sell themselves short.
From the outset of our representation, we help our clients understand their legal options, coordinate appropriate insurance benefits, and develop our case strategy through thorough investigation. We always operate toward the goal of maximizing our client’s recovery.
Recoverable damages in a car accident case can include the following:
- Lost Wages
- Medical Expenses
- Pain and Suffering
- Future Care
- Lost Enjoyment of Life
- Damage to Personal Property
We are adept at negotiating with insurance companies and opposing counsel so that you receive full and fair compensation for your damages. If you or a family member were injured in car accident through no fault of your own, please contact Butters Brazilian LLP at 617-367-2600 to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our Boston-based injury attorneys.
Key Legal Protections for Auto Accident Victims:
At Butters Brazilian, our dedicated personal injury attorneys concentrate on helping Massachusetts auto accident victims understand their legal rights and secure the compensation they deserve. From the moment of impact to the resolution of your claim, we provide comprehensive legal support tailored to the unique complexities of Massachusetts injury law. Our personal injury lawyers help by providing:
- Comprehensive case evaluation by experienced Massachusetts attorneys
- Thorough investigation of accident circumstances
- Strategic negotiation with insurance companies
- Maximizing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Massachusetts law provides specific protections for accident victims, including rights under M.G.L. Chapter 90 and the state’s PIP threshold requirements under Chapter 231, Section 6D, but understanding these rights requires skilled legal guidance. Our attorneys have an in-depth understanding of insurance benefits, state laws, and regulations, ensuring that you receive maximum support during this challenging time.
The path to recovery begins with informed, decisive action. Let Butters Brazilian be your advocate in securing justice and the financial recovery to move forward with your life.
- No Fees Unless We Win – You don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation for you.
- Aggressive Representation – We won’t let insurance companies pressure you into accepting a low settlement.
- Millions Recovered– Our successful track record speaks for itself.
- Personalized Legal Support – We treat every case with care and attention. You’re not just another client to us.
- Available 24/7 – We understand accidents don’t happen on a schedule. We’re here when you need us.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents
Auto collisions in Massachusetts and Boston specifically are caused by a variety of factors, many of which are preventable. There are certain trends that emerge more frequently in auto accidents, which include:
- Drunk or impaired driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs reaction times and judgment, making drunk driving accidents a serious issue in Boston and beyond.
- Distracted driving: Using a cell phone, eating, or adjusting in-car controls are common distractions that can lead to severe accidents. Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of crashes throughout Massachusetts.
- Speeding: Speeding and aggressive driving, such as tailgating or weaving through traffic, increase the severity of accidents. These behaviors are common in urban areas like Boston, Cambridge, and Brookline where drivers are in a rush.
- Intersection accidents: Accidents at intersections are often the result of drivers running red lights, failing to yield, or making improper left turns. These collisions are particularly dangerous due to the high likelihood of side impacts.
- Improper or dangerous lane changes: Dangerous lane changes occur when drivers fail to signal, check blind spots, or yield to other vehicles while switching lanes. These actions can result in sideswipe collisions or force other drivers to take evasive action, leading to crashes.
- Driving the wrong way: Driving the wrong way on a one-way street or highway is one of the most dangerous mistakes a driver can make. In Boston, with its complex roadways, confusing signage, and high volume of one-way streets, wrong way driving accidents are a problem that can lead to catastrophic head-on collision.
- Driver fatigue: fatigued driving is a serious issue that impairs reaction time, decision-making, and focus, like the effects of driving under the influence. Long commutes, overnight shifts, and extended hours on Boston’s congested roads increase the likelihood of fatigue-related accidents. These crashes often occur when drivers doze off behind the wheel or fail to notice hazards in time.
The Critical Role of Legal Representation
Professional legal representation transforms your accident claim from a potential challenge to a strategic pursuit of justice. Butters Brazilian attorneys provide:
- Comprehensive claim investigation
- Expert evidence collection and preservation
- Interpretation and coordination of insurance policies
- Aggressive negotiation with insurance providers or opposing counsel
- Litigation support for maximum compensation
- Representation at mediation, arbitration, or trial in Suffolk County Superior Court, Boston Municipal Court, and district courts throughout Greater Boston
Evidence Collection: Building Your Strongest Case
Effective legal representation hinges on meticulous evidence gathering. Our team systematically documents:
- Detailed police reports
- Comprehensive medical records and bills
- Witness statements
- Accident scene photographs
- Surveillance videos
- Employment records showing lost wages
- Expert testimony and forensic analysis
Each piece of evidence can strengthen your claim by demonstrating the full extent of damages and liability.
Compensation for Accident Victims
Auto accident victims may recover damages including:
- Complete medical treatment costs
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Property damage expenses
- Pain and suffering compensation
- Rehabilitation and long-term care expenses
Our attorneys ensure no potential compensation avenue remains unexplored.
Covering Medical Bills and Rehabilitation Costs
Auto accident victims can receive compensation for medical bills and rehabilitation costs. Collisions often result in wage loss and require an extensive road to recovery.
| Expense Type | Compensation Coverage |
| Medical Bills | Hospital stays, surgeries, medications |
| Rehabilitation | Physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling |
| Lost Wages | Past and future income loss |
Recovering Lost Income
Navigating the financial aftermath of a motor vehicle accident requires skilled legal representation. Our attorneys specialize in comprehensive income recovery, meticulously negotiating with insurance companies to ensure victims receive full compensation for lost wages. By strategically presenting witness testimonies and compelling evidence, we strengthen claims for both economic damages and the often-overlooked emotional consequences of serious injuries like spinal cord trauma.
Emotional distress is a profound yet complex aspect of auto accident recovery. Brain injuries and traumatic experiences can leave lasting psychological scars that extend far beyond physical damage. Even worse, car accidents can lead to wrongful death claims. Our experienced legal team understands that compensation is not just about medical bills and property repair—it is about holistic healing. We work closely with professional counseling services and mental health experts to thoroughly document the emotional impact of your accident, ensuring that your pain and suffering are recognized and appropriately compensated.
Our comprehensive approach means we do not just seek financial recovery. Instead, we advocate for your complete personal restoration. Through strategic negotiation, expert testimony, and compassionate representation, we aim to transform the challenging journey of post-accident recovery into a path toward meaningful healing and justice.
Protecting Your Legal Interests: Immediate Critical Steps After a Car Accident
Your actions during the critical moments following an auto accident can significantly impact your legal claim and financial recovery. Here are several steps you can take to protect your rights and help you recover fair compensation.
Step 1: Medical Attention and Documentation-Your First Priority
Seeking immediate medical attention serves multiple critical purposes. Beyond addressing your physical health, which is always the most important concern, prompt medical care creates an official record of your injuries which becomes crucial evidence in establishing the extent and impact of the accident. Medical documentation provides an objective, professional assessment of your injuries, linking them directly to the incident and preventing insurance companies from challenging the accident’s severity or origin.
Step 2: Report the Accident to the Police
In Massachusetts, you are required to report any car accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Call the police to the scene, even for minor accidents. The police will create an official accident report, which is crucial for your insurance claim and any legal action you may take.
Step 3: Comprehensive Evidence Collection
Thorough documentation transforms your potential legal claim from a mere allegation to a compelling, evidence-backed case. This involves carefully collecting and preserving critical information: detailed accident scene photographs, witness contact information, police reports, medical records, and a personal account of the incident while your memory remains fresh. Each piece of documentation acts as a crucial element in reconstructing the accident and demonstrating liability. If you are unable to gather the evidence due to injury, ask a trusted friend or family member to do so on your behalf.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company
Massachusetts is a no-fault state, meaning your own insurance will cover your medical expenses regardless of who was at fault. Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible but be cautious when discussing the details. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or downplaying your injuries.
Step 5: Consulting With a Legal Professional Early
Early consultation with a personal injury lawyer ensures proper preservation of evidence and handling of your case. Our attorneys review medical records to assess the health impacts of neck and bone injuries. Prompt legal advice helps protect victims’ rights and maximize potential compensation.
Step 6: Keep Detailed Records
Throughout the process, keep detailed records of all medical treatments, expenses, and communications with insurance companies. This documentation will be invaluable if your case goes to trial.
Common Questions About Auto Accident Legal Assistance
Legal processes for auto accidents typically take months to years, depending on case complexity and whether a lawsuit is filed in court. A lawsuit typically takes much longer to reach a resolution than an out of court settlement reached pre-suit.
Massachusetts civil laws assess fault percentages in auto accidents involving multiple drivers. A partially at-fault driver is not prevented from pursuing a claim, however, the driver may not be able to recover if found to be over 50% responsible for the incident.
After an auto accident, you may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and future medical costs. In severe cases, you might also claim compensation for disability, loss of earning capacity, and emotional distress.
Choosing the right lawyer after a Boston car accident requires evaluating their experience with Massachusetts laws, track record, and communication style. Read our complete guide on how to choose the best car accident lawyer in Boston for detailed tips on what questions to ask, red flags to avoid, and how to prepare for your consultation.
