Did you get hurt after another driver hit your car from behind? This type of car crash can be surprising, especially if you didn’t see it coming. However, as the victim of the collision, you have rights, and a rear-end accident lawyer in Quincy is the one to call for help.
Founded in 2006, Earley Law Group has recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Together, our attorneys have 25 years of combined experience. As your car accident lawyer in Quincy, we can take legal action on your behalf and pursue compensation for you.
Rear-End Collisions Can Cause Serious Injuries
A rear-end crash can look minor from the outside, particularly when the vehicles have relatively little visible damage. That does not tell the whole story. Even a collision at a relatively low speed can cause injuries to the neck, back, shoulders, head, and other parts of the body.
For someone who has been injured, the financial consequences usually extend well beyond the repair bill. Medical treatment, prescription costs, physical therapy, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and ongoing pain can all become part of the picture.
Some injuries also affect a person’s ability to care for children, maintain a household, participate in activities, or return to the same work routine. Your personal injury lawyer in Quincy can help you identify the full scope of those losses.
Massachusetts Uses Comparative Negligence
Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 231, Section 85, an injured person can recover damages if their share of negligence isn’t greater than the combined negligence attributed to the other parties.
The damages will then be reduced according to the injured person’s percentage of fault. For example, suppose an injured driver has $100,000 in legally supported damages and is found to be 20% responsible for the collision, while the other driver is 80% responsible.
The injured driver’s recovery would be reduced by 20%. This rule is important because insurance companies sometimes raise arguments about an injured person’s conduct. They could contend that the person who was hurt engaged in the following behavior:
- Stopped unexpectedly
- Changed lanes improperly
- Failed to use appropriate caution
- Contributed to the circumstances that led to the collision
Your Quincy rear-end accident lawyers can respond to those arguments with evidence instead of letting the insurer’s version of events become the foundation for your claim.
With that in mind, Massachusetts law also places the burden on the party seeking to establish negligence that would reduce the injured person’s recovery.
Evidence Can Shape Your Rear-End Injury Claim
Your medical records can connect the collision to the injuries being claimed. These are examples of evidence that your rear–end accident lawyers in Quincy can gather and organize on your behalf:
- Police reports and crash documentation
- Photographs of the vehicles, roadway, and surrounding area
- Statements from people who witnessed the collision
- Available traffic, business, or residential surveillance footage
- Medical records and treatment documentation
- Bills and other records showing accident-related expenses
- Employment records documenting missed work or lost income
- Information concerning the injured person’s work limitations
- Insurance correspondence and settlement offers
- Evidence concerning the other driver’s conduct
The purpose is not simply to collect a large amount of paperwork. Each piece of evidence should help establish liability, the seriousness of the injuries, or the financial and personal impact of the crash.
Massachusetts PIP Coverage Adds Another Layer
Massachusetts uses a no–fault system for certain automobile insurance benefits. Commonly called PIP, Personal Injury Protection covers certain medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses without requiring you to first prove that another driver is at fault.
Massachusetts law provides PIP coverage up to the applicable policy limit, which is usually $8,000 under the standard framework. It’s worth noting that PIP is separate from a liability claim against the driver who caused the collision.
Massachusetts also coordinates PIP with health insurance in certain circumstances. The first portion of covered medical expenses is handled through PIP. Your lawyer can review the insurance policies involved and determine how different sources of coverage relate to the claim.
Injury Compensation Can Cover More Than Medical Bills
A personal injury claim after a rear-end collision can involve several categories of damages. The exact damages available depend on the facts, the severity of the injuries, the available evidence, and Massachusetts law.
These are potential losses victims experience in rear-end accident cases:
- Medical expenses related to the collision
- Future medical treatment connected to the injury
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Reduced earning capacity when an injury affects the ability to work
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering in some cases
- Other documented losses caused by the collision
The law does not place every accident victim into the same category. A person who experiences a short period of soreness and a person who develops a long-term spinal injury have very different claims.
The evidence needs to reflect those differences. This is one reason thorough documentation matters. Medical records, employment information, treatment history, and testimony about daily limitations can all help demonstrate the actual effect of an injury.
Call Earley Law Group ASAP for Help From Our Rear-End Accident Attorneys in Quincy
For someone dealing with an injury, legal representation should make you feel protected during an otherwise uncertain period. The right Quincy rear-end accident attorney for your case will explain the legal process in plain language and answer any questions you have.
You also deserve a lawyer who is willing to communicate consistently and provide you with a straightforward assessment of your claim. At Earley Law Group, we built our practice on the premise of representing ordinary people with a strong focus on communication.
We also prioritize the client experience. We’re known for educating our fellow attorneys and maintaining a strong reputation throughout the Boston area. For help from lawyers who offer white-glove legal services, Call Earley Before It’s Too Late!™