logo-copy new
Call Now

Types of Auto Accidents in Boston

If you’ve been hurt in an auto accident, we can help you get fair compensation. Contact Cutler & Associates today for your free case review.

Boston's streets have a rich history, culture, and bustling urban life. Unfortunately, car accidents disrupt the vibrant mood here sometimes. These accidents can have long-lasting impacts on the injured victims. They must not only deal with serious injuries but also a whirlwind of emotional and financial turmoil. An experienced Boston auto accident lawyer can take the stress off your shoulders by filing an auto accident claim to help you get compensation for your losses and damages.

 


Call a lawyer

 

The Reality of Motor Vehicle Accidents

Every year, Boston sees many car accidents, ranging from minor fender-benders to catastrophic collisions. Statistics reveal that thousands of people find their lives abruptly changed by accidents on the road. Here are some eye-opening numbers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

  • 42,939 deaths from car accident crashes in 2021.
  • Over 6.1 million reported traffic collisions in 2021
  • Over 2.4 million injuries in 2021.
  • Drunk drivers accounted for 13,384 fatalities.
  • Speeding resulted in 12,330 car crashes.
  • Pedestrian fatalities reached 7,388 in 2021.
  • Every 5 minutes, people were injured in traffic crashes, while one individual died every 12 minutes in 2021.
  • Distracted driving, such as texting, accounted for 3,308 deaths in 2022.

These incidents represent life-altering hardships. The reality of car accidents is a reminder of the fragility of life.

Common Car Accident Types in Boston

Boston, unfortunately, is not immune to these statistics. We have our share of auto accidents here. Boston's historic streets, while picturesque, present a unique set of challenges for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. Boston's streets are uniquely winding and meandering, often following the paths of old cow paths and colonial-era roads. The irregular layout of the streets can be charming but also confusing for first-time visitors to navigate. As a result, car accidents happen frequently here. Here are the types of incidents which occur the most:

  1. Rear-end Collisions 

These crashes happen when the vehicle hits another one from behind. Accidents are often caused by drivers who tailgate, drive while distracted, or face poor road conditions. Serious injuries from rear-end incidents might include whiplash as well as neck and back pain. They may occasionally result in death or disability.

  1. Side-impact Accidents 

Another name for this collision is a T-bone. This type of crash occurs when a vehicle runs a red light or fails to yield the right of way, causing one vehicle to collide with another from the side. Serious injuries from side-impact collisions may include severe brain injuries, internal bleeding, and fractured bones.

  1. Head-on Collisions

This situation happens when two cars collide head-on or front end to front end. Driver errors, such as driving while intoxicated or falling asleep at the wheel, can cause many head-on crashes. Head-on collisions can be dangerous and may result in fatalities or serious injuries.

  1. Rollovers 

These crashes occur when an automobile rolls over onto its side or roof. Weather, inattentive driving, and speeding are the leading causes of rollovers. Rollover collisions can be hazardous because they may result in an explosion or fire in the car.

  1. Single-Vehicle Collisions 

These accidents occur when a driver loses control and swerves off the road or when an automobile collides with a railing or tree.

Unfortunately, sometimes the victims in the crashes do not survive. According to the National Safety Council’s Injury Facts (NSC), there were 12,200 fatalities which resulted from single-vehicle collisions with fixed or other objects in 2022.

  1. Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents 

Boston’s urban layout promotes walking and cycling but poses higher risks for pedestrians and cyclists. Lack of visibility and failure to obey traffic signals can cause accidents, especially during early morning or late evening hours. The presence of distracted drivers and inadequate infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists also exacerbates pedestrian and bicycle accidents in Boston. Additionally, the high volume of traffic in the city can lead to congestion and increased chances of collisions between vehicles and vulnerable road users.

 


Call a lawyer

 

In an effort to reduce these accidents, in April, 2023, Massachusetts passed a new law in which motorists need to leave 4 feet of safe passing distance between their vehicle and pedestrians and cyclists.

  1. Hit-and-Run Accidents

The legal and emotional repercussions of hit and run accidents are profound. Victims are left to deal with their injuries and damages without immediate accountability from the at fault party. These accidents can result in serious injuries or even fatalities, as the responsible driver often flees the scene without providing aid. Victims of hit and run accidents may face challenges in identifying and holding the at fault party accountable due to the lack of information or witnesses.

Steps to Take Following an Auto Accident

If you find yourself in a car accident in Boston, taking the proper steps can impact your recovery and legal journey. The actions below can ensure your safety, protect your rights, and prepare you for potential litigation.

  1. Make a 911 call

Making a 911 call is the first step. The police and emergency medical services (EMS) will show up. In addition to controlling the accident scene, evaluating injuries, and issuing tickets, the Boston Police Department (BPD) will also file a police report, which may be used as evidence later if you need to make an insurance claim or file a personal injury lawsuit for compensation.

  1. Share Information 

Obtain the contact information of the driver(s) of the involved vehicles and the eyewitnesses (name, address, phone, license, insurance). You will need this information if a lawsuit or insurance claim is necessary.

  1. Gather Evidence 

Take pictures or videos of the accident scene if you are physically able to. Documenting the scene from various perspectives, skid marks on the road, traffic signs, surrounding structures or landmarks, street signs, and anything else provides crucial evidence for your car accident claim.

  1. Consult a Physician 

You should get checked out even if there are no visible injuries following an auto accident. Certain serious injuries, such as whiplash, concussion, internal bleeding, or traumatic brain injury, do not always show signs right away. Furthermore, you will need medical records as evidence if you pursue a claim. It’s important to be able to correlate your injury to the accident itself, which is easily done through medical records from the day of the crash.

  1. Speak with Your Own Insurance Provider to Report the Accident

Your insurance company likely requires you to report the accident within a short time frame. However, you should proceed with caution when reporting the incident; do not admit fault, and do not speculate about what happened. Stick to the facts. Always remember that insurance companies, even your own, do not have your best interests prioritized over their own. Their number one concern will always be profit, so if they see an opportunity to minimize how much they have to pay out, they will take it every single time. This is why it is best to keep what you say to a minimum until you have an attorney who can speak to the insurance companies and court officials on your behalf.

  1. Hire a Skilled Boston Auto Accident Lawyer 

The Boston car accident attorneys at Cutler & Associates will protect your rights and seek fair compensation for damages caused by another driver's negligence. If the defendant’s insurance company fails to offer fair compensation, a lawyer can help you negotiate a settlement or pursue legal action.

The abovementioned steps can help safeguard your health, protect your rights, and set a solid foundation for pursuing maximum compensation. All of the documentation will help your attorney to better understand the accident and establish a strong case.




Call a lawyer



Legal Help After a Boston Car Accident

Auto accident cases leave accident victims facing physical injuries and legal battles. Auto accident claims present a variety of legal considerations. These claims can range from determining fault according to Massachusetts laws to establishing the total damages which were sustained by the injured individual. Here are the benefits which an attorney can bring to the table:

  • Knowledge: Skilled attorneys have an in-depth understanding of Massachusetts law regarding vehicle accidents.
  • Negotiation skills: Lawyers know the tactics which drivers’ insurance companies use to minimize their payouts and can make sure you do not become a victim of a shady insurance company.
  • Trial Experience: Though Boston auto accident cases can settle outside of court, a car accident attorney can argue your case at trial if necessary.
  • Investigative Prowess: Your attorney will meticulously gather evidence to support your claim, such as obtaining police reports, medical records, and opinions from medical and economic experts.
  • Maximize Compensation: An attorney knows how to accurately calculate tangible and non-tangible losses to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and burial expenses.
  • Compassion: Our attorneys offer advocacy and empathy which let you know that they care about you as a person, and will not treat you as just another case.

A Boston auto accident lawyer can bear the burden of your legal affairs. You can focus on healing from the moment they take on your case. It is not advisable that you attempt to settle your case without the help of legal counsel, particularly if you were seriously injured.

Your Fight Is Our Fight at Cutler & Associates

After an auto accident, you're thrust into a world of uncertainty. Pain, financial strain, and confusing legal jargon can make you feel overwhelmed. At this time, you need support, guidance, and someone to stand up for your rights.

Without an attorney in your corner, you may miss out on full compensation, experience a prolonged recovery time, and deal with unnecessary emotional distress. The legal system can be complex; insurance companies will inevitably try to minimize your well-being and maximize profits. But you do not have to settle for this.

Cutler & Associates steps in with a promise: to be more than a law firm. Our team has provided legal assistance to thousands of clients for over 40 years, with over 7,500 cases handled, and millions of dollars obtained for our clients, delivering results and renewed hope. Our approach is not just about aggressive legal representation; it's about understanding, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of what's fair.

Call Us Today

Let Cutler & Associates be the difference in your case. We can achieve a resolution that brings you peace and moves you forward. Call us now at (800) 600-4000 or (617) 542-5000.

LET'S START

Free Case Evaluation

Tell us about your situation so we can get started working for you. We tailor each case to meet our client's needs.
CONTACT US 

Cutler & Associates - Contact us







    logo-copy new
    Choosing the right attorney can be a difficult and daunting task. You need someone who is aggressive and professional, yet caring and attentive to you, the client. Cutler & Associates is a law firm that strives to offer the right balance of these qualities, a firm you can trust to serve you with a wide range of legal experience.
    MONDAY9:00am - 5:00pm
    TUESDAY9:00am - 5:00pm
    WEDNESDAY9:00am - 5:00pm
    THURSDAY9:00am - 5:00pm
    FRIDAY9:00am - 5:00pm
    SATURDAYCLOSED
    SUNDAYCLOSED
    envelopephonemap-marker linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram