Andover Car Accident Lawyer
Representing Andover Car Accident Victims
Car accidents have become a fact of life in our world today. No matter how diligently you drive, it is not possible to control the actions of other drivers. In 2021, nearly 47,000 fatalities and 5.4 million medically consulted injuries were caused by motor vehicle crashes on U.S. roadways, as reported by the National Safety Council (NSC).
Andover is located 23 miles north of Boston. The commute from Andover to Boston or back, which should take 45 minutes, is likely to take more than an hour in rush hour traffic. Heavy traffic not only adds time to your trip but also increases the risk of a crash.
Auto Accident Claims
Serious car accidents can have a significant impact on the lives of victims and their families. After a wreck that was someone else’s fault, your best course of action is to speak with an experienced Andover car accident attorney. Under certain conditions, you may have a claim for compensation against the at-fault driver. Our Andover personal injury lawyer can tell you if you have a case and what damages you may be entitled to claim.
Who Is Liable for Motor Vehicle Accidents in Andover?
Massachusetts is a no-fault state for car accidents. Every driver is required to carry mandatory minimums of auto insurance coverage, including $8,000 in personal injury protection (PIP). Regardless of who caused the crash, you may file a claim with your own insurance company to recover compensation for your medical expenses and up to 75% of lost wages and replacement services, as stated by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance.
The problem with this system is that your medical expenses could easily exceed $8,000, and PIP will not compensate you for all of your lost income or your pain and suffering, diminished earning capacity, and other losses. You may be eligible to recover compensation from the driver who caused the accident, after first going through your own insurance company, provided:
- The other driver was negligent; and
- Your medical expenses total more than $2,000; or
- You have suffered permanent effects from your injuries.
What Constitutes Negligence in Car Accident Cases?
The other driver may have been negligent in any number of ways. Examples of negligent driving behavior include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Failing to use turn signals
- Unsafe lane changes
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fatigued driving
- Distracted driving
What Types of Compensation Are Available in a Personal Injury Claim?
If you are eligible to file a claim against the driver who caused your accident, damages you can claim will depend on the nature and severity of your injuries. Common damages in car accident cases include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages or earning
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
Do You Need a Lawyer After an Andover Car Accident?
After a serious car accident, you will be dealing with insurance companies, whether you file a claim with your own insurance company, or against the other driver, or both. Insurance companies are in business for profit, and the less they pay out in claims, the more profit they make. Even your own insurance company could make a low ball settlement offer for much less than your claim is worth. Your best chance of recovering full and fair compensation is to have an experienced Andover car accident attorney handling your claim.
Contact DiBella Law Offices, P.C. at (978) 258-7600. We have been successfully representing car accident victims for nearly two decades.