Boston Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in an incident with a drunk driver, your first step is to schedule a free consultation with a qualified, experienced Boston drunk driving accident lawyer. The team at DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers can review your case immediately and advise you on your next steps.
Get Free Advice About The Compensation You Deserve
Reviewed by: Christopher DiBella
June 11, 2025
You shouldn’t have to handle this confusing time alone. We know that being in a drunk driving crash is scary and overwhelming, and victims don’t always know what to do. We’re here to guide you and provide professional, informed advice.
Contacting our firm is an essential step in protecting yourself after an accident. Our team is experienced, compassionate, and ready to fight for justice.
- Our Boston drunk driving lawyers have the experience and knowledge of DUI law to pursue maximum compensation in your case.
- We investigate all aspects of your case, negotiate with insurers, and prepare for court if necessary to pursue maximum compensation.
- The sooner you take action, the easier it is to gather evidence and build a strong case.
On This Page
- Why Choose DiBella Law for Your Drunk Driving Accident Case?
- Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Accident Injury Cases
- Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents We Handle
- Understanding Massachusetts Laws on Drunk Driving Accidents
- Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a DUI Accident
- Who Is Liable in a Boston Drunk Driving Accident?
- How DiBella Law Builds a Strong DUI Accident Injury Claim
- Contact Our Boston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today
Why Choose DiBella Law for Your Drunk Driving Accident Case?
When you are injured by a person driving under the influence, or DUI, you need a skilled Boston accident lawyer on your side. Working with a local personal injury attorney can protect your rights, handle insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation.
Having served Massachusetts and New Hampshire for over 20 years, our trusted injury lawyers have extensive experience managing Boston drunk driving cases. We earn your trust with a solid track record of success, award-winning attorneys, and a community of grateful clients.
What Our Clients Say About Working With Us
We are committed to providing personalized service to every client, every time. Our compassionate approach shines through in testimonials from grateful clients:
“I have been limited in my normal activities due to a shoulder injury from a car accident 3 years ago. It was nice and easy to get financial compensation for my inconvenience. I was able to concentrate on my physical therapy and getting back to a normal routine. Dibella Law Office did all the work. Thank you, I’m very glad to have you on my side.” – Linda
“I, Michael… was involved in a car accident. I found Chris DiBella searching online, and when I called and spoke with him, he was very pleasant and forthcoming, so I decided to hire him for his firm. Chris and his friend did an amazing job helping me. You never failed me once, always got back to me, called me right away, or emailed me. It represented me very well and I was very pleased, and I would recommend Chris and his firm to anybody that needs help in a similar situation” – Michael
“DiBella and his team are the best. They really take care of the clients. They go above and beyond to keep their clients satisfied. With my case, there was no guarantee. DiBella and his team made it happen. Thank you, DiBella and team. I appreciate all your time always!! If anybody needs any lawyer services, I recommend DiBella Law Firm 1000%.. Thank you again.” – Randy
Our Case Results
As experienced lawyers for Boston drunk driving accidents, we know every case is different. While they don’t guarantee any outcomes, case results like the following demonstrate the effectiveness of our representation:
- $190,000 for a man who was a passenger in a vehicle struck in a head-on collision by a driver who was overserved by a local establishment.
- $135,000 for a client involved in an accident when another automobile struck her vehicle while it was stopped. At the time of the accident, the client had pain in her neck and back and was evaluated by EMS, but did not go to the hospital. Since the accident, she has had trouble walking, standing up, and performing daily tasks, among other issues. She has had limited success managing her symptoms with pain injections.
- $130,000 for a client who was rear-ended when his car was at a full stop near a rotary. Since the accident, the client has had difficulty moving his legs and shoulders without pain, and has had constant pain in his neck and back, requiring physical therapy and surgery.
- $85,000 for a client who was rear-ended at a stoplight and knocked unconscious. Following the accident, he was transported to Salem Hospital by ambulance for his injuries. The client subsequently underwent therapy, including speech therapy, and was unable to work fully due to his injuries.
Our Awards
Since we opened our doors in 2004, founding partner Chris DiBella and his attorney team have received numerous industry recognitions for practice excellence and client advocacy. Our awards and honors include the following:
- 10.0 Superb Avvo rating, the highest the platform offers
- A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau
- Recognition in SuperLawyers, 2020 through 2025
- Top Litigators in the State of Massachusetts, American Society of Legal Advocates
- Premier 100 rating, American Academy of Trial Attorneys
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
These accolades are evidence of our firm’s reputation for providing skilled, client-focused service.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Accident Injury Cases
From rear-end collisions to pedestrian crashes, DUI accidents can be confusing and complex. Here are some of the questions we address most often.
How Long Do I Have To File a Claim After a DUI Accident in Massachusetts?
Like most car accident cases, a DUI lawsuit in Massachusetts falls under the category of personal injury. Massachusetts has a three-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits, usually starting on the accident date. Missing your deadline can mean losing your right to sue, so it's important to seek legal help quickly.
Can I Still Sue if the Drunk Driver Is Facing Criminal Charges?
Yes, you may still file a lawsuit because civil and criminal cases involve different aspects of the legal system. The government brings criminal charges against those who have engaged in unlawful behavior, seeking punishment through criminal penalties like jail time and fines. Meanwhile, a civil lawsuit is a dispute between two private parties. In a civil lawsuit, an accident victim seeks compensation for their losses.
What If the Driver Was Underage or Didn't Have Insurance?
If the driver at fault for your accident didn't have insurance, you can file a claim through your policy. Massachusetts requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, which kicks in when another driver is liable for damages but lacks insurance or is unidentified. UM coverage also applies to hit-and-run accidents.
When an underage driver is involved, it may be possible to sue the minor's guardian or another adult who allowed them to consume alcohol. These cases fall under the state's dram shop liability law, which applies to a business that sold alcohol to a minor. A parent who gave their child alcohol or even the parent of a teenage party host may be liable for a drunk driving accident under this law.
How Is Fault Proven in a DUI Crash?
Case investigators prove fault in a DUI case by producing evidence of two facts: Someone caused the crash, and that individual was under the influence of alcohol when it happened.
Typical sources of evidence include police reports, blood alcohol tests, witness statements, and medical records. Attorneys may also consult with accident reconstruction experts for additional information.
Do I Need To Go to Court To Receive Compensation?
Not necessarily. Many DUI cases settle out of court when the plaintiff and defendant agree on fair compensation. This process typically involves negotiation with insurance companies. If the insurer is unable or unwilling to offer a fair settlement, going to trial may be necessary.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents We Handle
Drunk driving too often causes devastating injuries. In 2022, the most recent year for which data is available, 28 percent of Massachusetts traffic fatalities involved drunk drivers, and many accident victims who survive face months or years of recovery.
As DUI accident attorneys in Boston, MA, we have represented clients with a variety of serious and life-altering injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs
- Spinal cord injuries with possible paralysis
- Limb loss or amputation
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Compound fractures
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Facial lacerations from shattered glass or impact
- Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and contusions
- Burns from airbags or vehicle fires
- Psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD
If you or a loved one was hurt in a DUI accident, our Boston car accident lawyers can help you hold a drunk driver accountable. We’re here to pursue justice and fair compensation, no matter how severe your injuries.
Understanding Massachusetts Laws on Drunk Driving Accidents
Under the Massachusetts DUI laws, operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher while in a location with public access is illegal. Violators are subject to fines ranging between $500 and $5,000, imprisonment of up to 2.5 years, or a combination of the two, with higher penalties for those with previous convictions.
Victims injured by drunk drivers have the right to pursue compensation. The state also may pursue a criminal case, which can proceed simultaneously with a civil lawsuit.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a DUI Accident
DUI crash victims can seek damages for economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages include out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident. In car accident cases, these commonly include medical expenses, lost income, and car repairs.
Non-economic damages compensate you for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress. If a loved one died due to the drunk driver’s gross negligence, there is also the potential for punitive damages. Our wrongful death lawyers handle Boston drunk driving cases with compassion and can guide you through the process.
Who Is Liable in a Boston Drunk Driving Accident?
While a drunk driver is usually responsible for an accident, some situations involve additional liable parties. For example, Massachusetts dram shop laws make it illegal to sell or deliver alcohol to an intoxicated person. Liquor stores, bars, restaurants, and other establishments may be liable if they knew or should have known that a customer was under the influence.
Each party’s liability depends on its role in the accident. For example, the driver may have the largest share of fault, while the restaurant that served them is partially liable. Under the Massachusetts comparative negligence law, an injured person also may be partially at fault but recover compensation, provided they are less than 51 percent responsible for the crash. If that’s the case, the court will reduce their award by their percentage of fault.
How DiBella Law Builds a Strong DUI Accident Injury Claim
To establish liability and calculate the value of your case, a Boston car accident lawyer will gather evidence about the crash and the drunk driver. This may include police reports, blood alcohol test results, witness testimony, and accident reconstructions.
With this information in hand, our attorneys negotiate with the liable party’s insurance company. We fight for fair compensation, and if a reasonable settlement proves out of reach, we prepare a compelling case for court.
Get immediate case evaluation with no cost or obligation to you in less than 5 minutes.
Contact Our Boston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today
If you were injured in a Boston drunk driving accident, it’s essential to act quickly. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade quickly, and deadlines approach faster than you might expect.
At DiBella Law, we know that recovery depends on time, so we remove key barriers to action. We offer free consultations and work on contingency, so you only pay if we win your case. There are no upfront costs.
Don’t delay—call us today at (617) 870-0907 or contact us online to schedule your no-cost case review.
