MASSACHUSETTS AUTO ACCIDENTS

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      Auto accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury. Although many are minor fender-benders, a shocking number of accidents cause severe injury, permanent disability, or even death. These traumas often result in pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages, medical expenses, and property damage, all of which likely constitute one for financial compensation. However, unfortunately many auto accident victims never receive the full amount of damages to which they are entitled. This commonly occurs when the victim does not know the full value of her/his claims and, in turn, accepts the first offer that insurance companies make. This proves costly because the insurance companies frequently try to get off cheap. As a result, it is in one's best interest to seek help from a qualified Massachusetts Personal Injury Lawyer .

Iannella & Mummolo Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers Can:

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•  1.) Help prove liability by preserving evidence and interviewing witnesses

•  2.) Ensure you receive the proper medical care

•  3.) Help you understand the law, including statutes of limitations

•  4.) Help you document your injuries properly so that you receive full compensation

•  5.) Ensure that you receive the compensation to which you rightfully are entitled

 In cases of malicious intent, such as if a company knowingly markets defective tires that subsequently cause injuries, auto accident victims may be entitled to punitive damages, in addition to compensatory damages. Iannella & Mummolo personal injury attorneys can help determine the damages for which one is eligible and then build an effective case.

Will Insurance Cover My Expenses Following A Car Accident?

     Your particular policy determines whether or not insurance will cover your expenses following a car accident. It is most common to have first party coverage, which insures both you and your property, and third party coverage, which covers other people and their property involved in car accidents where you are at fault. Keep in mind, however, that there are many different types of coverage available, and each type offers its own benefits. For example, comprehensive coverage covers your vehicle in the event of fire, theft, vandalism, and acts of nature, while collision coverage covers your vehicle in the event of an auto accident. Your insurance carrier or a personal injury lawyer can help you understand these policies and explain to what you are entitled. Free Case Evaluation

     Regardless of your coverage, your insurance company requires you to contact one of its representatives immediately following an auto accident. If you fail to report an accident in a timely manner, the insurance company may try to deny you coverage for the accident.

     In addition to contacting your insurance company, you should file a police report if 1) you are injured or 2) damages to either your vehicle or the other party's exceed a certain amount (this amount varies from state to state, but typically falls between $200 and $500). Also, make certain that you receive proper follow-up care for your injuries. A personal injury attorney can inform you of your particular state's laws regarding auto accidents.

No-Fault and At-Fault Laws: How Do These Affect My Case?

     Liability laws vary from state to state. Approximately half of all United States have adopted no-fault liability laws, which deem everyone involved in a car accident responsible for her/his own damages. However, most of these states allow exceptions to these laws, namely if a person sustains a serious personal injury or if property damage exceeds a specific amount. The remaining half of the United States have instated at-fault liability laws, which require the party responsible for the car accident to pay damages for everyone involved. Free Evaluation

What to Do If You Are In a Massachusetts Car Accident:

     Prior to leaving the scene of a car accident, it is important to collect the following information, regardless of who is at fault. Your personal injury lawyer needs this data to help build the most effective case:

•  1.) Names and addresses of drivers, driver's license numbers

•  2.) Names and addresses of passengers

•  3.) Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any witnesses

•  3.) Names and addresses of registered owners of the vehicles

•  4.) Names of insurance companies, policy numbers

•  5.) Location of the car accident

•  6.) How the car accident occurred

•  7.) Whether or not any of the drivers seem to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol

•  8.) Injuries

•  9.) Damages to vehicles

•  10.) Names of police officers that responded to the scene

•  11.) Whether or not anyone admitted fault (do NOT admit fault)

Important Auto Accident Statistics

     It is common knowledge that car accidents needlessly cause thousands of injuries and deaths each year. In fact, they are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 6 and 27. But, did you know that in 1999:

•  * There were approximately 6,289,000 reported auto accidents in the U.S.

•  * About 3,200,000 people were injured in car accidents and 41,345 lost their lives

•  * 38% of car accident fatalities involved alcohol

•  * 4,695 pedestrians were killed in auto accidents

* 63% of car accident fatalities were attributed to passengers who were not wearing a seat belt.