Massachusetts Car Accident Settlement Guide | Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers

Did you know that traffic accidents cause about 350 deaths annually in Massachusetts? This is a concerning statistic that reflects how dangerous driving a car can be. If you’ve been in an accident, it’s worth learning what to expect. For instance, you could get a sizeable settlement.

Are you wondering how much you could get? Keep reading to learn all about the average car accident settlement amounts and how a Boston car accident lawyer can help with your injury claim. Why leave the fate of car accident settlements to chance when an experienced personal injury lawyer can help?

What Does a Massachusetts Car Accident Settlement Entail?

In Massachusetts, car accident settlements entail finding out who is responsible, evaluating how much damage has been caused, and handling claims for insurance. Naturally, every case is a little different, but most of them will require the parties involved to talk to insurance companies, present evidence, and negotiate a settlement deal.

Damages usually consist of healthcare costs, lost earnings, property damage, and pain and suffering. The majority of cases are settled out of court, but if this is unsuccessful, the case may go to trial. This settlement ends with fund distribution and a release of liability.

Massachusetts Car Accident Laws That Can Impact Your Settlement

In Massachusetts, car accident laws operate under a “no-fault” system. This means that after an accident, each driver’s auto insurance company covers related medical expenses, no matter who was at fault. This system simplifies the process, ensuring that medical bills are promptly paid without the need to establish fault first.

However, when it comes to vehicle damage, recent changes in the law have expanded what insurance companies are required to cover. Previously, they were only responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle. Now, if you have a valid Inherent Diminished Value (IDV) claim, the insurance company may also compensate you for the loss of value your car suffers after being repaired.

If you manage your car accident claim alone, it’s easy to get confused with these laws. That’s why it’s best to trust your personal injury case to our car accident attorney — they will use their expertise to discover all possible avenues for compensation.

Average Car Accident Settlement

If you’ve been injured in a car accident because of another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. The courts call this a personal injury case.

The amount of compensation a person can expect to receive in a car accident settlement varies considerably in Boston. The exact amount depends on the specific circumstances of the case.

The car accident settlement amounts vary from a few thousand or somewhere in the six-digit range. In general, the average settlement for a car accident in Massachusetts is around $50,000. Keep in mind that this figure is just a general guideline because various factors can affect the final settlement.

Car Accident Settlement Examples

When examining car accident verdicts and settlements, the amounts can vary significantly. They depend on the severity of the injuries and the impact on the victim’s life.

For example, we recently won a case where our client received a settlement payment of $400,000. A car accident settlement of $400,000 might involve a case where the victim suffered severe injuries, such as multiple fractures or a traumatic brain injury, leading to long-term medical treatment and loss of income. In such cases, the settlement covers not only medical expenses but also the ongoing impact on the victim’s quality of life.

In another case, we won a settlement of $275,000. Such an amount might result from an accident where the victim sustained serious injuries requiring surgery and rehabilitation. Factors like the degree of negligence, the extent of the injuries, and the resulting financial losses all contribute to higher settlements.

Factors Influencing the Settlement Amount

The settlements for Massachusetts car accidents will depend on the injuries and other damages the injured party sustained. Clients requiring substantial medical treatments and those who have experienced property damage or need vehicle repairs will often be entitled to greater monetary compensation than those in a less serious auto accident.

Here are some of the factors that can greatly influence settlement payments.

Types of Injuries

The extent of the injuries sustained in the accident could be a major factor in your settlement. If the injuries are severe and require extensive medical treatment, you should be able to get much more money.

For example, if the incident caused permanent and serious disfigurement, it will likely result in a far greater settlement. This is because the victim will need compensation to cover reasonable medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses related to their recovery.

Impact on Your Ability to Work

Some car accident injuries are so severe that they can impact your ability to work. If an injured person cannot return to work due to their injuries, they may be entitled to additional compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity. This compensation can significantly impact the overall settlement amount.

Medical Treatment Costs

The cost of medical treatment can significantly affect the compensation you get. Extensive treatments, surgeries, and ongoing care often increase the financial burden, which the driver responsible may need to cover as part of the settlement.

Degree of Fault

Another factor that can affect the settlement amount is the degree of fault assigned to each party involved in the car crash. Massachusetts is a comparative fault state. This means that the settlement amount may be reduced based on the degree of fault assigned to the victim.

For example, comparative negligence suggests that if the victim was found to be 25% at fault for the accident, the car accident settlement process would likely result in a 25% settlement reduction.

Navigating the Settlement Process

While working through a personal injury settlement on your own is possible, it is not typically recommended. A Massachusetts car accident lawyer can help you receive the compensation you may be entitled to for all types of damages, including non-economic ones, which can be difficult to determine by yourself.

Furthermore, the negotiation process in car accident cases can be complicated. An experienced attorney who understands the repercussions of Massachusetts law can make a serious impact on the money you receive.

How Long Does the Car Accident Settlement Process Take?

The timeline for car accident settlements in Massachusetts can vary quite a bit and can range from a few months to several years. Several factors influence how long the process takes, including the complexity of the case and how willing both parties are to negotiate. For instance, if the insurance company disputes liability or the extent of damages, the process can be prolonged as both sides work to reach an agreement.

Additionally, in more complex cases, such as those involving serious injuries or multiple parties, the process may take longer as personal injury lawyers gather evidence, consult with experts, and build a strong case for their clients. The willingness of the involved parties to settle also plays a big role; if negotiations stall or either side chooses to take the case to trial, this can extend the timeline further.

Anyone involved in a Massachusetts car accident should be patient and work closely with experienced personal injury lawyers who can manage the complexities of the settlement process.

How to Speed Up the Massachusetts Car Accident Settlement Process

You may want to move your legal case and Massachusetts car accident settlement forward as quickly as possible, especially if you are experiencing lost wages or need to recover damages for pain and suffering. Plus, medical bills may pile up and other expenses might take a toll on your wallet.

There are a few things you can do to speed up the process. Hiring a personal injury attorney is an integral step as they can simplify the process by communicating with the insurance company and addressing any legal complexities.

Provide your attorney with accurate and up-to-date contact information and respond quickly to any requests for information or permissions. This helps them maintain open communication and quickly address any issues that arise with the car insurance company.

Consider hiring a mediator, especially if negotiations stall. A mediator can facilitate discussions and help both parties reach a resolution more quickly.

Find a Reliable Boston Car Accident Lawyer

The quality of legal representation plays a big role in the final settlement amount. Victims should work with a skilled and experienced Boston car accident lawyer who can negotiate on their behalf. This will ensure that they receive fair compensation for their trauma.

Any time you’ve experienced a car accident in Boston, seek legal representation as soon as possible. A skilled Boston car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and guide you through the complex process of pursuing a personal injury claim.

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Ready to Get the Best Car Accident Settlement?

Now that you’ve learned about the settlement amounts in Boston and what factors can affect them, you can start working with a reputable Boston car accident lawyer. That way, you can get what you deserve.

From personal injuries and car accidents to class action lawsuits and beyond, you can rely on our expertise. We’re here to help you get the best Massachusetts car accident settlement possible.

Work with Experts in Massachusetts Car Accident Cases

Don’t leave the results of your Massachusetts car accident case up to chance. At Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers, we’re experts in car accident lawsuits. We can help you manage the process from start to finish.

We take care of every detail, allowing you to focus on your recovery. And, we know that each case is unique, which is why we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re dealing with mounting medical bills, lost wages, or the emotional toll of an accident, our experienced attorneys are here to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Don’t go through this process alone. Contact Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers today for a free case review. Let us help you get the justice and financial recovery you need to move forward with confidence.

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FAQs About Massachusetts Car Accident Settlements

How Much Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Massachusetts?

The average settlement amount for car accident cases in Massachusetts can vary greatly. It depends on the extent of the injuries sustained by the injured party, the physical pain resulting from the accident, and so much more. On average, settlements are around $50,000 but this can be more or less based on the specific circumstances involved.

What Is the MA Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents?

The statute of limitations for a Massachusetts car accident case is typically three years from the date of the injury. However, this time may be extended due to the discovery rule, which addresses instances where the person did not discover their injuries right away.

Do I Have to Go to Court for a Car Accident Case in MA?

It is not a guarantee that you will need to go to court to win a Massachusetts car accident settlement. In many cases, you may settle out of court. However, going to court can help you achieve higher compensation in the event of a head-on, rear-end, or side-impact incident.