After a car crash in Boston, things can get out of control fast. The evidence starts to fade away, at-fault parties change their stories, and insurers are waiting for you to say anything that can decrease your settlement. A personal injury lawyer in Boston can become your partner, shield, and advocate so that your rights and compensation remain protected from day one. It takes as much as a free case evaluation to get the legal support you deserve!
- Why Do Boston Drivers Choose Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers?
- What to Do After a Car Accident in Boston (Step-by-Step)?
- How Much Is Your Boston Car Accident Case Worth?
- What Affects Your Settlement Amount?
- Massachusetts Car Accident Laws You Need to Know
- Common Boston Car Accident Locations And Why They’re Dangerous
- Types of Boston Car Accident Cases We Handle
- Common Injuries from Boston Car Accidents
- How Insurance Companies Try to Pay You Less
- What It Costs to Hire Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers
- Boston Car Accident Lawyer FAQs
- 30-Day, Risk-Free Guarantee
Why Do Boston Drivers Choose Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers?
When you search for a car accident attorney in Boston, MA, multiple ads pop up. However, only a few law firms have a proven track record, local experience, and real-client feedback. Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers is a team of expert field attorneys who can take your case from negotiation to trial without charging service fees unless we win.
30+ Years Fighting for Boston Injury Victims
Since 1995, Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers has been representing local victims injured in car accidents. Our Boston personal injury law firm isn’t a high-volume national chain, although our lawyers are admitted in both Massachusetts and federal courts. We are a team of local attorneys who know how to navigate Boston-area insurers, court timelines, and specific state laws, which allows us to build solid strategies to maximize claim settlements.
$200M+ in Accident Claims Recovered (And Counting)
In motor vehicle cases alone, we’ve secured more than $200 million for injury victims across Massachusetts, with the most recent case resolved in a $400K verdict. Our lawyers ensure such results through precise liability work, evidence documentation, and strategic negotiation.
4.9★ from 1,500+ Google Reviews
Positive reviews from satisfied clients are proof of our team’s expertise, and we couldn’t be prouder. We know that time and an individualized approach are essential in injury cases, so our lawyers treat each claim review as a real case from the beginning.
I’m excited to get started working with Michael Kelly Law Offices in regards to my motor vehicle accident that just happened earlier this week. I was recommended to them by a family member who had a great experience and great things to say. I called the office this morning and had left a voicemail, but within a few hours I received a call back to go over a free consultation. Once I provided the information necessary, I was assured they could assist and would be in touch to do so as soon as possible with next steps. The first piece of the, the call which I was hesitant to do, was actually super quick, easy, and painless. So far, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Mark, the Director of Client Relations, and John, who did my intake/consult. I’m looking forward speaking with Brandon, the Client Coordinator, as well as meeting and working with the whole team!
Daniella Pacheco
What to Do After a Car Accident in Boston (Step-by-Step)?
In the first moments after a collision, fear and pain can make everything feel out of your hands. But small decisions you make right after the crash — who you talk to, what you document, what you say — can determine how strong your claim will be.
Call 911 — Even for a ‘Minor’ Crash
Police officers will document all details of the crash and create an official record of the collision. You can later use this report as valid evidence to support your claim. In case the police do not arrive, you should file a MA crash report with the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in Massachusetts within five days of the crash.
Document Everything at the Scene
The collision site is the source of critical proof, so if you can, you should document the scene in detail:
- Take photos and videos of the site
- Interact with eyewitnesses and record their statements
- Gather other drivers’ personal and insurance information
Evidence is one of the pillars that will help to determine fault and the amount of your compensation later.
See a Doctor — Today, Not Next Week
Instant medical assistance is an obvious step after a crash, especially if something hurts. However, even if it doesn’t, you should see a doctor immediately. First, not all injuries present themselves straight away. Second, the insurance will treat any delay as evidence that the trauma wasn’t as serious. Third, in Massachusetts, prompt medical care is also legally relevant, since you need to have spent at least $2K on medical bills after the accident (M.G.L. Chapter 231, §6D) to claim pain and suffering.
Do NOT Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Adjuster
The other party’s insurance adjuster may call you hours after a collision. They want to catch you off guard while you have a vague idea of your actual losses. That is why you should never give a recorded statement in the first moments after the crash. And remember to call us before you sign anything.
Call a Boston Car Accident Lawyer Within 14 Days
It is best to call a car accident lawyer in Boston no later than 14 days after the collision. A qualified legal expert can guide you on what to do so as not to hurt your case. Not to mention that the state’s statute of limitations is three years from the date of the incident, so stalling may bar you from receiving fair compensation. Call us for a free consultation today: (617) 444-4444!
How Much Is Your Boston Car Accident Case Worth?
There isn’t a one-for-all settlement range you can expect to receive after an accident. However, most cases come down to two main questions: how much did this crash actually cost you, and how solid is your legal position?
Damages We Recover for Our Client
Different clients suffer various losses as a result of the collision. However, as long as they fall under one of these categories, we can help you recover them:
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Medical bills (past and future medical expenses):
Anything ranging from ER visits, meds, and surgeries to long-term rehabilitation can and should be compensated in full.
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Lost wages:
Every day spent off work due to bodily injuries caused by a car accident, along with a potential loss of earning capacity, may be reimbursed.
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Property damage:
The cost of repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other personal belongings falls under the category of economic losses that the at-fault party should cover.
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Pain and suffering:
The emotional toll of the crash can be reflected in precise monetary compensation.
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Wrongful death:
The surviving family members of a person fatally injured in a car crash can recover financial and personal losses after the accident.
Recent Verdicts & Settlements
In the most recent claim, Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers helped three plaintiffs recover $17.6M in fair compensation after a severely decayed tree fell on them. Our Boston accident lawyer held the property owner accountable by proving they were aware of the pressing and recurring issue yet remained negligent, which led to serious physical and emotional traumas of the injured victims.
Important: Keep in mind, each case is unique, and our past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
What Affects Your Settlement Amount?
The main reason why you can’t count on a previously defined settlement is that every accident is different. There are a few important factors that affect the compensation amount:
- Severity: The more serious the trauma, the more expensive the treatment.
- Fault: If the victim is found partially at fault for the accident, their fault is deducted, in a legally defined percentage, from the final compensation amount.
- Loss of income: The longer the injured person stays off work due to the crash, the greater the lost-wage compensation.
- Limits: There are separate coverage limits that can cap the amount of your financial recovery.
- Future needs: In case a victim ends up with a temporary or long-term disability or ongoing treatment, the expenses are reflected in the settlement.
A qualified car accident lawyer in Boston can calculate your losses in full so that you recover the maximum settlement you deserve.
Massachusetts Car Accident Laws You Need to Know
After a crash, it isn’t just about injuries. There’s a legal side to each accident. You do not need to be a qualified Massachusetts car accident lawyer to know the basics, but very often, an experienced car accident attorney in Boston, MA can make sense of the nuances of the local legal system and help you recover fair compensation.
The 3-Year Statute of Limitations
The state has a strict deadline within which you can file an average compensation claim — three years from the day of the collision (M.G.L. Chapter 260, §2A). However, if your case involves a governmental entity, such as the state or a city, the deadline is only two years, and a notice to the authorities must be filed within 30 days of the accident.
If you miss any of the deadlines, you will lose your right to any settlement. A Massachusetts car accident lawyer who knows all the nuances and exceptions will make sure it does not happen.
The $2,000 Tort Threshold
Personal Injury Protection coverage is mandatory in Massachusetts (M.G.L. Chapter 90, §34A (PIP)). The main goal of this insurance is to cover the initial medical bills and a portion of the lost wages, regardless of who caused the collision. The coverage is capped at $8K, though. If you need to recover more, a car accident attorney in Boston, MA, will help you hold the at-fault parties accountable.
However, there is another major nuance — if you want to recover non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, the overall amount of your medical bills should be no less than $2K (M.G.L. Chapter 231, §6D).
Modified Comparative Negligence — The 51% Rule
The state of Massachusetts abides by a modified comparative negligence rule (M.G.L. Chapter 231, §85). The law ensures that even if the victim contributed to the collision, they can still recover a fair settlement.
Unless the injured is 51% or more at fault, they are barred from any compensation. If the contribution amount is less than 50%, the percentage of fault will be deducted from the final compensation. For instance, if you were 20% at fault and damages were $100K, you would recover $80K. Keep in mind, working with a skilled Massachusetts car accident lawyer will improve your chances of getting the compensation you truly deserve.
Common Boston Car Accident Locations And Why They’re Dangerous
A reputable Boston car crash lawyer would tell you that the accident’s location can reveal a lot about how it happened. If you know the collision hotspots, it may be easier to prove who’s at fault.
Highway Crashes
I-93 / Mass Pike (I-90) Crashes
Interstate highways like I-93 and I-90 are known for heavy congestion, high speeds, and frequent lane changes, which often result in rear-end collisions. Moreover, the Massachusetts Highway Safety Plan identifies I-93 as one of the five deadliest routes from 2018 to 2022, as almost 50% of fatal accidents in Boston occurred there.
Narrow Roadways
Storrow Drive, Memorial Drive, & Soldiers Field Road
A lane that is too narrow and has no shoulders to it leaves even the most experienced driver little room for error. Moreover, Storrow Drive features multiple low-clearance overpasses, which become a major problem each September as oversize traffic surges as more students move to the city.
Tunnels & Bridges
Tobin Bridge, Sumner Tunnel, & Ted Williams Tunnel
On bridges and in tunnels, drivers have little time to react when everyone brakes at once. Besides, whenever you merge into a tunnel, you can’t see far ahead, so you can’t plan your actions based on the situation on the road. Also, there isn’t a shoulder to swerve into in an emergency.
City Corridors
Beacon Street, Commonwealth Ave., & Boylston Street
These mixed-use corridors are part of Boston’s high-crash network. Increased interaction among different types of vehicles and frequent intersections results in a high rate of accidents and fatalities. According to Vision Zero Boston crash data, pedestrians make up 19.6% of all deadly and serious injury crashes in the Boston region. The share of killed and injured bicyclists is 7.5%.
Rotaries
Roundabouts, Rotaries & The Bowdoin Square Mess
Local Boston rules may confuse even the most experienced drivers, often leading to serious consequences. For instance, vehicles in the rotary have the right of way, yet those entering often fail to yield, which leads to collisions.
Types of Boston Car Accident Cases We Handle
Many motor vehicle accidents in Boston follow similar crash patterns, but they certainly do not mimic one another.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end crashes are often easy to untangle since the person who rams into you is to blame. However, things can escalate quickly if there’s a truck or multiple cars involved. Keep in mind, once you collide with a commercial vehicle, it is best to contact a dedicated truck accident lawyer in Boston as soon as possible.
T-Bone & Intersection Crashes
You’d be surprised by how many drivers in Boston ignore traffic lights, and that’s a frequent cause of collisions. The same is true about the right-of-way at intersections. Since both parties often claim they had the right, liability disputes arise.
Head-On Collisions
Distracted, impaired, or fatigued drivers are the most likely to misjudge speed or fail to notice an approaching vehicle. At the same time, motorcyclists have a lower chance of surviving a head-on accident unscathed.
Important: If your case involves a motorcycle, you need to consult a dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
The lack of the negligent party does not leave you unprotected. First, there’s always a chance to detect the responsible driver. Second, in Massachusetts, the Uninsured Motorist Coverage is mandatory (M.G.L. c. 175, § 113L), and covers up to 20K in losses per person.
Drunk & Drugged Driving Accidents
Drugged or drunk driving is subject to punitive damages on top of compensatory ones. The main aim of punitive measures is to punish those responsible for extreme negligence — driving while impaired — and prevent similar reckless behavior in society in the future.
Distracted Driving / Texting Accidents
Drivers distracted by their devices can cause traumatic collisions since it takes as little as a momentary lapse of attention to lose control on the road. The instances in Massachusetts were so concerning that, at the beginning of 2020, the commonwealth implemented a special hands-free law.
Rideshare (Uber / Lyft) Accidents
Rideshare accidents usually require a specialized Uber/Lyft rideshare accident lawyer. First, because rideshare companies have special policies in place to cover such instances. Second, those companies often hire skilled attorneys to protect themselves. Third, Uber and Lyft accident coverage can expand to $1M when the app is on at the time of the collision, which means fair compensation with a qualified personal injury lawyer in Boston.
Pedestrian & Bicyclist Hit by Car
If you are a vulnerable road user in a car collision, such as a cyclist or a pedestrian, a Boston pedestrian accident attorney or a bicycle crash lawyer can help you make sense of the case and recover a fair settlement. Even if you do not have active coverage, the driver’s PIP insurance will apply.
Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Claims
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage not only steps in in hit-and-run cases. In times when the at-fault driver’s insurance limit can’t cover the inflicted damages in full, a UM/UIM policy can ensure the victim does not pay for the accident-related expenses out of their own pocket.
Common Injuries from Boston Car Accidents
An average accident can inflict various types of injuries on those involved. Some may seem minor but have serious consequences, and others can be life-threatening.
Whiplash & Neck Injuries
According to recent data from the Mayo Clinic on whiplash, the leading cause of this type of injury is rear-end collisions. The type of crash suggests a sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck, which strains the muscles and leads to stiffness and pain. You may not notice any symptoms up to 24–72 hours after the accident.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Concussion
The CDC motor vehicle injury data prove that TBIs are the most frequent outcome of car crashes. It may start as a mere headache, dizziness, and confusion, but can soon develop into memory loss, mood changes, and other serious impairments. Our practice proves that a serious TBI case can settle for $1M+ in compensation, but only with the right auto accident lawyer in Boston at your side.
Spinal Cord Injuries & Herniated Discs
Back injuries are on the list of severe traumas since they can lead to long-term mobility issues (temporary or permanent paralysis), lengthy rehabilitation, and lifelong chronic pain. Besides, motor vehicle accident injuries like herniated discs also require complex and constant surgeries.
Broken Bones & Soft-Tissue Injuries
Even a moderate car crash can inflict fractures, sprains, and strains on the driver and passengers. While in most cases these conditions aren’t deadly or life-threatening, they require a fair share of time off work, leading to a loss of income that you may want to recover.
Internal Injuries & Organ Damage
Conditions like internal bleeding and organ damage aren’t visible to the naked eye, yet they are extremely dangerous and can lead to a fatal outcome if not detected on time. That is why we always stress the importance of going to the ER right after the accident, even if you feel ‘fine’.
Emotional & Psychological Trauma (PTSD)
The emotional distress a victim suffers after a car accident in the form of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental conditions can negatively affect the injured person’s quality of life. Thus, these losses are recoverable under the Massachusetts law. However, you may need the assistance of a skilled auto accident lawyer in Boston to recover non-economic losses in a personal injury claim.
Important: Motor vehicle collisions can result in fatal injuries. If you lose a loved one in a deadly crash, contact a wrongful death lawyer in Massachusetts immediately.
How Insurance Companies Try to Pay You Less
The MA Division of Insurance requires every provider to issue appropriate coverage to an injured victim in the event of an accident. However, that does not mean the insurer is willing to grant you the coverage you deserve. In most cases, they will do anything to minimize, if not reject, the payouts.
Lowball First Offer
It is advisable to decline the initial offer from the insurance company after an accident. The provider will use two things against you: the urgency of the situation and a vague understanding of the real losses. Once you accept that, you can’t go back, no matter how the circumstances change.
Recorded Statements Against You
An insurance provider may request a recorded statement soon after the crash. They count on you saying anything that can compromise your case, like a partial fault admission. That is why you should always speak with the provider after speaking with a Boston car accident attorney or have one present during the conversation.
Surveillance & Social Media
Another strategy to minimize your compensation is to monitor what you post online. The insurer will follow you on social media, so it is not advised to dwell on the accident, its circumstances, potentially liable parties, or your contribution to the collision online. A single photo or post taken out of context can ruin the claim.
Delay Tactics
Insurance companies are well aware of the statute of limitations, so they may stall the process to cause you to miss the state-imposed deadline. They may require repeated resubmission, reject your notice for no obvious reason, and fail to respond at all. The introduction of a skilled car accident lawyer in Boston will help you avoid that.
What It Costs to Hire Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers
Many people injured in car collisions fear contacting a Boston car accident lawyer because they assume they can’t afford one. In reality, anyone can hire a dedicated Boston injury attorney.
Contingency Fee — No Win, No Fee
Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers is a law firm that works on a contingency-fee basis. This type of cooperation implies the client does not pay any service costs until the case is successfully resolved. Once the claim is won, your Boston accident lawyer will receive up to 33% of the settlement recovered. The exact percentage is discussed at the beginning of cooperation.
Free Consultation, 24/7
You can contact us minutes after the crash for a free, no-obligation consultation. As you recount the details of the collision, an experienced Boston car accident attorney will evaluate it, explain your legal options, and suggest the best possible course of action.
Our 30-Day Risk-Free Guarantee
Should anything happen and you feel dissatisfied with the assigned Boston injury attorney who works your case, you can request a return of your file within 30 days of cooperation. No fees applied.
Contact our Boston car accident lawyers if you need legal assistance after a car accident!
Boston Car Accident Lawyer FAQs
How Much Does a Boston Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Many lawyers work on a no-win, no-fee basis, which means there are no upfront service costs. The client pays a discussed fee only after the case is won. Besides, the initial case review is free of charge.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Massachusetts?
The state of Massachusetts grants car accident victims three years from the day of their injury to file a corresponding claim. However, the deadline may vary depending on the entities involved, so it is best to consult a Boston car accident attorney to understand where you stand.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
A minor accident can become serious once new injuries and damage appear. So, while the law does not mandate a personal injury attorney, it is in your best interests to at least consult one in case there are possible complications that can arise in the process and minimize your compensation.
What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Boston?
An average car accident settlement can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars in compensation. Each case is different, and the verdicts are typically based on the injury severity, liability, and strength of your legal team.
How Long Does a Car Accident Case Take to Settle in MA?
On average, a car crash case settles within 3-18 months, depending on the complexity of the claim. However, if the case goes to court, the period can expand to a couple of years.
Can I Still Recover if I Was Partially at Fault?
The state of Massachusetts follows the modified comparative negligence rule, which means the claimant can recover fair compensation for their losses as long as they aren’t more than 50% at fault.
What if the Other Driver Has No Insurance?
In case the other driver’s insurance is insufficient or absent, the Underinsured Motorist Coverage will cover your losses up to $20K per person and $40K per accident.
Should I Accept the Insurance Company's First Offer?
No, you shouldn’t. The initial offer that comes from the provider never reflects the full amount of your losses. It is aimed at saving the insurer money rather than reimbursing the full extent of the victim’s damages.
What if I Was a Passenger in a Car Accident?
In case you were involved in a car crash but weren’t the one behind the wheel, you can still have your damages covered. Typically, the compensation comes from either of the motorists’ insurance coverage.
Do I Have to Go to Court?
95%+ of personal injury claims resolve outside of court, through negotiations. However, a complicated case may become a personal injury lawsuit and proceed to trial, especially if neither party is willing to accept the settlement terms offered.
