A commercial truck accident can change your life in an instant, especially if an 18-wheeler or a large delivery truck is involved. Boston, with its busy roads and highways like the Mass Pike or I-93 that are swarming with semi-trucks, box trucks, and construction vehicles, poses a special threat to passenger cars.
At Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers, we are well aware of the risks that drivers face in the area. That is why our team is always ready to defend your rights, standing up to large trucking companies and ensuring that you get the compensation you deserve.
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Truck Accident Attorney in Boston
Our Boston truck accident lawyers can assist you in seeking justice and full truck accident compensation if you or your loved one were injured in a truck collision. We have recovered millions in damages for our clients. Our goal is to get justice and full compensation in any truck crash. Don’t hesitate to contact a Boston truck accident attorney at Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers today, and let us help you get the justice you deserve for your accident.
All of our legal actions are geared to get results. Our experience and knowledge in personal injury law have greatly benefited those we serve, and our entire staff is focused on providing effective personal service.
There are many types of truck crashes in Massachusetts, and our personal injury attorneys are skilled in assisting clients with all types of injuries resulting from them. Did your accident involve a big rig or semi-truck? Were delivery trucks involved? Do you need physical therapy? Are you looking for compensation for economic damages related to a truck collision? Contact our Boston personal injury attorneys today to discuss your case at no charge to you.
Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me
Common Truck Accident Causes in Boston
The statistics on truck accidents in Massachusetts reveal the extent of the danger to residents of the area. An alarming number of unsafe trucks operate in the state.
According to CBS Boston, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has reported that during the past five years, the rate of unsafe violations related to truck maintenance in Massachusetts was 41% higher than the reported national average. Truck driver violations were reported as 32% higher, and violations involving hazardous material were 212% higher.
If you’ve been involved in a truck or car accident, our Boston injury lawyers may be able to help you get a fair settlement! We’re experts when it comes to truck accident cases.
Causes of truck crashes include the following:
Types of Boston Truck Accidents
The better you can explain what has happened when filing a police report, the easier it may be to succeed with a Boston truck accident claim later. The most typical truck crash types include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
This means a large truck hitting another vehicle front to front. Such collisions are quite typical for undivided roads, such as Route 1A in East Boston. Rear-end collisions involve one vehicle hitting another one from the back. Heavy congestion on roads like the Mass Pike creates favorable conditions for such crashes. When the side of a vehicle is struck by the front of a truck, it is classified as a T-bone crash. These are common for busy intersections. Sometimes, trucks and other vehicles collide side by side. This often happens during lane changes or merges. A truck’s trailer can swing out and create an angle with its cab, blocking multiple traffic lanes or even causing vehicle pileups. A truck can flip on its side or roof because of a sharp turn. Highway ramps between the I-93 and Mass Pike are known for such accidents. When trucks make wide turns, they can hit other cars, which is especially common in locations with limited visibility. If a tire suddenly fails, the truck may lose control and collide with other vehicles. These happen when a smaller car goes under the back or side of a truck.
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Why Trust Our Boston Truck Accident Attorneys?
A truck collision can have consequences that are much more complicated and long-lasting than a car accident. The victim might find themselves fighting against large trucking companies. Relevant legal experience is a must if you want to obtain a fair settlement from commercial firm insurers. Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers can help you win this battle.
Our Boston-based team has successfully handled numerous truck incident cases, including complicated multi-vehicle crashes. We know how to stand up against both local carriers and national trucking companies. Our lawyers aren’t afraid to push back when the insurance agents try to lowball our clients’ rightful compensation, and we’re ready to take the case to court if necessary. Here’s why you should choose us:
Extensive Experience
With years of experience handling truck accident cases, we have the knowledge and expertise to navigate the complexities of these types of accidents. Our truck wreck attorneys understand the unique challenges they present and will work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf.
High Success Rate
Our track record speaks for itself. We have achieved favorable outcomes for numerous victims of truck accidents in Boston, recovering substantial compensation for their injuries, medical bills, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering. We are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for every client we represent.
Personalized Service
We believe in providing personalized attention to each client. We understand that every case is unique and will tailor our approach to meet your needs. You can trust that our Boston truck accident lawyer will be by your side throughout the legal process, providing guidance, support, and aggressive representation.
No Fees Unless We Win
We want to ease your financial burden during this challenging time. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any upfront fees or costs. We only get paid if we win your case, ensuring our interests align with yours.
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Time is of the essence, especially in cases involving commercial trucking companies. Their insurers work fast, but not for the victim’s benefit. Insurance representatives know how to use the slightest delay or minor inconsistency to minimize your payouts. That is why you should contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible.
At Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers, you get a free consultation to get started on the path to the maximum settlement. Our legal experts will evaluate your case, provide legal opinions, and suggest the best steps to take to optimize your compensation.
Don’t wait until they build their defense. Contact us today!
Truck Accident Case Resource Center
A truck accident is often a stressful and perhaps traumatic event. Taking a few simple steps following the accident, however, can go a long way in ensuring the handling of your injury claim goes as smoothly as possible.
Understanding Your Options & Your Case
- 9 Ways an Adjuster Will Try to Limit Your Recovery
- How to File A Personal Injury Claim
- How Your Medical Bills Are Paid
- How Much is My Case Worth?
- Vehicle Accident Checklist
A truck accident is often a stressful and perhaps traumatic event. Taking a few simple steps following the accident, however, can go a long way in ensuring the handling of your injury claim goes as smoothly as possible.
Truck Incident Injuries
Serious truck collisions frequently lead to severe, catastrophic, or fatal injuries, with other motorists paying the price for a trucker’s careless conduct. The types of injuries sustained in such accidents include:
- Neck and spinal injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Burns and chemical injuries
- Brain injuries
- Amputation and disfigurement
- Lacerations
- Emotional trauma
- Death.
What Makes Truck Accident Cases More Complex Than Car Accidents?
Both types of accidents can be equally traumatic and life-altering. However, truck collisions can have several complications that other car incident victims may not need to face:
- Multiple defendants: A truck driver isn’t always the main liable party in such a crash. There may be other negligent parties, such as the trucking company, freight broker, maintenance provider, cargo loader, or even the vehicle manufacturer.
- Federal regulations: Some federal safety requirements don’t apply to regular vehicles. Violation of different FNCSA rules on the company’s behalf may have a serious impact on liability.
- Severe damage: The sheer size and weight of an average truck can inflict serious, if not fatal, injuries on a victim, along with other substantial financial losses.
Types of Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims in Boston
The truck accident compensation available to you will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident and the type of injuries sustained. For example, brain injuries that impact your ability to work or require modifications to your home may be entitled to more compensation than a broken bone or skin laceration.
It also depends on where negligence is placed. For instance, the truck driver or the trucking company that employs them may be found negligent. In those cases, compensation may be paid from an insurance settlement or a civil truck accident lawsuit.
Truck accident compensation may or may not include payment for medical and rehabilitative services, lost wages due to missed work, or even modifications made to your home to make it more accessible to account for your injuries. You may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering — the physical discomfort and emotional distress that often accompany a trucking accident.
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded. Punitive damages are a form of compensation awarded to the victim to punish the wrongdoer for particularly reckless or negligent behavior and to deter similar actions in the future.
Your Boston truck accident lawyer at Michael Kelly Accident Lawyers is ready to help. We will help manage the trucking company and any other parties involved in your case.
Common Insurance Challenges in Truck Accident Claims
On the path to the rightful compensation after a commercial truck accident, you might face different insurance-related problems, for example:
- Lowball offers: Insurance adjusters frequently insist on a settlement that is significantly lower than the overall cost of your losses.
- Denial of liability: Sometimes, insurance companies will try to question their client’s fault, inflate the victim’s contribution to the accident, and even shift the blame to third parties.
- Delays: Trucking companies might use any opportunity to extend the timeline of the case, hoping that the victim will give up their claim.
You should also look out for private offers that aim to avoid insurance coverage complications. They give you no guarantee of actual compensation and no chance to analyze the full extent of your damages.
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Truck Accident Liability
When a tractor-trailer accident occurs, several liable parties may be identified, including the truck driver, trucking company, truck manufacturer, or firm that unsafely loaded or serviced a truck. At Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers, we conduct a thorough investigation to uncover every liable party. We will seek fair compensation from them, either in settlement negotiations or at trial, if necessary.
Driver Negligence in Commercial Truck Accidents
A commercial vehicle operator is often the primary suspect in trucking incidents. Various conditions, such as driver fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, and other violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, can result in a serious accident.
Despite the potentially obvious cause-and-effect, the injured party must provide sufficient evidence that proves the operator’s accountability. Usually, driver’s logs, GPS data, black box information, and phone records serve the purpose well. However, it may be difficult for a victim to gather the details, interpret them correctly, or even access them on time. An experienced attorney can do this for you before the evidence is altered or eliminated.
In case of a breach of FMCSA and federal trucking regulations, the claimant has to prove that it’s directly connected to the trucking company’s liability. Uncovering and presenting the right evidence can lead to a larger settlement, but the company will not make it easy for you. Our lawyers know what to look for and where to find it — contact us now to maximize your compensation.
Trucking Company Liability in Truck Crashes
The link between a commercial trucking firm and the accident may not be that obvious. However, some trucking companies apply various work-related practices that are anything but ethical. The drivers may be pressured to meet unrealistic deadlines, which leads to traffic violations, skipped rest periods, and fatigue.
Also, firms may ignore timely maintenance inspections or leave some obvious mechanical issues unattended. Investigating these problems involves assessing maintenance logs, requesting inspection records, and interviewing other drivers.
A knowledgeable Boston truck accident lawyer is a key player in this process and knows what to ask the trucking company to get the information needed to set your case on the right path. They have the know-how to get into the weeds, uncover these issues, and ensure the trucking company is held accountable.
Third-Party Responsibility in Trucking Collisions
Sometimes the responsibility for an accident goes beyond the driver or the employer. If the collision happened due to faulty brakes, the vehicle manufacturer can be held accountable. A government entity can be liable for poor road conditions, while construction crews might be held responsible if they created hazardous conditions on the road, which led to the accident. Third-party cases are often the most complicated, as they have multiple layers to navigate, and only an experienced attorney can trace responsibility among all the parties.
What Evidence Is Crucial in a Truck Accident Claim?
You need solid evidence to prove the liability and be able to withstand the pressure of insurance adjusters. The key information to support your case includes:
- Black box data: Highlights vehicle speed, braking, and engine activity before the accident.
- Dashcam footage: A video record of how the crash happened.
- Driver logs: Show the time the operator spent at the wheel vs. resting.
- GPS data: Reflects the vehicle’s route and any potential unauthorized deviations.
- Maintenance logs: Prove any missed inspections or unresolved mechanical problems.
The trucking company will do everything in its power to restrict access to this information or even alter or destroy it. An experienced Boston truck accident attorney will help you get the right evidence and preserve it to strengthen your case.
What to Expect in a Truck Accident Lawsuit Timeline
The legal process entails several key steps. The first is investigation, which can take from weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the case. After that, you need to submit the claim and start settlement negotiations, and if you can’t reach an agreement with the insurer, you can file a lawsuit. The litigation process may last a year or even longer.
The timeline may vary, with the defendant’s insurers trying to create delays or the investigation taking longer due to complicated evidence and liability. Having a lawyer by your side can help you avoid legal pitfalls and ensure that the case moves forward quickly.
Boston-Specific Trucking Hazards You Should Know About
Boston is a densely populated city with congested roads that create numerous hazards for all drivers. But when it comes to trucks, these are the key issues to keep in mind:
- Snow and ice on the roads in the winter
- Low bridges, especially on Storrow Drive
- Tight turns, which may trigger rollovers
- Heavy truck traffic, most critically in areas near the port.
Our Boston-based lawyers are well-acquainted with these local dangers. This local expertise helps us build stronger cases that reflect the city’s risky transportation conditions.
Why Choose Our Boston Truck Accident Lawyers?
It can be difficult to know who to contact after such an accident. Here’s why to choose our personal injury law firm:
- We offer a 30-day, risk-free guarantee. If you are unhappy for any reason with our legal services within the first 30 days, your file will be returned free of charge.
- Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis. We only charge legal fees if we are successful in recovering compensation for you.
- We are available to our clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Our partners are listed in the “Top 40 Under 40” by the National Trial Lawyers Association.
- We aggressively pursue the maximum allowed by law in settlements and at trial.
- We have settled hundreds of cases, some of which were settled for six figures.
Our Boston truck accident lawyer will remain in close contact with you at every step as your case unfolds. We are always available to discuss any questions and concerns.
Take advantage of our offer for a free case evaluation and meet with us. We will be working closely with you at every step of the process. We consider our relationships with our clients to be one of the most important aspects of our legal work. Call today.