Auto accident

Massachusetts Appellate Court Upholds a Ninety Percent Remittitur in Rear-End Collision Case

August 6, 2020 | by Mass Injury Group

One of the most frustrating aspects of a car accident injury lawsuit is determining the amount of compensation that you are entitled to receive for your damages. As the victim who has dealt with the ongoing stress, disruption, and pain of the accident, you have a clear sense of what you are owed. But the defendant, jury, or court may come to a different conclusion. In this situation, it may be necessary to file a motion contesting the amount of damages that the court has entered in your case. The seasoned and knowledgeable Boston car accident lawyers at Mass Injury Group are available to help you fight for the fair and appropriate outcome that you deserve.

The Massachusetts Court of Appeal considered an appeal where the plaintiff challenged a lower court’s entry of a remittitur, which is an order that reduces the amount of damages that the jury awarded to the plaintiff. In the case, the plaintiff was injured when a truck driven by an employee of a company rear-ended the vehicle. Her brother-in-law came to the scene of the accident and took the plaintiff to the hospital for medical treatment. She was out of work for 2.5 weeks but later returned to the same medical facility experiencing headaches and chest pains. Over the next several months, she received treatment from a variety of physicians regarding her accident-related injuries. The plaintiff was involved in another rear-end crash two years later.

The plaintiff eventually filed a claim against the employer of the man driving the truck that caused the first accident alleging negligence and unfair claim settlement practice. The defendants conceded liability and a trial regarding damages was held. The jury concluded that the plaintiff was entitled to $600,000 in damages. The defendant moved for a new trial or a remittitur. A remittitur is a ruling in which the judge reduces the amount of damages that a jury has awarded if the judge finds that it was excessive and not supported by the evidence. The plaintiff refused to accept the judge’s remittitur of $70,000, so a new trial on damages was held. This time, the jury returned a verdict of $110,000 for the plaintiff. The judge then concluded that the defendant did not engage in unfair claim settlement practices.

Multi-Vehicle Accident on Massachusetts Route 3 Leaves One Dead, Three Injured

July 22, 2020 | by Mass Injury Group

Car accidents are always a painful and shocking situation for the parties involved. When someone loses their life as the result of a careless or reckless driver, however, it can be difficult for the surviving loved ones to move on. At Mass Injury Group, our committed team of Massachusetts car accident lawyers has handled numerous types of car accident cases including accidents that involve fatalities. Although there is no amount of compensation that can truly repair the loss that you and your family has sustained, it can make a significant difference when it comes to dealing with the financial impact of the loss.

Recently, an 87-year-old woman lost her life in an accident that happened on Route 3 in Pembroke near Exit 12, according to a local news report. The accident happened around 9:30 am, according to law enforcement who responded to the scene of the crash. The authorities located the decedent who had sustained severe injuries in a crash involving another vehicle. She was taken to a local hospital where she later died due to her injuries. The other vehicle involved in the crash contained three people including the driver. All passengers were taken to a hospital, but did not sustain any life-threatening injuries. So far, authorities have not released any information about the cause of the accident. The initial accident caused a chain reaction that caused many other minor accidents to take place, resulting in significant traffic delays.

If you lost a loved one as the result of a car accident, you can bring a wrongful death action to recover compensation for your losses and damages. Under Massachusetts law, the estate of the decedent can bring a wrongful death claim to recover compensation. The estate will bring any claims that the decedent would have had standing to bring had he or she not lost his or her life. This means that if the decedent would have been able to sue the other driver for negligence, then the estate can bring a negligence action against the at-fault driver.

Severe Single-Car Accident in Massachusetts Results in Serious Fire, Hospitalization of Driver

July 8, 2020 | by Mass Injury Group

Single car accidents can be incredibly stressful, especially if some factor caused you to crash like improper road signage, inclement weather, or another driver who failed to stop after you crashed. At Mass Injury Group, our Boston car accident lawyers proudly provide legal assistance to victims of single-car accidents. This involves investigating your claim to determine the cause of the accident and to help you receive the compensation you deserve. This includes working with insurance companies to secure coverage benefits.

Recently, one individual was hospitalized after being involved in a crash, according to a local news report. The vehicle in which the victim was riding ignited after impact and was severely charred, according to officials who reported to the scene of the crash. Debris from the vehicle was scattered all over the roadway and a telephone pole was knocked over. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.

When it comes to single-car accidents, there are many different factors that could cause a driver to end up in a collision. In some cases, driver inattention or distraction could cause the driver to lose focus and to fail to see upcoming aspects of the roadway like sudden traffic or a sharp turn. But in other situations, a factor outside of the driver’s control could be to blame. This may involve the local municipality’s or transportation authority’s failure to post proper signage about speed limits or sharp turns. A failure to post signs requiring flow of traffic to stop or yield can also lead to single-car crashes. In this scenario, you may be able to bring a claim against the governing authority to recover damages. This could involve bringing a claim pursuant to the Massachusetts Tort Claims Act.

Massachusetts Drivers Face Increased Dangers From Teen Drivers During Summer Months

June 19, 2020 | by Mass Injury Group

During the summer months, teens are out of school and maybe engaged in employment, sports camps, or other activities. If a teen has his or her driver’s license, he or she may be responsible for getting to and from these activities throughout the season. Although many teenagers appreciate the responsibility and seriousness of getting behind the wheel, some approach it with a reckless or careless attitude. It is important for parents to talk to their teens about good driving habits, including the difference between the safe operation of a vehicle and dangerous distractions. At Mass Injury Group, our dedicated team of Boston car accident lawyers is available to assist you if you have been injured in a car accident involving a teen driver.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has concluded that between 2008 and 2018, teen drivers killed over seven people per day during the summer months. The report is called the 2020 100 Deadliest Days, and it outlines the most threatening situations for drivers on the roadway. Overall, the report urges parents and teens to take extra precautions between Memorial Day and Labor Day to try to cut down on the number of accidents involving teens.

This year, the Covid-19 pandemic has led to many teens being unable to find a job, camps being canceled, and a lot more free time on teens’ hands. This free time may mean that teens are spending more time driving to pass the time. The 2020 100 Deadliest Days report includes a Parent Coaching Guide to help parents identify the most productive ways to educate their teens about safe driving. It encourages parents to have their teens sign a safe driving agreement, too.

Massachusetts Single Car Accident Leaves Two Dead, Two Severely Injured Including 18-Month-Old Child

June 8, 2020 | by Mass Injury Group

Car accidents take many different shapes and forms. Some are relatively minor and lead to nothing more than property damage, but others can be catastrophic and end up taking the lives of the passengers or drivers involved in the crash. In the event that you lose a loved one to another driver’s carelessness, you can recover compensation for the expenses associated with the loss as well as compensation for the loss of your loved one’s care, companionship, comfort, and support. At Mass Injury Group, our team of Boston car accident lawyers knows that no amount of money can truly make you whole again, but it can help you cope with the financial stress of the loss.

According to a recent news report, two individuals lost their lives in a tragic motor vehicle accident while two others were seriously injured. The accident took place in Fall River. The driver of the first vehicle was a 74-year-old woman. Her passenger was a 29-year-old woman. According to reports, the driver lost control of the vehicle and struck a building in Fall River. The backseat passengers, which included an 18-month-old child, suffered serious injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital.

Although it can be difficult to contemplate bringing a personal injury action for the loss of a loved one immediately after the crash, having a seasoned attorney representing you through the process can alleviate some of the confusion and stress. For many individuals, bringing a wrongful death claim is their first experience with Massachusetts’ civil justice system. In a wrongful death claim, the plaintiff will need to show that the decedent probably would not have died but for the defendant’s lack of appropriate care and skill.

High-Speed Head-On Collision on I-495 Leaves Two Dead in Massachusetts

May 29, 2020 | by Mass Injury Group

Head-on collisions are incredibly dangerous especially when they happen at high speed. A head-on collision can happen in a number of ways including a vehicle that enters a roadway in the wrong direction. If you were injured in a car accident that resulted in a head-on collision, you may be entitled to compensation. At Mass Injury Group, our compassionate and diligent team of Boston car accident lawyers are available to help you identify your legal rights.

Recently, two individuals tragically lost their lives as the result of a head-on collision on I-495 in Westborough, according to a local news report. Law enforcement officials who responded to the scene reported that a wrong-way driver was reported in the area shortly before 9 p.m. on the day of the accident. The wrong-way vehicle was a passenger vehicle driven by a 43-year-old woman. It eventually crashed into a vehicle being driven by a 27-year-old man resulting in a head-on collision. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. His passenger, an 83-year-old woman, was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for her critical injuries. The authorities are unclear on how the vehicle ended up traveling the wrong way on the highway.

If you were injured in a head-on collision, you can bring a civil claim to recover compensation for your injuries. In the lawsuit, you will need to show that the other driver failed to use reasonable care and skill while operating his or her motor vehicle. There are a few common causes of head-on collisions. Distracted driving can prevent drivers from paying attention to traffic signs such as “do not enter” signage. Drunk driving can also make it impossible for a driver to make appropriate observations about the road conditions and signage. Drugged driving is similar to drunk driving and includes illegal as well as prescription drugs that impair the user’s awareness and response time.

A Recent 30-Car Pile-Up Demonstrates the Importance of Consulting a Personal Injury Attorney After a Massachusetts Car Accident

April 21, 2020 | by Mass Injury Group

If you suffered injuries in a car accident, chances are you are wondering whether you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. An accident involving two drivers can be complicated, especially if there are questions about who is at fault and how much compensation the injury victim is owed. But when an accident involves multiple drivers and parties, the complexities increase. The compassionate and experienced Boston car accident attorneys at Mass Injury Group are available to assist injury victims with ensuring that they receive the outcome that they deserve during a civil trial and while working with insurance companies.

Recently, multiple drivers and passengers were injured when a crash involving roughly 30 vehicles happened on Interstate 95 near Bangor, Maine, during the early morning commute. Fortunately, no one lost their life as a result of the accident, but many individuals involved in the accident were treated for their injuries while a number were transported to a nearby hospital via helicopter. According to reports prepared regarding the crash, many motorists reported being blinded by the early morning sun resulting in a chain reaction pileup as approaching vehicles were unable to avoid colliding with cars stopped in front of them.

This is not the first instance that a massive pileup has happened on Interstate 95, which also runs through Massachusetts. In a densely populated state like Massachusetts, morning rush hour traffic can be incredibly thick and lead to an increase in chances of an injury accident taking place. When drivers are heading to work in the morning, many are running late, engaged in distracted driving activities like eating or talking on the phone, or simply not paying attention to the rapid changes in traffic during rush hour.

Two Fatal Accidents in Massachusetts Raise Awareness of the Dangers of Head-on Collisions

April 7, 2020 | by Mass Injury Group

Head-on collisions are one of the most dangerous types of personal injury accidents that a Massachusetts resident can suffer. They often happen at high speed and are very sudden, resulting in devastating injuries. It is not uncommon for passengers or drivers to be ejected from the vehicle due to the force of the impact or to suffer life-threatening injuries. As compassionate Massachusetts car accident attorneys, the legal professionals at Mass Injury Group are prepared to assist you and your family during this traumatic event and to ensure that you receive the fair outcome that you deserve.

Recently, two vehicles were involved in a head-on collision in Littleton, according to local reports. The crash occurred in the early morning hours on Route 2A in Littleton. The vehicles involved on the Ayer Road crash were a Honda Pilot and a Mazda CX5. A driver of one of the vehicles was a man in his 40s who was taken to a hospital by first responders. He later died at the hospital as a result of the injuries that he sustained. The other driver was a woman in her 20s who experienced non-life-threatening injuries. She was still taken to the hospital for a checkup and to ensure that she was ok.

Another report states that a man in Fall River died in what appears to be a single-vehicle accident near Exit 15 on Route 93. Although authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident, it is possible that the man was attempting to avoid a head-on collision with another vehicle causing him to veer into the guardrail. The man was found outside of the vehicle and died at the scene of the accident. Some accidents happen as a result of driver’s trying to avoid colliding with other vehicles, particularly if the other vehicle is crossing the centerline or fails to yield the right of way.

Massachusetts Appellate Court Upholds Summary Judgment for Defendant in Bus Accident Case involving Product Liability Claim

March 23, 2020 | by Mass Injury Group

Car accidents can happen in many different ways and can involve a number of parties in the lawsuit. Filing a civil claim for damages after a car accident is a multi-step process that requires you to obtain evidence and prove a case against the defendants named in the action. The elements that you have to prove depend on the cause of action that you assert against the defendants such as negligence or product liability. In some instances, a car accident may have happened because of faulty parts or poor warnings. Liability is not always clear cut, which is why having a seasoned Massachusetts car accident lawyer guiding you through the process is so important.

Recently, Massachusetts Court of Appeal considered a claim involving a bus that caught fire. The court was asked to determine whether the lower court erred when it entered summary judgment in favor of a bus company on the plaintiff’s complaint for breach of the implied warranty of merchantability. the plaintiff argued that a defect in the bus caused it to catch fire and that he sustained injuries when he navigated the bus to safety and assisted passengers in exiting the vehicle. The plaintiff brought the action against the company that made the bus and that leased it to the company that was operating the fare from New York City to Boston.

On review, the appellate court first noted that a claim for the breach of an implied warranty requires the plaintiff to show that a defect or unreasonable condition existed at the time the product left the manufacturer’s control and that the defect rendered it unsafe for ordinary uses. If the product or machine at issue is complex in design and its operation is outside a layperson’s knowledge, then expert testimony is required to help the jury understand how the product was allegedly defective.

Massachusetts Multi-Car Accident Results in One Fatality, Eight Injuries

March 10, 2020 | by Mass Injury Group

Chain-reaction accidents can lead to severe injuries for multiple parties. They can also create serious headaches when it comes to filing insurance claims and figuring out who may be at fault for your injuries particularly if you were struck further down in the chain reaction. Whether it happened at high-speed on the freeway or at a red light at a city intersection, a chain reaction accident can leave you with painful injuries and a mountain of medical expenses. At Mass Injury Group, our team of seasoned Boston car accident attorneys are prepared to help you determine whether you are entitled to compensation following a multi-car crash.

A number of Seekonk residents found themselves facing this type of nightmare situation on March 3 when a truck failed to notice that traffic was slowing down on the freeway upon which he was traveling, according to a recent news report. Traffic had slowed because there was a car on fire roughly one mile ahead on the roadway. Although the driver of the truck applied the emergency brake, his vehicle slammed into the back of a Chrysler, which slammed into the back of an Acura, which then slammed into the rear of a Lexus. Unfortunately, the right, rear passenger in the Chrysler vehicle died at the hospital as a result of the injuries that she suffered during the crash. Eight occupants of the other vehicles were transported to various hospitals where they obtained treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

In Massachusetts, the victim of a personal injury accident can bring a civil claim from the driver of the vehicle that caused the crash to recover compensation for his or her injuries and damages. Establishing liability in a multi-car accident may require filing a claim against all of the other parties involved. If you do not include one of the parties as a defendant, then he or she may not be held responsible and the other defendants in your case may claim that the party you left out was to blame. To hold one of the drivers liable, you must prove that he or she failed to drive the same way that a reasonable and prudent driver would have done when faced with the same situation. If the driver did not act according to this standard, then he or she is considered negligent. You must also show that the driver’s negligence was the direct and foreseeable cause of your injuries.