AltmanAltmanLLP Group Photo
Over $100 Million in Verdicts and Settlements

Boston Car Accident Lawyers

We Have Recovered Millions of Dollars for Our Injury Clients

From minor fender benders to serious accidents resulting in extensive injuries and property damage, Altman & Altman LLP can help you get the compensation you deserve. Massachusetts is a no-fault state and most motorists, with the exception of motorcyclists, are covered by their own Personal Injury Protection insurance. But that doesn’t mean that all of your expenses will be paid in the event of an accident. For starters, your medical costs may far exceed PIP's policy limits, as well as the limits of your own medical insurance coverage.

If the at-fault driver has inadequate insurance coverage, or no coverage at all, you may be entitled to recover from your own insurance company through an uninsured or underinsured policy as well.

Long story short, motor vehicle accidents can be extremely complex, and many accident victims end up settling for significantly less than what they’re entitled to, simply because they lack experienced legal representation.

Time is of the Essence

The attorneys at Altman & Altman LLP have years of experience litigating claims involving motor vehicles, and we are proficient in evaluating liability in motor vehicle accidents. One of the most important steps an individual should take following a motor vehicle accident is to preserve their legal rights. In Massachusetts, there is a Statute of Limitations regarding claims for all motor vehicle accidents and it is of the utmost importance to contact an attorney before your rights are barred by one of these provisions. The attorneys at Altman & Altman LLP will take all the necessary steps to ensure that your rights are protected and will expedite the process of getting you compensated for the injuries you have suffered.

No two motor vehicle accidents are alike, and Altman & Altman LLP has attorneys that are experienced in dealing with personal injury and wrongful death cases involving car accidents, truck collisions, train accidents, bus accidents, motorcycle crashes, and pedestrian accidents, respectively.

MBTA trains, Amtrak and Acela accidents, and school buses are "common carriers" upheld to a higher responsibility of care than regular drivers. Altman & Altman LLP knows how to investigate and prove negligence with these sometimes more complex cases. We also have successfully represented motor vehicle crash clients with products liability claims and lawsuits against the manufacturers of defective automobile and auto parts (defective airbags, faulty seat belts, engine malfunctions, etc), as well as in cases involving SUV rollovers.

First and foremost, you will only pay for our services if we are successful in recovering a settlement for you. The attorneys at Altman & Altman LLP also understand that car accident injuries can make travel to our office difficult, therefore, home and suburban appointments can be set up with one of our many experienced Boston attorneys.

To schedule your free consultation with Altman & Altman LLP, call 617. 492.3000 or 800.481.6199 (toll free), or contact us online. Our law firm has multiple office locations, including in Boston and Cambridge, and we represent injury victims all over Massachusetts. Among the many types of transportation and motor vehicle accidents we cover are:

If you are involved in any type of motor vehicle or transportation accident, including car, truck, bus, motorcycle, or train accidents, gather as much information as possible at the time of the accident. The more information the better. Pictures, contact information of witnesses, witness testimonies, other driver information (driver’s license number, insurance info, and contact info), and any other supporting details can be immensely helpful in a lawsuit.

Fortunately, most smartphones are equipped with a camera. Following an accident, use that camera to photograph the scene, property damage to your vehicle, and any visible injuries. If you don’t have a pen and paper, you can also use your smartphone to store notes with pertinent information, such as driver and witness contact info and the day and time of the accident.

Even if you think you may be the at-fault driver, it is still wise to contact a skilled motor vehicle accident attorney immediately. Time is of the essence with auto accident lawsuits. For starters, memories tend to fade as time goes by. Also, there are statutes of limitation regarding these types of accidents. Altman & Altman, LLP’s experienced auto accident team will help you determine your rights and options before moving forward. We have an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation about your case.

Car Accident FAQs
Who is Responsible for Paying the Bills After a Car Accident?

Answer: Because Massachusetts is a “no-fault” car accident state, typically your own insurance company will pay for your medical bills. This is true regardless of whether or not you may have been completely or partially responsible for the accident.

What Must I Prove to Hold Someone Responsible for The Damages in a Car Accident?

Answer: In order to prove that another driver is at fault for a car accident, it is important to gather various pieces of evidence. This can include statements from witnesses to the accident, photographs of the damage caused to your car, photographs from the scene of the accident, details included in the police report for the accident, and medical records if you were treated for any injuries related to the accident.

What do I do After a Car Accident?

Answer: If you have been injured in a car accident, the first thing you should do is immediately seek medical attention and call the police to report the accident. In addition, exchange personal details with the other drivers involved in the accident including gathering their full name, a phone number, and their insurance information. Finally, make sure to take photographs of the accident scene, including your vehicle, and collect any eyewitness contact information. These details may help support a case in the event that you need to prove that someone else is responsible for damages caused by the accident.

What Happens if I had a Crash in a Parking lot?

Answer: Parking lots fall under fault determination rules. This means that predetermined guidelines are in place for parking lots which provides guidelines for adjusters to quickly determine fault. For example, if you backed out of a parking spot and hit a car, then you will likely be determined to be at fault. Another common occurrence in parking lots is hitting parked cars. If you hit a parked car, you must pull over to check for property damage and to leave your information if the car is scratched or damaged.

Can my Statement on the Accident Report be Used Against Me?

Answer: Police reports are one way to capture information from an accident and the statements that you make regarding the accident will be incorporated into the report.. These reports can have a major impact on your case and can be used by insurance adjusters to determine fault. It’s important to request a copy of the Motor Vehicle Crash Police Report after it’s been filed to review to ensure its accuracy.

What Should I do if I Just had a Car Accident but the Other Party is Uninsured?

Answer: If you were in a car accident where the other drive is uninsured, it is important that you call the police to the scene of the accident. If the uninsured driver is at-fault, you’ll also want to contact your insurance company to understand more about your compulsory Uninsured Motorist (‘UM’) coverage. This type of coverage can be used to provide you compensation if you were in an accident with another driver who is uninsured. An experienced attorney can help navigate this process with you to help you understand your rights and options.

What Kind of Compensation Should I Receive if I was Injured in a Car Accident?

Answer: Typically, Personal Injury Protection (‘PIP’), which is included in your auto insurance policy, can cover medical bills and lost wages up to $8,000. PIP will also cover 75% of any lost wages you have due to the accident. Your insurance company will evaluate the details around your accident to determine how much they will cover. If you have experienced serious injuries related to the accident, you may have a case for Third-Party Benefits, which cover non-financial losses like pain and suffering, death, lost wages, and disfigurement. If you think that this may apply to you, then an auto accident attorney can help you navigate this process.

How Much is my Car Accident Case Worth?

Answer: In Massachusetts, there are three common types of damages that can be considered when determining the value of a car accident case. These include medical bills and expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. If you received any type of medical attention related to your case, which could include hospital bills, medications, and physical therapy to help treat your injuries. If your injury kept you out of work and prevented you from earning money, you may have a claim for lost wages. Finally, Massachusetts recognizes that the pain and suffering that you experienced related to the car accident may entitle you to additional funds. An experienced attorney can help you determine which options will best support your case and can help evaluate other kinds of damages in addition to your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

Do I Have to go to Court if I Make a Claim?

Answer: Many car accident claims are settled out of court because it’s not in the best interest of the other party to dispute the claim or it’s clear as to who was responsible for the accident. If it’s unclear who is at-fault or the amount of damages you’re entitled to exceeds what your plan may cover, then it may be appropriate to consider filing a lawsuit. Your attorney can help provide guidance on your best options after reviewing the details of your case.

How do I get my Car Repaired?

Answer: After you have filed a claim for your accident, your insurance will assess the damages sustained to your car. Once they have reviewed, your insurance company will likely share a list of repair shops to choose from if you’d like along with your claim check to cover the damages to your car. If the insurance appraiser determines that your vehicle is a total loss, then they will write you a check for the cash value of the car at the time of the accident.

Can I Sue for Medical Expenses if I was Hurt?

Answer: If you have incurred $2,000 or more in medical expenses or have sustained permanent and serious disfigurement, fractured bone(s) or substantial loss of hearing or sight due to your accident, then you are entitled to sue the at-fault driver and any other individuals responsible for your damages.

How do I Determine the Liability in my Car Accident?

Answer: Liability can be determined in a few different ways through different claims that are available in Massachusetts. Personal injury claims focus on an injury that was caused as a result of someone else’s negligence. Wrong Death claims are filed by surviving relatives that allege liability of the other party for a death. Product Liability claims allege that a defective product is liable for injuring the individual. Insurance bad faith claims allege that there are delays or wrongful refusal to settle claims regardless of liability and damages. Your attorney can assist in determining which claim or claims can support in determining liability.

Who is the At-Fault Driver?

Answer: In Massachusetts, the at-fault driver is the operator who the court determines to be more than 50% at fault for the collison. It is possible that both drivers involved in the accident could be found partially at fault for the collision. In these instances known as comparative fault, your award amount for damages will be impacted by your percentage of fault provided that your at fault percent is less than 50%. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault, then you cannot attempt to recover any damages.

Can I File a Claim if I do not Have Car Insurance?

Answer: Because Massachusetts is a no-fault state, the expectation is that each motorist is responsible for filing a claim for their accident through their own insurance company. If you did not have car insurance at the time of the accident, then you would not be able to file a claim and would be responsible for all damages out of pocket.

Can I File a Claim if the At-Fault Driver Does not Have Car Insurance?

Answer: Yes, you can file a claim regardless of whether the other driver(s) has their own car insurance. Massachusetts is a no-fault state which means that all drivers must work with their own insurance companies to process their claims. Because of this, you would work with your insurance company to file your claim.

Can I File a Claim if the At-Fault Driver Fled the Scene of the Accident?

Answer: Yes, you can still file a claim if you were in a car accident and the at-fault driver fled the scene of the accident. In this instance, you would file your claim through your own insurance company where Uninsured Motorist coverage would apply. This type of coverage is required for all Massachusetts drivers and will be included in your plan. 

How Long do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?

Answer: The statute of limitations to file a lawsuit or settle a claim in Massachusetts is 3 years.

Do I Need to Give an Insurance Company a Statement?

Answer: No, you do not need to give your insurance company a statement after your car accident and in most cases, you should not give a statement. By giving a recorded statement to an insurance company, you risk providing information that could allow them to deny your claim, noting that they have a good faith basis for the denial. The insurance company may try to convince you that the statement is required. There are no legal requirements to provide a statement to your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company. If either are interested in obtaining additional information, they can review the police report for the accident or other eyewitnesses.

How is Fault Determined in a Car Accident?

Answer: Massachusetts determines fault using “modified comparative negligence.” As a modified comparative negligence state, the jury will review the details of the case to determine the percentage at fault that each motorist was in the accident. If you are the plaintiff in the case, the jury may find that you were 30% at fault for the accident. The total damages that you could recover are 70%. In this case, the defendant would be found 70% at fault. If you are found to be 50% or less at fault then you can recover damages. If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, then you cannot recover any damages for your case.

What if a Road Hazard Caused my Car Accident?

Answer: Road hazards are a common cause of car accidents and are usually the responsibility of local governments. Under the Massachusetts Tort Claim Act (MTCA), if a government entity was required to safely maintain a roadway that led to a fatality or injury, then you may have a claim. If a private party was responsible for your accident, such as an individual who failed to secure construction equipment to their car/truck, then you may also have a right to damages. An attorney can help you navigate this process, including helping to build a case to prove that another person/government agency’s negligence caused your accident and any injuries you sustained.

Boston Injury Lawyer Blog - Car Accidents
Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog - Car Accidents
Client Reviews
★★★★★
David was very aggressive and professional with the insurance companies in this settlement of this case. He kept me up to date on a regular basis through the whole process. I can't thank David and his staff enough and strongly recommend them to anyone. - Edward M. Newton MA
★★★★★
On the behalf of all the Bikers in Massachusetts .... Dave Altman is the man you want representing you. He treats you like family from day 1. His team will recovers any and all damages you are entitled too. Tell him Kathy sent you. - elentless MC
★★★★★
Rick Floor is who I often to go to and he is amazing! Great customer service, and always exceeds my expectations but the whole office is always pleasant and helpful when I call or walk in! - Rita
★★★★★
I am not very good at words. I was involved in a horrible accident. David and his team (Thank You Asia & Rick) are wonderful, talented and compassionate. If it were not for their help, I don’t believe the outcome would be as good as it is. I am glad my case is settled, Altman & Altman are my go to team from now on. Thank you so very much. - Christine F M Teixeira
★★★★★
Exceptional team of attorneys, very helpful and knowledgeable. - Nikki Vee