How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts law sets firm deadlines on car accident injury claims. The specific timeline depends on who was involved and the circumstances of your accident. Contact Attorney Lavey as soon as possible after any accident to make sure your rights are protected.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault for the accident?

Possibly, yes. Massachusetts law allows injured people to recover compensation even when they share some responsibility for an accident, as long as their share of fault does not outweigh the other party's. Insurance companies often try to assign more blame to injured people than is fair — having Attorney Lavey in your corner helps push back on that.

Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company after a car accident?

No. The other driver's insurance company is not on your side. Their adjusters are trained to minimize what they pay. You have no obligation to give a recorded statement. Contact Attorney Jeffrey C. Lavey before speaking with any insurance company.

Car Accident Lawyer in Massachusetts

Attorney Jeffrey C. Lavey has over 37 years of experience fighting for car accident victims throughout Massachusetts. Free consultation. No fees unless we win. Call (781) 938-1400 or Text (781) 938-1400.

★★★★★ 5.0 · 66 Client Reviews “Attorney Jeffrey C. Lavey was outstanding in handling my personal injury case.” — Anonymous, Google

Were You Injured in a Car Accident in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts law provides injured accident victims with the right to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, but the insurance system is designed to limit what you receive. In Massachusetts, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers your initial medical bills and a portion of your lost wages regardless of fault. If your injuries are serious, you have the right to step outside that no-fault system and pursue the at-fault driver directly. Attorney Jeffrey C. Lavey has spent over 37 years helping Massachusetts accident victims do exactly that.

At the Law Office of Jeffrey C. Lavey, representation is completely contingency-based. You pay nothing unless Attorney Lavey wins your case.

How Does Car Accident Liability Work in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is a no-fault insurance state, which means that after a car accident, each driver initially turns to their own insurance policy for medical expenses and lost wages through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who caused the crash. This system is designed to pay claims quickly, but it does not eliminate the right to pursue the at-fault driver when injuries are serious.

Once an injured person's medical expenses or injuries reach a certain threshold under Massachusetts law, they have the right to file a claim directly against the driver who caused the accident. That claim can include compensation for the full value of their injuries, including pain and suffering, which is not available through PIP alone. Attorney Lavey evaluates every accident to determine the full scope of liability and the best strategy to maximize your recovery.

Massachusetts also follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you share some responsibility for the accident, you can still recover compensation as long as your portion of fault does not outweigh the other party's. Insurance companies aggressively try to shift blame onto injured claimants. Attorney Lavey counters those tactics with evidence and experience.

What Types of Car Accident Cases Does Attorney Lavey Handle?

No two accidents are alike. Attorney Jeffrey C. Lavey represents clients injured in every type of motor vehicle collision throughout Massachusetts, including:

Rear-end collisions: the most common cause of whiplash, herniated discs, and soft tissue injuries
Head-on collisions: often catastrophic; full compensation is essential
Intersection and T-bone accidents: frequently involve disputed liability
Hit-and-run accidents: uninsured motorist coverage may apply
Distracted driving and texting while driving accidents
Drunk and drugged driving accidents: criminal and civil liability
Commercial truck and tractor-trailer accidents: involving federal regulations and multiple defendants
Motorcycle accidents: Attorney Lavey fights insurer bias against riders
Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims
Rideshare accidents: Uber, Lyft, and other platforms involve layered insurance coverage
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents: the most vulnerable road users

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Accident in Massachusetts?

A Massachusetts car accident claim can recover a broad range of damages. Attorney Lavey works to make sure every element of your loss is documented and presented:

Medical expenses: all past and future treatment costs, including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy
Lost wages: income lost while you were unable to work during recovery
Loss of earning capacity: if your injuries permanently affect your ability to work at the same level
Pain and suffering: physical pain and the emotional impact of your injuries, including anxiety, depression, and disruption to your daily life
Property damage: repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property
Future medical costs: projected expenses for ongoing care, physical therapy, or future surgeries

Insurance companies use sophisticated software tools and experienced adjusters to minimize what they pay. Attorney Lavey counters their approach with decades of experience building strong cases, thorough documentation, and a track record of successful negotiations and verdicts in Massachusetts courts.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Massachusetts?

The steps you take in the hours and days after an accident have a significant impact on the value and outcome of your claim. Attorney Lavey advises every client to follow these steps:

Call 911. A police report creates an official, contemporaneous record of the accident. Request a copy as soon as it is available.
Seek medical attention immediately: even if you feel fine. Injuries like whiplash, herniated discs, and concussions often do not cause obvious symptoms until days after a crash. A delay in treatment gives insurers a reason to argue your injuries were not caused by the accident.
Document the scene. Photograph all vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries before anything is moved.
Exchange information. Get the other driver's name, license number, insurance information, and license plate. Collect contact information from any witnesses.
Do not admit fault. Even an offhand apology at the scene can be used against you. Fault is a legal determination made through evidence: not a statement made at the roadside.
Do not speak to the other driver's insurance company. Their adjusters are trained to ask questions that minimize your claim. Contact Attorney Jeffrey C. Lavey before giving any statements.
Follow all medical advice. Attend every appointment and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Gaps in treatment are one of the most common tactics insurers use to reduce settlements.

What Mistakes Do People Make After a Car Accident That Hurt Their Case?

Attorney Lavey has seen the same preventable mistakes cost accident victims thousands of dollars in compensation. The most damaging include:

Accepting the insurance company’s first settlement offer before understanding the full extent of injuries and future costs
Giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer without legal counsel
Signing a broad medical release that gives the insurer access to unrelated medical history
Waiting too long to seek medical treatment, creating a gap that insurers exploit
Posting about the accident or injuries on social media
Settling the property damage claim and releasing all claims in the same document

If you have already made one of these mistakes, call Attorney Lavey. Many can be addressed, and none are necessarily fatal to a claim. The most important step after any misstep is to stop communicating with insurance companies and let an experienced attorney take control of the situation. Attorney Lavey has helped clients recover strong compensation even in cases where early errors complicated the claim.

Dealing With a Specific Insurance Company?

The insurance company involved in your accident matters. Different carriers use different tactics, maintain different claim-handling practices, and respond differently to legal representation. Attorney Lavey has experience negotiating with every major insurer operating in Massachusetts. If you know which company is on the other side of your claim, the pages below explain what to expect and how he can help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Massachusetts

Who pays my medical bills after a car accident in Massachusetts?

Your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance pays your initial medical bills and a portion of your lost wages after a car accident in Massachusetts, regardless of who caused the crash. If your injuries are serious, you may also be able to pursue the at-fault driver directly for additional compensation. Attorney Lavey will evaluate both paths during your free consultation.

The other driver’s insurance is blaming me for the accident. What do I do?

Do not accept their determination. Insurance companies routinely try to shift blame to minimize payouts. Their initial fault assignment is not final and can be challenged with police reports, witness statements, photographs, and where necessary, accident reconstruction experts. Attorney Lavey handles exactly this situation. Call before you respond to the insurer.

Can I still make a claim if the other driver left the scene?

Yes. Massachusetts requires all auto insurance policies to include uninsured motorist coverage, which is designed for exactly this situation. Even if the other driver cannot be identified or located, you may still be able to recover through your own policy. Collect as much information as possible, any partial plate number, vehicle description, or witness contact, and call Attorney Lavey right away.

How long does a car accident case take in Massachusetts?

It depends on the complexity of your case. Cases with clear liability and documented injuries often resolve within several months to a year. Cases involving serious injuries, disputed fault, or uncooperative insurers can take longer. Attorney Lavey keeps you informed throughout the process and never pushes clients toward a quick settlement at the expense of full compensation.

Attorney Jeffrey C. Lavey — Massachusetts Car Accident Attorney

Attorney Jeffrey C. Lavey has practiced personal injury law in Massachusetts for over 37 years, representing car accident victims throughout Massachusetts and across the Commonwealth. He is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts and handles every client’s case personally, no associates, no handoffs. Call (781) 938-1400 or Text (781) 938-1400 for a free consultation.

Book a Free Consultation Today

There Are No Fees Unless We Win.

1Complete our simple questionnaire
2Schedule a free consultation with Attorney Jeffrey C. Lavey