Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injuries in Massachusetts. When another driver is at fault, you can count on our Boston car accident lawyer to help you hold them accountable for the medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs you incur. The following details five common causes of car accidents in our area and how you can protect your rights when filing a personal injury claim.
Common Car Accident Causes in Boston
Boston’s Vision Zero program aims to reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents that happen in our area. Unfortunately, crash data indicates that close to 30,000 people continue to be injured in car accidents in Boston each year and the reckless driving behavior of other motorists is often to blame. Among the most common causes include:
- Speeding and going too fast for conditions: This is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Boston. In addition to increasing the overall risks of a crash, going too fast for road, weather, and traffic conditions or exceeding posted speed limits increases the risk of fatal injuries.
- Aggressive driving: This is another common cause of crashes and collisions. Aggressive driving includes tailgating, failing to yield, improper passing, and other inconsiderate and often illegal behaviors.
- Distracted driving: Despite laws preventing the use of handheld devices, talking on cell phones, texting, and engaging in online activities while driving continues to be a problem. Even eating fast food, adjusting your appearance, or engaging in any activity that takes your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel could put you at risk.
- Driving under the influence: Being under the influence of any amount of alcohol, drugs, or medication endangers you and your passengers while putting other motorists at risk.
- Running red lights and stop signs: A common cause of car accidents in intersections, disregarding traffic signals can endanger other drivers as well as bicyclists and pedestrians.
Protecting Your Rights in a Car Accident Claim
Massachusetts is what is considered a no-fault insurance state. This means that all drivers are required to carry a mandatory minimum amount of personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which covers injuries they suffer as a result of car accidents. However, when another driver is responsible for a crash, you still have the right to hold them accountable, either through their insurer or by filing a personal injury lawsuit against them. Ways you can protect your rights in a car accident claim include:
- Report any type of crash immediately to police;
- Get names, contact, vehicle, and insurance information for other drivers involved;
- Gather evidence at the scene, such as pictures and contact info for witnesses;
- Seek medical attention right away and follow your doctor’s instructions regarding follow-up care.
Contact Our Boston Car Accident Lawyer
To protect your rights in a car accident claim and to avoid paying out of pocket for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs, contact Parousis Law for help in filing a claim. Reach out and request a consultation with our Boston car accident lawyer today.