1. Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, medical malpractice, premises liability, construction accidents, workers compensation
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, head-on collisions, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, rideshare accidents, catastrophic injury cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering compensation, wrongful death claims, PIP benefits coordination
Background: The firm has over 100 years of combined experience among its attorneys handling personal injury cases in Massachusetts. Attorneys have served as both litigators and judges, providing comprehensive knowledge of the legal system. Recognized in Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America 2024. The firm has recovered record-breaking settlements and verdicts for clients. Known for maintaining strong client relationships and providing consistent communication throughout the claims process.
Location: 268 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210
Contact: (617) 391-9001 | https://www.sweeneymerrigan.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation, contingency fee arrangement (no fee unless successful)
2. Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, medical malpractice, workers compensation, premises liability
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, head-on collisions, multi-vehicle chain-reaction accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, rideshare accidents, hit-and-run accidents
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage compensation, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death representation, PIP benefits coordination
Background: The firm has helped over 25,000 injured clients in Boston and throughout Massachusetts and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars. Jeffrey Glassman leads a team with a long track record of successes in settlements and trials across the Commonwealth. The firm takes on challenging cases with disputed liability and serious injuries. Known for thorough case preparation and taking cases through trial when necessary. Serves clients throughout Massachusetts including Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester Counties.
Location: One International Place, Suite 1210, Boston, MA 02110
Contact: (617) 367-2900 | https://www.jeffreysglassman.com/
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis (no attorney fees if no recovery)
3. Breakstone, White & Gluck, P.C.
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, medical malpractice, premises liability
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, multi-vehicle winter weather accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, rideshare accidents (Uber/Lyft), drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, catastrophic injury cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage compensation, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, PIP coordination, uninsured motorist claims
Background: The firm is led by experienced trial lawyers who prepare every case for a jury trial rather than settling quickly. Known for taking extra steps to ensure all evidence is gathered, including full investigatory reports and witness interviews. Handles complex cases involving multi-vehicle chain-reaction crashes on icy roads. Experienced in rideshare accident claims involving Uber and Lyft. The firm has obtained substantial results for clients throughout Massachusetts.
Location: Two Center Plaza, Suite 530, Boston, MA 02108
Contact: (617) 723-7676 | https://www.bwglaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement
4. Earley Law Group Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, premises liability, medical malpractice, workers compensation
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, head-on collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, hit-and-run accidents
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering compensation, wrongful death claims, PIP benefits coordination
Background: Christopher Earley leads the firm with extensive experience in personal injury litigation. He is a legal book author, law columnist, frequent speaker for bar associations, and recipient of multiple professional awards and peer-reviewed honors. The firm has over 900 Google reviews from satisfied clients. Every case is prepared as though headed directly to trial. The firm utilizes expert witnesses and thoroughly evaluates all present and future injury-related expenses.
Location: 33 Broad Street, Boston, MA 02109
Contact: (617) 338-7400 | https://www.chrisearley.com/
Consultation: Free consultation with an attorney (not an associate or paralegal), contingency fee basis (no fee unless successful), no upfront attorney fees
5. Altman & Altman LLP
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bus accidents, train accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, wrongful death, workers compensation
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, fatal car accidents, drunk driving accidents, hit-and-run accidents, rideshare accidents (Uber), commercial vehicle accidents, multi-vehicle accidents
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage compensation, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, PIP benefits coordination, uninsured motorist claims
Background: The firm has represented injured victims of motor vehicle accidents for over fifty years. Successfully recovered millions of dollars for clients throughout that time. Handles all types of car accident cases from minor fender benders to catastrophic injuries. The firm has multiple office locations including Boston and Cambridge. Experienced in evaluating liability and protecting clients’ legal rights under Massachusetts law.
Location: 154 Boylston Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02116
Contact: (617) 492-3000 | Toll-free: (800) 481-6199 | https://www.altmanllp.com/
Consultation: Free consultation, available 24/7, contingency fee arrangement
Car Accident Laws and Regulations in Massachusetts
Statute of Limitations:
Massachusetts provides three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (M.G.L. Chapter 260, Section 2A). Wrongful death claims must also be filed within three years (M.G.L. Chapter 229, Section 2). Workers’ compensation claims generally must be filed within four years. Missing these deadlines typically bars the claim from proceeding.
Fault System:
Massachusetts is a modified no-fault state. Drivers must first seek compensation from their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance for the first $2,000 in medical expenses, regardless of fault. To pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for additional damages, injured parties must meet the “tort threshold” by having medical expenses exceeding $2,000 or suffering a fracture, permanent scar, or disfigurement.
Comparative Negligence:
Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% bar. If an injured party is found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident, they can recover damages, but the award will be reduced by their percentage of fault. If fault exceeds 50%, the injured party is barred from recovering any compensation.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements:
Massachusetts requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage:
- $20,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $5,000 property damage liability per accident
- $8,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- Optional uninsured motorist coverage (recommended)
Personal Injury Protection (PIP):
Massachusetts requires all drivers to carry PIP coverage of at least $8,000. PIP covers the first $2,000 in medical expenses regardless of fault. If you have private health insurance, medical bills exceeding $2,000 are submitted to your health insurer. PIP also covers 75% of lost wages up to policy limits.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage:
Uninsured motorist coverage is optional but recommended in Massachusetts. If the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance, you may be able to recover from your own policy if you purchased this coverage. Approximately 3.5% of Massachusetts drivers are uninsured.
Damage Caps:
Massachusetts does not impose statutory caps on compensatory damages in personal injury cases. There are no limits on economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages) or non-economic damages (pain and suffering). Punitive damages are generally not available in negligence cases.
Reporting Requirements:
Under M.G.L. Chapter 90, Section 26, accidents involving a fatality, injury, or property damage exceeding $1,000 must be reported to police. Drivers must also file a report with the Registry of Motor Vehicles within five days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, you have three years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This statute of limitations applies to claims for personal injury and wrongful death. Missing this deadline typically results in your case being dismissed and losing your right to seek compensation. Because evidence can deteriorate and witnesses’ memories fade over time, consulting with an attorney soon after an accident is advisable even if you do not plan to file immediately.
How does Massachusetts’ no-fault insurance system work?
Massachusetts operates under a modified no-fault insurance system. After an accident, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance pays for your first $2,000 in medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. If you have private health insurance, expenses beyond $2,000 are submitted to that insurer. To pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for additional damages including pain and suffering, you must meet the “tort threshold” by having medical expenses exceeding $2,000 or suffering a fracture, permanent and serious scar, or loss of a body part. Meeting this threshold allows you to step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the responsible party.
What happens if I am partially at fault for my car accident in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts uses a modified comparative negligence system with a 50% bar. If you are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 30% at fault, you would receive $70,000. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any compensation from the other party. Insurance companies often try to attribute fault to claimants to reduce or deny payouts.
What insurance coverage is required in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts requires all registered vehicles to carry several types of coverage: bodily injury liability of at least $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident, property damage liability of at least $5,000, and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) of at least $8,000. Uninsured motorist coverage is optional but strongly recommended. Many drivers also carry collision and comprehensive coverage. The required PIP coverage pays for initial medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of fault.
Can I recover compensation if I was injured as a passenger in a car accident?
Yes, passengers injured in Massachusetts car accidents may seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. Unlike drivers, passengers are generally not considered at fault for causing an accident, making their claims more straightforward in terms of liability. Passengers may also access their own PIP coverage if they have auto insurance, or the driver’s PIP coverage if they do not. If the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance, passengers may pursue claims under their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if available.