Car accident
Car Accident Attorneys in Boston, Massachusetts
The firms in this guide
- Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers Call Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers: (617) 391-9001
- Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers Call Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers: (617) 367-2900
- Breakstone, White & Gluck, P.C. Call Breakstone, White & Gluck, P.C.: (617) 723-7676
- Earley Law Group Injury Lawyers Call Earley Law Group Injury Lawyers: (617) 338-7400
- Altman & Altman LLP Call Altman & Altman LLP: (617) 492-3000
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
Public Employer Claims, Wrongful Death Damages and Shared Negligence for Boston Car Crashes
A Boston car crash with a city or state vehicle falls under chapter 258 of the General Laws, with a written presentment, a $100,000 limit and a separate rule for serious injuries caused by the MBTA. Massachusetts also sets wrongful death damages, including punitive damages of at least $5,000 for reckless conduct or gross negligence.
A Public Employer’s Liability
Under G.L. c. 258, § 2, public employers are liable for injury caused by the negligent or wrongful act of a public employee acting within the scope of employment in the same manner as a private individual, but not for prejudgment interest, punitive damages or any amount over $100,000. Claims for serious bodily injury against the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority are not subject to the $100,000 limit on compensatory damages.
Presenting the Claim
Under G.L. c. 258, § 4, no civil action may be brought against a public employer unless the claim was first presented in writing to its executive officer within two years after the cause of action arose and was finally denied; a failure to deny in writing within six months counts as a denial. No action may be brought more than three years after the cause of action accrued.
Wrongful Death Damages
Under G.L. c. 229, § 2, damages include the fair monetary value of the decedent to the persons entitled to recover, including lost net income, services, society, companionship and guidance, reasonable funeral and burial expenses, and punitive damages of not less than $5,000 when the death was caused by malicious, willful, wanton or reckless conduct or gross negligence.
Comparing Negligence With All Defendants
Under G.L. c. 231, § 85, the plaintiff’s negligence is compared to the total negligence of all persons against whom recovery is sought, the plaintiff’s and defendants’ negligence together equal 100 percent, and recovery is barred only if the plaintiff’s negligence is greater than that total.
Boston Car Accident Questions
How long do I have to sue after a Boston car crash?
Three years after the cause of action accrues, under G.L. c. 260, § 2A. A wrongful death action must be commenced within three years of the death or of when the executor or administrator knew or should have known of the factual basis, under c. 229, § 2.
What if more than one driver caused the crash?
Your negligence is compared with the combined negligence of the drivers you are suing. For example, imagine $120,000 in damages, 45 percent of the negligence on the injured driver and 30 and 25 percent on two other drivers: the combined 55 percent exceeds your 45 percent, so under G.L. c. 231, § 85 the recovery would be $66,000.
Is there a limit on a claim against the City of Boston?
Yes. Under G.L. c. 258, § 2, a public employer is not liable for any amount over $100,000, for prejudgment interest or for punitive damages, with a separate rule for serious bodily injury claims against the MBTA.