1. Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, commercial trucking accidents, tractor-trailer collisions, personal injury, motor vehicle accidents
Case Types Handled: 18-wheeler accidents, tractor-trailer collisions, semi-truck crashes, commercial truck accidents, delivery truck accidents, wrongful death from trucking accidents
Legal Services: Accident investigation, evidence gathering, trucking company investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations
Background: Boston-based firm with experience handling commercial trucking accidents throughout Massachusetts. The firm understands how trucking companies operate and conducts thorough investigations to counter their tactics. Serves clients throughout Massachusetts including Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester Counties.
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Contact: (617) 777-7777 | https://www.jeffreysglassman.com
Consultation: Free consultation
2. Law Office of John J. Sheehan
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Tractor-trailer accidents, semi-truck collisions, 18-wheeler crashes, commercial vehicle accidents, interstate highway truck accidents
Legal Services: Independent accident investigation, federal trucking regulation analysis, liability determination, insurance negotiations, litigation, trial representation, wrongful death claims
Background: Boston truck accident lawyers with extensive experience representing victims in lawsuits. The firm conducts independent investigations, analyzes actions of all parties involved, and handles insurance company communications. Works with clients on cases involving strict federal regulations governing the trucking industry.
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Contact: (617) 539-8366 | https://attorneysheehan.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation
3. Altman & Altman, LLP
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, trucking injury litigation
Case Types Handled: 18-wheeler accidents, tractor-trailer collisions, semi-truck crashes, catastrophic injuries from truck accidents, wrongful death from trucking accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations analysis, truck driver negligence investigation, trucking company liability investigation, insurance negotiations, litigation, trial representation
Background: Over 50 years of experience fighting for the rights of Massachusetts truck accident victims and their families. The firm has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for clients in the Greater Boston Area and throughout Massachusetts. Well-versed in FMCSA and state regulations governing trucking companies. A senior firm partner personally oversees every case.
Location: Offices in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts
Contact: (617) 492-3000 | Toll-free: (800) 481-6199 | https://www.altmanllp.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, available 24/7 including nights and weekends, contingency fee basis (no fee unless recovery)
4. Earley Law Group Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, personal injury, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Semi-truck accidents, 18-wheeler collisions, commercial motor vehicle accidents, delivery truck accidents, garbage truck accidents, cement truck accidents, tanker truck accidents
Legal Services: Accident investigation, crash reports analysis, trucking company record review, black box data analysis, state and federal law compliance review, insurance negotiations, litigation, trial representation
Background: Boston-based firm with over 600 Google reviews and reputation for 5-star customer service. Attorneys Christopher Earley (legal book author, law columnist, frequent speaker for bar associations, recipient of multiple professional awards) and Adam Hornung lead the firm. The firm handles complex truck accident claims requiring knowledge of federal trucking regulations.
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Contact: https://www.chrisearley.com
Consultation: Free consultation, no upfront cost, contingency fee (only pay if they win)
5. DiBella Law
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, commercial truck accidents, personal injury, semi-truck collisions
Case Types Handled: Delivery driver accidents (UPS, FedEx, Amazon), tractor-trailer accidents, 18-wheeler collisions, semi-truck crashes, commercial vehicle accidents
Legal Services: Accident investigation, police report analysis, driver log review, maintenance record investigation, expert testimony coordination, insurance negotiations, litigation, trial representation
Background: Nationally recognized firm providing compassionate and skilled legal representation for over 20 years. Founding partner Christopher DiBella is author of a book on personal injury law. Named Top 100 Civil Plaintiff by The National Trial Lawyers, Top 10 Personal Injury Attorney in Massachusetts by The National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys, one of America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys, and recognized seven times as a Super Lawyers Rising Star.
Location: Boston, Massachusetts (also serves New Hampshire)
Contact: https://www.dibellalawoffice.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee (No Win, No Fee)
Truck Accident Laws and Regulations in Massachusetts
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Three years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline results in loss of the right to seek compensation.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Three years from the date of death.
Statute of Limitations for Claims Against Government Entities: Presentment rule requires serving notice to the government entity within two years (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 258, Section 4). For claims against Massachusetts or municipalities, you must follow specific notice procedures.
No-Fault Insurance System: Massachusetts is a no-fault state. You must file a claim with your own insurance company first for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, regardless of who caused the accident.
PIP Coverage Requirement: Massachusetts law requires drivers to carry $8,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage applies regardless of fault.
Stepping Outside the No-Fault System: You can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver if you sustain a serious injury (such as loss of hearing, broken bones, permanent disability) OR if your medical expenses exceed $2,000.
Fault System (When Applicable): When you can step outside the no-fault system, Massachusetts is an at-fault state for determining liability.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 231 Section 85). You can recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If your fault exceeds 50%, you cannot recover any damages.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Massachusetts requires specific minimum coverage including bodily injury liability, property damage liability, personal injury protection (PIP), and uninsured motorist coverage.
Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements: Commercial trucks must comply with FMCSA requirements for higher insurance minimums, often $750,000 or more.
Damage Caps: Punitive damages are generally not available in personal injury cases in Massachusetts, except in wrongful death cases where gross negligence or wanton and malicious behavior is proven.
Vicarious Liability Rules: Trucking companies can be held liable for accidents caused by their drivers under respondeat superior. Companies may also be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Applicability: FMCSA regulations apply in Massachusetts courts. Commercial drivers must follow regulations covering driving hours, vehicle weight, inspections, and maintenance.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Definition: Massachusetts defines commercial motor vehicles as any motor vehicle used to transport passengers or property with a gross vehicle rating of at least 26,001 pounds or carrying at least 16 occupants including the driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit in Massachusetts?
A: Massachusetts law provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from truck accidents. This period begins on the date of the accident or, in some cases, when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered. For wrongful death claims, you have three years from the date of death. If your claim involves a government entity, you must serve notice within two years under the presentment rule in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 258, Section 4. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim regardless of its merits.
Q: How does Massachusetts’ no-fault insurance system affect my truck accident claim?
A: Massachusetts is a no-fault insurance state, which means you must first file a claim with your own insurance company for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, regardless of who caused the accident. Massachusetts requires drivers to carry at least $8,000 in PIP coverage. However, you can step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault truck driver or trucking company if you sustain a serious injury (such as broken bones, loss of hearing, or permanent disability) OR if your reasonable medical expenses exceed $2,000. Once you exceed PIP coverage or meet the serious injury threshold, you can pursue additional compensation from the at-fault party.
Q: How does Massachusetts’ comparative negligence rule affect my truck accident case?
A: Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 231 Section 85. Under this rule, you can recover damages as long as your degree of fault is less than 51% (you must be less than 50% at fault to recover). Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but found 20% at fault, your award is reduced to $80,000. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys will look for ways to attribute fault to you, making experienced legal representation important.
Q: Who can be held liable in a Massachusetts truck accident case?
A: Multiple parties may share liability in a Massachusetts truck accident case. The truck driver may be liable for negligent driving such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or violating hours of service regulations. The trucking company may be liable under respondeat superior for their employee’s actions, or directly for negligent hiring, inadequate training, failure to maintain vehicles, or pressuring drivers to violate safety regulations. Cargo loading companies may be liable if improperly loaded cargo contributed to the accident. Maintenance providers may be liable for negligent repairs. Truck or parts manufacturers may be liable for defective equipment. In cases involving delivery drivers (UPS, FedEx, Amazon), both the driver and the company may be pursued.
Q: What federal regulations apply to truck accident cases in Massachusetts?
A: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations govern commercial trucking throughout the United States, including Massachusetts. These regulations establish standards for hours of service (limiting how long drivers can operate without rest), vehicle maintenance and inspection requirements, cargo securement standards, driver qualification requirements (including CDL licensing), drug and alcohol testing requirements, and electronic logging device (ELD) mandates. Commercial drivers in Massachusetts must follow FMCSA regulations covering driving hours, vehicle weight limits, and inspections. Violations of these federal regulations can serve as evidence of negligence in Massachusetts courts and may strengthen your truck accident claim.