If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Photographs should be taken, evidence preserved and witnesses identified and interviewed. By waiting too long, evidence vanishes, witnesses move and memories change. Moreover, if you are injured in a car accident you should contact an attorney to make sure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
Massachusetts is considered "a no fault state." That means that if you are injured in an auto accident you first are covered by your own automobile insurance policy's Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, regardless of who is at fault. If you are a pedestrian or bicyclist, you too are covered by the PIP benefits of the driver that struck you. Usually, if you have your own health insurance, PIP will pay the first $2,000 in medical bills and then your own insurance will kick in. If you have no health insurance plan or are on Medicare or Medicaid, another public plan or ERISA Plan, you can receive payment of up to $8,000 of your medical expenses. PIP pays other items as well such as deductibles and out of pocket expenses. PIP will also pay 75% of lost wages that you suffer. Total PIP benefits are capped at $8,000. The PIP insurance company, however, can require you to undergo an independent medical exam. An attorney can help you fill out the necessary forms and make sure that you obtain the proper PIP benefits. If you suffer more than $2,000 in reasonable medical expenses and/or you suffer a permanent and serious disfigurement, broken bone, loss of hearing or sight, you may then bring a legal action against the driver who caused the accident.
If you are involved in a personal injury matter and wish to bring a claim, it is usually necessary to first to assemble all of your medical records, reports and bills. Many times, an expert report from a qualified physician can make a tremendous difference in the settlement value of a case. In addition, all other evidence should be evaluated and favorable evidence included in a comprehensive demand that is sent to the insurer of the party at fault. I have over 38 years of experience in representing people injured in a variety of different types of accidents If you would like to confidentially discuss a potential claim, please fill out the contact information form.