Best Car Accident Lawyers in Arlington

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Arlington, Massachusetts?

  The non-emergency number for the Arlington Police Department is 781 643-1212.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Arlington, Massachusetts?

  Requests for public records and police reports, including Massachusetts crash reports, are handled by the Records Room. For any record requests, please email policerecords@town.arlington.ma.us or contact 781-316-3943.

• What are the statutes of limitations for car accident claims and lawsuits in Arlington?

  If the injured parties in Arlington decide to pursue a case, they must do so within the Massachusetts statute of limitations, which is three years from the date the car accident occurred. In wrongful death cases, the state has also set a three-year statute of limitations.

• Where is Arlington's most accident-prone intersection?

  The Massachusetts Department of Transportation lists the intersection of Route 3 and Massachusetts Avenue as the 154th most dangerous in the state and has seen 16 accidents that resulted in injuries. This intersection is located on the boundary between Arlington and Cambridge.

• Is it necessary to go to court if you file a personal injury claim resulting from a car accident in Arlington?

  No. It is uncommon for personal injury claims resulting from Arlington auto accidents to go to court. It only becomes necessary if the insurance company you are suing won't negotiate a fair settlement. In most cases involving claims resulting from auto accidents, the matter is conveniently resolved outside of court by a settlement agreement reached by the parties. If an insurance company disagrees with a claim you are making, such as the seriousness of your injuries or who was at fault, they may offer an unsatisfactory settlement.

• Should you contact the police following a fender-bender accident with no injuries in Arlington?

  In the state of Massachusetts, where Arlington is located, you must try to contact the police right away and inform them of the car accident, regardless of who is at fault. If no one is injured, the police may decline to come to a minor accident scene. But it is prudent to make the call and let them decide. If the police choose not to respond to your accident and you are confused about what to do, you can at least ask the dispatcher for guidance. Unless you report the incident directly at the nearest police station, no police report will be filed.

• How is responsibility determined in a car accident in Arlington?

  Most Arlington car accidents are caused by negligence. Before the insurance adjuster representing the liable party move to negotiate a settlement, your lawyer must prove negligence. If a car driver drives carelessly, overspeeds, or violates traffic light signals, they might seriously injure other road users. To establish negligence, you must first demonstrate that the concerned driver owed you a legal duty of care that they failed to uphold. But, while this proves that the stated person acted negligently, you must still prove that the injuries and damages you received were solely the results of this negligence.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.