Chain-reaction accidents can lead to severe injuries for multiple parties. They can also create serious headaches when it comes to filing insurance claims and figuring out who may be at fault for your injuries particularly if you were struck further down in the chain reaction. Whether it happened at high-speed on the freeway or at a red light at a city intersection, a chain reaction accident can leave you with painful injuries and a mountain of medical expenses. At Mass Injury Group, our team of seasoned Boston car accident attorneys are prepared to help you determine whether you are entitled to compensation following a multi-car crash.
A number of Seekonk residents found themselves facing this type of nightmare situation on March 3 when a truck failed to notice that traffic was slowing down on the freeway upon which he was traveling, according to a recent news report. Traffic had slowed because there was a car on fire roughly one mile ahead on the roadway. Although the driver of the truck applied the emergency brake, his vehicle slammed into the back of a Chrysler, which slammed into the back of an Acura, which then slammed into the rear of a Lexus. Unfortunately, the right, rear passenger in the Chrysler vehicle died at the hospital as a result of the injuries that she suffered during the crash. Eight occupants of the other vehicles were transported to various hospitals where they obtained treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
In Massachusetts, the victim of a personal injury accident can bring a civil claim from the driver of the vehicle that caused the crash to recover compensation for his or her injuries and damages. Establishing liability in a multi-car accident may require filing a claim against all of the other parties involved. If you do not include one of the parties as a defendant, then he or she may not be held responsible and the other defendants in your case may claim that the party you left out was to blame. To hold one of the drivers liable, you must prove that he or she failed to drive the same way that a reasonable and prudent driver would have done when faced with the same situation. If the driver did not act according to this standard, then he or she is considered negligent. You must also show that the driver’s negligence was the direct and foreseeable cause of your injuries.
If the victim of the crash lost his or her life, then the state allows the decedent’s estate to bring a wrongful death claim on his or her behalf. In this claim, the decedent’s estate can seek compensation for any expenses incurred as a result of the crash like funeral and burial expenses as well as compensation for medical bills. Massachusetts law also lets the estate recover compensation for the decedent’s surviving loved ones including the value of the income that the decedent would have reasonably earned over his or her lifetime and compensation for the loss of his or her companionship and support.
At Mass Injury Group, we understand how stressful and life-altering a multi-car accident or fatal accident can be for you and your loved ones. During this difficult time we will ensure that your legal rights are protected and asserted to the fullest extent. We will investigate your claim, gather evidence, and work with insurance companies on your behalf. Call us today at 617-263-0060 or contact us online to set up your free consultation.