Car Accident Lawyers in Massachusetts

Accident and Injury Lawyers in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has its own set of injury laws that directly affect how much compensation you can recover and how long you have to file. The state operates under a no-fault auto insurance system, meaning your own insurance pays first after a car accident regardless of who caused it. Knowing how these rules apply to your specific situation — whether it's a workplace injury, a truck collision, or a fall on someone's property — can make a real difference in your outcome.

Massachusetts Injury Laws

The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Massachusetts is three years from the date of the injury. Wrongful death claims also carry a three-year deadline, but the clock starts from the date of death rather than the date of the incident that caused it. Miss that window and the court will almost certainly bar your claim.

Massachusetts follows a modified comparative fault rule with a 51% threshold. If you're found to be 51% or more at fault for your own injury, you recover nothing. If you're 50% or less at fault, your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

For car accidents specifically, Massachusetts requires you to meet a medical cost threshold of $2,000 or suffer certain serious injuries before you can step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault driver. There is no cap on compensatory damages in most injury cases, though medical malpractice claims have a $500,000 cap on non-economic damages with limited exceptions.

When to Contact a Lawyer in Massachusetts

• You were seriously hurt in a car or truck accident and your medical bills exceed the $2,000 no-fault threshold
• You suffered a workplace injury and your workers' compensation claim was denied or underpaid
• A property owner's negligence caused a slip and fall that resulted in significant injuries
• A loved one died due to someone else's negligence and you need to file a wrongful death claim within the three-year deadline

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Injury Claims

Can I sue after a car accident in Massachusetts even though it's a no-fault state?

Yes, but only if your medical expenses exceed $2,000 or you suffered a qualifying serious injury such as permanent disfigurement, a fracture, or loss of hearing or sight. Below that threshold, your own insurance coverage applies under the no-fault system.

What happens if I'm partially at fault for my injury in Massachusetts?

You can still recover damages as long as you're no more than 50% responsible. A jury assigns fault percentages, and your award is reduced accordingly. At 51% fault or higher, you lose the right to any recovery under Massachusetts law.