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Massachusetts Local Accident Resources

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Charities That Local Accident Reports Supports

Massachusetts Local Accident Resources

Have You Recently Lost a Loved One in a Fatal Traffic Accident in Massachusetts?

If you have had a loved one pass away in a car accident recently, we understand how difficult this time may be. Our team of Massachusetts wrongful death lawyers is here to help guide you on your path toward justice and compensation. If your loved one has been victimized by a deadly motor vehicle accident (MVA) in the state of Massachusetts, going through the shock and grief can be an extremely difficult process. It is never easy to lose a loved one, and when that loss is unexpected, it makes it even harder. Furthermore, you may be burdened with excessive medical bills, in addition to possibly losing a person’s income your household relied on. We understand how challenging this situation is, and we want you to know you are not alone. There are resources available to help you.   

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If You Lost Income as the Result of a Catastrophic Accident

If the passing of a loved one by accident has left you and your family without an income, you can turn to multiple resources that will help you receive financial aid and support:

  • Massachusetts Social Security Disability – Local and nationwide resources for Massachusetts residents suffering from a severe impairment or potentially life-threatening personal injuries. This may apply if you were also injured in the same accident that took your loved one. 
  • Massachusetts Supplemental Security Income – Local resources for adult and juvenile victims who do not possess adequate resources for financial aid in the State of Massachusetts.
  • Massachusetts Bar Association – For residents of Massachusetts seeking the representation and assistance of a professional lawyer specializing in car accidents, personal injuries, wrongful deaths, and more.

Need help with requesting an official copy of the incident police report?

Injured victims or their families often seek help from personal injury or wrongful death lawyers to file claims against negligent parties after being involved in crashes. However, lawyers often need a copy of the police report to assess the facts of the crash. Victims can request a copy of the police report via the Registry of Motor Vehicles, or they can contact one of our local personal injury lawyers, who will obtain your accident report at no cost to you.  All reports should be available at least four weeks after the date of loss. Contact us today if you or a loved one was hurt in an accident in Maryland and have not gotten a copy of the incident report. Our attorney will provide it to you free of charge.

If You Require Emotional or Psychological Counseling or Additional Therapy

Accidents not only inflict terrible injuries that lead to death but can also leave a lasting impact on a victim’s family. If you require emotional support or counseling to cope with your experience in a catastrophic vehicular accident, be sure to visit the links below:

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If You Require Financial Aid for Incidences Resulting from Criminal Activity

You may require additional help for fees related to legal assistance and/or medical bills. If this is the case, be sure to consider the following resources:

  • Massachusetts Victims of Violent Crime Compensation– Sponsored by the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General, this program seeks to provide a lifeline to victims of catastrophic accidents, including those potentially caused by criminal activity.
  • Victims of Violent Crime – List of resources provided by the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General for victims of crimes

ICar Insurance and Personal Injury

The Massachusetts DMV has required that drivers have insurance policies that must meet these minimum standards: 

  1. Personal Injury
  • $20,000 per single injured victim
  • $40,000 per single accident
  1. Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
  • $8,000 per single injured victim
  1. Injury Caused by An Uninsured Vehicle
  • $20,000 per single injured victim
  • $40,000 per single accident
  • 4. Property Damage
  • $5,000 per single accident

Vehicular accidents are an unfortunate and tragic part of our lives and can impact victims and their families in terrible, tragic ways. However, you do not have to face these problems alone. 

If You or a Loved One Were the Victims of an Accident Caused by DUI

Drunk driving is a terrible offense that can result in severe damage to innocent victims, their families, and friends. As reinforced by state law, the Massachusetts DMV has set the limits of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at 0.08% for adults (21 years and older) and 0.02% for young adults and juveniles (younger than 21 years). BAC has been set at 0.04% for commercial drivers. Currently, Massachusetts ranks 49th among the states with severe problems related to drunk driving incidents. If a DUI incident has victimized you, a loved one, or a friend and require more in-depth support, visit the following links:

  • Massachusetts MADD – Mothers Against Drunk Driving seeks to provide endless support for victims of drunk driving incidents in the State of Connecticut. To speak with a representative at the national headquarters, call (877) ASK. MADD or (877) 275.6233. To contact Massachusetts MADD, contact the Danvers office at (781)328.0002 or use the directory to find your local department.
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Accident Prevention Services in Massachusetts

In recent years, the State of Massachusetts has established tactics for preventing unfortunate motor vehicle accidents and resulting fatalities.

  • Massachusetts Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety – The State Government of Massachusetts developed this program to support local police departments and improve roadway conditions to ensure safety for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Resources include Traffic Safety Initiatives, WalkBoston (a safety program for pedestrians), links to school safety routes, and more.
  • Traffic Safety Initiatives – Sponsored by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, this resource provides an overview of statewide traffic enforcement and educational programs to ensure safety for drivers and pedestrians alike.

Charities Supported by Local Accident Reports

  • Anxiety and Depression Association of America: ADAA works to improve the quality of life for those who are suffering through professional practice, evidence-based educational resources, and scientific research.
  • Arrive Alive Tour: Named the #1 Health and Wellness Organization in the nation, the Arrive Alive Tour goes to schools and campuses across the nation and raises awareness about the dangers of driving intoxicated, distracted, and in other dangerous states that can risk the safety of everyone on the road.
  • Bereaved Parents USA: Bereaved Parents USA provides a safe space for families who have lost a child. They allow grieving families to connect so they can heal by sharing stories, feelings, and more.
  • Comfort Zone Camp: This is a nonprofit bereavement organization that helps kids who have experienced the death of a sibling, parent, or other family member.
  • The Compassionate Friends: This organization works to help families who are grieving the loss of a loved one by providing emotional support, group therapy, and more.
  • The Healing Tree: The Healing Tree is a nonprofit that stands for trauma, resources, education, and entertainment. They advocate healing from trauma and abuse rather than merely coping with it.
  • Stop Distractions: An organization dedicated to uniting those victimized by distracted driving and reducing the number of distracted drivers on American roadways.

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Wrongful Death in Massachusetts

How is a wrongful death lawsuit defined?
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action that permits families to seek financial compensation when they lose someone they love.

In a wrongful death lawsuit, surviving family members must be able to prove that the accident and resulting fatality was the result of the negligent, careless, or reckless actions of another person.

What damages may be awarded to bereaved families in a wrongful death case? Some damages that can be sought include:

  • Medical care expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Lost benefits
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of love
  • Loss of companionship
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of household services

Oftentimes, the following people or parties may be legally eligible to bring a wrongful death claim:

  1. Immediate Family Members: This generally includes the children, spouse, or parents of the deceased. If the decedent had no immediate family, other close relatives may be able to file a claim, such as grandparents or siblings.
  2. Personal Representative of the Estate: If the deceased victim had a will, the individual named as the personal representative of the estate or the executor may be able to bring a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the estate and any eligible beneficiaries.
  • Circumstances of the fatal accident
  • Amount of suffering endured by the victim before their passing
  • The age of the victim
  • Victim’s earning potential

In Massachusetts, the minimum award for punitive damages is $5,000.

In Massachusetts, the first beneficiary is the surviving spouse, followed by the children of the deceased, parents, and siblings. If no close relatives exist, the beneficiary will be the next of kin.
A criminal case comes about when the government wishes to seek punishment for an individual who committed a crime. A civil case often involves a dispute over the duties and rights that people and organizations owe to each other. The burden of proof is higher in a criminal case, and the penalty imposed is usually imprisonment. In a civil case, the defendant may be responsible for financially compensating the injured party and/or their family.

To successfully win a wrongful death claim, four elements have to be proven in your claim. Under Massachusetts law, the burden of proof in civil suits, including wrongful death, is a preponderance of the evidence. The preponderance of evidence refers to the standard of proof utilized in civil cases. It generally means that the evidence provided by one party is more persuasive than the evidence presented by an opposing party. It is the required degree of proof a plaintiff needs to win a civil case. In other words, it is a lower standard of proof than that used in criminal cases, which is often referred to as “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

The four elements that must be present in a wrongful death claim include the following:

Duty: The defendant owed the victim a duty to exercise reasonable care.

Breach: The duty was breached when the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care in their conduct toward the victim. In legal terms, the defendant acted negligently.

Causation: The negligent actions demonstrated by the defendant greatly contributed to or directly caused the death of the victim.

Damages: Your family or the estate of the decedent suffered damages. These damages can include funeral and burial costs, lost wages, and loss of companionship.

Because wrongful death claims involve a large amount of complicated legal issues, it is smart to hire a lawyer as soon as you can if you think that your loved one lost their life due to the negligent actions of another person.

A wrongful death lawsuit in Massachusetts must generally be filed within three years from the date of the deceased individual’s passing.

It’s vital to adhere to this deadline, as failing to do so may result in the dismissal of your case by the court, which further bars you from seeking financial compensation for the wrongful passing of your family member. However, some nuances and exceptions to the statute of limitations may exist in specific circumstances, so working with a skilled attorney experienced in the wrongful death laws in Massachusetts is highly advised.

While it’s legally necessary to have a lawyer help you pursue a Massachusetts wrongful death claim, it is highly advisable. The complexity and emotional difficulty of filing a wrongful death claim can prove to be an obstacle for some families; however, with the help of a skilled lawyer by your side, you may greatly improve the probability that you will be able to obtain full and fair financial compensation.

Here are some reasons why having the help of a lawyer may be extremely helpful:

  1. Legal Expertise: Lawyers who are experienced in wrongful death cases have a far-reaching understanding of the current laws, procedures, and court precedents. They can help you through the complexities of the legal system and help to make sure your rights are protected at all costs.
  2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering: A skilled lawyer will thoroughly investigate the details around your loved one’s passing, gather evidence, conduct interviews with witnesses, and work with specialists to build a strong claim on your behalf.
  3. Negotiation Skills: Negotiating with insurance companies resolves Numerous wrongful death cases. A lawyer can negotiate for you in order to seek the maximum financial compensation available for your damages.
  4. Court Representation: If your case goes to trial, having an experienced lawyer can be extremely helpful. They will persuasively present your case to the judge/jury, cross-examine witnesses, and argue on your behalf.
  5. Emotional Support: Losing someone you love is emotionally difficult, and facing legal matters may add anxiety and stress. A lawyer can provide you with compassionate guidance and support throughout the legal proceedings, allowing you to focus on grieving and healing.
  6. Maximizing Compensation: A lawyer can measure the extent of your damages, including lost income, medical costs, pain, suffering, and more.

Overall, while you have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim with a lawyer, doing so may be risky and result in an outcome that is less favorable for you. Therefore, consulting with an attorney who can thoroughly evaluate your claim, provide personalized legal advice, and effectively represent your interests is strongly recommended.

Massachusetts Car Crash Statistics

Massachusetts sees approximately 76,000 car accidents per year. Of these accidents, over 2,000 people suffer serious injuries, and more than 16,000 suffer less serious injuries every year. Sadly, around 400 individuals lose their lives annually in car crashes in the state of Massachusetts. In Boston, Massachusetts, there are typically around 13 car crashes that happen every day. In 2022, 439 individuals were killed in car wrecks throughout the state. This is the second recorded year that Massachusetts has broken a record for traffic accident deaths. The main cause of car accidents in Massachusetts is currently speeding. This is the case not only in the Bay State but throughout a large portion of the United States. Additionally, distracted driving is another common cause of auto collisions across the country. Though it is a recognized problem, it continues to get worse and worse each year. Distracted driving causes over 400,000 traffic accidents per year. Approximately 3,000 people end up losing their lives due to the actions of distracted drivers every year. Approximately one-third of the reported car crashes in the US are caused by negligent driving. Driver negligence is the main cause of the majority of auto accidents in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association shows that more than 94% of reported traffic accidents happen due to the actions of distracted drivers.

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Car Crash Facts in Massachusetts

In 2021, 413 individuals lost their lives in car crashes in the state of Massachusetts, which is the highest number since 2009. In 2022, at least 403 individuals were killed in Massachusetts car crashes, which is the second year in a row that a record has been broken in the state concerning traffic accident fatalities. In 2020, 343 individuals were killed in car wrecks in the state. In 2020, approximately 76,000 auto accidents were reported that took the lives of 286 people. In 2021, Massachusetts saw more car accidents than it had in the past ten years. According to an insurance website, nearly 12% of Massachusetts drivers have an at-fault crash on their driving record. Massachusetts is listed among the top three safest states for driving in the United States, along with New York and New Jersey.

General Car Accident Statistics

Throughout the nation, more than 6 million car accidents happen per year. Of these crashes, around 5 million people suffer injuries, and around 40,000 end up losing their lives. Approximately 12,000 people lose their lives per year in auto accidents caused by driver intoxication. An estimated 6,400 individuals are killed annually in car crashes caused by driver fatigue. Around 11,000 people die in car crashes caused by speeding annually. In 2021, 42,939 people lost their lives in car accidents. Over 90% of these deaths happened due to the actions of negligent drivers. In 2021, over 5 million people were hurt in car accidents. In 2020, the estimated total cost of car accidents was over 400 billion dollars. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car crashes happen every ten seconds in the United States. Given the number of fatal car crashes that occurred in the United States in 2022, which was 42,795, the United States average fatal crash rate is currently 16 deaths for every 100,000 vehicles. 

Massachusetts Grief & Trauma Resources

Resources by State

Need Help? Call Us Now

If you have recently lost someone you love in a fatal crash, we want to help you get the support and guidance you need during this difficult time. Contact Local Accident Reports now to talk to our compassionate team, which can connect you with a skilled wrongful death attorney. No one should have to worry about anything beyond grieving at a time like this, which is why we are here to help.
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Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths by Road User Type and State

Car Occupants

Car Occupants

125

Pickup and SUV Occupants

Pickup and SUV Occupants

80

Large Truck Occupants

Large Truck Occupants

4

Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists

51

Pedestrians

Pedestrians

74

Bicyclists

Bicyclists

11`

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