Fatal Car Accidents

Finding out that a loved one was killed in a car accident is a terrifying and stressful experience. Studies have shown that Boston is one of the leading cities in the U.S. when it comes to traffic congestion and dangerous intersections. In 2016, one study reported that nearly 400 people in Massachusetts lost their lives in a car accident caused by careless drivers. This represented a 13 percent increase from 2015, and some experts believe that fatal accidents will continue to increase. At Breakstone, White & Gluck, our Boston fatal car accident lawyers have provided compassionate legal counsel to families who have lost a loved one as a result of a tragic and avoidable accidents. We know how painful this situation is for a family. Although no amount of money can truly compensate you for your loss, it can help you handle the financial pressure and strains associated with the accident and your loved one’s loss.

If someone loses their life in a car accident, Massachusetts law allows their surviving family members to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident. Massachusetts General Law Chapter 229, Section 2, provides a cause of action for wrongful death. According to its provisions, a family can hold an individual or entity whose negligent conduct caused the death of their loved one liable. Damages include any conscious pain and suffering experienced by victim, the loss to the family of the person’s reasonably expected financial support, and most important, the loss of that person’s love and support. These cases are often complicated and may require testimony from qualified experts. It is important to enlist an experienced fatal car accident attorney in Boston when bringing a claim.

There are numerous ways that fatal car accidents can occur, including texting while driving and other forms of distracted driving. Devastating accidents can occur in the mere seconds that drivers take their eyes off the road to read a text message or an email. A driver is no longer able to react quickly to hazards like debris or loose construction materials. Speeding is another common culprit in fatal accidents.

After a fatal car accident, a family may face substantial expenditures, including medical bills and funeral expenses. In addition to recovering compensation for these costs, families who bring a wrongful death lawsuit also can seek compensation for the loss of their loved one’s companionship and financial support. In cases in which the at-fault driver engaged in reckless conduct, such as drunk driving, the family may also request punitive damages with the assistance of a Boston fatal car accident attorney. This is known as a gross negligence claim.

In situations in which the decedent’s negligent conduct may have contributed to the accident, the defendant can offer evidence suggesting that the decedent was partially at fault. If the defendant can show that the deceased victim was over 51 percent at fault for the crash, the family may be barred from recovery. A seasoned car crash lawyer can help you fight back against this type of allegation and ensure that your rights are protected at all times.

Losing a loved one in an unexpected car crash is a devastating and life-altering experience. Having counseled clients throughout Massachusetts, we recognize the stress that you are facing. The last thing that you should need to do during this stressful time is navigate the legal system on your own. At Breakstone, White & Gluck, we have represented families in cities such as Cambridge, Waltham, Lowell, Newton, Somerville, Quincy, Dedham, Norwood, Brookline, Attleboro, Barnstable, Brockton, Plymouth, Worcester, Lawrence, and Springfield. To set up your free consultation, call us now at 1-800-379-1244 or contact us online. We handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, so we do not get paid unless we recover compensation for you in your claim.