Service vehicles that cross state lines are governed by federal safety regulations, while those that travel within Massachusetts are subject to state safety codes. Federal rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) often receive the most...
Personal Injury
Employer Liability for Distracted Driving Accidents in Massachusetts
Under certain conditions, a business can be held financially responsible if a worker causes a crash while sending a work-related text. The law holds the employer responsible for accidents caused by their staff while on the clock. The concept of vicarious liability for...
How the Consent to Settle Clause Can Affect Your UIM Claim
If you have been seriously hurt in a car accident and the other driver's insurance is not enough to cover your losses, you may be counting on your own underinsured motorist settlement in Massachusetts to fill the gap. But there is a hidden procedural rule in your auto...
When Does Texting While Driving Cross the Line Into Gross Negligence?
When a texting driver causes a serious crash, the legal consequences should match the recklessness behind the wheel. Under state law, gross negligence in Massachusetts texting while driving cases carries far greater legal weight than ordinary carelessness, and that...
When Rental Truck Companies Can Be Held Liable for Accidents
If you or a loved one were struck by a rented box truck in Massachusetts and are wondering whether you can sue a rental truck company in Massachusetts, the short answer is: yes, it may be possible, but a federal law called the Graves Amendment creates a significant...
Using Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Catastrophic Claims
Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous. If you or a loved one was involved in a head-on car accident, finding out the at-fault driver only carried minimum insurance can feel like a second blow. Finding out your policy’s underinsured motorist limits in...
Blocking Defense Attempts to Move Your Route 2 Accident Case to Federal Court
When you are injured in a crash on the Johnny Appleseed Highway, you expect your legal case to happen where the accident happened. However, if you were hit by an out-of-state truck driver or a tourist, you might receive a confusing legal document called a "Notice of...
How to Remove a UMass Memorial Lien from Your Injury Settlement
Receiving a settlement offer after a car accident or injury feels like the moment you can finally move forward. You have spent months recovering, attending doctor appointments, and dealing with the stress of the claim. However, just as the funds seem within reach, you...
The “30-Day Rule” That Kills Claims Against the Town of Clinton
Imagine you are enjoying a pleasant afternoon walk down High Street or strolling near the Museum of Russian Icons. Suddenly, your foot catches on a jagged piece of uneven pavement or a hidden pothole, and you take a hard fall. In the confusion of the moment, you might...
The 51% Trap: How Massachusetts’ Modified Comparative Negligence Rule Affects Your Payout
In the wake of a car accident on Main Street in Clinton or a multi-car collision near Union Station in Worcester, the first question is usually about health and safety. The second question, however, is almost always about money. If you were involved in a crash, you...