Trucking accidents in the greater Boston region frequently happen on major roadways, including the Massachusetts Turnpike. In most scenarios, these accidents result from negligence by trucking companies or their employee truck drivers.
If you suffered injuries in a recent Boston trucking crash, the legal team at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers is ready to fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve for your losses.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Boston truck accident attorney, please call us at 866-304-1575 or contact us online.
Why choose Us?
When a large commercial truck, such as an 18-wheeler or big rig, collides with a smaller passenger vehicle, the passenger vehicle's occupants are more likely to suffer serious injuries. Complications from a Boston trucking accident may include high medical bills, lost earnings, inconvenience, pain, and suffering.
With so much riding on the line, you want the best possible legal team to advocate for you. The Boston truck accident attorneys at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers can promptly investigate your accident circumstances and determine your available legal options. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for injured accident victims and are prepared to fight for your rights every step of the way.
How Much is a Third-Party Boston Truck Accident Claim Worth?
If you were in a trucking accident in Boston, the compensation you may receive depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the total cost of your medical treatment, and the extent of your pain and suffering.
In Massachusetts, it’s essential to understand the role of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance in a truck accident claim. Massachusetts is a no-fault state, meaning that your PIP insurance will cover medical expenses and lost earnings up to a certain limit, regardless of who caused the truck accident. PIP typically covers the first $8,000 in medical expenses and 75 percent of lost income. However, if your damages exceed what PIP covers – or if you suffered severe injuries – you may step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault truck driver or trucking company to recover additional compensation.
Compensation in a third-party Boston trucking accident claim typically includes different types of damages, categorized into economic and non-economic damages.
- Economic damages cover tangible losses like medical expenses and lost earnings. For example, if you needed surgery or long-term physical therapy due to the accident, you may be compensated for those medical bills. If the accident caused you to miss work, then you may also recover lost income, including potential future earnings, if your injuries prevent you from working in the same capacity as before.
- Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life enjoyment. These damages are often more challenging to calculate but can significantly increase the overall compensation you receive. For example, if the accident left you with chronic pain or emotional trauma, you may be entitled to compensation for the effects on your quality of life.
Where Do Trucking Accidents Most Frequently Occur in the Boston Area?
In Boston, Massachusetts, several areas are particularly prone to commercial trucking accidents due to heavy traffic, complex road layouts, and the high volume of commercial trucks that pass through the city daily.
- One of Boston's most common locations for trucking accidents is along the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90). This major highway connects Boston to the rest of the state and beyond, serving as a crucial route for commercial trucks. However, the high speeds of vehicles combined with frequent congestion, particularly near exits and on-ramps, can lead to serious accidents. The I-90’s interchanges, especially around the Allston-Brighton area, are known hotspots due to the mix of local traffic, merging lanes, and high trucking volumes.
- Another key area for trucking accidents is Storrow Drive. Although large trucks are technically banned from Storrow Drive due to its low overpasses, “Storrowing” – a term locals use to describe trucks getting stuck under the low bridges – still happens. These incidents can cause significant traffic backups and often result in accidents.
- The Big Dig tunnels and associated roadways, such as the Ted Williams Tunnel and the Thomas P. O’Neill Jr. Tunnel on I-93, also see many trucking accidents. These tunnels are crucial for trucks traveling through Boston, but the narrow lanes, tight curves, and heavy traffic make them particularly dangerous. Given the confined space, accidents in these tunnels can lead to severe pile-ups and extended traffic delays.
- Lastly, the Seaport District, which has seen rapid development and increased traffic over recent years, is another area where trucking accidents are common. The combination of construction vehicles, delivery trucks, and regular commuters creates a challenging environment. The narrow streets and frequent construction zones add to the risks, making this area a frequent site for large commercial truck accidents.
Common Types of Trucking Accidents in Boston
Several trucking accidents commonly occur in the greater Boston area due to negligence by truck drivers or trucking companies. Given the size and weight of commercial trucks compared to regular vehicles, these accidents often have serious consequences.
- One common category is rear-end collisions. These often happen when truck drivers fail to maintain a safe following distance or become distracted with their phones or other electronic devices. Because trucks take longer to stop than smaller vehicles, a moment of inattention can lead to a devastating rear-end crash, especially on busy highways like I-90 or I-93.
- Jackknife accidents are another frequent type of trucking accident in Boston. These occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. Jackknifing often happens when a driver brakes too suddenly or loses control of the vehicle – especially in bad weather or on slippery roads. Poor truck maintenance, such as worn brakes, can also contribute to jackknife accidents, making it a form of negligence on the part of the trucking company.
- Rollovers are also common in the Boston area, particularly on the winding roads and steep inclines in parts of the city. Rollovers can result from a truck driver taking a turn too quickly, improperly loaded cargo, or mechanical failures. When a truck rolls over, it can block multiple lanes of traffic and lead to a pile-up of vehicles.
- Blind spot accidents, or “no-zone” accidents, occur when a truck driver fails to see a car in their blind spot while changing lanes. Trucks have large blind spots on all four sides, and if a driver isn’t careful, they can easily sideswipe a vehicle or force it off the road. This type of accident is often due to driver inattention or a failure to use mirrors and signals properly.
- Lastly, fatigue-related accidents are a significant concern. Truck drivers often work long hours, sometimes in violation of federal regulations, leading to drowsy driving. Fatigue can slow reaction times and impair judgment, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Frequent Injuries in a Boston Trucking Accident
Trucking accidents in Boston often result in severe injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks compared to passenger vehicles. When these accidents result from negligence by a truck driver or trucking company, the injuries can be particularly devastating.
- One of the most common injuries in trucking accidents is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI can occur when a victim’s head strikes a hard surface during a collision, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. The force of impact can cause the victim’s brain to move violently within their skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, or other damage. TBIs can include concussions, comas, and other conditions that potentially lead to severe brain damage that results in long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, and personality changes.
- Spinal cord injuries are also common in Boston trucking accidents. These injuries can happen when the force of a crash compresses or severs the victim’s spinal cord, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis. The severity of a spinal cord injury depends on the location of the injury along the spine; injuries higher up on the spinal cord typically result in more significant loss of function.
- Broken bones are another common outcome of trucking accidents. The impact of a collision with a large truck can easily fracture bones – especially in the ribs, legs, or arms. Some fractures may require surgery to repair, and victims may face lengthy rehabilitation periods to regain strength and mobility.
Emotional and psychological injuries are also significant, though less visible. Victims of trucking accidents may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues as they cope with the aftermath of the accident and their injuries.
Dealing with the Insurance Company after a Trucking Accident in Boston
In a Boston trucking accident case resulting from a truck driver or trucking company’s negligence, dealing with the insurance company can be overwhelming. However, at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we can fight for you, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
In Massachusetts, PIP insurance is mandatory and provides coverage for medical expenses and lost earnings up to a certain limit, regardless of who was at fault in the trucking accident. However, PIP coverage may not be enough to cover the full extent of your losses – especially in a serious trucking crash. If your injuries meet certain thresholds, you may pursue a third-party claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party for compensation.
In a third-party claim, we will first conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence to prove the truck driver or trucking company was at fault. This may involve reviewing the truck’s maintenance records, examining the driver’s logbooks for hours-of-service violations, and analyzing data from the truck’s black box. We can also interview witnesses and consult with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case.
Next, we will handle all communication with the insurance companies. Insurers often try to minimize payouts by offering low settlements or denying claims altogether. We will push back against these tactics by presenting compelling evidence and negotiating aggressively on your behalf. Our goal is to secure a settlement that fully covers your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
We will keep you informed and involved throughout the process, ensuring you understand your rights and options. By fighting the insurance company for you, we aim to relieve your stress and allow you to focus on your recovery while we work to maximize the compensation you receive.
Steps to Take after a Truck Accident in Boston
Following a trucking accident in Boston, you must take specific steps to protect your rights and strengthen your potential claim.
- First, make sure to retain important documentation and evidence from the accident. This includes photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle. If possible, get contact information from witnesses and obtain a copy of the police report. Keeping records of your medical treatments, receipts, and any correspondence with insurance companies is also essential.
- Next, finish your medical treatment completely before considering any settlement offers. Even if you start feeling better, following through with all recommended treatments and doctor visits is important. This not only ensures that your health is fully addressed but also provides a clear record of the extent of your injuries, which is crucial for your case.
- Finally, it’s vital to speak with an experienced Boston truck accident attorney right away. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we can gather additional evidence and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Acting quickly ensures that evidence is preserved and your case is as strong as possible, giving you the best chance of receiving fair compensation.
Talk with a Knowledgeable Boston Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, our attorneys can aggressively fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you need to become whole again after your trucking crash. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a skilled and compassionate Boston truck accident lawyer, please call us at 866-304-1575 or contact us online.