Truck Accident Lawyer in Brookline, MA

Semi-trucks make up a considerable portion of vehicles on Massachusetts roadways, especially on interstates, freeways, and highways. Unfortunately, these vehicles are significantly larger than standard cars and trucks traversing the roads, so when they’re involved in accidents, the results are often catastrophic. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Massachusetts truck accident, it’s important to seek legal guidance. While it might be the last thing on your mind, talking to a skilled Brookline truck accident lawyer is a crucial part of pursuing compensation from the party responsible for your injuries. Our knowledgeable team at the Fogelman Law Firm has helped many Massachusetts residents navigate their cases and can help you do the same. 

Common Causes of Brookline Truck Accidents

A Brookline semi-truck accident can stem from multiple causes. Some are due to the driver’s negligence, while others are out of their control. The most common causes include:

• Distracted driving
• Driver fatigue
• Driver error
• Failure to yield
• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Improper vehicle maintenance
• Inadequate training or inexperience
• Harsh weather conditions
• Mechanical failure
• Equipment failure

Common Injuries Resulting From Truck Accidents

A fully loaded semi-truck can be 20 to 30 times heavier than a standard passenger vehicle. Unfortunately, this size difference often translates to severe injuries in collisions between the two. Common injuries include:

• Bruises and lacerations
• Broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries
• Crush and amputation injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Head and neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Death 

How Long Do I Have to File a Brookline Truck Accident Lawsuit?

In Massachusetts, victims injured in truck accidents and truck crashes generally have three years to take legal action against the at-fault party. This timeframe, called the statute of limitations, is the total time you have to file your claim. If you don’t file your claim within the deadline, you might lose your ability to pursue legal action against the party responsible for your injuries. 

Since there are deadlines that apply to these cases, it’s important to act quickly. Contact a knowledgeable Brookline truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Your lawyer can help you determine your legal options and remain abreast of applicable deadlines. 

Who is Liable in a Semi-Truck Accident?

As is the case in other vehicle crashes, liability plays a pivotal role in a Brookline truck accident case. It determines who is at fault for the injuries and damages the victim sustains. In some cases, more than one party might be liable for the accident. The most common parties at fault in these accidents and collisions include:

• The driver
• The trucking company
• The company responsible for maintaining the truck
• The truck manufacturer
• The company that loaded the truck
• Another driver on the road

In some cases, the victim may share part of the blame. If that’s the case, it’s important to note that your compensation will drop in proportion to your percentage of the blame, as Massachusetts is a modified comparative fault state.

Under the rule of modified comparative fault, you can pursue compensation from the other party if you’re less than 50% to blame for the accident, although the compensation award will drop based on your percentage of blame. If you hold more than 50% of the fault, you can’t pursue compensation from the other party. 

What Types of Compensation Are Available in a Brookline Truck Accident Case?

If you’ve been injured in a Brookline truck accident, you may pursue two primary types of compensation. The first type, called economic damages, applies to the financial losses associated with your case, such as medical bills and lost wages, 

The second type, called non-economic damages, applies to non-monetary losses related to your accident, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, or mental anguish. These damages are subjective, so lawyers often base them on the economic damage amount. 

A third type of damages, which isn’t considered compensatory, may apply in rare cases. These damages, called punitive damages, are awarded to the victim to punish the at-fault party for their actions. They’re only awarded in cases involving gross negligence and/or willful, wanton, or reckless acts, such as death cases, so they’re more rare in personal injury cases. 

How Much is My Case Worth?

The value of a truck accident case varies on multiple factors, including the severity of your injuries, the likelihood of making a full recovery, and your percentage of fault, if any. Every case is different, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all amount that applies in these cases. 

A skilled Brookline truck accident lawyer can help you determine a fair and meaningful amount to pursue based on the specifics of your case. 

How Can a Brookline Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

Navigating a truck accident lawsuit can be daunting. Between the stress of recovering from an injury and the complexities of the legal system, these cases can quickly become overwhelming for the victim. That’s where our experienced team at the Fogelman Law Firm comes in. 

We’re here to help you through every step of your truck accident lawsuit. We will:

• Analyze your case to help you determine your legal rights and options
• Provide legal guidance to help you make informed decisions throughout the process
• Gather evidence pertinent to your case, such as police reports, dashcam footage, and witness testimonies
• Carefully evaluate all aspects of the case to determine which party or parties are liable for the incident
• Field and negotiate settlement offers with the at-fault party’s insurer
• Represent you in court if you don’t receive a fair settlement offer

We are your advocates through every stage of the process. If you’ve suffered an injury in a truck accident due to another’s negligent actions, we can help. 

Get Personalized Assistance With Your Truck Accident Lawsuit

If you were injured in a Brookline truck crash stemming from another’s negligent actions, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. Our knowledgeable truck accident lawyers at the Fogelman Law Firm are here to help. We’ve guided many Massachusetts residents through the specifics of their cases and can help you do the same. 

Call us at (617) 559-1530 or complete our online contact form to start with a free consultation.