Car Accident Lawyer & Car Crash Attorney Paul King

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Experienced Car Accident Attorney?

At the Law Office of Paul M. King, I work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, including car accident cases. This means that you pay nothing upfront and no legal fees while your case is ongoing. I only receive a fee if compensation is obtained for you.

If you’ve come to this page, chances are that you or a family member has been injured in a car accident that was not your (or your family member’s) fault. In addition to painful injuries, you likely will miss work. If your injuries are significant, your future earning capacity could be negatively impacted. Your injuries may also impact your daily activities and participating in the activities that you enjoy.

I understand.

As a car accident attorney and car crash lawyer, I’m here to help you get the full and complete compensation you deserve – not one penny less.

If you’re looking for the best car accident lawyer for your case, here is what you should know about my practice and representation:

I will personally represent you during the entirety of your case. You will not be “handed off” to another lawyer, paralegal, or staff member. You’ll work directly with me throughout your case.
I do not run a high-volume practice, and I’m not interested in quick settlements that offer clients only a small fraction of what a car crash case is worth. I put in the time, effort, and diligence needed to prove fault and all damages so that full compensation can be obtained for clients.
I will bring a lawsuit against everyone who potentially is responsible for your injuries (or those of your family member). In some cases, in addition to negligent drivers, others may also be legally liable, such as municipalities or roadway construction companies. In a vehicle crash case, it’s critical to sue all those liable so that full compensation can be obtained.
I will advance all litigation costs for your case. These costs are normally repaid through a settlement or jury verdict. You won’t need to worry about how these costs and expenses are paid while your case is ongoing – your job is to focus on your recovery and returning to your normal routine as soon as possible.
I represent car and vehicle crash victims on a contingency fee basis. This means that I only receive a fee if compensation is obtained. My fee is based upon a percentage of the amount recovered, as well as whether a trial is needed.

Call me today. Get your questions answered. Learn your options for seeking a full financial recovery for your car accident and the compensation to which you may be entitled.

In the interim, if you’ve been the victim of a car, truck, or other vehicle crash, I invite you to read the FAQs and other information below to learn more about car accident cases.

Do I Need a Car Accident Law Firm if I Was Not Injured?

Chances are, if you are the victim of a vehicle crash and were not injured and it was only your vehicle that was damaged, you may be able to represent yourself in seeking to get your vehicle repaired or replaced by working through your insurance company.

Why You Need a Car Crash Lawyer if You Were Injured

If you were injured, in all likelihood it will be critical to retain an experienced car accident attorney. Here’s why:

You need to know your legal rights to compensation, as well as the legal process that will impact you. If you’re not a lawyer, chances are that you will not know the key legal aspects of your case.
The insurance company for the driver who hit you will likely blame you, especially if your injuries are severe. Was the light of the other driver red, or was your light red? How can you prove that it was the other driver’s fault?
Are you an accident reconstructionist? Often, an accident reconstructionist will be able to prove fault, which will help in getting a settlement for full compensation (often, early in the process). Car crash attorneys are experienced in using experts such as accident reconstructionists to prove fault and liability.
Insurance companies for the at-fault driver will not hesitate to trick an injury victim if they think they can get away with it. “We’re working on your case – it’s almost settled.” Insurance companies have been known to use this line to string along injured drivers who don’t have legal representation, and then the statute of limitations for bringing a case expires (meaning that the injury victim can’t bring a lawsuit).
Determining all at-fault parties. As noted above, in some cases others are potentially liable for damages – such as municipalities – in addition to the other driver. When other potentially at-fault parties are not included in a lawsuit, there are two adverse consequences. First, the party not sued (like a municipality) will not be held liable for their fault. Second, when that party is not sued, the party that is being sued (like the at-fault driver), will blame the “empty chair” party that is not being sued in an effort to minimize their liability. As an experienced car accident attorney, my role is to identify and sue all those liable so that full compensation can be obtained.
Losing the advantage of the threat of trial. If you’re not a lawyer and you’re representing yourself, does the insurance company for that at-fault driver really need to be concerned that you might take them to trial? They already have their lawyers on staff; they will use them irrespective of whether you decide to retain a lawyer.

My Role

As a car accident attorney, I will handle all aspects of your case, from investigating the cause of the accident to negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. I will work diligently to build a strong case demonstrating the extent of your injuries and the financial impact of the accident. This work includes:

obtaining medical records,
speaking to physicians and health care providers to learn about current and future treatment
understanding the long-term consequences of your injuries, and
determining the lifestyle or work impacts that may be applicable to you.

I am committed to fighting for the best possible outcome in your case, whether that means negotiating a favorable settlement or taking your case to trial.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

First and foremost, car crash victims should seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can have long-term consequences.

Next, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, such as taking photos, collecting witness statements, and obtaining a copy of the police report. If you’ve been injured, you may not be able to take these actions, which is why it will be critical to contact an experienced car crash attorney as soon as possible.

Accident scenes can quickly change. Evidence such as skid marks may wash away with time. Objects that are hit, such as posts and traffic poles, will be fixed.

Surveillance videos may only be preserved for as little as twenty-four hours.

In particular, all vehicles now have what are called “event recorders”, which are also commonly known as “black boxes”. Event recorders capture critical information about vehicle crashes, such as the speed that a vehicle was traveling at the time of impact, and whether the brakes were applied.

Insurance companies for the potentially at-fault driver will want to have the at-fault driver’s vehicle destroyed if it is deemed to have been totaled. Having the vehicle destroyed will also result in the destruction of the vehicle’s event recorder. It is imperative to get a court order before any such destruction so that the event recorder evidence can be preserved, as the information on the event recorder will often help establish liability.

If You’ve Been Injured, Do NOT Give a Statement to the Insurance Company

It’s crucial not to give a statement to the insurance company of the at-fault driver after an accident.

Insurance adjusters for the at-fault driver will want to talk to you right away after an accident if possible. The insurance company is not trying to help process your claim; instead they are trying to get you to make statements against your interest.

For example, most people will have a natural tendency to minimize their injuries when speaking with someone else, such as by saying they were not hurt (or they were not hurt that badly). In addition, an injured person may not even realize how badly they were hurt, as many types of injuries (such as back injuries) that initially were not severe become long-term chronic conditions.

If you were hit by someone else, you should tell them that you are (or will be) seeking legal representation and that your lawyer will be happy to contact them. Don’t say anything more, as these insurance companies and adjustors will use what you say against you later.

Do Not Accept a Settlement Without Speaking with a Car Accident Attorney

Crash victims should be aware that there is only one opportunity to obtain full compensation. It’s important in agreeing to any settlement that you fully understand what future rights you are giving up, so that your settlement takes into account future matters, such as surgeries, medical treatment, and pain and suffering. If it turns out that your injuries are more severe than originally believed, you will not be able to “re-open” a case to get further damages.

Will I Have to Pay Back My Insurance Company Out of a Settlement or Verdict for a Car Crash?

In some cases, yes.

Under Massachusetts law, insurance companies that pay medical bills ordinarily may seek to have a medical lien on any settlement or verdict proceeds from a vehicle accident. This means that they are entitled to a repayment of the money that they have paid if a lien has been perfected.

In some cases, it may be possible to get the insurance company to waive or reduce their lien. As an example, these insurance companies know that in order to get a recovery for the medical expenses they paid, a lawyer will usually be necessary. As a result, they are often willing to waive at least a portion of their lien to take the lawyer’s fees into account.

In addition, if medical expenses are paid by a state or federal insurance program (e.g. Medicare), the applicable state or federal program will automatically have a lien against any proceeds that are recovered. There are strict rules that apply in these instances about the ability to have a lien reduced.

Investigating Vehicle Accidents to Determine Accident Causation

Car, truck, and other vehicle crashes can occur due to a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. Understanding these causes is crucial for anyone considering a lawsuit after being injured in a car crash.

In Massachusetts, distracted driving is one of the most common causes of vehicle crashes. Whether it’s texting, eating, or using a GPS, any activity that diverts attention from the road can lead to a collision.

Impaired driving, whether due to drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both, significantly increases the likelihood of a crash. Drunk drivers have long been one of the leading causes of fatal accidents, despite decades-long efforts by many organizations to stop drunk driving.

Additionally, speeding, tailgating, and wrong-way driving are frequent contributors to motor vehicle accidents. Often in poor weather conditions (such as during rain and snowstorms), drivers drive too fast for the weather conditions. They may also drive too fast when the roads are icy.

Massachusetts Dram Shop Laws – Holding Bars Accountable That Overserve

In both Massachusetts and the United States, a frequent factor in vehicle accidents is driver impairment by either alcohol or drugs. As a Massachusetts dram shop lawyer, I am dedicated to holding bars, restaurants, and other establishments liable when they overserve patrons and these same people choose to drive while intoxicated.

Massachusetts provides that when establishments overserve patrons so that they become intoxicated, or if they continue to serve patrons after they become intoxicated, the establishment can be held liable for the damages and injuries caused by those patrons. The percentage fault of the establishment will usually be up to a jury to determine.

In a Massachusetts dram shop car crash case, jurors will often want to determine the extent of intoxication in awarding damages, and what degree of impairment was exhibited by the intoxicated patron.

As an example, a patron may exhibit extreme signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech, slouching at a table because of impairment, or stumbling. This evidence can be obtained through interviews with bar staff or others and receipts showing consumption, and often through video evidence. Often there will also be a blood alcohol concentration (“BAC”) test which will also prove intoxication. Collectively, the more that this evidence points to extreme intoxication, the more likely it is that a jury will assess the bar to be at greater fault.

How I Seek Maximum Compensation

If you or a family member has been seriously injured in a vehicle crash, here is what you need to know about how injury crash cases are handled.

Some car accident attorneys invest relatively little time upfront when an accident occurs. They hope that the case will settle quickly before they have to invest significant time in the case. Unfortunately, clients may be at a disadvantage during settlement negotiations if a strong case for fault and liability is not fully developed.

This is not my approach.

I fully investigate car accidents to determine all parties that bear legal liability and create a detailed list of all damages that have been incurred in order to prove full fault and damages. I put in this meticulous work at the outset of a case so that my clients will be well-positioned in settlement negotiations and in any mediation that may take place.

Based upon exhaustive case development, I demand full compensation for clients. The insurance companies and defense lawyers will know well what they are facing if they are not willing to offer a fair settlement.

I Take Cases to Trial.

Among car crash lawyers, some will regularly go to trial on behalf of their clients, and those who rarely go to trial. Some car accident lawyers have never been to trial. Defense counsel will know well which lawyers frequently will go to trial and which lawyers rarely go to trial.

As an experienced car accident attorney, I believe firmly that not hesitating to take a case to trial is an advantage in settlement negotiations. Further, significant trial experience is always helpful if a trial occurs.

You Control Whether to Accept a Settlement or to Go to Trial for Your Car Crash Injury Case

My job is to vigorously position your case for the best outcome possible for you, and to provide you with my advice as to the value of your case. I take my direction from you as to whether to accept a settlement or to proceed to trial. I will, however, always offer my opinion as to whether the value of a proposed settlement is fair based upon the circumstances of your case so that you can make an informed decision.

What Role Does Mediation Play in Vehicle Crash Settlements?

Once a lawsuit has been initiated, my next steps are to identify all parties liable, prove fault with clear evidence, and document all injuries for which compensation is due, including past and future pain and suffering.

I will then present my client’s case and make a demand for full compensation to opposing counsel. In some instances, a negotiation will be successful in leading to a settlement, but in other instances, it may be helpful to have a mediation.

In a car crash mediation, the mediator (sometimes called a “neutral”) will be charged with trying to get the parties to reach a settlement. The mediator is not a judge and does not decide how the case should be resolved; but rather their role is to work with the parties to see if a settlement can be obtained. If no settlement is forthcoming at the mediation, then a case will proceed to trial (unless a settlement can subsequently be achieved before the actual trial date).

Understanding Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits in Massachusetts

If you’re injured in a car accident, covering medical bills and lost wages can be a pressing concern. Massachusetts law requires that all auto insurance policies include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, which are designed to help accident victims access immediate financial relief. This benefit ensures coverage up to a maximum of $8,000 for medical expenses and lost income, regardless of who was at fault in the accident.

How PIP Benefits Work

If you have private health insurance, PIP will cover the first $2,000 of your medical bills, and any remaining medical costs will be processed through your health insurance. PIP then fills the gap for expenses such as deductibles, co-pays, and lost wages until the $8,000 limit is reached. For those without private health insurance or those covered by MassHealth or Medicare, PIP will directly pay up to $8,000 in medical and lost wage benefits before health insurance coverage steps in.

Situations Where PIP Applies

Whether you were driving, a passenger, a pedestrian, or a cyclist involved in a vehicle crash, PIP benefits are generally available through the auto insurance policy of the vehicle involved. In certain cases, such as if you are hit by a car while walking or cycling, the PIP benefits come from the insurance of the vehicle that struck you.

Navigating PIP Complexities

While PIP benefits sound straightforward, the claims process can be complex, involving applications and, sometimes, independent medical examinations to confirm eligibility. Insurance companies may seek ways to limit payments, making it essential to understand your rights and options. Consulting with an attorney experienced in Massachusetts PIP claims can be invaluable to ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve without unnecessary delays or complications.

For more than 20 years, I have guided clients through the intricacies of accident claims, including securing full PIP benefits. If you’re facing hurdles in accessing your benefits, I’m here to help you understand your options and seek to secure the financial support needed for your recovery.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Experienced Car Accident Attorney?

At the Law Office of Paul M. King, I work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, including car accident cases. This means that you pay nothing upfront and no legal fees while your case is ongoing. I only receive a fee if compensation is obtained for you.

What is The Purpose of a Free Consultation?

With a free consultation, you’ll have an opportunity to speak with an experienced car accident attorney for free, with absolutely no obligation whatsoever.

During this consultation, I can learn about your car accident and explain your options for seeking compensation. I will also answer any questions that you may have about the legal process.

This is an excellent opportunity so that you can learn how I can help you, and so that you can determine if I am the best car crash lawyer for your case.

What Is a Contingency Fee?

A contingency fee arrangement allows you to hire an attorney without worrying about hourly fees. My fees are a percentage of the compensation recovered, whether through a settlement or a court verdict.

If compensation is not recovered for you, you owe nothing for attorney fees. This fee structure ensures that I am fully invested in your case, working to secure the maximum compensation possible.

Do You Accept Wrongful Death Cases?

Yes, as a wrongful death car crash lawyer, I accept the unfortunate cases involving fatalities.

How Can I Get Started with a Free Consultation?

To get started with a free consultation about your car or truck crash case, please call me at (978) 851-5145 or fill out the contact form on this page.

More Information About My Injury & Accident Practice

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Client Review

WORTH THE MONEY! I hired Paul King for a motor vehicle infraction and I am very impressed with his legal representation. He was professional, sincere, and did all the talking for me. He convinced the hearing officer and the magistrate that I was a safe and responsible driver. I was found not responsible and I would hire him again in the future!!

Google Review 5 Stars – L.B.