Wilmington Car Accident Lawyer & Car Crash Attorney
Car accidents are an unfortunate reality that many of us may face at some point in our lives. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Wilmington, Massachusetts, the road to recovery can feel overwhelming. From medical bills and lost wages to the stress of dealing with insurance companies, it can be hard to know where to turn.
As a Wilmington car accident lawyer with decades of experience, I am here to help you through this challenging time. My goal is to guide you through the legal process and fight for the maximum compensation you and your family deserve.
I provide dedicated legal representation for car accident victims in Wilmington and the surrounding communities. I understand how disruptive an accident can be, not only physically but financially and emotionally as well. With me as your Wilmington car accident attorney, you can trust that I will tenaciously fight for justice and full and fair compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage, and other losses. Call my office today to schedule a free consultation.
If you’re looking for the best Wilmington car accident lawyer for your case, I invite you to call me for a FREE CONSULTATION so that you can learn about your options for seeking compensation and get your questions answered.
About My Car Accident and Truck Crash Injury Practice
I understand the importance of providing personalized attention and aggressive representation to vehicle accident clients. Your case is unique, and my representation is based upon providing a tailored approach in addressing your specific needs and circumstances,
I will take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and learn how you’ve been affected by your crash. I will keep you fully informed throughout your case, and if you have any questions, you can call me directly. I make it a point to return client calls as soon as possible if I am away at court.
You should also know the following about my practice:
- I personally represent all clients directly. Your matter will not be delegated to another staff member or paralegal.
- I work hard to get full compensation for all clients – not quick low-value settlements.
- I take cases to trial if a fair settlement is not forthcoming.
- I take the time to give all clients the attention they deserve.
- I advance litigation expenses – you won’t need to worry about these costs while your case is ongoing.
- I work meticulously in seeking to identify and hold accountable all parties that bear legal liability, such as municipalities and other third parties.
- I represent Wilmington car accident victims on a contingency fee basis. I only receive a fee if you get paid.
Call me today to get answers to your questions, and to learn how I can help.
Please also read the FAQs below for more information about Wilmington car accident cases.
Why You Need a Wilmington Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, but the aftermath can last a lifetime. Unfortunately, insurance companies often look for ways to minimize the compensation they pay to accident victims. Without strong legal representation, you may not receive the full amount to which you are entitled.
As a Wilmington car crash 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. 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.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Experienced Wilmington Car Accident Attorney?
I work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, including car accident claims. This means that you pay nothing upfront and no legal fees unless I successfully recover compensation for you.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee arrangement allows you to hire legal representation without worrying about out-of-pocket costs. My fees are a percentage of the compensation recovered on your behalf, whether through a settlement or a court verdict. This ensures you don’t need to pay legal fees unless we win your case.
If compensation is not recovered, you will not owe anything for attorney fees. This fee structure ensures that I am fully invested in your case, working to secure the maximum compensation possible.
Are There Other Costs Involved?
While attorney fees are contingent on obtaining compensation through a settlement or jury verdict, there may be additional costs related to your case, such as:
- Court filing fees
- Fees for obtaining medical records or other documentation
- Expert witness fees (if needed)
I advance all litigation expenses while a case is ongoing. In most cases, these costs are paid from the settlement or award. I will discuss any potential costs with you in advance so you’re fully informed throughout the process.
Wilmington, MA Car Accident Statistics
According to information from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation:
- In 2023, Wilmington saw over 450 reported car accidents, with approximately 25% resulting in injuries.
- The intersection of Main Street and Lowell Street remains one of the most dangerous areas, accounting for 12% of all accidents.
- Over 30% of accidents occur during peak commuting hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM)
- Distracted driving contributes to approximately 28% of all crashes in .
- Weather-related accidents account for 22% of collisions, with winter conditions being a significant factor.
What are Common Causes of Car Crashes in Wilmington?
Car crashes in Wilmington can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car technology while driving can lead to serious accidents. Massachusetts law, under M.G.L. c. 90, § 13B, prohibits texting while driving.
- Speeding: Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react in time to prevent an accident, making it a leading cause of crashes in Wilmington.
- Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a reckless act that endangers everyone on the road. Massachusetts has strict DUI laws,[1] and offenders face severe penalties.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and excessive speeding can easily lead to accidents.
- Weather Conditions: Snow, rain, ice, and fog are common in Massachusetts and often contribute to accidents, particularly during the winter months. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to modify their driving to accommodate for adverse weather conditions.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers who fail to yield the right of way often cause accidents at intersections, leading to serious collisions.
Frequent accidents included:
- Rear-end collisions on Route 38
- T-bone accidents at busy intersections like Middlesex Avenue
- Multi-vehicle crashes on I-93
- Head-on collisions on rural roads
- Commercial vehicle accidents involving trucks serving industrial areas.
- Weather-related accidents during harsh New England winters
Regardless of the cause of the accident, it is important to consult with a Wilmington car crash lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What Are Common Types of Injuries in Wilmington Car Accidents?
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which may require extensive medical treatment and long-term recovery. As your Wilmington car crash attorney, I will work to ensure that all your injuries are fully documented and that you receive compensation for both current and future medical needs.
Common injuries in car accidents include:
- Whiplash: A common injury in rear-end collisions, whiplash can cause long-lasting neck pain and restricted movement.
- Broken Bones: The force of a car accident can result in fractures that may require surgery and rehabilitation.
- Head Injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are serious and can have long-term effects on a victim’s cognitive and physical abilities.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Car accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries, which can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs, such as the liver or spleen, can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Cuts, Bruises, and Lacerations: These injuries, while often considered minor, can still require medical attention, particularly if there is a risk of infection.
If you have sustained any of these injuries in a car accident, it is crucial to speak with an experienced car accident attorney who can help you pursue the compensation you need for your recovery.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Wilmington?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Wilmington, taking certain steps to protect your legal rights and increase your chances of receiving full compensation is important. Here’s what to do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away.
- Call the Police: Always report the accident to the police, and make sure to obtain a copy of the police report. This will serve as valuable evidence if you decide to file a claim.
- Gather Evidence: If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses and exchange insurance information with the other driver.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible, but be cautious when speaking with them. They may try to downplay the severity of your injuries or minimize your claim.
- Contact a Wilmington Car Accident Attorney: Before you speak with the other driver’s insurance company, it’s important to contact a lawyer who can protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why It’s Important to Contact a Wilmington Car Accident Lawyer Soon After an Accident
After an accident, the accident scene can quickly change, making it more difficult to prove liability. Skid marks can be washed away by rain, and other damaged property can be fixed.
Importantly, cars that are involved in an accident that are totaled can be demolished. Most vehicles today have event recorders (or “black boxes”) that record matters such as the speed that a car was traveling at the time of a crash, and whether the brakes were applied.
It is critical to retain a lawyer as soon as possible after a crash so that vehicles – and the event recorders located in them – can be preserved under a court order before they are demolished. As a Wilmington accident lawyer, I will investigate the accident scene as soon as possible, and take action so that cars and other critical evidence are not destroyed.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is typically three years from the accident date.[2] This means that if you don’t file your claim within that time frame, you may lose your right to pursue compensation. However, it’s always best to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to ensure that all evidence is preserved and your case is built effectively.
Elements of a Car Accident Lawsuit
A car accident lawsuit involves several key elements that must be proven to establish liability and secure compensation for damages. Understanding these elements can help you grasp the legal process and the importance of each step.
- Duty of Care: The first element is establishing that the defendant (at-fault driver) had a duty to exercise reasonable care while operating their vehicle. This means they were expected to follow traffic laws and drive safely to prevent harm to others on the road.
- Breach of Duty: Next, it must be shown that the defendant breached this duty of care. This could involve actions such as speeding, texting while driving, or running a red light. Essentially, the defendant failed to act as a reasonably prudent driver would under similar circumstances.
- Causation: The third element is causation, which means proving that the defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the crash and the resulting injuries. This often requires evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, or expert testimony.
- Damages: Finally, the plaintiff (the crash victim) must demonstrate that they suffered physical, emotional, and/or financial damages as a result of the crash. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies after a vehicle crash can be a challenging and frustrating experience. Insurance companies are primarily concerned with minimizing their financial losses, which can lead to lowball settlement offers and denied claims. This is where having an experienced car crash lawyer on your side becomes crucial.
Insurance adjusters are trained to protect the interests of the insurance company, often at the expense of the victim. They may try to downplay the severity of your injuries, question the necessity of your medical treatments, or even suggest that you were partially at fault for the accident. Without strong legal representation, you may not get the full compensation you deserve.
As an experienced vehicle crash attorney, I can navigate the complex insurance claims process on your behalf. I will handle all communications with the insurance company, gather and present evidence to support your claim, and negotiate for a fair settlement. If necessary, I will take your case to trial and present your case to a jury.
Can I Still Recover from a Car, Truck, or Vehicle Accident if I Was Partially at Fault?
Massachusetts has a “modified comparative negligence” rule, meaning that if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you cannot recover damages. However, if you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How Much Can I Get From a Car or Truck Accident?
The amount of compensation you can receive from a car or truck accident depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the extent of your property damage, whether you were partially at fault for the accident, and the availability of insurance or other funds to pay a settlement or judgment of the at-fault driver or parties.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover?
If you’ve been injured in a crash, you may be entitled to damages for matters including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes current and future medical bills related to your injury, such as surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and medication.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for lost wages and any loss of earning capacity if your ability to work is permanently affected.
- Pain and Suffering: This covers compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact the injury has had on your quality of life.
- Property Damage: You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
How Long Does a Wilmington Car Accident Case Take?
Every accident case is different, and the timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and the willingness of the insurance company to offer a fair settlement. Some cases can be resolved in a few months, while others may take a year or more if they go to trial.
Do You Represent Families of Wrongful Death Victims Who Were Killed in Car Crashes?
Yes, I represent families of wrongful death victims tragically killed in car accidents. Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is one of the most devastating experiences a family can go through, and pursuing legal action may not be the first thing on your mind. However, a wrongful death claim can provide your family with financial compensation and a sense of justice during this difficult time.
In Massachusetts, a wrongful death claim can be filed when a person dies as a result of someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or wrongful actions. As a Wilmington wrongful death attorney, I help families pursue compensation for the financial and emotional losses they’ve suffered due to the death of their loved one in a crash.
Massachusetts law[3] allows the estate of the deceased to pursue damages, which may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills incurred prior to the death
- Loss of income and financial support
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
- Pain and suffering endured by the deceased before passing
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In Massachusetts, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate. This person is typically named in the deceased’s will, but if there is no will or the person named is unable to serve, the court may appoint an administrator. As a general rule, the compensation awarded from a wrongful death claim is intended to benefit the surviving family members, including the spouse, children, and (in some cases) the parents; however, those that are specifically entitled to benefit in a wrongful death claim is subject to specific statutory requirements. I can explain to you who may be entitled to inherit under Massachusetts wrongful death statutes once I understand the specifics of your circumstances. Car
As a wrongful death attorney, I am committed to helping families navigate the legal process during a time of grief. I will handle all aspects of your case, including investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies, so you can focus on healing. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, a successful wrongful death claim can help ease the financial burdens and provide a sense of closure.
If your family has lost a loved one in a car or vehicle accident, please contact me for a free consultation. I am here to provide the support and representation you need as we pursue justice for your loved one.
Can I Obtain Compensation if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
Yes, if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
While Massachusetts law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of auto insurance, including uninsured motorist coverage, not all drivers are insured. If the other driver involved in your accident does not have insurance or has inadequate coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company under your uninsured/underinsured motorist policy. I can help you navigate this process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Get Your Questions Answered and Learn How I Can Help. Call for a FREE CONSULTATION Today.
If you’ve been injured in a car or vehicle accident in Wilmington, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you get in touch with a Wilmington car crash lawyer, the sooner I can begin building a strong case on your behalf. At the Law Office of Paul M. King, I am committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims and helping them secure the compensation they need to move forward.
I represent car, truck, and other vehicle accident victims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Call me today at 978-851-5145 or fill out the contact form below to schedule your free consultation. Let’s discuss your case and work toward the best possible outcome for you and your family.
More Information About My Wilmington Personal Injury and Criminal Defense Practice
- Wilmington Injury Lawyer, Criminal Defense & OUI Attorney
- Wilmington Personal Injury Lawyer for Car Accidents, Crashes, and Other Matters
- Wilmington Car Accident Lawyer
- Wilmington Criminal Defense Lawyer
[1] M.G.L. c. 90, § 24
[2] M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A.
[3] M.G.L. c. 229, § 2.