Rush Hour Accidents

Vehicle Collision Lawyer Serving Massachusetts

For many Massachusetts residents, navigating rush hour traffic is simply a fact of life. If you commute to and from work, then chances are you have seen how some drivers simply don’t use good judgment during these busy times on the road. Whether it’s attempting to cut off another driver, tailgating, or being distracted, poor driving during rush hour puts everyone at risk of suffering avoidable injuries in an accident. A dedicated Massachusetts car accident attorney at our firm is prepared to help you assess your legal options after a crash of this nature. We know just how stressful this situation can be for someone who was simply trying to get to work or get home after a busy day. If you were injured by another driver during rush hour, we are ready to assist you in asserting your rights.

Rush Hour Accidents in Massachusetts

There are countless ways that a rush hour accident can take place in Massachusetts. First, if a driver is late to work or late to run an errand after work, they might think that speeding is the way to make up for lost time. Speeding during rush hour is incredibly dangerous because road conditions can change very quickly as vehicles enter and exit the roadway in large numbers. Speeding also makes it more difficult for a driver to react to sudden changes in the roadway such as sudden stopping, someone merging unexpectedly, or a changing traffic light.

Rush hour accidents also tend to happen when tailgating is involved. Some drivers keep a close distance to the car in front of them to avoid letting another driver merge, thinking that this will make a significant difference in when they arrive at their destination. Others may simply be late and hoping to make up for lost time.

Distracted driving is also a problem during rush hour as drivers attempt to eat, put on make up or engage in grooming activities, listen to the radio, or use their cell phones. When traffic is deadlocked or moving slowly, drivers may look to distractions like these to pass the time. This is dangerous, however, because it takes the driver’s attention away from the ever-changing road ahead and makes it impossible for them to react appropriately to sudden changes.

Other conditions to consider in rush hour accidents are the position of the sun. If drivers are driving due east during sunrise or due west during sunset, then the position of the sun may obstruct their vision and make it challenging to see. This means that a driver would need to exercise caution and perhaps reduce his or her speed or following distance to operate his or her vehicle safely.

Seeking Compensation After a Rush Hour Accident

If another driver caused you to suffer injuries during a rush hour accident, you can bring a personal injury lawsuit to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages, and a seasoned car accident lawyer can help. The first step involves showing that the other driver failed to operate his or her vehicle with the same reasonable care and skill that a prudent driver would use when facing similar roadway conditions. This means keeping an appropriate traveling distance, not speeding, and refraining from engaging in distractions like texting or talking on the phone.

After you prove that the other driver failed to act according to this standard, you must show that this failure was the direct and foreseeable cause of your injuries. If the other driver can point to some other factor that caused the accident, you may be barred from recovery. Because rush hour accidents often happen on crowded roadways, there are many times where a multi-car accident takes place, for example. It is important in these situations to establish a clear picture of who caused the accident.

After proving that the other driver was negligent and caused your injuries, you can seek compensation for your financial expenses associated with the crash, which typically include amounts for past and future estimated medical bills, lost wages, reduced quality of life, and more.

Massachusetts Lawyer for Car Accident Victims

If you were injured in a rush hour accident, you can contact an attorney at our firm to schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation. We will seek to ensure that you are treated fairly during every phase of the process, including when it comes to insurance claims. We are available to serve clients in areas around Boston, Cambridge, Lowell, Newton, Somerville, Waltham, Quincy, Norwood, Dedham, Brookline, and Peabody. Call today at  (800) 262-9200 or contact us online to get started.