Car Accidents FAQ

If you are involved in a car accident, you should take certain steps to protect yourself and your rights:

• First and most important, call 911;
• Get the names, drivers’ licenses, insurance, and contact information of all the drivers involved in the accident;
• After that, note the location, time, and date of the accident as well as any factors that may have contributed to the accident;
• Next look to see if anyone witnessed the accident and if there did, get their contact information;
• You should also take photographs of the scene and damage to the vehicle involved if it is safe to do so;
• When police arrive, be sure you tell them exactly what happened;
• Go seek medical treatment if you need to;
• Finally, call us at 781-344-6200.

Under Massachusetts law, the automobile insurance company that insured the vehicle you were in when the crash occurred is responsible for paying up to the first $2,000 of your medical bills. If you were a pedestrian or riding a bicycle when you got injured, the first $2,000 of medical treatment is paid by the vehicle’s insurance company that hit you. Once the first $2,000 is paid, your private health insurance then becomes primary. If you do not have health insurance or you have a particular type of health insurance, the automobile insurance company will pay up to the first $8,000 in medical expenses treatment.

This is also referred to as PIP coverage in Massachusetts. Another way to have your medical expenses paid is if the automobile you were in had available Med Pay coverage. If we take your case, The Law Offices of Jason M. Ranallo, P.C. will advise you as to the insurance specifics that apply to your individual situation and assist you with the documents required to ensure that your medical expenses are promptly paid.

If you cannot work as a result of the accident, you can also submit a claim for your lost income. Under Massachusetts Law, the PIP coverage will reimburse you for 75% of the income you would have otherwise earned.

It is important to know that the $8,000 in PIP coverage applies to both medical bills and lost income.

Massachusetts law limits lawsuits involving motor vehicle accidents to injured victims who have suffered either certain types of injuries or accident victims who have exceeded a certain dollar value of medical expenses as a result of their injuries. Massachusetts accident victims (and their survivors, if an injury causes death) may sue for damages from the responsible party(ies) for a car accident when one of the following criteria is met:

• The victim has died
• The victim suffers a “permanent and serious disfigurement”
• A bone is fractured
• The loss of one of the “five senses”
• The loss of a limb
•  When the medical expenses from the injury(ies) equal or exceed $2,000

Yes, your automobile insurance policy carries coverage for bodily injury caused by an Uninsured automobile.

If you are found not at fault for the accident, and you elected to carry full coverage on your automobile insurance company, you can choose either to have your insurance company or the other insurance company pay to fix or replace your car. If you did not elect full coverage on your automobile insurance policy, you will have to make your claim with the other person’s insurance company. Their company will only pay for your property damage if they find their operator responsible for the accident.

Damages include, but are not limited to, payment for pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and economic loss.

Generally, there is a three-year statute of limitations to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties, with limited exceptions. Which means, if you do not file a complaint in court against the proper party or parties, you will never be able to recover monies from them or their insurance company for your injuries. However, if the action is against the Commonwealth or a city and town, there are strict time-sensitive notice requirements that that must be made long before the three-year statute of limitations.

That is why it is critical to contact us immediately after a car accident. Also, most of the time, we can resolve the claim with the responsible party or parties insurance company long before the statute of limitations expires or there is the need to file a lawsuit.

Yes, most experienced car accident attorneys in Dedham and across Massachusetts handle cases on a contingency fee basis. At the Law Offices of Jason M. Ranallo, P.C., you pay no attorney fees upfront. Attorney Ranallo only gets paid if he successfully recovers compensation for your injuries through settlement or verdict. This structure allows injury victims to pursue justice without any financial risk.Call 781-344-6200 or fill out our contact form today for a free case evaluation.

Attorney Jason M. Ranallo has built a strong reputation in Dedham for delivering excellent results with high client satisfaction. He holds a perfect 5.0 Avvo rating and has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in Personal Injury Law. Clients consistently praise his responsiveness, clear communication, and ability to secure fair settlements against insurance companies.If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact us at 781-344-6200 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation.

Yes. Attorney Jason Ranallo offers free, no-obligation consultations for car accident and personal injury victims in Dedham and surrounding communities. He also provides flexible scheduling, including home, hospital, evening, and weekend appointments when needed.Don’t wait to protect your rights. Call 781-344-6200 or fill out the contact form on this page to schedule your free consultation today.

Attorney Jason M. Ranallo has extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies on behalf of car accident victims throughout the Dedham area and Greater Boston. He understands the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts and works aggressively to secure the full compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering under Massachusetts law.Contact the Law Offices of Jason M. Ranallo today at 781-344-6200 or online to discuss your case.

Yes. Attorney Jason M. Ranallo is a highly regarded, top-rated personal injury and car accident lawyer serving Dedham, MA. With years of experience and recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, he is known for his dedication, knowledge of Massachusetts personal injury law, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients.