It’s not recommended that you drive without car insurance in Fall River, MA, because you could face penalties. The penalties can get more severe if you get into a car accident and you don’t have valid car insurance.
Car insurance is mandatory because it ensures that everyone responsible for a car accident is able to pay for damages that might be incurred. If you’ve never been in a car accident before, you might not know how the car accident claims process works. If the injuries and damages are serious, you might need to consult the services of a car accident lawyer in Fall River, MA.
Massachusetts is a No-Fault Insurance State
This means that if you get into a car accident in Fall River, MA, you can seek compensation directly from your insurer. You can, however, file a car accident lawsuit outside the no-fault system under special circumstances with the help of a car accident lawyer Fall River.
If you got into an accident and it’s clear that you were the one at fault, the other driver cannot make a claim to get compensation from your insurer or file a lawsuit against you. However, if the damages and medical expenses exceed the state’s monetary or injury threshold, they can file a lawsuit against you. In Massachusetts, you can file a claim outside the no-fault system if the accident caused you serious injuries such as:
- Fractured bones
- Permanent and serious disfigurement
- Substantial loss of sight and or hearing
What Happens if You Get Into a Car Accident Without Insurance?
Massachusetts considers driving without insurance a civil motor vehicle infraction. Several things could happen and they include:
- Loss of your driving privilege for almost a year. If your job requires you to drive to and from work then this could cause a significant dent in your finances.
- Going to jail for a year
- A fine of up to $5, 000.
You need to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance in Massachusetts and that includes:
- $5, 000 property damage
- $20, 000 for bodily injury per person
- $8, 000 personal injury protection
- $40, 000 bodily injury per accident
- 20/40 underinsured/uninsured motorist bodily harm
If you were found to be at fault for the accident, then you will have to pay for all the damages incurred from your own pocket. If an accident led to severe injuries or extensive property damage, the cost might be too much for you to handle and you might have to declare bankruptcy.
If the other driver was responsible for the accident, you might be restricted as to what you can recover from the other driver.
What can a Car Accident Lawyer in Fall River, MA, Do for You?
Your car accident attorney in Fall River can determine if someone else was responsible for your accident and injuries. If you were the one responsible for the accident, the other driver might file a claim against you.
If you were not at fault for the accident and the other driver was insured, then you can recover compensation from them. However, if both of you are not insured, your recovery options may be limited.
What Should You Look for When Hiring a Fall River Car Accident Lawyer?
Your car wreck lawyer in Fall River should be an excellent and experienced negotiator. Make sure they have an excellent track record of handling personal injury trials.
You should hire an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. This is regardless of whether or not you were liable for the accident. If the at-fault driver contacts you directly, you should refer them back to your attorney and do not make a statement without your lawyer present.
Leave it to your attorney to negotiate on your behalf. However, the final amount you may be able to recover may be limited in some instances such as if the other driver was not insured.
When Should You Hire an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Fall River?
- You suffered a serious injury. You can’t afford to wing it in court or with the at-fault party’s insurance company. The last thing you want is lifelong financial stress not only for you but for your family.
- You Don’t Know Who is at Fault
- Multiple Parties Were Involved in Your Accident
- The At-Fault Insurer Accepted Your Claim but They Are Delaying it
