Motor Vehicle Accidents

From high-profile cases to the cases few people hear about, attorneys at Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow use their talent, experience, compassion, and drive to obtain jury verdicts and settlements that appropriately compensate motor vehicle accident victims and their families. MBBB attorneys have handled cases involving:

  • Distracted and impaired driving
  • Accidents caused by Uber and Lyft drivers
  • Motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians struck by vehicles, buses, trains, trucks, and tractor-trailers
  • Accidents resulting from improper layout of parking lots, intersections, and other design defects

Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow’s legal team is dedicated to each and every personal injury case. Through years of practice and proven results, we have earned the respect of the legal community on a national level, as well as the respect of attorneys, judges, mediators, and clients in Boston and throughout New England.

Significant Cases

Rideshare Driver Negligence

Multi-million dollar settlement achieved against Rideshare Company for a pedestrian that suffered permanent injuries due to the reckless and negligent driving by a Rideshare employee.

Motor Vehicle Wrongful Death

Represented the Estate of Grace M. Rett and her family in a Wrongful death pre-suit settlement arising from a tragic motor vehicle collision involving a 20-year-old college student who was a passenger in a van driven by a university employee while on a university-sponsored outing.

Newspaper Delivery Driver Case

$2.5 million settlement for a severely injured jogger who was struck from behind by an SUV operating on the wrong side of the road by a newspaper delivery-person. The case involved an imaginative challenge to the law protecting large newspapers and others from the liability of deliverers as “independent contractors”.

Fatigued Fast Food Chain Driver

$5.5 million settlement of a case arising from a head-on motor vehicle collision involving the fatigued driver of a fast-food chain vehicle who fell asleep, crossed a highway centerline, and caused severe injuries to a parent and her child.

In 2020, 276 million vehicles were registered, and 42,338 people died on the road, in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

I was hit by a car while walking. Can I sue?

If you were struck by a car or any type of motor vehicle as a pedestrian in Massachusetts, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries. Compensation could include payment for medical bills, ongoing physical therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It is important to speak to an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss your individual situation including who may be held responsible and how to proceed. An attorney can negotiate a settlement with the insurance company for you, and if necessary, represent you in a lawsuit. They can also advise you regarding whether your own insurance policy might provide additional coverage for your injuries.

I was hit by a car while riding a bike. Can I sue?

Similar to car accidents involving pedestrians, if you are injured because of a collision while riding your bike, you may be eligible for compensation. Damages could include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among others. Bicycle accidents can be complex. It is important to consult an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss your particular situation. An attorney can negotiate a settlement for you, and if necessary, represent you in a lawsuit.

Can car accident victims sue for pain and suffering in Massachusetts?

Yes, car accident victims can sue for pain and suffering in Massachusetts. Pain and suffering are damages for harms that do not come with a specific valuation. By contrast, a medical bill is an “economic damage” because it has a quantifiable cost. Things like emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of companionship are considered “non-economic damages,” because they do not have a specific cost associated with them. Claims that include pain and suffering can benefit greatly from the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer, who can help value the damages, and pursue full compensation on your behalf.

Can car accident victims in Massachusetts recover punitive damages?

In Massachusetts, punitive damages are only available in certain wrongful death claims. Unlike economic and non-economic damages for things like medical bills and pain and suffering which are meant to compensate an injured person, punitive damages are meant to punish a person or company for egregious wrongdoing. If a loved one died in a car accident, contact an experienced wrongful death lawyer to help determine all damages that may apply in the particular situation and to advocate on behalf of you and your deceased loved one.

How can a lawyer help me after a car accident?

Car accidents can be complex. Having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side can help to guide you through the process. Your lawyer will investigate the claim, collect evidence and can speak with insurance companies on your behalf. Your lawyer will also help assess your claim’s potential value, negotiate a settlement with the insurance company on your behalf, and represent you in a lawsuit if a settlement is not reached.

Will my case go to court?

Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to try to reach a settlement that fairly compensates you for your injuries. If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf. The legal process may seem intimidating, but your lawyer will work with you to determine the amount of damages to pursue, and guide you through each step of the process, from filing the case all the way through a jury trial, if necessary. Your attorney will fight for you each step of the way to ensure that you receive everything that you deserve.

How long do you have to sue someone after a car accident?

In Massachusetts you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This is called a statute of limitations. After this period, your claim may be barred, meaning you will not be able to pursue any compensation for your injuries. At times, there may be other earlier deadlines that apply. For these reasons it is important to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the car accident, to have the best chance of fully recovering for your injuries.

What should I do if I'm in a car accident with a drunk or intoxicated driver?

If you’ve been in a car accident, and suspect the other driver is intoxicated, first check if anyone is injured and call 911 to summon medical attention and police. Then record information about the other driver and any passengers or witnesses at the scene, such as a license plate number and contact information. If possible, document everything using photos or videos and make sure to report any injuries or damaged property to law enforcement officers at the scene. This evidence can be extremely valuable in a legal claim. Seek advice from an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible to help you preserve evidence and advise you on next steps in the legal process.

How can I get compensation if I am injured in a car accident with an intoxicated driver?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident with an intoxicated driver, you may be eligible for compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and even future income. The amount of compensation will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of injuries sustained, the actions of all involved parties, and the available evidence.

You will need to produce evidence of the intoxicated driver's actions, such as the police report or sobriety tests taken at the scene. Seeking competent legal advice is key to navigating complex situations like drunk driving related accidents; a qualified attorney can advise how best to protect your rights as an injured person.

What are some of the best tips for staying safe on the road?

The best ways to stay safe are by following speed limits, refraining from intoxicated or drunk driving, and always wearing a seatbelt. Since impaired and distracted driving can lead to catastrophic consequences, it should be avoided at all costs. To stay safe, it is important to remain alert, obey all traffic signals, and keep distractions such as cell phones out of reach while driving. These simple steps are key to helping all drivers stay safe on the road, at any time of year.

Client Testimonials

Attorney Jeremy and Barbara from his team have been so amazing to me and my family. We had a family death and Jeremy has been so professional, so patient, and so thorough every single step of the way. It has been truly one of the toughest years of our lives so far. Having Jeremy and his team's support during the whole process with court, etc. has been SO helpful. Also, what made it special is I didn't feel like I was JUST ANOTHER person, he really cares and really wanted the best for us — he knew what we were going through. THIS IS what you need on your side when you need a lawyer. Absolutely recommend him! — F.J.
I had a very positive experience while working with Jeremy Carroll, Peter Ainsworth, and Nora Carroll at Meehan, Boyle, Black and Bogdanow law firm. All three of them treated me with respect and dignity every time we spoke on the phone or had a zoom call and I was always kept abreast with emails. I never needed to speak to any insurance company; it was all taken care of. I was never rushed nor swayed, the decision was always mine to make and my opinion was continually asked. Every aspect was handled with professionalism. I highly recommend this law office to represent you for all of your personal injuries! — Sara W.
Jeremy Carroll took on our case for a car accident. Barbara and him were wonderful. Very attentive and professional every step of the way. I would highly recommend his services anytime! — Heatherly D.
Jenn and Catherine are two of the best at their job. Three words I would use to describe them are honorable, empathetic, and unwavering. The transparency of communication with them was unparalleled, and any single question I had was answered thoroughly and understandable. I would recommend the professionalism of Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow, P.C to anyone who finds themselves seeking justice in an unfortunate situation. After interviewing multiple law firms in the Boston area, I found that most firms just look at you as numbers on a spreadsheet. They lack humility, and don't realize that you are suffering in real time, not just on paper. This firm is the polar opposite, in that it is made of real people, with real understanding of what you are going through, and will do what it takes to make you feel some sense of closure. Thank you Jenn. Thank you Catherine. Thank you Meehan, Boyle et al. — Alex C.
For years I was dealing with a severe personal injury case. After being represented by four different attorneys, I finally found Meehan, Boyle, Black, and Bogdanow. I interviewed several so-called top firms and spoke to the big largest firms. Unfortunately, none of them understood the case's complexity or had a strategy to navigate successfully. I first spoke to Peter Ainsworth. He listened and showed genuine compassion and care for my situation. Peter then introduced me to the All-Star team of Jeremy Carroll and, Jennifer Denker, Nora Carroll, and then the real work began. Nora Carroll, a superstar who catalogued volumes of evidence from my previous attorneys, and coordinated obtaining additional information in an extensive medical file. Jeremy Carroll was the lead on my case and primary contact. He was invested, knowledgeable, analytical, and extraordinarily thorough. From the review stage to strategy and execution, he was exemplary. With compassion and intensity, this team of true professionals pursued my best interest. Then, when I didn't think it could get better, they added the experience and long-held wisdom of Leo Boyle. Being represented by Meehan, Boyle, Black, and Bogdanow meant the biggest disaster that happened in my life was finally resolved. I am extremely pleased with the negotiated settlement. Their efforts will make a big difference in being able to care for myself and my family. — Tyioun K.
Leo Boyle and John Carroll were tireless advocates for my family and I in the wake of a devastating severe traumatic brain injury I suffered in 2009. In the months and years after my injury, while the case was pending and long after, Leo and John took a personal interest in our case, continuously advocating for our safety and mental health. They displayed great intellect, as well as dedication and patience, in developing a compelling case and securing a much-needed settlement from the defendants. While it did not reverse the harm done, it provided us with the support, closure, and financial freedom we needed to move forward. — Leslie B.
I had a such a pleasant experience working with my attorney, Peter Ainsworth, and his paralegal Barbara. They are reliable, trustworthy, loving, and so caring. If you are looking for an attorney that cares about you, this is the place to go!!!! — Gabriela R.
Working with Jeremy Carroll has been a great experience in managing my auto accident case. He listens, he is knowledgeable, experienced, and personable. He was able to achieve and negotiate a fair settlement. I would absolutely recommend hiring Jeremy! — Elisabeth W.
Great Law Firm. Their paralegal, Nora, is so professional and very accurate, and gets back to you regarding any questions that you may have. Also, one of the attorneys, Peter, is nothing but professional and again is willing to answer any questions that you may have regarding any legal matters. THIS IS A 5 STAR FIRM AND ALL EMPLOYEES ARE VERY COMPETENT. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!! — Christine S.