We Fight for the Rights of Personal Injury and Accident Victims
Our goal is to make sure you get the justice you deserve and are fully compensated for your harms and losses
Norfolk County, MA Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a car crash anywhere in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, you need clear direction and strong legal advocacy. The time after a car accident can leave not only physically injured, but also confused and overwhelmed. Attorney Tracy Paulsen founded Rightful Legal, a Massachusetts personal injury firm, to help crash victims rebuild their lives and hold careless drivers and insurers accountable. We represent clients across the county, from Quincy and Brookline to Dedham, Norwood, Braintree, Westwood, and the surrounding communities. When you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, the process of bringing a claim for compensation can feel immense and daunting
Attorney Paulsen understands what it feels like first hand to be the victim in a motor vehicle accident, and how important it is to have counsel that is not only competent, but cares about you and the justice you deserve. Attorney Paulsen and her team will come to you to meet in person and explain your options and path forward so it is clear to you, so that you feel empowered, and confident you are in good hands while you can focus on your recovery.
Hurt in a Car Crash in Norfolk County?
Contact Attorney Tracy Paulsen Directly Today for a Free Consultation
Call / Text 617-821-5856
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Why Choose Attorney Paulsen Legal as Your Car Accident Lawyer
Rightful Legal has one simple mission ; to treat each client with respect, compassion and individualized attention and provide zealous legal advocacy to help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.
Unlike some large or national law firms, you are treated as our most important case, not as a case file or number.
Our lawyers have the legal acumen and experience in Massachusetts personal injury law to fight tirelessly with insurance companies, whose primary goal is to undercut your settlement and give you far less than you deserve. Our attorneys are fearless and will take your case to trial if an unfair settlement is offered to ensure you are represented to the fullest degree possible.
Practically, we investigate your case quickly, preserve all relevant evidence, communicate on your behalf with the insurance companies and develop a winning strategy . You will understand what we are doing and why we are doing it every step of the way. You will always be in the know and understand what is happening with your case. We are always accessible, 24/7 and no question is ever too small.
We prepare every case as if it may go to trial, leading to better outcomes and settlement valuations. Attorney Paulsen and her personal injury team at Rightful Legal approach every case with vigor and treat every client with compassion. We fight for your rights against the driver who harmed you and hold them and the insurance company accountable for your injuries
How Car Accident Claims Work in Massachusetts
Attorney Paulsen and her team at Rightful Legal understand first hand how difficult and complex it can be navigating car accident claims and fighting to get your life back after a crash with a negligent operator. We make sure that the process is always clear to you and it’s our policy that someone is always available to answer any question or address any concern you may have each step of the way.
Massachusetts is a no-fault state, and, after a motor vehicle crash, your own auto policy pays Personal Injury Protection benefits, often called PIP, for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages up to S8,000. PIP applies regardless of who was at fault in the accident. In many cases the PIP medical portion is used first, and then health insurance picks up medical bills beyond the initial $2,000. There are many caveats and variations to what PIP will cover and how your own private health insurance, or lack thereof, will affect PIP and the coordination of benefits. This is why Rightful Legal will manage and monitor all matters and billing related to PIP on your behalf to make sure your medical bills are paid and you are receiving the care that you need. An important factor to note is if your medical bills total more than $2,000 dollars you can bring a claim for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.
In terms of assessing fault, Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are 50 percent or less at fault, you can recover, but your award is reduced by your share of fault. If you are 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover from the other party. For example, if you were found 20 percent at fault because you were driving slightly over the speed limit when another driver ran a red light and hit you, your total recovery would be reduced by that 20 percent. These percentages can make a major difference in your outcome, which is why it’s essential to have a car accident lawyer who will stand up to big insurance companies; protecting your rights in negotiations and at trial if necessary.
What To Do After a Car Crash in Norfolk County
Your safety and well-being come first after any crash. The steps you take right away can protect your health and your legal rights:
- Call 911 if anyone is injured or needs medical care.
- Exchange information with the other driver and ask for a police officer to respond to the scene.
- Take photos and video of vehicle positions, visible damage, skid marks, traffic lights, weather conditions, and your injuries.
- Identify and speak with witnesses and get their full names and contact details before they leave.
- Get medical care the same day, even if your symptoms seem minor. Delayed treatment can hurt both your recovery and your claim.
- Report the crash to your insurance company, but do not give a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with a lawyer who understands your rights.
- File a Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report within five days if the crash involved injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage. Submit it to:
- The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
- Your local police department
- Your auto insurance company
If you need help filling out your Motor Vehicle Crash Report, call Attorney Paulsen today at 617-821-5856.
Types of Compensation Available After a Massachusetts Car Accident
A car accident claim is intended to “make you whole,” or restore you to the situation you were in before the collision. Depending on the specific facts of your case, this can include reimbursement for medical treatment, future medical care, rehabilitation and therapy, mileage for appointments, medical equipment, and home modifications. Damages after a car accident can also include lost wages for time missed from work, compensation for diminished earning capacity due to your injury, and household or childcare services you reasonably needed during recovery.
You can recover from pain and suffering after a car accident in Massachusetts, but the law sets limits on when those claims apply. Because Massachusetts is a no-fault state, you must first meet what’s called a “tort threshold.” That means your medical bills must exceed $2,000, or your injuries must involve a permanent and serious disfigurement, a partial or total loss of a body function or limb, or a wrongful death for the loss of a loved one. Once that threshold is met, you have the right to pursue the full measure of damages from the at-fault driver — and that’s where having an experienced car accident lawyer can make a real difference
At Rightful Legal, we build your winning case through careful analysis, evidence and working with treating providers and experts to make the full impact of your injuries clear to insurance adjusters and the courts.
Key Massachusetts Laws That Can Affect Your Car Accident Case
Several laws often matter in a Norfolk County car accident claim. Understanding them helps you make good decisions for your case.
Statute of limitations for personal injury
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit for personal injuries. Acting well before that deadline is important so your car accident lawyer can investigate, obtain records, and, if needed, file to preserve your rights. Some claims against government entities have special notice rules with shorter timelines. That’s why it is important to speak with a qualified injury attorney right away after your accident. At Rightful Legal we keep track of important deadlines throughout your case so nothing is missed.
Comparative negligence and the 51 percent bar to recovery
Massachusetts uses modified comparative negligence that limits recovery if you share too much fault. If your share of fault is 50 percent or less, your damages are reduced by that percentage. If your fault is 51 percent or more, you cannot recover from the other party.
Attorney Paulsen carefully evaluates every case for factors like speed, following distance, distraction, visibility, right of way, vehicle maintenance and all factors affecting the determination of fault to get you the compensation you deserve.
No fault and PIP benefits
Personal Injury Protection is a statutory benefit in Massachusetts auto policies. PIP typically pays up to $8,000 dollars in allowable expenses, including medical bills and a portion of lost wages, regardless of fault, with coordination rules that may route some medical bills to your health insurance after the first $2,000 dollars. PIP covers reasonable and necessary medical expenses incurred within two years of your crash, including co-pays and out-of-pocket expenses as a result of your injury. Insurers may request an examination under oath or an independent medical examination during the claim to assess your injuries. At Rightful Legal, we ensure that our clients are always prepared and confident for such events.
Wrongful death
When a crash causes a fatality, the personal representative (sometimes called an executor) of the estate may bring a wrongful death claim under Massachusetts law for the benefit of the estate’s heirs. Recoverable damages can include funeral and burial costs; the value of the decedent’s services, care, and assistance; loss of reasonably expected income; and the loss of companionship sustained by the family of the deceased. In specific instances , punitive damages may be available for malicious, willful, wanton, or reckless conduct leading to the tragic death of your loved one.
Prejudgment interest for personal injury cases
In personal injury cases that result in a verdict or finding for the plaintiff, Massachusetts law adds simple interest at a rate of 12 percent per year from the date the lawsuit was filed to the date of judgment, with separate provisions for post-judgment interest. This rule encourages the timely resolution of cases and recognizes the importance of the time value of money during litigation.
Dram shop liability and serving alcohol to an intoxicated person
Massachusetts law prohibits licensed establishments from selling, serving, or delivering alcohol to an intoxicated person. Claims may arise when a bar or restaurant overserves someone and that person then causes a drunk driving crash. Dram shop claims require evidence that the server knew or should have known the patron was intoxicated and served them anyway. Our car accident attorneys at Rightful Legal will pursue all responsible parties when serving alcohol leads to a motor vehicle crash in Norfolk County.
Understanding Norfolk County’s Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections
Traffic injuries and deaths are a serious risk in Norfolk County. In a recent annual snapshot, Norfolk County recorded forty four motor vehicle crash deaths, a rate of about 6.1 per 100,000 residents, with nine pedestrian deaths and thirteen fatalities involving drunk drivers in that year. Car accident statistics such as these reflect how fast-moving corridors and dense town centers come together across Norfolk county. High traffic routes like I-95 and Route 1 near Dedham and Norwood, I-93 through Milton and Quincy, Route 24 near Randolph and Wrentham, and Route 9 near Wellesley, Westwood, Medfield and Needham carry many commuters, shoppers, and visitors every day. Local streets present their own dangers around schools, business districts, and crosswalks. At Rightful Legal, we use tools like collision reports, photos, roadway design data, and witness statements to show how and why a crash happened to support your case.
Were You or Your Loved One Injured in a Norfolk County Car Accident?
Contact Rightful Legal Now for a Free Case Evaluation
Call or text us at 617-821-5856
Or
Complex and High-Risk Car Accident Cases We Handle
Commercial vehicles and company cars
Car crashes involving box trucks, delivery vans, tractor trailers, utility vehicles, and company cars can raise many complex issues such as driver qualification, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and employer responsibility. At Rightful Legal, we will send preservation letters quickly to secure any onboard data of the commercial vehicle, any camera footage, and the commercial vehicle’s inspection and repair records.When a case calls for it, we bring in trusted reconstruction and human factors experts to make sure every detail of how the crash occurred is understood by the insurance company, judges and juries.
Rideshare and taxi car accident injury claims
Uber and Lyft have complicated liability and insurance policies that apply in specific ways depending on whether the driver is logged on, on the way to a pickup, or transporting a passenger. Different liability and uninsured motorist limits may apply in each situation. Attorney Tracy Paulsen will work to identify the correct coverage that applies to your accident and prove the driver status at the time of the accident to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Pedestrian and bicycle accident injuries
Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable throughout Norfolk County, on roadways, in town centers and near transit stops. The force of an impact with a car while someone is walking or riding a bike can cause serious injuries like fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal trauma. Rightful Legal will determine what insurance applies and manage the coordination of auto, PIP, health insurance, and liability coverage, and document the full extent of your injuries, medical treatment and how your life has been affected by a careless motorist.
Hit and run driving accidents
In cases where an at-fault driver flees the scene, uninsured motorist coverage can become the primary path to recovery. Acting quickly matters: prompt reporting, detailed documentation, and timely filing can protect your right to compensation. At Rightful Legal, we guide clients through every notice and proof requirement and dig deeper into any lead that might help identify the driver or vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Claims in Norfolk County
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
For most personal injury claims arising from a motor vehicle crash, the statute of limitations in Massachusetts is three years from the date of the collision. Some claims have shorter notice requirements. Do not wait to seek legal advice, as the statute of limitations expiring will completely prevent you from recovering damages.
Do I have to file a crash report?
Yes, if there was an injury, a death, or more than 1,000 dollars in property damage, you must submit a Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report to the RMV, local police, and your insurer within five days.
Can I recover if I was partially at fault?
Possibly. Massachusetts allows recovery if you are 50 percent or less at fault, but your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover from the other driver.
What if the other driver was uninsured or fled the scene?
Your own uninsured motorist coverage can apply. Rightful Legal will analyze your policy and pursue the claim, including arbitration if required.
What if alcohol service contributed to the crash?
If a bar or restaurant served a visibly intoxicated person who later caused your crash, the establishment may share responsibility. These claims are evidence driven. We move quickly to preserve video and witness testimony.
Contact Attorney Tracy Paulsen at Rightful Legal Today
At Rightful Legal, Attorney Tracy Paulsen understands the confusion and hardship and devastation a car accident can cause. This isn’t just about getting monetary and physical recovery, it’s about getting your life back. Your health, your work, your family, and your peace of mind all matter. The quicker you reach out, the more Rightful Legal can do to protect evidence, deal with the insurance companies, and build your case so you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact Rightful Legal Today for a free confidential consultation. If you can’t travel, we will come to you. There are no legal fees unless we win a recovery for you.
