Independence Day, or more commonly known as “The Fourth of July” is a national holiday that is always much anticipated. With the hot July weather and days off of work, most of us look forward to this time of year. It is a holiday to observe the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is also a holiday that everyone enjoys getting together with family and friends for a cookout, parades and, of course, fireworks.
Many experts, however, rate the Fourth of July as the most dangerous U.S. holiday weekend of the year. This is due to it being the deadliest day on highways and roadways for Americans, according to the Insurance Institute. Two of the most common accidents during this holiday are car accidents and motorcycle accidents. With statistics like this, we should all be extra cautious this week.
Car Accidents Over the Fourth of July
It is estimated by AAA that approximately 39.3 million people will drive 50 miles or more during the Fourth of July holiday. That’s a lot of cars on the roads, which means the higher the probability of being injured in an accident. Fourth of July car crashes are common and often result in serious injuries. As I’m sure you can imagine, speeding and drunk driving are two of the top causes of accidents and injuries over the Fourth of July holiday.
The U.S. Census Bureau reported that, on average, nearly 470 people die in motor vehicle accidents during the Fourth of July holiday. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration also reported that nearly 51% of fatal motor vehicle crashes involved the consumption of alcohol.
In some cases, regardless of how careful we are behind the wheel, an accident cannot be avoided. If you happen to be seriously injured in a car crash in Massachusetts over the Fourth of July, that was caused by another driver’s negligence, then you may be entitled to financial compensation. But, keep in mind that auto insurance companies do not just hand out money after a car accident.
Insurance companies use many different tactics to attempt to minimize the amount they may have to pay out to an accident victim, or even try to completely deny a claim. This is why we recommend that if you are injured in a car accident over the Fourth of July holiday you should follow The Three Important Things to do Immediately after a Car Accident. Following these steps will help you and your personal injury attorney obtain necessary evidence to file a personal injury claim in pursuit of the financial compensation you deserve.
Motorcycle Accidents Over the Fourth of July Holiday
The NHTSA reported that the Fourth of July holiday is considered the deadliest time of year for motorcyclists. This is due to the estimated 400+ motorcycle accidents recorded and approximately 26 deaths every year.
The Fourth of July holiday is when a lot of motorcyclists like to take out their bikes and go for a ride. In Massachusetts, there are many beautiful scenic roadways and highways for a ride, especially in the summer weather. But, motorcyclists are five times more likely to be seriously injured and twenty-seven times more likely to die in a motorcycle crash than drivers or passengers of a car.
While a lot of people are quick to blame a motorcycle for accidents, statistics show that it is not always the motorcycle that is at fault for crashes. Many times, a car or truck is the cause of a motorcycle crash. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes are speed, distracted driving and drunk driving. This goes for both the motorcyclist and a car that collides with a motorcycle.
If a car was speeding and crashes into a motorcycle injuring its rider, then the car may be found at-fault and responsible for the injuries and damages the motorcyclist suffered. In other situations, a motorcycle may be found negligent and at-fault for an accident if the motorcycle operator was speeding, distracted or drunk. A passenger on the back of a motorcycle may have a claim for bodily injury against the motorcycle operator, who was negligent and caused the accident or injuries to the passenger. (See an example of a case Mahaney & Pappas, LLP handled of a motorcycle accident in Marlborough, MA).
Massachusetts laws allow anyone injured in a motorcycle accident the legal right to seek financial compensation for injuries and losses suffered. The claim for compensation would be filed against the at-fault vehicle or driver (and their auto insurer) that caused the accident. In order to be successful in a personal injury claim stemming form a motorcycle accident, you must prove someone else was negligent.
Financial Compensation You May Recover From an Accident
If you were seriously injured in an accident over the Fourth of July, whether it was a car or motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. There are many different measures of compensation. The most common are for:
- Medical Bills, including future medical costs;
- Lost Wages and future lost earning capacity;
- Total or Partial Disability, Loss of Function and Disfigurement;
- Pain and Suffering;
- Emotional Damages and changes in quality of life.
Every case is unique and the amount of compensation will vary due to the type of injuries suffered and the amount of medical treatment and bills. Before anyone can determine how much compensation someone may be entitled to for injuries suffered in a crash, it must be established that someone else caused the accident. This is why anyone seriously injured in a car accident should speak with an experienced Massachusetts personal injury attorney.
What Can an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Do for You?
An experienced Massachusetts injury lawyer offers accident victims an advantage against large insurance companies. Mahaney & Pappas, LLP understands how an accident can change a person’s life and their family’s future. We also understand how insurance companies can deny claims or blame the injured person for causing or contributing to the accident. Serious injuries require serious legal action. Two major focuses in personal injury cases is liability and damages.
First an accident victim must prove that another driver or person was the cause of the crash. This requires proof that that other driver was negligent. This is why accident cases require an immediate and thorough investigation into the circumstances of the crash. This will help secure evidence to support an injury claim that another driver or person was negligent in order to significantly increase the chances of successfully obtaining the financial compensation.
Furthermore, an experienced accident attorney in Massachusetts will be able to obtain and properly evaluate the medical records and bills related to injures suffered in a crash. This is where experience come in. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be familiar with many types of injuries sustained in accidents and the full extent of the damages suffered. We work closely with many doctors and surgeons in order to obtain the evidence needed to establish the damages someone suffers in an accident to make sure our clients get the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.
Speak With an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Mahaney & Pappas, LLP is a personal injury law office centrally located in Framingham, Massachusetts that serves victims of accidents in Boston, greater Boston, Worcester, and all other surrounding towns. We have decades of experience representing people injured in accidents, conducting investigations, and working with medical professionals all with the focus on getting our clients the money they deserve. If you have been injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, we are here to help you and fight to get you the fair compensation you and your family deserve.
We understand the stress of being injured and can help guide you through the personal injury claim process and take the immediate action needed. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an accident, please contact us online, or call 508-879-3500 to schedule a free case evaluation.
