Understand Your Rights When Injured as a Passenger in a Drunk Driving Accident in Massachusetts

If you were injured as a passenger in a vehicle operated by an intoxicated driver anywhere in Massachusetts – whether in Boston, Framingham, Worcester, or any community in between – you have the legal right to pursue compensation. Passengers are almost never at fault for crashes, and Massachusetts law allows injury victims to seek damages from negligent or reckless drivers, including those who were driving under the influence.

At the Framingham personal injury firm Mahaney & Pappas, LLP, our experienced Massachusetts accident lawyers have represented countless passengers injured in drunk driving accidents throughout the state. We understand how devastating these crashes can be, and we're here to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

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To schedule an initial and free consultation with one of our experienced Framingham car accident lawyers, feel free to call our office at (508) 879-3500 or complete our online form for a free consultation.

Drunk Driving is Legal Negligence in Massachusetts

Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is the definition of negligence under Massachusetts law. When you're a passenger in a vehicle hit by a drunk driver and you suffer injuries, you may have multiple sources of compensation available. Not only can you pursue a claim against the drunk driver's auto insurance policy, but you may also have claims against third parties such as bars, restaurants, or social hosts if they overserved the intoxicated driver under Massachusetts Dram Shop or Social Host Liability laws.

This is particularly relevant in areas with active nightlife and restaurant scenes, from Boston's downtown entertainment districts to Worcester's Main Street corridor and Framingham's shopping and dining centers.

What About When You Are a Passenger in the Drunk Driver’s Car

If you are injured as a passenger in a car crash caused by a drunk driver behind the wheel of the car you are in, you still have legal rights to seek compensation. Your claim would be against the auto insurance policy for the vehicle you occupied and the auto insurance policy for the driver – if he/she was not the registered owner of the vehicle.  Even if the intoxicated driver is a friend or family member, you still have the right to recover compensation for your injuries. Many passengers hesitate to pursue claims in these situations, but it's important to understand that in most cases, compensation is paid by the driver's insurance company, not the individual directly. Filing a claim doesn't mean taking money from your loved one – it means accessing insurance coverage that exists for exactly this purpose.

What If You Knew the Driver Was Intoxicated?

Insurance companies may try to argue that passengers "assumed the risk" by getting into a car with a drunk driver. While Massachusetts is a comparative negligence state, every case is evaluated based on its specific facts. Getting into a vehicle with an intoxicated driver doesn't automatically preclude you from pursuing compensation against the negligent (or drunk) driver.

The attorneys at Mahaney & Pappas, LLP have the experience and knowledge to analyze every detail of your accident and build the strongest possible case for our clients throughout the Boston to Worcester corridor.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you're injured in a drunk driving accident as a passenger, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:

• Medical expenses are often the most significant cost, covering emergency room treatment, hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, follow-up care, and ongoing medical treatment.
• Lost wages compensate you for time missed from work during your recovery.
• Pain and suffering damages recognize the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.

Even if the intoxicated driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may still recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or through a family member's policy if you live in the same household.

Critical Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident

If you've been injured as a passenger in a drunk driving accident anywhere from Boston to Worcester, taking the right steps immediately after the crash is crucial to protecting your legal rights.

First, seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. This is essential to document that you were injured and to begin necessary treatment. Some injuries may not be apparent right away, and delaying medical care can both harm your health and weaken your legal claim.

Second, make sure the crash is reported to law enforcement. Whether the accident occurred on Route 9 in Framingham, the Mass Pike between exits, or city streets in Boston or Worcester, an official police report creates important documentation of the crash and may include evidence of the driver's intoxication.

Third, don't speak with any insurance company before consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters may try to get you to make statements that could be used against you later or offer quick settlements that are far less than what you deserve.

Experienced Legal Representation Across Central and Eastern Massachusetts

At Mahaney & Pappas, LLP, we have decades of experience representing individuals injured in drunk driving crashes across Boston, Framingham, Worcester, and throughout Massachusetts. Our attorneys know the local courts, understand Massachusetts drunk driving laws, and have established relationships with medical providers and accident reconstruction experts throughout the region.

We handle all communications with insurance companies, investigate every potential source of compensation, and fight aggressively to hold negligent drivers accountable. Our firm serves clients in communities throughout the Mass Pike (I-90) and Route 9 corridors, including Brookline, Newton, Wellesley, Natick, Framingham, Southborough, Westborough, Shrewsbury, and Worcester, as well as surrounding towns and cities.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

If you were injured as a passenger in a drunk driver's car anywhere in Massachusetts, contact Mahaney & Pappas, LLP today for a free consultation. We'll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you understand what compensation you may be entitled to receive. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

📞 Call 508-879-3500 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.