If you were injured in a car accident anywhere in Massachusetts – whether in Boston, Framingham, Natick, or Worcester – you must act within a legally defined time frame to protect your rights. Under Massachusetts law, personal injury victims have a limited window to resolve their claim or file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently prevent you from recovering compensation, no matter how serious your injuries may be or how negligent the other party was.
Experienced Massachusetts personal injury attorneys, including Chuck Pappas of Mahaney & Pappas, LLP, have seen valid claims lost simply because the statute of limitations expired. Understanding this rule is critical to preserving your case.
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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.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts car accident cases, the statute of limitations is governed by M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A. It is the legal deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Once this deadline passes, you will be legally unable to pursue financial compensation for your injuries. If you try to file a lawsuit after this deadline, the court will almost always dismiss your case. Insurance companies know this and may delay or stall negotiations, hoping injured victims run out of time before filing suit.
You Have Three Years From the Date of the Car Accident
Massachusetts law gives car accident victims three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline applies whether the accident occurred in Boston traffic, on Route 9 in Framingham, near the Natick Mall, or on I-290 in Worcester.
If a lawsuit is not formally filed within those three years, your claim is barred forever – even if liability is clear and injuries are well documented.
How the Statute of Limitations Affects Car Accident Claims
Many accident victims assume that ongoing insurance negotiations protect their rights. They do not. Settlement talks, medical treatment, and claims reviews do not stop the statute of limitations clock.
For example, you may be rear-ended and suffer injuries requiring months of treatment. If the insurance company delays resolution and no lawsuit is filed before the three-year deadline, you lose your ability to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
This is why Framingham car accident lawyer Chuck Pappas advises injured clients to consult an attorney early- even if a claim appears straightforward.
Why Early Legal Representation Matters
Waiting too long can seriously weaken your case. Evidence can disappear, witnesses become harder to locate, and accident reports may be more difficult to obtain. More importantly, delaying action risks missing the filing deadline entirely.
At Mahaney & Pappas, LLP, Attorney Chuck Pappas works proactively to:
- Preserve evidence
- Identify all liable parties
- Manage insurance communications
- Ensure lawsuits are filed well before the statute of limitations expires
Early involvement often strengthens leverage during settlement negotiations and protects against last-minute legal emergencies.
Speak With a Massachusetts Car Accident Lawyer Before Time Runs Out
If you were injured in a car accident in Boston, Framingham, Natick, Worcester, or anywhere in Massachusetts, do not wait until the deadline approaches. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney early can make the difference between a successful claim and a lost opportunity.
Chuck Pappas and the legal team at Mahaney & Pappas, LLP have decades of experience representing Massachusetts accident victims and ensuring their claims are handled properly and on time.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, our experienced team at Mahaney & Pappas, LLP is here to help. Call us today at (508) 879-3500 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation and to learn more about your rights and how we can assist you in pursuing the compensation you deserve.
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