If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may wonder what your settlement is worth and how much you will end up with in your pocket. Just to be clear, there is no specific formula in order to determine exactly what your case is worth, but there there is a general formula upon which the insurance companies and lawyers rely to help determine the value of the case:

• Past medical bills
• Future medical bills
• Past lost wages
• Future lost wages
• Pain and suffering damages

Total value of your accident

Most of the above criteria are known as “special damages” and can be calculated specifically down to the penny, but the pain and suffering damages are known as “general damages” and are more difficult and abstract in their calculation. The specific value has many factors that are weighed when trying to come up with an actual amount: suffice it to say this is why it is important to have a good lawyer at your side to help you fight for the highest value for your pain and suffering along with making sure all of the medical bills are compiled appropriately to determine there absolute calculation.

After an amount is calculated that all parties can agree upon, the attorney’s fee, medical liens and other out-of-pocket expenses must be considered before the client will know what they are getting specifically as their net settlement. Generally the attorneys fee is a third of the settlement: after the medical liens and any money that is owed to health insurance the Balance that remains will be the clients net settlement. In our firm we are always very clear before settlement about what the client will receive as their net settlement before we suggest or advise them to settle or go to trial.

If you have been injured in an accident in Massachusetts call Brabant & Huynh LLP at 617-934-0913 for your FREE accident evaluation. We are located in Quincy and Dorchester and serve the greater Boston area. We will be glad to help you evaluate your case and ease the burden of going through the process.

Spring is here and motorcyclists are getting back out on the road. There are inherent risks to riding a motorcycle. Some of the risks unique to motorcycle riding include:

• Low visibility– the smaller size of motorcycles can lead to easily missing seeing one in your mirrors or blind spot. This is especially true on highways where people change lanes often and at intersections.
• Road Hazards – potholes, random objects, wet pavement and uneven road surfaces can cause a motorcycle accident.
• Less protection on a motorcycle – Unlike passengers in a car, bikers are not protected by a container of metal. Motorcycles also don’t have seatbelts, and most don’t have airbags. Wearing a motorcycle helmet can offer some protection to bikers, and motorcyclists who don’t wear helmets are more likely to die in an accident than those that do.
• Stability – Vehicles with two wheels are less stable than those with four, especially during emergency braking and swerving. Also, some motorcycle accidents are caused by front wheel “wobble” that can occur at high speeds.
• Skill – Riding a motorcycle requires a high level of skill. Unskilled riders account for a disproportionate number of motorcycle accidents.

While riding a motorcycle can be risky, riders can take steps to make trips safer. By getting professional training, being aware of and avoiding road hazards, maintaining the bike, not sharing lanes with cars and wearing protective clothing and head gear, riders can decrease their risk of accidents.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Massachusetts call Brabant & Huynh LLP at 617-934-0913 for your motocycle accident evaluation. We are located in Quincy and Dorchester and serve the greater Boston area. We will be glad to help you evaluate your case and ease the burden of going through the process.

Motorcycle accidents can be extremely serious and can cause grave, even fatal injuries. Determining who is at fault can be extremely difficult but crucial to obtaining damages for the accident. There are two types of damages to prove: compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages cover medical bills, rehabilitation, loss of property and loss of wages either present or future. In the case of a death, the funeral expenses would be covered under this type of damage. Punitive damages are are intended to punish the responsible party for negligence.

According to Nolo.com, liability in most motorcycle accidents is governed by the law of “negligence.” A person is negligent when he or she behaves in a thoughtless or careless manner and causes injury to another person. A driver (both in autos and motorcycles) must use care to avoid injuring other motorists, passengers, or pedestrians — basically, anyone that he or she encounters on the road. If a driver is not reasonably careful and injures someone as a result, the driver is liable for injuring the accident victim. Some examples of negligence include: speeding, failure to stop at lights or signs, failure to use mirrors, aggressive driving or driving under the influence.

There are four major elements to look at a negligence claim. The plaintiff (the person suing or making the claim) must show that:

• The law required the defendant (the person who is being sued) to be reasonably careful. In car and motorcycle accident cases, this is a given. Motorists must exercise care when riding or driving.
• The defendant was not careful. In determining if the defendant was careful, the law compares the driver’s conduct to that of a “reasonable person.”
• The defendant’s conduct caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
• The plaintiff was injured or suffered losses. If the motorcyclist didn’t get hurt or can’t prove any damages, he or she can’t recover anything, even if the defendant behaved in a careless manner.

If you are unsure who should pay damages be sure to hire legal representation to investigate the events of the crash. Legal counsel can interview witnesses, investigate police reports and provide an accurate accident reconstruction to prove liability.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle in Massachusetts and are having trouble proving liability, call Brabant & Huynh LLP at 617-934-0913 for your motorcycle accident evaluation. We are located in Quincy and Dorchester and serve the greater Boston area. We will be glad to help you evaluate your case and ease the burden of going through the process.

If someone is injured in a car accident in Massachusetts, there is something called the Tort Threshold that must be met in order to present an injury claim against the responsible driver’s insurance company for the person’s injuries. The threshold is $2000 dollars in medical bills. If the bills are less than $2000 dollars, no bodily injury claim may be made against the responsible vehicle’s insurance. The injured person’s PIP or no fault insurance will simply cover the bills: case closed.

But if the bills are $2000 or greater, that person may make a claim against the at fault parties insurance company. The no fault laws preclude you from making a claim for pain and suffering damages against the party responsible for causing a car accident unless you meet the tort threshold. The threshold is met when you suffer a broken bone, an injury that causes a disfiguring scar, a permanent eye injury, permanent hearing damage, or have medical bills that total more than $2,000. If you meet this threshold, you may make a personal injury or tort claim against the person who caused the crash.

If you need help with a car accident or have a question about whether you reached the tort threshold for your case, please call the car accident attorneys at Brabant & Huynh LLP at 617-934-0913. Our Car Accident Lawyers are located in Quincy and Dorchester and we will be glad to offer you a free evaluation and ease the burden of going through the process.

The Boston Herald reported that a “Swampscott garbage-truck driver” has been charged by Boston Police with “leaving the scene of a fatal accident” after he hit and killed a bicyclist in Charlestown yesterday.

The truck driver is being arraigned in Charlestown Municipal Court in connection with the car accident which was near the intersection of Cambridge and Spice streets, near Sullivan Square.

The Herald reported that “[p]olice rushed to the scene at 1:40 p.m. yesterday after someone called and reported the cyclist had been struck. The victim, a man whose name police have not released, was pronounced dead at the scene.”

The truck was tracked down which led to the identity of the driver.

Victims of accidents like this one often lead to many expenses like medical bills, lost income, or any costs related to injuries or death. In addition to the mounting physical and emotion distress, victims can feel helpless while their crushing financial burden keeps adding up. Enlisting the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer is the best course of action in these tragic situations. At the law offices of Brabant & Huynh LLP, our team of Accident Attorneys have nearly 15 years of experience handling all types of personal injury cases and assisting clients in receiving the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, call one of our attorneys today for a free initial consultation and case evaluation. Our lawyers are available around the clock to answer any questions about your case, and all consultations are free and confidential.

By publishing this information on this Web site, the Boston, Massachusetts law firm of Brabant & Huynh LLP is not claiming to represent any clients or cases mentioned here. The content provided is designed to inform readers and is not intended as legal advice.

The Patriot Ledger recently reported that a person driving a motorcycle was transported to the South Shore Hospital with injuries after “going off Oldham Street and crashing in a wooded area.”

The article stated that ” Pembroke police received a 911 call just before 7 p.m. Sunday reporting a motorcycle accident near the intersection of Oldham Street and Mariah’s Path.” The accident reconstruction unit from the State Police are currently investigating the crash.

Motorcycle Accidents like this one are clear reminders of the dangers of motorcycles and the need of the motorcyclist to always be vigilant and alert to his surroundings since any slip or mishap can lead to serious and irrevocable consequences. And if an accident does occur, it is critical for you to know your rights.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Massachusetts call Brabant & Huynh LLP at 617-934-0913 for your motorcycle accident evaluation. Our Accident Lawyers are located in Quincy and Dorchester and serve the greater Boston area. Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys will be glad to help you evaluate your case and ease the burden of going through the process.

Several years ago the Massachusetts Courts increased the Small Claims cap from $2,000 to $7000 dollars. An exception to the cap has always been made for property damage caused by a motor vehicle. But now with the increase in the Small Claims Cap, some people are now bringing suit for their car accident injury claims in small claims when the medical bills are minimal ($2000-$3000) The person bringing the suit has the option to file suit in the District court where either the Plaintiff or Defendant lives or has her/his place of business or employment. To file suit, all you need to do is obtain the appropriate form, called the Statement of Claim and Notice, from the Small Claims Clerk in your district.

One reason a car accident victim might choose to file in the small claims session is because of the quickness of resolution of the case for the plaintiff. If he were to file a car accident injury case in the normal civil docket, it could take years to get a trial date after months of paperwork and depositions, but by filing in the small claims session, a trial date can usually be given in months if not weeks and most of this discovery is waived. Many times the insurance company Defense attorneys will try to remove the car accident case from the small claims session to the regular civil docket, which is why you will need a lawyer to help argue for keeping the car accident case in the small claims session. The insurance companies know that they benefit most from having car accident cases dragged through the long process of a normal civil docket case. Of course, if you feel your car accident case may be worth more than $7000 dollars, then filing in the Small Claims Session would not be advisable or warranted. That is why it is best to review all of your medical records and bills with your lawyer to determine what is the best course of action to take for your car accident.

Also, many times, if an action is one for which double or treble (triple) damages are permitted by law, the limit may be increased to $14,000 for double damages and $21,000 for treble (triple) damages.

If you need help with a car accident or have a question about whether a claim should be brought in Small Claims Court, please call the car accident attorneys at Brabant & Huynh LLP at 617-934-0913. Our Car Accident Lawyers are located in Quincy and Dorchester and we will be glad to offer you a free evaluation and ease the burden of going through the process.

In a recent article by NPR, Does Google Glass Distract Drivers? The Debate is on, The question of whether Google Glass will have a substantially enhancing or distracting effect on drivers is considered. One focus of the article is the new legislative body that is rising around this new technology. Ira Silverstein, a Democratic state senator from Illinois is quoted by saying, “Yeah, it’s hands-free, but it can affect your vision” and he has drafted “a bill that says using Glass distracts drivers. “The first offense would be a misdemeanor. The second offense if, God forbid causes death, could be a felony.””

The power and sway of the car insurance companies have not come down of one side yet regarding their position on Glass, but so far eight states ”have proposed legislation banning the use of Google Glass on the road. In West Virginia, Republican state Delegate Gary Howell says lawmakers need to act before Glass gets out of hand.”

Some people may think that these laws are restricting the use of a device that would enhance and even help with the driving experience. The company itself is sending lobbyists around the country to educate others about the product.

One particular spokesman for Google, Chris Dale, says Glass can actually help drivers. ”It’s actually not distracting, and it allows you — rather than looking down at your phone, you’re looking up and you’re engaging with the world around you. It was specifically designed to do that: to get you the technology you need, just when you need it, but then to get out of your way.”

If and when car accidents occur while the driver is wearing Google Glass, liability issues will certainly arise that will have a significant effect on apportioning fault and finding causation between the negligence of the driver and the effect of the device on the driver. The next few years will tell of how this plays out in the court system with litigation revealing how this product is understood: one that enhances or distracts the driving experience.

If you need help with a car accident or have a liability question please call the car accident attorneys at Brabant & Huynh LLP at 617-934-0913. Our Lawyers are located in Quincy and Dorchester and we will be glad to offer you a free evaluation and ease the burden of going through the process.

USA Today recently reported that “Nissan is recalling 1 million vehicles because the air bag system software might not be able to tell whether there is a person sitting in the front passenger seat, so the air bag might not inflate in a crash.”

Nissan admitted in documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration they received three reports of air bags failing to inflate in a crash.

The USA Today article noted that the “recent action involves what’s called the occupant classification system, which judges whether anyone is sitting in the passenger’s seat in order to decide whether to inflate the bag if there is a crash.”

It was noted that the airbag system may not deploy when there is a “high engine vibration at idle when the seat is initially empty and then becomes occupied, or unusual occupant seating postures immediately upon being seated.” Accidents occur and it is critical that the safety systems in place are working to protect the occupants inside if there is a car accident. Recalls occur for many reasons: some for defects that are minor and some for defects that are serious and deadly in nature. It is always important to be aware if there is any recall notice on your vehicle and to take it into a dealership for service and repair. Companies will fix the recall defect free of charge in most if not all cases.

If you need help with a car accident or have a question about a vehicle recall that was in an accident, please call the car accident attorneys at Brabant & Huynh LLP at 617-934-0913. Our Car Accident Lawyers are located in Quincy and Dorchester and we will be glad to offer you a free evaluation and ease the burden of going through the process.

Consumer Reports recently had an article titled “The road to self-driving cars” in which they detailed the current and future technologies that are paving the pathway to totally self driving car.

A scenario they lay out as being a reality now is stated as:

“You get into your car in the morning and start to back out of the driveway. Suddenly you hear a warning sound, telling you that a vehicle coming down the street will intersect your path. Your car applies the brakes on its own while the vehicle passes harmlessly by. You continue to drive and get on the highway, then press a button, take your hands off the wheel, and reach for your coffee. The car takes over the steering, centering itself in the lane and following the vehicle ahead at a safe distance. As you reach your exit, you take back control and get off the highway. Another car cuts you off at an intersection, however, and your car immediately sounds an alert and applies the brakes, avoiding a collision. When you reach your destination, you get out of the car and press a button, and the vehicle parks itself.”

This scenario is not a fairy tale, but is now present in all of today’s “production vehicles or in prototypes being tested on public roads”. Many scientists and engineers in this field of research and expertise contend that by taking the variable of human error out of the equation, car accidents will be significantly minimized to what they would like to see go down to zero.

All of this begs the question though, when there is a car accident, who ultimately will be responsible? The driver or the vehicle? The Consumer Report Article admits that “approval of autonomous vehicles may be challenging in our legal and regulatory climate [and] the answer will be developed over time, as will the impact on insurance liability, and it may depend on the situation.” Doubtless, there will be new bodies of law formed around this new advancement in technology and many contentious cases will be litigated by lawyers, paving the way for new rules of the road to help determine liability and payment of damages when injuries do occur from car accidents.

The article concludes that “[d]espite the challenges, using leading-edge technology to replace our current system that “consists of old, poorly maintained vehicles operated by poorly trained, easily distracted, unsupervised individuals has a lot of potential for safety gains.””

If you need help with a car accident or have a liability question regarding an injury please call the car accident attorneys at Brabant & Huynh LLP at 617-934-0913. We are located in Quincy and Dorchester and we will be glad to offer you a free evaluation and ease the burden of going through the process.

When an injury claim, such as a car accident, is settled with an insurance company in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, that company is required by law to run a check with the Department of Revenue (DOR) to see if there are any MassHealth Liens, Child Support Liens or Back Taxes owed to the Commonwealth.

Herein we will focus on whether a MassHealth Lien should be paid out of the settlement. Many times the settlement adjuster will say, when the case is settled, that there is a lien and that the amount of the lien will be deducted from the settlement and a check for said amount will be issued to the commonwealth. But this is not the only means of paying off the MassHealth Lien. For instance, if there is any money remaining under the PIP provision of the claimants policy or even under the optional Medical Payments portion of their policy, you can tell the adjuster to hold off on issuing the settlement check until you have resolved the lien by having it paid under PIP or MedPay.

Thereafter, you must request a breakdown from MassHealth concerning all paid services to determine whether the medical treatment was related to the accident, because MassHealth is only entitled to monies paid out related to the injuries sustained from the accident. If the injuries are not related, MassHealth will waive the lien, if they are, you must take the breakdown, obtain the medical records related to the treatment and submit them to the PIP adjuster for payment which they will promptly pay if there is funding under the 8K PIP provision or the MedPay provision.

MassHealth Liens can cause a hefty dint in one’s settlement if the right procedures are not followed. This is why it is valuable and important to retain a lawyer to help make sure every step is followed correctly to retain the value of your injury claim.

If you need help with a car accident or have a Mass Health question please call the car accident attorneys at Brabant & Huynh LLP at 617-934-0913. Our Car Accident Lawyers are located in Quincy and Dorchester and we will be glad to offer you a free evaluation and ease the burden of going through the process.

The Boston Herald reported that suddenly and without warning, a car popped the curb and plowed into “[t]hree pedestrians [who] suffered serious injuries at a passenger pickup area at Logan International Airport.”

The Herald reported that a black 1995 Lexus was “stopped in the Terminal C pickup area about 4:30 p.m. when,…it drove over the curb and struck the victims”, causing them serious injuries whereby one victim was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital while the other two were taken to Tufts Medical Center. The driver of the Lexus was immediately interviewed about the car accident with the pedestrians.

Terminal C is one of the busiest Terminals at Logan Airport and this incident highlights the need for all to be cognizant of our surroundings, especially while we are traveling. It also should remind us of the importance to be sufficiently covered by our own insurance policies so, when in a case like this, where there is a car that causes multiple injuries to multiple victims, and there may not be enough coverage to pay for all of the injured victims, each injured person could then seek coverage under their own underinsurance provisions of their own policies once the at fault parties insurance was depleted.

If you need help with a car accident or have a coverage question please call the car accident attorneys at Brabant & Huynh LLP at 617-934-0913. Our Car Accident Lawyers are located in Quincy and Dorchester and we will be glad to offer you a free evaluation and ease the burden of going through the process.

Settling a car accident through insurance is the most straightforward way to sort out payment and liability in the case of a collision. Although it is not always ideal to settle without one or both insurance companies, it is fairly common since many people do not want to face an increase in premium. Here are some things to consider when attempting to resolve a car accident on your own.

• Exchange information at the scene of the accident including: name, number, address, drivers license number, and plate numbers. Jot down the make and model and a complete description of the damage. If you can take a photo of the area and damage even better. If there were any witnesses you should get their information as well.
• Fill out and report the accident with the police. This may help with fault and is a complete description of what happened in the words of both drivers.
• Get written quotes from mechanics, preferably 2-3 estimates for both your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle. This will give each party a clear idea of the real amount that will be the bottom line.
• Document any communication including emails, conversations that you have about payment for damages with the other driver. Have each person sign each document for confirmation. Any mail that is sent should be done with a signature confirmation.
• Have a legal agreement drafted by your lawyer or reviewed by your lawyer and signed by a notary. The agreement should include payment amount, payment plan, fault, and copies for each party. Keep copies of all of these documents in case the agreement falls apart or either party changes their mind. In the case of an injury you will need to consider whether the potential bills will outweigh the insurance premium bump.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Massachusetts with an uninsured motorist, call Brabant & Huynh LLP at 617-934-0913 for your auto accident evaluation. We are located in Quincy and Dorchester and serve the greater Boston area. We will be glad to help you evaluate your case and ease the burden of going through the process.

The Patriot Ledger reported that a car while on Crown Colony Drive in Quincy veered off the road and “slid down the embankment behind the BJ’s…and hit a parked car.” Thereafter, two people were taken to the South Shore Hospital for their injuries.

Unexpected events like this occur more than we realize and the Quincy Attorneys at Brabant & Huynh LLP understand the need for drivers to be properly insured when incidents like this occur, so that any loss that results is properly and adequately covered.

And not only is coverage an imperative and critical concern, but also the cooperation of the insurance companies involved to pay out their respective coverages in a fair and timely manner for the benefit of the insured and his claimants. This is an issue of great importance to the people involved who want nothing more than to be put back in the position they were in before the accident. This is why it is of the utmost importance to consult with an attorney before you speak with your insurance company: so your attorney can help protect your interests and make sure nothing gets taken out of context to help you retain the value of your case.

If you need help with a car accident or have a coverage question please call the car accident attorneys at Brabant & Huynh LLP at 617-934-0913. We are located in Quincy and Dorchester and we will be glad to offer you a free evaluation and ease the burden of going through the process.

The Boston Herald recently reported that the Boston police arrested an individual who is a retired Cambridge cop and that he will be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court “on a charge of leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident causing personal injury” regarding a hit-and-run accident in the area of Symphony Hall in Boston. The alleged victim, was treated at Boston Medical Center with serious and life-threatening injuries.

The Herald reported that “Boston police said the victim was struck about 6 a.m. outside an MBTA station on Massachusetts Avenue and that the driver of a gray Mercury Marquis sedan driven by a man “fled the scene.”” Quincy police found the vehicle very shortly after at an apartment complex on Cove Avenue, where public records show retired cop lives.

Hit and Run cases like this one are an ensample for us and highlight the need for each person who has a Massachusetts car insurance policy to purchase optional and extra uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage so when something bad like this happens, the policyholder and all of their household members will be protected by that extra uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If the at fault vehicle only had the compulsory Bodily Injury Limits of $20K per person then it would be critical in a case like this to have the extra underinsured motorist coverage which can be added on once the Bodily Injury limits of $20K were issued to the injured party.

If you need help with a car accident or an underinsured motorist coverage question please call the car accident attorneys at Brabant & Huynh LLP at 617-934-0913 for your car accident where we are located in Quincy and Dorchester and we will be glad to offer you a free evaluation and ease the burden of going through the process.

The Boston Herald reported that the MBTA is eyeing signals for the “century-old Green Line” in light of the recent crash where a trolley became derailed and injured 10 or 11 people and caused more than “$1 million in damage to the train”.

Transportation Secretary, Richard A. Davey, stated, “We are looking at improving the signal system on the Green Line…No system is foolproof. I’m not sure that even if we had that system, that this accident would have been avoided. That is part of the investigation.”

The Boston Herald noted that it was understood that speed was a factor in the cause of the recent crash but the T had not publicly identified the driver.

If you have been injured in an MBTA related accident, call Brabant & Huynh LLP at 617-934-0913 for your free claim evaluation We are located in Quincy and Dorchester and serve the greater Boston area. We will be glad to help you evaluate your case and ease the burden of going through the process.

In most car accidents it is important to prove who made the error or in legal insurance terms who is negligent. Unfortunately, your viewpoint may not match the driver of the other car. Instead of arguing at the side of the road there are several ways to build your case for who was responsible. Here are some post accident suggestions for making your case with your insurance company.

• Take detailed notes at the scene of the accident including: damage done to each vehicle. the date, time, street names, weather conditions and names of other witnesses.
• Use your mobile device to document the scene of the accident. Photos can help prove your case and tell the story of the accident. Take detailed pictures of not just the damage but the overall scene and close ups of any skid marks and collateral damage.
• Police Reports are possibly the most important document proving who is responsible. All parties involved write their detailed description of the collision. In addition the responding officer gives his unbiased opinion in his detailed description of any traffic laws that were violated and any citations that were issued.
• State traffic laws are also an excellent place to support your argument that the other driver was at fault. Also called the vehicle code or the Rules of the Road, these laws are available at your local DMV and online under FindLaw Codes.
• Witness statements signed and notarized may help bolster your case for defining liability.
• Common accidents such as rear end accidents and left turn accidents will almost always be one drivers fault and not the other. Rear end accidents are almost always the fault of the driver in the back while left hand turn accidents are almost always the fault of the driver taking the turn.

If you believe you are not at fault for your collision: take notes, pictures, file a police report and do your research. These steps are the keys to collecting compensation for injuries, wages lost and property damage.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Massachusetts and are having trouble proving liability, call Brabant & Huynh LLP at 617-934-0913 for your auto accident evaluation. We are located in Quincy and Dorchester and serve the greater Boston area. We will be glad to help you evaluate your case and ease the burden of going through the process.

Car accidents in Quincy increased to some extent this past year of 2013, according to the Quincy Heard-Whig at around 4 percent. In 2012, 1,150 accidents occurred which was the lowest in the last 10 years, but rose to more than 1,170 in 2013.

Along with the increase of accidents in 2013, injuries were on the rise as well. According to the statistical data, there were more than 200 accidents resulting in some 270 injuries for the year — an increase of close to 40 injury crashes and nearly 70 injuries from the prior year.

There were three people killed in traffic accidents in Quincy in 2013 with two of them occurring in motorcycle accidents.

This current appraisal of the accident statistics in Quincy should give us pause so that we can reflect on the need for safe and alert driving habits. You must constantly be cognizant of your surroundings – the cars around you, your speed and potential hazards.

Our Car Accident attorneys in downtown Quincy Center and Dorchester know the importance of safe driving habits. Always remember to make sure everyone is buckled in before you shift into drive. Remember to adjust your rear view and side mirrors before going out onto the roadway. Always use blinkers when turning or changing lanes. These few reminders and safety adjustments could wind up saving your life.

Recent Statistics in Quincy:

Quincy city streets saw a slight decrease in traffic accidents in January. There were 110 accidents on city streets during the month, four less than were reported during December. There were 15 accidents that resulted in 18 injuries.

Quincy police officers wrote 53 speeding tickets and 25 seat belt tickets. There were nine DUI arrests, which included two DUI accidents. Speed was a factor in 43 of the accidents during the month. The intersection of Eighth and Broadway near downtown Quincy had the most accidents with three crashes. Five other intersections had at least two accidents.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Quincy, Massachusetts, call Brabant & Huynh LLP at 617-934-0913 for your auto accident. We are located in Quincy and Dorchester and serve the greater Boston area. We will be glad to help you evaluate your case and ease the burden of going through the process.

The average American motorist does not envision being in an accident when they leave their driveway. Unfortunately every 10 seconds drivers find themselves in the frustrating and sometimes tragic position of dealing with a car accident. On average, there are more than 6 million car accidents on the roads of the US, annually. An equal number go unreported.

Human life is obviously the greatest price paid in any car accident but new statistics are out that look at the claims cost as well. New findings from the Insurance Research Council’s (IRC) 2011 Trends in Auto Injury Claims report indicate that insurance claim costs countrywide have recently increased, reversing previous trends of declining or relatively stable costs.

In 2012, the average auto liability claim for property damage was $3,073; the average auto liability claim for bodily injury was $14,653.

In 2012, the average collision claim was $2,950; the average comprehensive claim was $1,585.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) releases information about the frequency and types of accidents based on a compilation of statistics from the National Highway Institute. Lets look at some of the results including the statistics on the number of lives saved from auto safety features.

Automobile fatalities have been on a downward trend over the last decade. However, in 2012 there was a 3.3% increase. This is the first since 2005. (Up 145,000 more injuries than 2011.)

Despite the general downward trend in overall fatalities in recent years – pedestrian and motorcycle fatalities have shown an upward trend. (6-7% increase)

Alcohol Impaired Driving has also increased by 4.6% in 2012. The numbers indicate an alcohol impaired accident every 51 minutes in 2012.

Despite the increase in accident claims, fatalities and alcohol induced accidents, there are some positive statistics pointing toward smarter driving and safety features.

• In 2012 the use of safety belts saved an estimated 12,174 lives.
• 2,213 lives were saved by front crash air bags.
• 1,699 lives were saved by the use of motorcycle helmets..
• 525 lives were saved by states adopting a 21 year old drinking limit.
• 284 lives were also saved by the correct installation and use of child restraint features.

While these statistics do not paint a positive picture there are steps that every motorist can take to make themselves safer behind the wheel. Look back for our next blog on Defensive Driving to help you and your passengers avoid serious injury.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Massachusetts, call Brabant & Huynh LLP at 617-934-0913 for your auto accident. We are located in Quincy and Dorchester and serve the greater Boston area. We will be glad to help you evaluate your case and ease the burden of going through the process.

Driving is such an important part of American life. Whether it is the daily commute to work or just a Sunday drive for fun, Americans are fond of their cars and serious about driving. Fortunately, innovations over the past years have made U.S. roads and highways safer for all of us. Unfortunately, if you’ve been out on the roads, you know that not everyone drives well. Some people speed aggressively. Others wander into another lane because they aren’t paying attention. Drivers may follow too closely, make sudden turns without signaling, or weave in and out of traffic.

While you cannot control the drivers who are aggressive, distracted, intoxicated or inconsiderate – you can be aware of the dangers and avoid them by fine tuning your defensive driving techniques. Here are a few tips to follow next time you head out on the road.

• Stay Focused and Alert – There’s a lot to think about when a driver gets behind the wheel such as speed, traffic laws, signalling, road conditions, directions and the list goes on. Make sure all other “thinking tasks” such as eating, drinking, talking on the phone and most definitely, texting are not on your “To-Do” List while driving.
• Anticipate – Watch other cars on the road and be aware of speeders and aggressive drivers. Be prepared to slow down, swerve or change lanes if you notice such drivers near you. Check your mirrors frequently and scan conditions 20 to 30 seconds ahead of you. Keep your eyes moving. Also, keep an eye on pedestrians, bicyclists, and pets along the road.
• Keep a Safe Distance – Since the greatest chance of a collision is in front of you, using the 3- to 4-second rule will help you establish and maintain a safe following distance and provide adequate time for you to brake to a stop if necessary. But this rule only works in normal traffic under good weather conditions. In bad weather, increase your following distance an additional second for each condition such as rain, fog, nighttime driving, or following a large truck or motorcycle.
• Think Safety First – Always wear your seatbelt and require that passengers do so as well. Maintain a speed that is appropriate for the road you are on. Keep your windshield and windows clear of snow, leaves or other debris. Make sure your tires and brakes are maintained and checked regularly.
• Be a Role Model – Don’t let an aggressive driver make you react in a way that could put you or your passengers at risk. Most states including Massachusetts offer Defensive driving Courses that may even lower your insurance costs. Check with your local RMV for more information.

If you have been injured in a car accident, call Brabant & Huynh LLP at 617-934-0913 for your auto accident and get a free Claim evaluation. We are located in Quincy and Dorchester and serve the greater Boston area. We will be glad to help you evaluate your case and ease the burden of going through the process.