Although the U.S. News and World Report ranked Massachusetts the number 1 state in the U.S. in 2017, Boston drivers were just ranked the worst drivers for a third year in a row. A report just issued on America’s best drivers in 2017 had Boston, Massachusetts dead last out of 200 U.S. cities. This report considered and compared the amount of car accident claims and the number of years between claims in the 200 largest cities in America. Worcester, Massachusetts wasn’t far behind Boston and was ranked 198 out of the 200 U.S. cities studied in the report. That puts Worcester at the number 3 spot for America’s worst drivers.
This Report is Proof That Accidents Happen Often in Massachusetts
With the 2017 report ranking Boston the worst drivers in the U.S. and Worcester drivers the third worst, it should go without saying that we all must be cautious when driving. In the hustle and bustle of city life, especially now in 2017, everyone gets stressed and frustrated. Most of us in Massachusetts know what it’s like to sit in traffic every morning whether it’s on the Mass Pike, I-93 or 128 (I-95).
Life gets hectic. A lot of people commuting into cities like Boston and Worcester are trying to do a million things while driving. With deadlines and the pressures of work, it is very frustrating to sit in traffic thinking you are going to be late for work or a meeting. This can lead to risky driving. When I’m heading into Court in the mornings I look around at some of the other cars and see drivers eating breakfast, putting on makeup and, of course, on their cell phones, talking and texting. Drivers probably don’t consider it at the time, but trying to do all these things in the stop and go traffic in Boston and Worcester significantly increase the probability of causing and being injured in a car crash.
Be Prepared if You Are Hurt in a Motor Vehicle Accident
Nobody ever expects to be involved in a car accident. Our mornings and evenings start out the same, for the most part. We are trying to get to work or home with a ton of things on our minds. The last thing anyone expects is to be hurt in an accident. But, it is better to be prepared if it does happen especially with the probability appearing much higher in cities like Boston and Worcester.
If you are injured in a car accident, it is important to take the proper steps in order to protect yourself. The following is a summary of some crucial steps to follow after a crash:
First, we recommend calling 911 after a car crash. This will summons the police and an ambulance for anyone who has been hurt in the accident. The police generally prepare a motor vehicle crash report that will document the scene and witnesses that will be helpful later on in a bodily injury claim.
Next, we advise accident victims not to speak with the other driver’s insurance company. Before any consideration is given to the amount of money an injured party should be compensated, a decision must be made as to who caused the accident. Insurance companies love to try and speak to accident victims right away after a crash and get a statement. The adjusters from these insurance companies are trained to take statements and illicit certain responses from accident victims that can be used against them later to either deny their bodily injury claim or attribute some portion of fault to them in order to reduce the amount of money they may pay out.
Lastly, it is always advisable for anyone injured in a car accident to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. An attorney, who is familiar and experienced in handling car accident cases, can help accident victims avoid the many pitfalls that someone can fall into that can hurt their claim. A lawyer can also properly advise an injured party on what should be done and what should not be done in pursuit of compensation for injuries. Most of all, a personal injury lawyer can help protect the rights of their clients and fight to get them the money they deserve.
You must understand that insurance companies do not just hand out money to people injured in car accidents. Sure, if your injuries are minor it may not seem like a big deal. But, in a situation where someone is severely injured, following the right steps may make the difference between getting fairly compensated in a timely manner, not being compensated at all, and/or having to fight for the financial compensation you are entitled to. We have seen plenty of crashes that leave people with severe injuries, including broken bones, torn ligaments, and traumatic head injuries. These injuries can result in significant medical bills and expenses as well as missed time at work and lost wages. This not only impacts the injured party, but also their family.
We Are Here To Help
If you, or someone you know, is injured in a motor vehicle accident, feel free to contact us with any questions. We are here to help. For additional information check out the Important Steps to Take After a Massachusetts Car Accident.
To schedule a free appointment and case evaluation call us at (508) 879-3500 or contact us online. We are happy to help and answer your questions.
