Can I sue for a car accident in Massachusetts?

Which law covers a car accident claim in Massachusetts?

governing statute

M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

Is Massachusetts a no-fault state?

who pays first

Massachusetts is a no-fault state. Your own policy pays the medical bills whoever caused the crash, and you may sue the other driver for pain and suffering only if reasonable medical expenses come to more than $2,000, or the injury causes death, permanent and serious disfigurement, a fractured bone, or substantial loss of hearing or sight. Under that line the claim against them is barred however plainly they were at fault. (M.G.L. c. 231, § 6D)

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

Across the country. 9 of the 51 states written up answer this the same way as Massachusetts. Compare every state →

What happens if you were partly at fault for the crash in Massachusetts?

your share of the fault

You recover unless your share of the fault is greater than everyone else's put together. Fifty percent still recovers, fifty-one recovers nothing, and below the bar the award is cut by your percentage. (M.G.L. c. 231, § 85)

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

Across the country. 24 of the 51 states written up answer this the same way as Massachusetts. Compare every state →

How long do you have to sue after a car accident in Massachusetts?

limit

3 years

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

Across the country. 18 of the 51 states written up answer this the same way as Massachusetts. The shortest is 1 year, as in Tennessee; the longest is 6 years, as in Maine. Compare every state →

How much can you sue for in Massachusetts small claims court?

small claims limit

$7,000

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

exceptions: The limit does not apply at all to a claim for property damage caused by a motor vehicle.

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.