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We have been practicing law in Boston and throughout Massachusetts since 1985. I have represented clients in District Courts, Superior Courts, the Appeals Court, Housing Court, Probate Courts, Federal Bankruptcy Court and the Federal District Court.
Rollover accidents generally result in catastrophic injuries if not death to the vehicle occupants. If the defendant responsible for the accident fled the scene, then the tragedy is compounded since a responsible party is evading responsibility. What are the dynamics of a rollover accident, and what can you do if your loved one was killed in a Massachusetts car accident that was a rollover and/or a hit-and-run accident?
The new Massachusetts distracted driving law goes into effect on February 23, 2020. Until April 1, 2020, traffic officers will only issue warnings to motorists who are observed to be talking or otherwise using a cellphone that is not hands-free to get them accustomed to the new law.
The update regarding Massachusetts laws on seatbelt usage is that there is no update. As it has stood since 1994 in most respects, all motorists and passengers must wear seat belts, however, law enforcement has no right to pull you over for your failure to buckle up. To be detained by a traffic officer and be cited for not wearing a seatbelt, and to cite you for any of your passengers failure to be restrained, you must have violated some other traffic law. This is known as secondary enforcement. If you are stopped for speeding or running a red light or for any other traffic code offense and the officer sees you are not belted, the fine is only $25. You pay an additional $25 for each passenger who is not wearing a seat belt.
Receiving news that your child has been involved in an accident is a parent’s worst nightmare. The parents of four middle school aged children did get such news in a hit-and-run car accident that occurred in Stoneham, Massachusetts a few months ago. Fortunately, none of the children were seriously injured.
What happens if your car is stolen and is involved in a property damage or even a serious injury car accident in Massachusetts? Are you liable for the damages and injuries? What about the damage to your car?