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.
In a case that came down from the US District Court regarding when a motor vehicle insurance policy kicks into effect gives us an expansion of the term “use” when applied to motor vehicle insurance coverage.
Read MoreIn April 2015 the new Massachusetts headlight law went into effect. The law, M.G.L. Chapter 85, Section 15, requires that all drivers on public ways in Massachusetts turn on their headlights (and tail-lights) under the following conditions:
Read MoreIn the 2014 book, The Blameless Victim, by Harold S. Rhodes, we live with a suburban Boston family that was living a normal life before a tractor-trailer driver failed to pay attention and rammed into the rear end of Marcia Rhodes’ Toyota while she was on her way to work.
Read MoreSnow and snow plows are a way of life in Boston, especially when snow falls have paralyzed Boston businesses and schools. A snow plow can be a motor vehicle designed for that purpose or a truck outfitted with a plow. Regardless, a snow plow operator should be trained for the task and be cognizant of other vehicles and pedestrians when performing snow plow work. Unfortunately, because of weather, the size of the snow plow vehicle and difficulty in seeing pedestrians or motorists, snow plow accidents occur each winter, often resulting in serious injuries or death.
Read MoreCBS News correspondent Bob Simon was not wearing a seatbelt when he died in a motor vehicle collision in New York City the other day. Mr. Simon was in a Lincoln Town Car limousine, which was accelerating into traffic jam. Mr. Simon was pronounced dead at the hospital later in the evening. The driver and the other two passengers in the same vehicle were not critically injured.
Read MoreOne constant worry for drivers, regardless of age, location, or weather patterns, is the possibility of sharing the road with intoxicated drivers. That concern might increase around popular “drinking holidays” such as Independence Day, Labor Day, or New Year’s Eve. One fact that might put drivers across the Commonwealth at ease is that alcohol-related car accident deaths are on the decline in Massachusetts.
Read MoreIt’s winter and there is finally lots of snow! Snowmobilers are out enjoying winter. However, riders, passengers, and bystanders need to exercise caution because there are inherent risks of snowmobiling and accidents.
Read MoreAll Massachusetts drivers know that they are required to use headlights, beginning at dusk and ending at dawn. Many other states have more restrictive laws. Beacon Hill lawmakers are considering a bill to require that headlights be on at all times that “persons or vehicles on the roadway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet” and whenever windshield wipers are required. This bill has been introduced many times, however, becomes closer and closer to being a law each session. Many other states require that lights be on when windshield wipers are on, noted David Linsky, a Natick representative, the author of the bill.
Read MoreWhen someone is injured in a motor vehicle accident, PIP, or Personal Injury Protection insurance covers up to $8,000 of medical bills, regardless of who was at fault. This excellent no-fault medical coverage covers the full bill, unlike most medical insurance companies that negotiate the bill, and therefore has some say as to where you go for treatment, or what treatment is permissible. Because motor vehicles are inherently dangerous, this required insurance helps everyone who is injured get basic medical care following a collision.
Read MoreWe are all aware of the Massachusetts statute that requires everyone in a passenger motor vehicle to wear a seat belt. And we are all aware of the (minimal) civil penalties. Further, most folks are aware that Massachusetts’ seat belt law is “secondary,” meaning that a police officer cannot pull a driver over for apparent failure to wear a seat belt. A police officer can only give a ticket to someone neglecting to wear a seat belt if he or she was pulled over for some other “primary” reason.
Read More