Boston Injury Lawyer Blog

February 22, 2025

Winter Weather Hazards and Preventing Accidents on Massachusetts Roads

Winter in Massachusetts brings unique challenges to drivers, with icy roads, snow glare, and hidden dangers creating hazardous conditions. A recent incident in Brookfield underscores how dangerous these conditions can become. A large sheet of ice flew off the top of a passing tractor-trailer, smashing into a van and leaving the driver injured. This terrifying event highlights how preventable winter weather accidents can be—and why all drivers must take precautions to ensure safety on the road.

Understanding the causes of winter-related car accidents and taking proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Whether it’s clearing snow from your vehicle or recognizing the dangers of reduced visibility, awareness and action are critical during colder months.

Unique Causes of Winter Weather Accidents

Winter driving introduces conditions that are absent in warmer months. While snow and ice on roads are the most commonly recognized hazards, other factors also contribute to accidents.

Flying Ice and Snow Debris

As the Brookfield case shows, snow and ice falling from vehicles can cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities. When drivers fail to clear their cars correctly, chunks of ice can break loose at high speeds and strike other cars. Massachusetts law requires drivers to remove snow and ice from vehicles to prevent such incidents, but compliance is not always guaranteed.

February 20, 2025

What Massachusetts Victims Should Know About Pedestrian Accidents on Private Property

by Altman & Altman

Pedestrian accidents are alarming under any circumstances, but when they occur on private property, they raise additional legal and practical concerns. A recent case in West Roxbury highlights these challenges. A car struck two pedestrians and crashed into the front yard of a home, damaging a Little Free Library in the process. While both pedestrians were conscious after the accident, one was taken to the hospital for treatment.

This case underscores critical issues related to accidents on private property, including questions of liability, the potential role of speeding, and the types of evidence needed to build a strong case. Understanding how Massachusetts law applies in such situations can help victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.

Who May Be Liable in Pedestrian Accidents on Private Property?

When a pedestrian is hit on private property, determining liability can be more complicated than accidents on public roads. In Massachusetts, liability generally depends on proving that the driver acted negligently. Speeding, distracted driving, or other reckless behaviors often play a significant role in pedestrian accidents, even on private property.

January 22, 2025

The Dangers Construction Workers Face: A Sobering Reminder from a Recent Boston Incident

by Altman & Altman

Construction workers play a vital role in shaping our cities, but their jobs come with inherent risks. A recent accident in Boston, where two construction workers were injured in a crash caused by an allegedly impaired driver, highlights the dangers construction workers face on a daily basis. For injured workers, the path to recovery is often complex, involving not only physical and emotional challenges but also legal and financial hurdles.

Facts of the Boston Incident

Two construction workers were injured in a Boston crash when a vehicle struck a construction zone. According to reports, the driver, who was later arrested, allegedly operated the vehicle while impaired. Both workers sustained injuries requiring medical attention, disrupting their lives and livelihoods.

This incident underscores the hazards construction workers encounter, not only from the physical demands of their work but also from external threats, such as unsafe drivers near work zones. For injured workers and their families, the aftermath often involves navigating the workers’ compensation system, seeking medical treatment, and, in some cases, pursuing additional legal claims.

January 12, 2025

Tricks Insurance Companies Use to Deny Your Personal Injury Claim

by Altman & Altman

When you file a personal injury claim, you expect the insurance company to fairly compensate you for your losses. Unfortunately, insurance companies often prioritize protecting their bottom line over fairly compensating accident victims. However, knowing the tactics they use to deny or undervalue claims can help you safeguard your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Common Strategies Insurance Companies Use to Undermine Claims

Delaying the Claims Process

One common tactic is to delay processing your claim, hoping you’ll become frustrated and accept a low settlement. Prolonged delays can create financial strain, especially if you’re dealing with medical bills or lost wages. Some claimants may even abandon their claim altogether due to frustration with the drawn-out process.

Questioning the Severity of Your Injuries

Insurance companies may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. They could request excessive documentation or use independent medical exams (IMEs) to challenge your medical diagnosis and treatment. By minimizing the impact of your injuries, they attempt to reduce the amount they owe you.

November 6, 2024

Independent Contractors and Work Injuries in Massachusetts, What Are Your Rights?

by Altman & Altman

The gig economy is booming, with more people working as independent contractors than ever before. While this employment model offers flexibility, it also raises questions about workers’ rights, especially regarding injuries sustained on the job. Unlike traditional employees, independent contractors often face challenges when seeking compensation for work-related injuries. Consider the following facts and figures:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2020, approximately 16 million people in the U.S. were classified as independent contractors.
Studies indicate that independent contractors may face higher injury rates compared to traditional employees due to less regulatory oversight and fewer safety resources.

September 24, 2024

Parking Lot Accidents

by Altman & Altman

Parking lots might seem like relatively safe places compared to busy streets, but they are frequent sites for accidents that can lead to serious injuries or property damage. In Massachusetts, where busy shopping centers, office buildings, and harsh winters can make parking lots particularly hazardous, understanding the nuances of parking lot accidents is critical for anyone involved in such an incident.

Massachusetts law requires drivers to maintain a minimum standard of care while driving anywhere, parking lots included. According to Massachusetts Traffic Safety Facts, over 500 parking lot accidents are reported each year, contributing to a significant number of minor and severe injuries.

Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents

September 24, 2024

How to Ensure Your Safety When Using Ride-Share Services

by Altman & Altman

Ride-share services have become integral to modern transportation, offering convenient and affordable options for travelers around the world. However, as the popularity of these services increases, so do concerns about passenger safety. Reports indicate a rise in incidents ranging from accidents to more serious safety breaches, including assaults. To ensure your safety while using ride-share services, it’s critical to take the following proactive steps and stay aware of your surroundings during rides.

Verify the Driver and Vehicle

Before entering the vehicle, take a moment to verify both the driver and the car:

June 5, 2024

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Massachusetts

by Altman & Altman

Dog bites can result in serious injuries and emotional trauma for victims. In Massachusetts, understanding the laws and regulations surrounding dog bites is important for both dog owners and those who have been injured. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States.
Nearly 1 in 5 dog bite victims requires medical attention.

May 20, 2024

Injuries Caused by Poorly Lit Stairways and Parking Lots

by Altman & Altman

Poorly lit stairways and parking lots pose serious safety hazards, increasing the risk of slips, trips, and falls that can lead to severe injuries. Whether you are walking down a flight of stairs at a Boston sporting event, parking your car at Copley place or walking in the various buildings/parking lots in Boston’s Seaport district, you should be aware of the possibility of poorly lit facility and stairwells. According to the National Safety Council, falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries in the United States, accounting for over 8 million emergency room visits annually.

Poor lighting can lead to other injuries as well. From strains and sprains to assaults, you may have grounds for a premises liability claim if you’ve been injured due to inadequate lighting in a public or private space. Here’s what you need to know:

The Importance of Adequate Lighting

March 5, 2024

Types of Premises Liability Cases in Massachusetts

by Altman & Altman

Premises liability cases arise when individuals suffer injuries due to dangerous conditions on someone else’s property. These cases can encompass various scenarios, from slip and fall accidents to dog bites and beyond.

Read on to explore some common types of premises liability cases and learn how victims can seek compensation for their injuries. If you’ve been injured by another’s negligence, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help.

Slip and Fall Accidents