After a car accident, it’s important to understand your legal options before accepting an insurance settlement. At DOLAN CONNLY, P.C., our Boston car accident lawyers bring experience from both sides of personal injury claims, including insurance defense. We know how insurers investigate crashes, dispute liability, and evaluate compensation.
Since 2000, our firm has represented injured people throughout Massachusetts. We investigate accidents, handle insurance claims, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other losses caused by negligent drivers.
Why Injured Drivers in Boston Choose DOLAN CONNLY, P.C.
When hiring a Boston car accident attorney, you want more than someone who knows how to negotiate a settlement. You want a lawyer who understands how insurance companies build their defense, knows what it takes to prove your case in court, and takes a personal interest in the outcome. At DOLAN CONNLY, P.C., we’ve represented injured clients throughout Massachusetts since 2000, recovering millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.
- Experience on Both Sides of Insurance Claims: Our attorneys have represented insurance companies, giving us firsthand knowledge of how insurers evaluate injuries, investigate liability, and decide what to offer. We know which arguments to expect and how to challenge them with evidence.
- Proven Trial Experience: We’ve taken cases to Massachusetts District and Superior Courts and federal court, securing substantial verdicts in contested injury cases. Our attorneys prepare for the possibility of trial rather than relying on an insurance company’s willingness to settle.
- Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Led: Our firm is led by a former U.S. Marine Corps Judge Advocate General. That experience is reflected in the preparation, discipline, and attention to detail we bring to our cases.
- Direct Attorney Involvement: When you hire our firm, you work with an attorney from our legal team who stays involved in your case. You’ll receive updates, have your questions answered, and understand the important decisions before they’re made.
As a Boston personal injury law firm with offices in Boston and Pembroke, we represent clients throughout Greater Boston, including Quincy, Braintree, Brockton, Weymouth, and Milton. If your injuries prevent you from traveling, we can arrange to meet you at your home, hospital, or rehabilitation facility.
See Our Verdicts and Settlements
$1,006,330.03
Greg Connly of DOLAN CONNLY represented a client who was a former MBTA trolley operator and a member of the affiliated Union. She alleged in her lawsuit filed in Suffolk Superior Court that the Union had not advocated for her by failing to take her case to arbitration after she was wrongfully terminated by the MBTA. The client was a native of Haiti and alleged that this failure by the Union to advocate on her behalf, was based on her race and national origin. The client had been the subject of egregious discrimination from some members of the Union.
The trial began on October 29, 2018 in Suffolk Superior Court. The jury found in favor of the client and awarded her $490,500.00 in emotional distress damages. Prejudgment interest of $179,771.19 and statutory costs were added to the verdict bringing the total amount of the judgment to $670,556.19. The Judge then allowed an additional award of attorney’s fees in the amount of $150,000.00 plus $8,733.40 in costs. The total amount of the judgment and fees owed to the client after the Superior Court trial was $829,289.59. The Union then appealed the verdict to the Massachusetts Court of Appeals. Greg Connly represented the client during the entire appeal process. On August 4, 2020, a decision came down from the Massachusetts Appeals Court. The Appeals Court upheld the Superior Court judgment. Further, the Appeals Court awarded attorney’s fees in the Appeals Court case in the amount of $27,355.00. Post-judgment interest that accrued during the appeal was also added.
On November 24, 2020, the Union paid to the client the amount of $1,006,330.03.
This case that was handled by Attorney Greg Connly of DOLAN CONNLY went from one on the verge of dismissal, to one in which there was a recovery in excess of a million dollars. No settlement offer had ever been made by the Union prior to the Superior Court trial.
$4,426,180.35
Greg Connly of DOLAN CONNLY tried a case in September of 2018 in the Worcester Superior Court. The case alleged chiropractic malpractice. The plaintiff/client was an 81-year-old gentleman who had a manipulation to adjust his pelvis done by the defendant/chiropractor. The negligent performance of this manipulation resulted in the breaking of his prosthetic knee. The client reported that he heard an audible popping sound and felt immediate pain at the time of the adjustment. The prosthetic knee had to be surgically repaired fourteen days later. The chiropractor testified that he had no memory of the treatment and he testified that he did not perform the adjustment described by the client. Greg Connly and Barbara Connly of DOLAN CONNLY worked on the case for over seven years. During the trial, Greg Connly put together the facts and expert testimony supporting the client’s position into a coherent credible case for the jury.
On September 14, 2018, the Worcester Superior Court jury came back with a verdict in favor of the plaintiff/client. DOLAN CONNLY’S client was awarded $750,000.00 in past and future medical expenses and $3,000,000.00 in pain and suffering. Including interest, the total judgment was $4,426,180.35. No offer had ever been made by the defense to settle the case. The verdict was appealed by the defense attorney. The case resolved during the appeal process with the 88-year-old client receiving a significant financial settlement, above and beyond any other comparable Massachusetts settlement or verdict for such injuries. Click here to see the actual court docket.
$3,680,187.78
Greg Connly of DOLAN CONNLY tried a case in the Brockton Superior Court in November of 2011. The plaintiff/client was a forty-two-year-old chef working for a third-party food service company at the defendant’s corporate cafeteria. The plaintiff sustained an electric shock when a dishwasher, provided for his use by the defendant, malfunctioned when he pressed the off button on the control panel. The machine was leaking water that came in contact with a live electrical circuit behind the control panel. Greg Connly was able to prove at trial that the defendant corporation was responsible for maintenance of the dishwasher and that it was in a hazardous and unsafe condition. It was discovered that the dishwasher had various mechanical problems after its initial installation and employees of the defendant failed to properly maintain it. The plaintiff suffered a traumatic brain injury, major depression, panic disorder, cognitive impairment and post-traumatic stress disorder. Following the electric shock, the plaintiff who had received excellent work reviews over the years, struggled at his job due to the effects of the traumatic brain injury. He never regained his previous high-level functioning in his occupation and was forced to stop working altogether.
On November 29, 2011, the Brockton Superior Court jury came back with a verdict in favor of the plaintiff/client. DOLAN CONNLY’S client was awarded $2,500,000.00 in past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost earning capacity. Including interest in the amount of $1,180,187.78, the final award was $3,680,187.78. The last offer by the defendant corporation to settle the case before trial was $50,000.00. The verdict was appealed by the defense, but the judgement was paid in full after the trial transcripts were reviewed by appellate counsel. Click here to see the actual court docket.
$475,000.00
A client from Reading was injured when his vehicle was struck by another vehicle traveling in the wrong direction on a one-way street. Our client suffered a worsening of a pre-existing cervical disc protrusion that required surgical repair, as well as injuries to his lower back. He received an insurance claim settlement of $475,000.00. This amount represented the total motor vehicle insurance policy limit for the at-fault driver in the amount of $250,000.00, plus $225,000.00 from an umbrella insurance policy.
$750,000.00
A client from Windham, NH sustained a dog bite in the course of his employment as an electrician. The client was working on an electrical project outside a home when he was asked by the homeowner to enter the home to look at another project. The homeowner did not restrain his Weimaraner dog while our client was in the home, despite knowing the dog was not comfortable with unfamiliar people being present in the residence. When our client was in the process of walking from one room to another, the dog unexpectedly bit him in the back of his leg. The client tried to get the dog to unlock its grip on his leg and in the process, he twisted his back. In addition to the dog bite, the client sustained significant injuries to his low back, hip and groin, including radiating pain into his legs and feet. The client underwent treatment including fusion surgery to his back and hip surgery to repair a labral tear. We represented the client in litigation filed against the homeowner. This litigation was settled during mediation for $750,000.00.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Boston
Not every car accident is straightforward. Sometimes it’s clear which driver caused the collision. Other times, drivers give conflicting accounts, multiple vehicles are involved, or an insurance company disputes responsibility. At DOLAN CONNLY, P.C., our attorneys investigate the circumstances of each crash to determine who may be liable and what evidence is needed to support your claim.
We represent clients injured in a wide range of car accidents, including:
- Rear-end collisions: Being struck from behind can cause neck, back, and spinal injuries, even when vehicle damage appears minor. We examine the circumstances of the collision, including following distance, driver attention, and any disputed fault.
- T-bone and intersection accidents: Side-impact crashes often involve drivers who run red lights, ignore stop signs, or fail to yield. Traffic signals, witness accounts, and available camera footage can be important in establishing responsibility.
- Head-on collisions: These crashes can cause serious injuries, particularly at higher speeds. We investigate whether distracted driving, impaired driving, unsafe passing, or other negligent conduct contributed to the collision.
- Distracted and drunk driving accidents: When a driver causes a crash because they were texting, impaired, or otherwise not paying attention, we examine police findings, witness statements, and other available evidence of negligence.
- Multi-vehicle and highway accidents: Collisions on roads such as I-93, I-90, and Route 3 may involve several drivers and conflicting accounts of what happened. Determining each party’s responsibility is important when multiple insurance companies are involved.
- Hit-and-run and uninsured driver accidents: You may still have options for recovering compensation when the responsible driver leaves the scene or has no insurance. We review available uninsured motorist coverage and other potential sources of recovery.
- Uber, Lyft, and rideshare accidents: If you’re injured as a passenger or in a collision involving a rideshare driver, the applicable insurance coverage may depend on the driver’s status in the app when the accident occurred.
Our Boston car accident lawyers also represent people injured in collisions involving commercial trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. These cases can raise additional questions about liability, insurance coverage, and the parties responsible for the injuries.
What Damages Can You Claim in a Car Accident Case in Boston?
A car accident settlement should account for more than the bills you’ve received so far. If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for medical treatment, time away from work, and the lasting effects of the accident. The amount depends on your injuries, the losses you can document, and the insurance coverage available.
Depending on your case, recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospital bills, surgery, physical therapy, prescription medications, and future treatment related to your injuries.
- Lost wages and earning capacity: Income you’ve already lost and future earnings you may miss if your injuries affect your ability to work.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact your injuries have had on your everyday life.
- Permanent disability: Long-term injuries that affect your independence, mobility, or ability to perform activities you previously enjoyed.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Permanent scars, burns, and other lasting physical changes.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and other damaged property, when applicable.
How Massachusetts Car Accident Laws Affect Your Compensation
Massachusetts follows a no-fault insurance system. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) generally provides up to $8,000 in combined benefits for eligible medical expenses, lost wages, and certain other costs, regardless of who caused the accident. However, PIP doesn’t cover everything, and the benefits available can depend on your health insurance and other coverage.
Under M.G.L. c. 231, § 6D, recovering pain and suffering damages in certain motor vehicle cases generally requires more than $2,000 in qualifying medical expenses or an injury that meets a statutory exception, such as a fracture or serious permanent disfigurement.
Your share of fault can also affect your recovery. Under Massachusetts’ comparative negligence law, you may still recover damages if you’re partly responsible for the crash, provided your negligence does not exceed the combined negligence of the parties you’re seeking compensation from. Any award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
How Much Is Your Boston Car Accident Claim Worth?
Two people injured in similar accidents may receive very different settlements. The severity of the injuries, future medical needs, time missed from work, available insurance coverage, and evidence of liability all affect how much a claim may be worth. We’ve recovered $675,000 for a client who sustained a mild traumatic brain injury in a rear-end collision, $475,000 for a client whose pre-existing cervical condition was aggravated in a wrong-way crash, and $120,000 for a client whose pre-existing lumbar injury worsened after an accident in South Boston, among other settlements. These results illustrate just how much cases can differ.
A Boston car accident attorney can review your medical records, financial losses, and the long-term effects of your injuries to assess the compensation supported by your case. With experience representing insurance companies, we also know how insurers evaluate claims and challenge settlement demands. We use that knowledge to address disputed losses and pursue a settlement that reflects the evidence.
How a Boston Car Accident Lawyer Handles Your Claim
A successful car accident claim depends on more than proving another driver was at fault. The evidence must also connect the collision to your injuries, establish the losses you’ve suffered, and support the compensation you’re seeking. At DOLAN CONNLY, P.C., our Boston car accident attorneys handle the investigation, insurance claims, and legal proceedings needed to build and pursue your case.
Investigating the Crash and Proving Liability
We review police reports, witness statements, photographs, vehicle damage, and available surveillance footage to establish what happened. When drivers give conflicting accounts or several vehicles are involved, we look for additional evidence and may work with accident reconstruction specialists.
Our lawyers can identify other parties who may share responsibility and take steps to preserve evidence before it becomes unavailable.
Handling Insurance Claims and Negotiating Settlements
A collision may involve several insurance policies, including Personal Injury Protection (PIP), the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. We review the available policies, deal with insurance adjusters, and address disputes over liability or coverage.
We also gather the medical and financial evidence needed to support your settlement demand and evaluate offers before advising you on whether to accept them or continue negotiations.
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit and Preparing for Trial
If the insurance company disputes responsibility or refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, filing a car accident lawsuit may be necessary. Our attorneys prepare the court documents, handle discovery, obtain expert testimony when needed, and present your case in the appropriate Massachusetts court.
A lawsuit doesn’t automatically mean a trial. Settlement negotiations can continue throughout litigation, and we’ll keep you informed about developments and decisions that affect your case.
At DOLAN CONNLY, P.C., we don’t just represent clients. We stand beside you as partners in your pursuit of justice. With our experienced team on your side, you can focus on what matters most: recovering and moving forward. Contact us today to get the support you need during this difficult time.
We advance all costs.
You pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your injuries.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Boston?
The steps you take after a car accident can affect your health, your insurance coverage, and your ability to recover compensation. If you’re physically able, there are a few things you should do at the scene and in the days that follow.
- Check for injuries and get medical attention. Call 911 if anyone is injured or the scene is dangerous. Even if you feel fine initially, seek medical care promptly. Some injuries take time to show symptoms, and delaying treatment can make it harder to establish that your injuries resulted from the crash.
- Report the accident. Contact the police and remain at the scene as required by law. In Massachusetts, accidents involving injuries, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage generally require a written Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report within five days. You must submit it to the Registry of Motor Vehicles and provide copies to the appropriate police department and your insurer. You can find the form and instructions on the Massachusetts RMV website.
- Exchange information and preserve evidence. Get the other driver’s name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance information. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and visible injuries if it’s safe to do so. Collect witness contact information and keep any dashcam footage.
- Notify your insurance company. Report the collision promptly and follow your policy’s notice requirements. Stick to what you know, avoid guessing about fault, and don’t agree to a final settlement before you understand the extent of your injuries. Keep copies of insurance correspondence and any repair estimates.
- Speak with a Boston car accident attorney. If you’ve been injured or responsibility for the crash is disputed, an attorney can review the available evidence, identify applicable insurance coverage, and explain your options before you make decisions that could affect your claim.
One thing worth remembering: important evidence doesn’t always remain available. Nearby businesses may overwrite surveillance footage, damaged vehicles may be repaired, and witnesses may become harder to contact. If you’re considering a car accident claim, preserving that evidence early can make a difference.
At DOLAN CONNLY, P.C., we can review the circumstances of your accident, explain the applicable Massachusetts requirements, and help you determine what to do next.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Massachusetts?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a car accident lawsuit in Massachusetts. Under M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A, missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation, even if another driver was responsible for your injuries.
However, the three-year statute of limitations doesn’t apply in exactly the same way to every case. Some claims have additional notice requirements or different deadlines, including:
- Accidents involving government entities: Certain claims against the City of Boston or other public employers require written notice within two years under M.G.L. c. 258, § 4, before a lawsuit can proceed.
- Dangerous road conditions: If your accident resulted from a defect in a public road, such as a pothole or hazardous roadway condition, certain claims require written notice within just 30 days under M.G.L. c. 84, § 18.
- Accidents involving minors: When a child is injured, Massachusetts law may extend the time available to file a lawsuit. Under M.G.L. c. 260, § 7, the usual limitations period may be paused until the child turns 18.
These are separate from insurance reporting requirements, which may require action much sooner. And while three years may seem like plenty of time, evidence such as traffic footage, vehicle damage, and witness statements can become harder to obtain as time passes.
A Boston car accident lawyer can review the circumstances of your crash, identify the deadlines and notice requirements that apply, and take the necessary steps to preserve your claim.
What Our Personal Injury Clients Say
Choosing an attorney is an important decision, and hearing from people who have worked with our firm can help. Read what our clients have shared about their experience with DOLAN CONNLY, P.C.
The legal council I received from DOLAN CONNLY starting with the initial office visit to the settlement of my personal injury case was very helpful when I needed it most. They helped me navigate all the options and told me in plain English what to expect. I was a cooperative client and provided them with all the documentation they required and was patient allowing the legal process to unfold all of which they appreciated. Given the extent of damages I incurred from the accident I was pleased with the total compensation I received. Kathleen Allen has been our attorney for a few properties and we have sold and have been very happy and satisfied with her professional care in these transactions. There is a very easy way about her, as these things can be very stressful. She was always right there for any concerns or questions that we had. I would highly recommend her to my friends and family. I have closed on two houses with DOLAN CONNLY in the past 10 years. In July 2022, I worked with Kathleen Allen on a closing and was extremely impressed with her professionalism, honestly, and attention to detail. She was the only party to notice a trust was expiring weeks before the planned closing date. Her keen eye resulted in the seller extending the trust and preventing a delay in the closing. -Sam Excellent service ! Barry McIsaac was prompt and effective in dealing my claim case. We need more attorneys like him to help hold big companies accountable. I’d recommend Barry and the DOLAN CONNLY firm to anyone. I worked with Kathleen Allen to purchase my first home in Boston and she was incredible! The seller and I were not working with real estate agents, but Kathleen went above and beyond to make the closing process smooth. I was able to close on time due to her advocating and watching over me. I could not have bought this home without her help. I highly recommend anyone looking for a knowledgeable, quick, and advocating attorney to contact her to purchase a home.
Discuss Your Case with a Boston Car Accident Lawyer
Not sure whether you have a valid claim, what your insurance will cover, or whether a settlement offer is reasonable? At DOLAN CONNLY, P.C., you can discuss your accident with our legal team, ask questions, and learn what options are available under Massachusetts law. Your initial consultation is free, and you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you, subject to your fee agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we have addressed some of the most common questions regarding car accident claims in Boston. If you need further guidance, a car accident lawyer is ready to assist you.
Do I need a lawyer after a car accident in Boston?
Not every car accident requires an attorney. If the collision caused only minor property damage and no injuries, you may be able to resolve the matter directly with your insurer. Legal representation becomes more important when you’ve been injured, fault is disputed, or the insurance company questions your treatment or losses. An attorney can assess your claim and help you understand whether pursuing compensation makes sense.
Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault in Massachusetts?
Yes, depending on your share of responsibility. Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may recover damages if your negligence is not greater than the combined negligence of the parties you’re seeking compensation from. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% responsible, a $100,000 award would be reduced to $80,000.
What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance?
You may be able to seek compensation through uninsured motorist coverage under an applicable auto insurance policy. This coverage can also become important in certain hit-and-run accidents. If the responsible driver has insurance but not enough to cover your injuries, underinsured motorist coverage may provide additional protection. Your options depend on the policies involved and the circumstances of the collision.
Can I still file a claim if I didn’t seek medical treatment right away?
Possibly. A delay in medical treatment doesn’t automatically prevent you from pursuing compensation, but it can make the connection between the accident and your injuries harder to establish. Insurance companies may question whether an injury was caused by the collision or developed afterward. Medical records, your account of when symptoms began, and other evidence can help establish that connection.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?
You don’t have to accept the first offer. Before agreeing to a settlement, it’s important to understand whether it accounts for your medical expenses, lost income, and any treatment or limitations that may continue. Accepting a settlement typically involves releasing the insurer or responsible party from further liability for the covered claim, so you may not be able to request additional compensation later. An attorney can review the offer and explain what accepting it would mean.
How long does a car accident settlement take in Massachusetts?
There is no fixed timeline. A claim involving relatively minor injuries and clear liability may resolve sooner than one requiring extensive medical treatment, disputed fault, or litigation. The time needed to understand your recovery and future medical needs can also affect when meaningful settlement negotiations take place. Our attorneys can explain the factors likely to influence the timing of your case, although no particular resolution date can be guaranteed.
Will I have to go to court for my car accident case?
Not necessarily. Many car accident claims in Boston are resolved through settlement negotiations without a trial. If the insurer disputes liability or refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, filing a lawsuit may be appropriate. Even after a lawsuit is filed, the parties can continue negotiating. Our attorneys will explain your options and prepare your case for trial when necessary.