There is always the slight chance of serious injury when using any busy Massachusetts highway like I-90. What should be normal everyday maneuvers like merging can end up in disaster if you are hit by another driver who fails to drive safely or with adequate caution.
If seriously injured, you may be able to step out of the state’s no-fault legislation and file a personal injury claim instead. A successful claim could provide more generous compensation than that from your insurance provider. Talk to a personal injury attorney about your legal options.
Interstate-90 in Massachusetts
I-90 is the longest interstate highway in the United States, stretching from Seattle on the Pacific coast right across the country to Boston in Massachusetts. The section of I-90 in Massachusetts is known as the Massachusetts Turnpike, more colloquially as “The Pike.”
The full length of I-90 in Massachusetts is 123 miles for the Western Turnpike, which ends in an intersection with other highways near Weston together with the 15 mile section known as the Boston Extension, which stretches from exits 14 and 15 to the city of Boston. I-90 is a four to six lane highway through much of its length, but the number of lanes grows to 8 then10 nearer Boston.
What to Do If Hit While Merging On I-90
You need to have a relatively serious injury if you are considering filing a claim for compensation after an injury on the Massachusetts Turnpike, as the state is a no-fault state for vehicle accidents. Check with an attorney before considering legal action.
If you do file a claim, make sure that it is submitted before the three year deadline, preferably much earlier as it is easier to find the evidence you will need to prove that you were the victim in the accident.
Massachusetts has a comparative negligence rule that allows you to claim a percentage of your full claim in proportion to the amount of fault determined for each party in the accident. The less the accident was your fault the greater the proportion of compensation permitted.
Evidence to Gather If Hit While Merging On I-90
Whether a personal injury claim is ultimately successful or not depends on proving that your injuries were caused by a specific act of negligence. The sort of evidence that should be made available typically includes the following:
- police report made at the crash site on the interstate;
- witness statements;
- photos of the vehicle damage;
- vehicle damage report provided by the vehicle repairer;
- statement or report provided by physician or hospital documenting exact nature of your injuries;
- bills and estimates of all future costs of medical treatment;
- evidence of lost earnings or wages;
- vehicle damage bill or cost of replacement of vehicle.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
Because of the need to show that you have a case for filing a claim and proving that you were not at fault, you are advised to use a personal injury attorney to provide initial advice and help with negotiating a satisfactory compensation payment. Fill out the form on this page to be connected with a personal injury attorney who may be able to help you with your case.
