Road Departure Crashes

The Law Offices of John C. Manoog, III is a law firm dedicated to representing people injured in all types of car accidents. Road departure crashes often cause serious injuries and significant damage because they happen suddenly, giving drivers little time to react, and they may result in head-on collisions. Our Cape Cod car accident attorneys understand the pain, stress, and frustration that come with being involved in a collision, both for the person injured and their family. We work aggressively to help clients seek the full compensation that they are entitled to receive under the law.

Road departure crashes generally refer to accidents in which a car crosses a center line or moves off the edge of a roadway. They often result in injuries to occupants of both the vehicle that departs the roadway and those who come into contact with it. These types of collisions also endanger nearby pedestrians who may not be paying attention to traffic or who do not have time to get out of the way.

If you have been injured in a road departure crash or another type of car accident in Massachusetts, state law gives you the right to seek money damages from anyone responsible for the crash. Compensation typically will cover doctors’ bills, property damage, missed wages due to time away from work, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The family of a person killed in a car accident also has a right to sue those responsible for wrongful death. These lawsuits can never replace a loved one, of course, but they are intended to compensate family members for the loss of the victim’s companionship, parenting, income, and services.

Massachusetts car accident cases typically revolve around claims of negligence. That legal theory holds people and entities responsible for failing to live up to a “duty of care.”

Drivers, for example, owe others on the road a duty to operate their vehicles in a way that is reasonably safe under the circumstances. Sometimes this is known as the “reasonable man or woman” standard. The exact definition of what is reasonable will depend on the situation. However, drivers are expected to maintain safe speeds, obey traffic signals, and generally remain aware of their surroundings at all times. They are also required to refrain from dangerous behavior like drinking and driving or texting behind the wheel. A driver who fails to live up to the standard of reasonable care is likely to be found negligent and responsible for any accidents that they cause as a result.

To prove a case of negligence, the person suing needs to show that the driver breached a duty of care and that this breach caused the accident. In road departure situations, for example, a driver may have momentarily lost control because they were speeding or simply were not paying attention. Witness statements and police reports often go a long way in establishing how the accident happened. The injured person also must show that they were hurt as a direct result of the crash, which often requires detailed medical evidence.

Our knowledgeable motor vehicle collision lawyers work aggressively to build compelling cases for the people whom we represent. We are skilled litigators who are ready to take cases all the way to trial when needed, and we are also accomplished negotiators who have favorably resolved many cases without drawn-out court battles. We have a strong track record of success for our clients that we invite you to explore. We offer free consultations at our offices in Hyannis and Plymouth, but we can also meet with you at a different location if you are not able to visit us. We do not charge a fee in most of our personal injury cases until and unless we get money for you. Call us at 888-262-6664 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation with a Cape Cod lawyer. Nós Falamos Português.