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When a commercial truck, bus, or delivery van is involved in a crash, victims often face severe injuries, overwhelming medical expenses, and complicated insurance battles. Understanding how to handle commercial vehicle accident claims in Massachusetts is crucial for protecting your rights and obtaining the full compensation you deserve under state and federal laws.
At Kiley Law Group, we have spent decades representing individuals who have been injured in complex transportation cases. Our attorneys combine deep knowledge of Massachusetts law with federal trucking regulations to provide strategic, results-driven representation.
This article provides a detailed overview of:
A commercial vehicle accident in Massachusetts occurs when any vehicle used for business purposes, such as delivery trucks, charter buses, or tractor-trailers, collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, or property. For example, a rollover involving a FedEx tractor-trailer could trigger both state negligence laws and federal FMCSA safety regulations.
At Kiley Law Group, our team has handled claims involving MBTA buses, regional delivery vans, and long-haul trucking companies, giving us a comprehensive perspective on how these cases differ from standard motor vehicle accidents.
Unlike collisions involving passenger cars, commercial vehicle accidents often bring multiple parties, strict federal oversight, and higher insurance policy limits into play. Key distinctions include:
These differences highlight why victims benefit from attorneys who understand both Massachusetts tort law and FMCSA regulations.
Crashes often arise from a combination of driver negligence, company policies, and equipment issues. Examples include:
At Kiley Law Group, we work with reconstruction experts and industry specialists to identify these causes and ensure accountability.
Taking immediate action after a commercial vehicle accident is critical to both health and legal recovery.
Our attorneys guide clients through this process, often securing driver logs, black box data, and company maintenance records before they can be lost or altered.
Massachusetts applies a modified comparative negligence rule, which assigns fault to all parties involved. If an injured party is found to be more than 50 percent responsible, they cannot recover damages. Otherwise, compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.
| Party | Fault Criteria | Compensation Impact |
| Injured Driver | Driver error (speeding, improper turn) | Award reduced by percentage of fault |
| Commercial Driver | HOS violations, distracted driving | Full liability if more than 50% at fault |
| Trucking Company | Poor maintenance, excessive scheduling | Joint and several liability for damages |
| Manufacturer | Defective parts causing the crash | Subject to strict product liability rules |
This framework confirms that Massachusetts uses a modified comparative negligence standard, requiring careful analysis to minimize fault assigned to victims.
FMCSA regulations establish strict safety standards for the commercial trucking industry. Violations of these rules, such as exceeding hours-of-service limits or failing to complete inspections, can serve as strong evidence of negligence. Kiley Law Group routinely investigates these issues to strengthen client claims.
Understanding Massachusetts's no-fault rules, insurance requirements, and filing deadlines is essential.
| Claim Type | Filing Deadline | Exception Notes |
| Personal Injury | 3 years from accident | Discovery rule may extend deadline for latent injuries |
| Wrongful Death | 3 years from date of death | Separate deadlines may apply for survivors |
| Claims against government | 2 years | Advance notice required under strict guidelines |
Missing these deadlines can result in losing the right to recover compensation, making timely action essential.
The injuries sustained in commercial vehicle accidents are often severe and life-changing. Victims may suffer spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, fractures, or internal damage requiring surgery.
| Damage Category | Description | Recovery Scope |
| Medical Expenses | Hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, medication | Past and projected future costs |
| Lost Income | Wages, benefits, earning potential | Replacement of lost and diminished future earnings |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain, mental anguish, emotional harm | Compensation based on severity and long-term effects |
| Wrongful Death | Funeral costs, loss of companionship | Compensation for surviving family members |
Our attorneys pursue every available category of damages to secure full financial recovery.
For more than 50 years, Kiley Law Group has been recognized as a trusted advocate for injury victims throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Our attorneys combine extensive trial experience with a commitment to compassionate client service.
Clients choose us because we provide:
By taking the right steps after a commercial vehicle accident, you can significantly strengthen your claim and increase your chances of securing maximum compensation. Each phase, from evidence collection to courtroom advocacy, plays an essential role in achieving a fair outcome.
The attorneys at Kiley Law Group have been representing injured victims in Massachusetts and New Hampshire for more than 50 years. If you have been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation and begin the path toward recovery.
