Boston Personal Injury Lawyer: Experienced Representation for Accident Victims

If you have been injured in an accident in Boston, Massachusetts, you need a Boston personal injury lawyer who understands the unique challenges of pursuing a claim in the largest and most congested city in New England. The personal injury attorneys at Scalli Murphy Law have over 25 years of experience representing accident victims in Boston and throughout Massachusetts. Call 617-387-7000 or 1-833-933-HELP (4357) for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.

Why Choose Scalli Murphy Law for Your Boston Personal Injury Case

Boston is one of the most complex cities in Massachusetts when it comes to personal injury cases. Narrow streets dating back to the colonial era, heavy commuter traffic, an aging public transit system, thousands of construction sites, and a dense pedestrian population all contribute to a high volume of accidents and injuries. You need a law firm that understands not just personal injury law, but how Boston works.

Christopher Murphy, Esq., managing partner at Scalli Murphy Law, has spent more than 25 years representing injury victims across the greater Boston area. With offices at 537 Broadway in Everett and 1 Webb Street in Danvers, we serve clients across Greater Boston and the North Shore. Our Everett office is just minutes from downtown Boston via Route 1 and Route 99, easily accessible from Charlestown via the Tobin Bridge, from East Boston and the North End via Route 1, and from anywhere in the city via Sullivan Square on the MBTA Orange Line. Our Danvers office provides convenient access for clients on the North Shore.

When you hire our firm, you are not handed off to a paralegal or a junior associate. You work directly with experienced attorneys who know the Suffolk County court system, who have relationships with the insurance adjusters handling Boston claims, and who are prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation.

Every Boston personal injury case we handle is taken on a contingency fee basis. That means you owe us nothing upfront, and you never pay a fee unless we successfully recover money for you. This allows injury victims to access the same quality legal representation as anyone else, regardless of their financial situation.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Boston

As a Boston personal injury attorney, our firm represents clients across the full range of accident and injury cases. Below is an overview of the case types we handle most frequently in the Boston area.

Boston Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents are the most common type of personal injury case in Boston. A national study ranked Boston as the most collision-prone city in the country, finding that the average Boston driver is involved in a crash approximately once every three years, compared to the national average of once every 10.5 years. Contributing factors include Boston’s notoriously confusing street layout, aggressive driving culture, and heavy congestion during rush hour.

If you have been hurt in a car crash in Boston, Massachusetts no-fault insurance laws require your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage to pay up to $8,000 in medical expenses regardless of who caused the collision. But if your medical bills exceed $2,000 or you suffer a serious injury, you have the right to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. Our Boston car accident lawyers can help you determine which path makes the most sense for your situation.

Pedestrian Accidents in Boston

Boston’s walkability is one of its greatest strengths, but it also puts pedestrians at risk. Areas like Downtown Crossing, the Theater District, Back Bay, and Dorchester see heavy foot traffic mixed with vehicle traffic on streets that were never designed for modern volume. According to MassDOT data, pedestrian fatalities in Massachusetts increased 16 percent from 2023 to 2024, and more than 20 percent of all traffic deaths in the state involve pedestrians. The City of Boston’s Vision Zero program has targeted pedestrian safety, but fatalities continue to occur.

MBTA Accidents

Boston is home to the oldest subway system in the United States, and the MBTA’s aging infrastructure has been a source of safety concerns for years. Subway derailments, escalator injuries, bus collisions, and slip-and-fall incidents at MBTA stations are not uncommon. Filing an injury claim against the MBTA requires compliance with the Massachusetts Tort Claims Act, including a mandatory presentment letter that must be sent before any lawsuit can be filed. The damages cap and the procedural requirements make MBTA injury claims particularly complex, and having an experienced Boston personal injury attorney is essential.

Rideshare Accidents (Uber and Lyft)

Boston is one of the busiest rideshare markets in the northeastern United States. Uber and Lyft vehicles are a constant presence on city streets, particularly around Logan Airport, the Seaport District, Fenway Park, and entertainment venues. Rideshare accident claims involve multiple layers of insurance coverage depending on whether the driver was logged into the app, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a rider. Our attorneys understand the insurance framework that governs these claims in Massachusetts and can help you identify every available source of compensation.

Medical Malpractice in Boston

Boston is a world-renowned medical hub, home to Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Tufts Medical Center, and dozens of other healthcare facilities. While these institutions provide excellent care in most cases, medical errors still occur. Surgical mistakes, misdiagnoses, medication errors, and birth injuries can have life-altering consequences. Medical malpractice claims in Massachusetts require a tribunal screening before proceeding to trial, and the legal standards are complex. Our firm works with medical experts to evaluate and pursue these cases.

Construction Accidents

Boston’s skyline is constantly changing. From the ongoing maintenance related to the Big Dig tunnel system to the massive development projects in the Seaport District, South Boston Waterfront, and downtown, construction site injuries remain a serious concern. Workers injured on Boston construction sites may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits as well as third-party negligence claims against property owners, general contractors, or equipment manufacturers. Our attorneys evaluate every potential avenue of recovery for injured construction workers.

Boston Personal Injury Lawyer: Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections

Boston’s road network is among the most challenging in the country. Streets that follow centuries-old cow paths, rotaries that confuse even experienced local drivers, and highways that were retrofitted through a dense urban core all contribute to the city’s high crash rate. The following are some of the most dangerous roads and corridors for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists in Boston.

For a comprehensive look at crash data across the state, including specific intersection crash counts, see our guide to the most dangerous intersections in Massachusetts.

Boston Car Accident Statistics

Boston consistently records the highest number of motor vehicle crashes of any city in Massachusetts. Understanding the scope of the problem underscores why having an experienced Boston accident lawyer is important if you are injured on these streets.

• Approximately 4,000 to 4,500 crashes are reported in Boston each year according to MassDOT data, making it the highest-volume crash city in the state.
• One national study found that the average Boston driver is involved in a collision approximately once every three years, compared to the national average of once every 10.5 years.
• Pedestrian and cyclist fatalities are a growing concern. In 2024, 78 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes statewide, a 16 percent increase from 2023. Boston accounts for a disproportionate share of these deaths due to its pedestrian density.
• Distracted driving remains the leading cause of crashes. Massachusetts recorded over 37,000 hands-free law violations in 2024 despite the law being enacted in 2020.
• Impaired driving contributes to fatal crashes. Alcohol-impaired driving was a factor in approximately 30 percent of Massachusetts traffic fatalities in recent years.

For a complete breakdown of statewide crash data, fatality trends, and city-level comparisons, see our detailed analysis of Massachusetts car accident statistics.

Massachusetts Personal Injury Laws That Affect Your Boston Case

If you are pursuing a personal injury claim in Boston, several Massachusetts statutes will directly affect your case. An experienced personal injury attorney in Boston can explain how these laws apply to your specific situation, but here is an overview of the most important ones.

Modified Comparative Negligence (M.G.L. c. 231, Section 85)

Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50 percent. If you are found to be 51 percent or more at fault, you are barred from recovering anything. Your total damages award is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury finds you 30 percent at fault and awards $200,000 in damages, you would receive $140,000.

Statute of Limitations (M.G.L. c. 260, Section 2A)

You have three years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Massachusetts. If you miss this deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case. Wrongful death claims also carry a three-year statute of limitations under M.G.L. c. 229, Section 2. Claims against government entities, including the MBTA and the City of Boston, may have shorter notice requirements.

The $2,000 Tort Threshold (M.G.L. c. 231, Section 6D)

Massachusetts is a no-fault insurance state. In car accident cases, your own PIP coverage pays your initial medical expenses up to $8,000 regardless of who caused the crash. To step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, your medical expenses must exceed $2,000, or you must have suffered a permanent and serious disfigurement, loss of a body part, loss of sight or hearing, or a fracture.

PIP Coverage ($8,000 Mandatory)

Every Massachusetts auto insurance policy includes $8,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. PIP covers 75 percent of your medical expenses and 75 percent of your lost wages up to the $8,000 limit, regardless of fault. You must use PIP benefits before your health insurance kicks in for auto accident injuries.

New 2025 Insurance Minimums

As of 2025, Massachusetts increased the minimum bodily injury liability coverage from $20,000/$40,000 to $25,000/$50,000. This means every insured driver in Massachusetts must carry at least $25,000 in coverage per person and $50,000 per accident. While this provides slightly more coverage for victims, it is still far below what most serious injuries cost. Underinsured motorist coverage becomes critical when the at-fault driver carries only minimum limits.

What to Expect When You Contact Our Boston Personal Injury Lawyers

From your first phone call to the resolution of your case, our process is designed to take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

Free Consultation

Your case begins with a free, no-obligation consultation. You can call us at 617-387-7000 or 1-833-933-HELP (4357), or visit either of our offices: 537 Broadway in Everett or 1 Webb Street in Danvers. We will review the facts of your case, explain your legal options, and give you an honest assessment of what your claim may be worth. There is never any pressure to hire us.

Investigation and Evidence Preservation

Once you retain our firm, we immediately begin investigating your case. This includes obtaining the police report, preserving surveillance footage before it is overwritten, gathering medical records, photographing the scene, and interviewing witnesses. In Boston, evidence can disappear quickly. Traffic camera footage may be erased within days, and construction sites change rapidly. Early investigation is critical.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

After an accident in Boston, you may be contacted by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Their goal is to settle your claim for as little as possible. We handle all communications with the insurance companies on your behalf, shielding you from lowball offers and pressure tactics. We do not recommend accepting any settlement offer without first understanding the full extent of your injuries and damages.

Negotiation and Litigation

Most personal injury cases in Boston settle before trial through negotiations with the insurance company. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who know what your case is worth and will not accept less. However, if the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable offer, we are fully prepared to file suit in Suffolk County Superior Court or Boston Municipal Court and take your case to a jury. Our willingness to go to trial gives us leverage at the negotiating table that many firms lack.

Contingency Fee Structure

Our contingency fee arrangement means you pay nothing out of pocket at any stage of your case. No retainer, no hourly billing, no hidden costs. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing. This structure ensures that our interests are fully aligned with yours: the more we recover for you, the more we earn.

Boston Neighborhoods We Serve

Scalli Murphy Law represents personal injury victims from every corner of Boston. Whether your accident happened on a busy downtown street, a residential road in the outer neighborhoods, or on a highway passing through the city, our attorneys can help. We serve clients from the following Boston neighborhoods and surrounding areas:

• Back Bay
• Beacon Hill
• South Boston
• Dorchester
• Roxbury
• Jamaica Plain
• Brighton
• Allston
• Charlestown
• East Boston
• North End
• South End
• West Roxbury
• Roslindale
• Mattapan
• Hyde Park
• Mission Hill
• Fenway-Kenmore
• Downtown / Financial District
• Seaport District
• Theater District
• Chinatown
• Bay Village
• Leather District

We also represent clients from communities immediately surrounding Boston, including Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Chelsea, Revere, and Quincy. With offices in both Everett and Danvers, we are conveniently located for clients throughout Greater Boston and the North Shore. See our full list of areas we serve across Massachusetts.

Average Settlement Ranges for Boston Personal Injury Cases

Every personal injury case is different, and the value of your claim depends on the specific facts and injuries involved. However, the following ranges provide a general idea of what Boston personal injury cases may be worth based on the type and severity of the injury. These are settlement and verdict ranges, not guarantees.

For a more detailed breakdown by injury type, see our guide on the average car accident settlement in Massachusetts.

Slip and Fall Accidents in Boston

Boston’s long winters, brick sidewalks, and aging commercial buildings make slip and fall injuries a frequent occurrence. Property owners, landlords, and business operators in Boston have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. This includes clearing ice and snow within a reasonable time after a storm, repairing broken stairs and handrails, maintaining adequate lighting, and addressing known hazards.

Massachusetts follows a “reasonable care” standard for premises liability. If a property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn visitors, they may be liable for injuries that result. Common Boston slip and fall scenarios include icy sidewalks and parking lots, wet floors in restaurants and retail stores, broken stairs in apartment buildings, and uneven pavement on city sidewalks.

Brain Injuries From Boston Accidents

Traumatic brain injuries are among the most devastating consequences of car crashes, pedestrian accidents, slip and falls, and construction accidents in Boston. Even a “minor” concussion can lead to persistent headaches, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes that last for months or years. More severe brain injuries from accidents can cause permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, and the inability to work or live independently.

If you or a family member has suffered a brain injury in a Boston accident, the stakes are enormous. These cases often involve extensive future medical costs, long-term rehabilitation, and a significant loss of earning capacity. Our attorneys work with neurologists, neuropsychologists, and life care planners to fully document the scope of a brain injury and pursue maximum compensation.

Wrongful Death Claims in Boston

When a person dies due to someone else’s negligence in Boston, whether in a car crash on I-93, a pedestrian fatality in Dorchester, a construction accident in the Seaport, or a medical error at a Boston hospital, the surviving family members may have a right to bring a wrongful death claim under Massachusetts law. The executor or administrator of the estate files the claim on behalf of the surviving family.

Wrongful death damages in Massachusetts can include compensation for the conscious pain and suffering of the deceased, funeral and burial expenses, loss of the reasonably expected net income of the deceased, loss of companionship and consortium, and punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is three years under M.G.L. c. 229, Section 2.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boston Personal Injury Cases

How much does a Boston personal injury lawyer cost?

At Scalli Murphy Law, we handle all Boston personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or verdict. There is no cost for your initial consultation, and you will never receive a bill from us if your case is unsuccessful.

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Boston?

In Massachusetts, you generally have three years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under M.G.L. c. 260, Section 2A. However, claims against the MBTA or other government entities have much shorter deadlines, sometimes as little as two years with a required presentment letter. It is important to contact a Boston personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to make sure you do not miss any filing deadlines.

What is my Boston personal injury case worth?

The value of a personal injury case in Boston depends on several factors including the severity of your injuries, total medical expenses, lost wages, the impact on your daily life, and the strength of the liability evidence. Minor soft tissue injuries may settle for $10,000 to $25,000, while cases involving surgery, broken bones, or traumatic brain injuries can be worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Contact Scalli Murphy Law for a free case evaluation.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for my accident in Boston?

Yes. Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule under M.G.L. c. 231, Section 85. You can recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. Your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20 percent at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $80,000. If you are 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.

What should I do immediately after an accident in Boston?

After an accident in Boston, call 911 and request police and medical assistance. Seek medical treatment right away, even if you feel fine, because many injuries have delayed symptoms. Take photographs of the scene, your vehicle, any visible injuries, and road conditions. Exchange insurance information with the other parties. Do not admit fault or give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Contact a Boston personal injury lawyer at Scalli Murphy Law at 617-387-7000 for a free consultation.

What types of compensation can I recover in a Boston personal injury case?

In a Boston personal injury case, you may recover compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and property damage. In wrongful death cases, family members may also recover for loss of consortium, funeral expenses, and the conscious pain and suffering of the deceased. Massachusetts does not cap damages in most personal injury cases, though medical malpractice claims against charitable hospitals have a $100,000 cap on direct hospital liability under M.G.L. c. 231, Section 85K.

Contact Our Boston Personal Injury Lawyers

If you have been injured in an accident in Boston, do not wait to get legal help. The sooner you contact a personal injury attorney in Boston, the sooner we can begin preserving evidence, documenting your injuries, and building your case. Insurance companies start working against you the moment an accident is reported. You need someone on your side who is working just as hard for you.

Call Scalli Murphy Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation:

• Phone: 617-387-7000
• Toll-Free: 1-833-933-HELP (4357)
• Everett Office: 537 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149
• Danvers Office: 1 Webb Street, Danvers, MA 01923

Directions from Boston: Our Everett office is located just north of Boston, easily reached via Route 1 South from the Tobin Bridge (take the Broadway/Everett exit) or via Route 99 from Sullivan Square. We are approximately 10 minutes from downtown Boston and accessible by the MBTA Orange Line to Sullivan Square followed by a short bus ride or drive. Free parking is available at both offices.

There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today and let an experienced Boston personal injury attorney review your case.

Serving Boston, Everett, Danvers, Chelsea, Revere, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, and all of Massachusetts.

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