Close Menu
Scalli | Murphy Law > Private: New Bedford, MA Car Accident Lawyer

New Bedford, MA Car Accident Lawyer

Reviewed by Chris Murphy, Esq. | Last updated: February 2026

Injured in a car accident in New Bedford, Massachusetts? The personal injury attorneys at Scalli Murphy Law have over 30 years of experience representing accident victims throughout Bristol County and all of Massachusetts. Call 617-387-7000 for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover for you.

Key Takeaways for New Bedford Car Accident Cases

  • Massachusetts is a no-fault state, but you can sue if medical bills exceed $2,000 or you suffer serious injury (M.G.L. c. 231, s. 6D)
  • You have 3 years to file a personal injury claim from the date of the collision
  • You can recover compensation even if partially at fault, as long as you are less than 51% responsible
  • Scalli Murphy Law offers a free consultation with no fee unless we recover for you

Why Choose Scalli Murphy Law in New Bedford?

When you are hurt in a car accident in New Bedford, you need a law firm that knows the local courts, the insurance companies, and how to get results. Our attorneys regularly handle cases filed in New Bedford District Court, located at 75 North Sixth Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. We understand Bristol County procedures and have the experience to navigate your case from the initial claim through trial if necessary.

If you were transported to St. Luke’s Hospital (Southcoast Health) after your accident, or received treatment at any facility in New Bedford, our team can help you recover compensation for every dollar of your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Proven Results for Accident Victims

Scalli Murphy Law has a track record of recovering significant compensation for clients injured in car accidents and other motor vehicle collisions across Massachusetts:

  • $3,000,000+ – Asbestos / mesothelioma settlement
  • $1,500,000+ – Motorcycle collision settlement
  • $900,000 – Pedestrian collision settlement
  • $375,000 – Tractor-trailer collision settlement

Every case is different, but our attorneys fight for the maximum compensation available in every claim we handle. If you were injured in a crash in New Bedford, we will pursue every dollar you are owed.

Common Accident Locations in New Bedford

New Bedford is the sixth-largest city in Massachusetts with over 101,000 residents, located on Buzzards Bay in Bristol County. The city’s dense urban core, busy commercial corridors along Route 18 and Kempton Street, and the I-195 highway corridor generate significant traffic. New Bedford’s working waterfront, industrial zones, and high volume of commercial truck traffic contribute to a higher rate of motor vehicle collisions compared to many Massachusetts communities.

High-traffic roads like I-195, Route 18, Route 6, Route 140, Route 240 see frequent collisions in New Bedford. Dangerous intersections and areas include Route 18 and I-195 interchange, Route 6 and Route 140, Kempton Street and County Street. If you were involved in a crash at any of these locations, contact us right away.

No-Fault Insurance After a New Bedford Car Accident

Massachusetts drivers carry both no-fault and liability insurance coverage. After a car accident in New Bedford, you can file a claim under your no-fault insurance, known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This coverage provides up to $8,000 to cover initial expenses including medical bills, lost wages, out-of-pocket costs, and transportation to medical appointments. PIP benefits are paid regardless of who was at fault. This coverage varies in how it works based on number of factors including the language of your health insurance benefit plan.

An experienced attorney can help you maximize your PIP benefits and determine whether you have a claim for additional compensation.

When Can You File a Liability Claim?

In addition to PIP coverage, Massachusetts drivers are required to carry liability insurance with minimums of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. In serious accidents, those minimums are often inadequate. Our attorneys are skilled at identifying additional insurance policies and holding all responsible parties accountable.

To pursue a liability claim in Massachusetts, you must have suffered a “serious injury” as defined by law, including:

  • Medical expenses exceeding $2,000
  • Permanent and serious disfigurement
  • A fracture or broken bone
  • Loss of a body part
  • Substantial loss of sight or hearing
  • Wrongful death

Massachusetts Car Accident Laws You Need to Know

Several Massachusetts statutes directly affect your car accident claim in New Bedford:

  • Tort threshold (M.G.L. c. 231, Section 6D) – To file a liability claim for pain and suffering, your medical expenses must exceed $2,000, or you must have sustained a fracture, permanent disfigurement, loss of sight or hearing, or death. This “serious injury” threshold determines whether you can pursue compensation beyond your PIP benefits.
  • Comparative negligence (M.G.L. c. 231, Section 85) – Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault for the collision. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
  • Mandatory insurance minimums (M.G.L. c. 90, Section 34M) – Massachusetts requires minimum coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $30,000 for property damage. These minimums are often inadequate for serious injuries, which is why traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other catastrophic injuries frequently require claims against multiple insurance policies.
  • Statute of limitations (M.G.L. c. 260, Section 2A) – You have three years from the date of the collision to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline permanently bars your claim regardless of its merit.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents in New Bedford cause a wide range of injuries, from minor soft tissue damage to life-threatening trauma. Our attorneys handle all types of car accident injuries, including:

  • Whiplash and neck injuries – The most common car accident injury, caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head during impact. Symptoms may not appear for hours or days after the collision.
  • Traumatic brain injuries – Concussions, contusions, and diffuse axonal injuries can result from any impact to the head or violent shaking. Even “mild” TBIs can cause lasting cognitive problems. If you suffered a head injury, see our New Bedford brain injury lawyer page for more information.
  • Back and spinal cord injuries – Herniated discs, compression fractures, and spinal cord damage can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, or paralysis.
  • Broken bones and fractures – Arms, legs, ribs, hips, and facial bones are all vulnerable in car collisions. Fractures automatically satisfy the tort threshold under M.G.L. c. 231, Section 6D.
  • Internal injuries – Organ damage, internal bleeding, and ruptured spleens may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
  • Burns and lacerations – From airbag deployment, broken glass, contact with hot surfaces, or vehicle fires.
  • Psychological injuries – PTSD, anxiety, depression, and driving phobias are common after serious car accidents and are compensable under Massachusetts law.

If a car accident in New Bedford resulted in the death of a loved one, our attorneys also handle wrongful death claims in New Bedford under M.G.L. c. 229, Section 2.

Hit by an Uninsured Driver in New Bedford?

More than 6% of Massachusetts drivers lack liability insurance despite the legal requirement. New Hampshire, a border state, does not require vehicle owners to carry insurance, and many uninsured New Hampshire drivers travel Massachusetts roadways daily.

If you are hit by an uninsured driver in New Bedford, you can file a claim under your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. UM cases often resolve faster and with higher settlement amounts than claims against an at-fault driver’s insurance. Our attorneys can help you understand your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and fight for full compensation. Our experienced attorney will investigate any uninsured drivers to seek and additional policies of coverage that might apply an be in effect at the time of the crash.

Types of Accidents We Handle in New Bedford

Our attorneys represent clients injured in all types of motor vehicle accidents in New Bedford and across Bristol County:

What to Do After a Car Accident in New Bedford

If you are involved in a car accident in New Bedford, take these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

  1. Call 911 – Contact the New Bedford Police Department at (508) 991-6350 to file a report or State Police
  2. Get medical attention – Visit St. Luke’s Hospital (Southcoast Health) or your doctor, even if injuries seem minor
  3. Document everything – Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and your injuries
  4. Do not speak with the other driver’s insurance company – They will try to minimize your claim
  5. Call Scalli Murphy Law at 617-387-7000 – Get a free consultation before accepting any settlement offer

Need help obtaining your Massachusetts accident report? Our team can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a car accident lawyer in New Bedford cost?

Scalli Murphy Law works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Massachusetts?

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Massachusetts is three years from the date of the accident. However, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights. Often steps need to be taken right away to preserve your rights.

What compensation can I recover after a car accident in New Bedford?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. In cases involving wrongful death, surviving family members may also recover damages.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

In most cases, no. Insurance companies routinely make lowball initial offers hoping you will settle before understanding the full value of your claim. An experienced car accident attorney can evaluate your case and negotiate for fair compensation. Our consultations are free, so there is no risk in getting a professional opinion before accepting any offer. Navigating on your own opens you up to unknown liens  that can come up later that you will be responsible for. An experienced personal injury attorney will make certain to have this information prior to any resolution so there are no surprises.

What if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured?

If you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Massachusetts, you can file a claim under your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Massachusetts requires all auto policies to include UM/UIM coverage unless you specifically rejected it in writing. These claims are often resolved faster and can result in higher settlements than third-party claims.

Can I still file a claim if I was a passenger in the car?

Yes. Passengers have the strongest claims because they are almost never at fault for the collision. You can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance, the driver of the car you were riding in (if they were at fault), or both. You may also have a claim under the PIP coverage of the vehicle you were riding in. In fact, you may have additional insurance policy coverages available to you that an experienced personal injury attorney will be able to advise you on.

Serving New Bedford and All of Massachusetts

Our attorneys represent accident victims throughout Bristol County and all of Massachusetts. We also serve clients in Fall River, Taunton. View our complete list of areas we serve across the state. No matter where your accident occurred in Massachusetts, Scalli Murphy Law can help.

Other Practice Areas in New Bedford

In addition to car accident cases, our New Bedford attorneys handle:

Contact a New Bedford Car Accident Lawyer Today

After a car accident in New Bedford, you need an experienced attorney who will fight for the full compensation you deserve. The insurance companies have lawyers working for them. You should too.

Call Scalli Murphy Law at 617-387-7000 or 1-833-933-HELP for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover for you. We are available to meet in person at our office, by phone, or by video. Our office is conveniently located at 537 Broadway, Everett, MA, just 58 miles from New Bedford.

Share This Page:
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn