Frequently Asked Questions

Hiring Attorney Walsh for a motor vehicle accident case costs nothing upfront — he works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless he recovers compensation for you. This arrangement makes experienced legal representation accessible to injury victims regardless of their financial situation.

Yes, Attorney Stephen D. Walsh personally handles each motor vehicle accident case himself. You will work directly with him — not a paralegal or junior associate — from your first conversation through the resolution of your claim.

You should consult an attorney before accepting any insurance offer, because initial settlement offers are frequently far below the full value of your claim. An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate whether the offer accounts for all of your medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term damages.

In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline typically bars you from recovering any compensation, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your injury.

Call 911 immediately, seek medical attention even if you feel fine, document the scene with photos, exchange insurance and contact information with all involved parties, and avoid making statements about fault. Getting prompt medical care creates an important record that supports your personal injury claim.

Attorney Stephen D. Walsh has represented personal injury and motor vehicle accident victims in the Danvers, MA area since 1975, bringing decades of hands-on courtroom and negotiation experience to every case. His longstanding practice means clients benefit from deep knowledge of local courts, insurance tactics, and Massachusetts personal injury law.

The timeline varies depending on the severity of your injuries, the complexity of liability, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Straightforward cases may resolve in several months, while cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability can take a year or longer to reach a fair outcome.

Injury victims in Massachusetts may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other out-of-pocket losses. The specific damages available depend on the facts of your case and the extent of your injuries.

Yes, Massachusetts is a no-fault state, meaning your own Personal Injury Protection coverage pays initial medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. However, you can still pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering if your injuries meet the state's serious-injury threshold.

A local attorney with decades of experience in the Danvers area brings familiarity with local courts, judges, and the specific dynamics of Massachusetts personal injury litigation that large distant firms may lack. Attorney Walsh has built that local knowledge over a practice dating back to 1975, which can directly benefit the strategy and outcome of your case.

Yes, Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which allows you to recover damages as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. Your total compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, so legal guidance is especially valuable when fault is disputed.

You should contact an attorney as soon as possible after a car accident — ideally within days of the crash. Early involvement allows an attorney to preserve evidence, communicate with insurers on your behalf, and protect your rights before critical deadlines or early settlement pressure can disadvantage your case.