Almost everyone at some point experiences an automobile accident. Whether you are the driver or passenger, these accidents happen all the time. Sometimes these crashes are the fault of someone else, but what if you are the one that caused the accident? What if you cause someone to suffer personal injuries? In that situation, you will likely be wondering “Can I be sued for causing a car accident?”

Massachusetts law states that if you negligently injure someone in a car accident and they have at least $2000 in medical bills due to the accident, then they can sue you. The injured party can sue you for all damages they suffered due to the car accident.

The case will be filed in Small Claims Court, District Court, or Superior Court. If you are sued, your car insurance company will pay to hire a car accident attorney to defend the case brought against you. They also will provide insurance coverage that will pay a settlement or judgment.

This is why I always tell people to purchase as much insurance as they can afford. This includes not only liability, or bodily injury insurance, but underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage above the required state minimums as well. This is important because if you ever cause someone to be seriously or catastrophically injured, or even a wrongful death results, you will have enough insurance coverage to protect yourself, and your assets.