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Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C. helps injured individuals in Milton and throughout Massachusetts get clear answers about their legal rights after an accident. Whether you were hurt in a car crash, a slip and fall, a dog attack, or another serious incident, understanding the fundamentals of personal injury law can help you make informed decisions about your claim.
Our partners focus on specific areas of law to provide legal support across Greater Boston, the South Shore, and Norfolk County, including Quincy, Braintree, and Canton. Dino M. Colucci and Darin Colucci handle our personal injury and civil litigation matters, while Matthew J. Marcus advocates for clients on estate planning, elder law, mental health law, and disability law matters.
The frequently asked questions about personal injury below cover filing deadlines, fault rules, types of compensation, insurance company tactics, and what to do immediately after an injury. Whether your injury is recent or you have dealt with an insurer for months, use this guide to evaluate your options. Call Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C. at (617) 698-6000 to schedule a consultation when you are ready to speak with a personal injury lawyer in Boston.
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Professional, Honest, and Responsive
I cannot recommend Attorney Matt Marcus enough for anyone seeking estate planning services. What truly set him apart was his professional integrity, right from the very start…
Darin is a great lawyer, works with his clients, and goes all out for everything they can get. Above that, he has the best assistant, Allison, she is always there to help when Darin is doing his outside work. I will recommend this agency to get you everything you deserve…
Very happy with the care, attention and service I received from everyone at Colucci Colucci & Marcus at Law. From day one, everyone was kind, professional and outstanding advocates for me during a very stressful time in my life. I am very happy with the settlement I received. Stephanie & Junyan were kind…
Every Injury Case Deserves Personal Attention
Confidential Consultation with Experienced Trial Attorney
Under M.G.L. ch. 260 § 2A, you generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Massachusetts. In many cases, that deadline runs from the date the claim accrues, which is often the date of injury. If the deadline is missed and no exception applies, the case may be dismissed regardless of how strong the evidence may be.
There are limited exceptions. The discovery rule may affect when the filing period starts if the injury or its cause could not reasonably be discovered right away. Medical malpractice claims have special timing rules, including a seven-year outer limit in many cases, except for foreign objects left in the body. Claims involving minors may also have special rules, so the deadline should be reviewed based on the specific claim type.
The steps you take in the first hours and days after an accident directly affect the strength of your personal injury claim. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and protect your legal rights.
Following these steps creates a foundation that supports your claim during insurance negotiations or litigation. Even small details, such as photographing a wet floor or a damaged vehicle, can prove critical later.
If you have been injured in Boston or anywhere on the South Shore, our team can help you understand your next steps. Call (617) 698-6000.
I cannot express enough gratitude for the outstanding representation and compassion I received from Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, especially Darin Colucci. From the very first conversation, Darin made me feel like more than just a client—he treated me like family. Navigating the aftermath of my accident was one of the most challenging times of my life…
Massachusetts uses a no-fault auto insurance system for car accidents, but fault-based rules apply to most other types of personal injury claims. This difference matters because it affects how you pursue compensation for your injuries.
For motor vehicle accidents, Massachusetts requires motor vehicle policies to include personal injury protection (PIP) benefits under M.G.L. ch. 90 §§ 34A and 34M. PIP can cover medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and certain related costs regardless of fault, subject to policy limits and statutory rules. To recover pain and suffering damages from an at-fault driver, your reasonable and necessary medical expenses generally must exceed $2,000, or you must have suffered a qualifying serious injury, such as a fracture, permanent and serious disfigurement, or certain loss of sight or hearing. Premises liability claims usually require proof of negligence. Dog bite claims are different because Massachusetts has a specific dog injury statute.
Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C. can explain how these rules apply to your specific accident. Call (617) 698-6000.
Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule under M.G.L. ch. 231 § 85. If you are partially at fault for the accident that caused your injuries, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation. Insurance adjusters frequently argue that injured claimants share a larger portion of fault to reduce the settlement amount, and an attorney can investigate the facts and push back against inflated fault allocations.
The following table illustrates how comparative fault affects a hypothetical $100,000 award, showing the relationship between your share of fault and the amount you can actually recover:
| Your Share of Fault | Jury Award | Amount You Recover |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | $100,000 | $100,000 |
| 25% | $100,000 | $75,000 |
| 50% | $100,000 | $50,000 |
| 51% or more | $100,000 | $0 (recovery barred) |
If the insurance company is blaming you for an accident, attorney Dino M. Colucci can evaluate the evidence and build a case on your behalf. Call (617) 698-6000.
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Exceptional firm! They are excellent in all the areas of law that they practice. They did an amazing job assisting my parents with their affairs in their elder years and are incredible personal injury attorneys. Our family has been using them for almost 20 years now and it’s proven to have been the best decision we ever made…
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Massachusetts personal injury law allows injured plaintiffs to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Massachusetts does not impose a general cap on compensatory damages in many personal injury cases. However, special rules can apply in certain claims, including medical malpractice and claims against public employers. Your recovery depends on the facts, the type of claim, the available insurance, and any limits that apply under Massachusetts law.
Economic damages compensate you for financial losses that can be calculated with documentation. Common categories include:
Non-economic damages compensate for losses that do not carry a direct dollar figure but significantly affect quality of life, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and scarring and disfigurement.
Massachusetts generally follows the collateral source rule, which means a defendant usually cannot reduce damages simply because health insurance or another outside source paid some of the injured person’s losses. However, there are exceptions, including special rules for medical malpractice cases. Because liens, health insurance payments, workers’ compensation, Medicare, MassHealth, and other benefits can affect the final recovery, these issues should be reviewed before settlement.
No attorney can ethically guarantee the value of a personal injury case, but several factors consistently determine what a claim is worth. These include the severity of your injuries, the strength of the evidence proving the other party’s fault, the quality of your medical documentation, your lost income, and the available insurance policy limits.
Insurance companies frequently make early settlement offers designed to close a claim before the full extent of injuries is known. Accepting a lowball offer can leave you responsible for medical bills and lost income that have not yet materialized. Consulting with an attorney before accepting any offer helps ensure the settlement accounts for both current and future losses.
Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C. can assess the factors that affect your claim’s value during a consultation. Call (617) 698-6000.
Dino M. Colucci is the founding partner and lead trial counsel at Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C. He earned his B.A. from Tufts University and his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School before being admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1988. Over his career, he has handled personal injury and civil litigation matters, including cases involving aviation disasters, commercial trucking accidents, medical malpractice, and the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center attack.
Mr. Colucci focuses on thorough case preparation and representation for victims of negligence, including dedicating a substantial portion of his practice to representing elderly individuals in nursing home abuse cases. He has been selected as a Massachusetts Super Lawyer annually since 2012, named one of The Best Lawyers in America, and earned an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Darin Colucci is the managing partner of Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C. He is a cum laude graduate of Suffolk University Law School, where he served as a staff member and editor for the Law Review, and earned his B.A. from Bucknell University. Admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1993, he concentrates his practice on tort and general litigation, handling matters ranging from motor vehicle accidents and premises liability to product liability and aviation-related cases.
Mr. Colucci brings extensive trial advocacy experience to securing verdicts and settlements for his clients. He has been recognized as a Massachusetts Super Lawyer annually since 2017, named a Top 10 Personal Injury Attorney by Newsweek, and voted among the country’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers.
Matthew Marcus is a partner at Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C., focusing his practice on estate planning, elder law, disability law, and mental health-related legal matters. He earned his B.A. from Boston University, his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School, and an LL.M. in Taxation from Boston University School of Law. He previously served as a Hearing Officer for the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers and as lead attorney with BOC Life Solutions.
Mr. Marcus has extensive experience assisting individuals and families with long-term planning and guardianships. He has been selected as a Massachusetts Super Lawyer annually since 2006, served on the board of directors for the Massachusetts chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and was named Citizen Advocate of the Year by The Arc of Massachusetts.
You should exercise caution before speaking with any insurance company after an accident, including your own insurer in certain situations. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you, and their goal is to minimize the amount the company pays on your claim.
You are generally required to report the accident to your own insurer, but you are not obligated to provide a recorded statement to the at-fault party’s insurance company. Recorded statements can be used against you later if your words are taken out of context or if you inadvertently minimize the extent of your injuries before a full medical evaluation is complete.
Provide basic facts such as your name and the date and location of the incident if contacted. Avoid speculating about fault, describing your injuries in detail, or agreeing to a recorded interview without legal counsel present.
Our team regularly handles communications with insurance companies on behalf of injured clients. Call (617) 698-6000 to discuss your situation.
Most personal injury attorneys in Massachusetts, including Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C., handle cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no legal fees unless our firm recovers compensation on your behalf. If there is no recovery, you owe nothing for attorney fees.
Contingency fee percentages change depending on how complicated the case is. Costs such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, and medical record retrieval are typically advanced by the firm and deducted from the recovery at the conclusion of the case. Your attorney should explain the fee structure in writing before you sign a representation agreement.
If you have questions about the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer, we can walk you through the fee arrangement during an initial consultation. Call (617) 698-6000.
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An uninsured motorist struck me from behind at the end of my driveway while I was shoveling. And was seriously injured. My case was handled with the highest expertise, support and with excellent customer service. I did not expect to have it settled so quickly and was pleasantly surprised with the results. I highly recommend this group…
I had a wonderful experience with Dino and his entire team from CCM when I was involved in an accident while cycling at fault of a motor vehicle driver resulting in multiple injuries. Dino was compassionate and actionable when we first got in touch, and throughout the entire settlement process always made himself available for any questions I had…
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The timeline for a personal injury case depends on several factors, and no two cases follow the same schedule. Most cases in Massachusetts move through distinct phases: investigation, demand and negotiation, and, if necessary, litigation and trial.
Simple claims with clear liability and documented injuries may settle within several months. More involved cases, particularly those involving disputed fault, multiple parties, or ongoing medical treatment, can take one to three years or longer. Once a lawsuit is filed, court scheduling, tracking orders, discovery deadlines, and trial availability can also affect the timeline.
Factors that commonly delay resolution include the following, each of which can independently extend the timeline by weeks or months:
If your case is stalling or you are unsure what to expect, Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C. can provide a realistic timeline based on the specifics of your claim. Call (617) 698-6000.
If you were injured in Massachusetts but live in another state, you may still be able to bring a personal injury claim in a Massachusetts court. Massachusetts courts may have jurisdiction when the claim arises from a tortious injury caused by an act or omission in the Commonwealth. The venue depends on the parties, the defendant, and the type of claim, so the proper county should be reviewed before filing.
Out-of-state plaintiffs may face additional logistical considerations, including traveling for depositions, court appearances, and medical examinations. Hiring a Massachusetts-based attorney who is familiar with local court procedures and defense practices can simplify the process significantly.
If you were visiting Boston or the South Shore when your injury occurred, our team can explain how venue and jurisdiction affect your options. Call (617) 698-6000.
Yes. If the at-fault driver carried no liability insurance, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Massachusetts law requires UM coverage in auto policies. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is different: it applies when the at-fault driver’s bodily injury limits are too low to cover the losses, but it depends on the coverage elected under the policy. In non-auto cases, such as a slip and fall involving an uninsured person or business, you may need to pursue a direct claim, though collectability can become a practical concern.
If you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Greater Boston, we can help you file a UM or UIM claim with your own insurer. Call (617) 698-6000.
When a personal injury results in death, the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate may file a wrongful death claim under M.G.L. ch. 229 § 2. Wrongful death claims in Massachusetts differ from standard personal injury lawsuits in several important ways.
Damages in a Massachusetts wrongful death case may include the fair monetary value of the decedent to the persons entitled to recover, including the loss of reasonably expected net income, services, protection, care, assistance, society, companionship, comfort, guidance, counsel, and advice. Reasonable funeral and burial expenses may also be recovered. In the same civil action, damages may also be recovered for the decedent’s conscious suffering if the evidence supports that claim. Massachusetts also allows punitive damages of at least $5,000 when the death was caused by malicious, willful, wanton, or reckless conduct, or by gross negligence.
Only the executor or administrator of the estate can bring the claim, not individual family members acting independently. A Massachusetts wrongful death action must generally be filed within three years from the date of death, or within three years from when the executor or administrator knew, or reasonably should have known, the factual basis for the claim.
If your family has lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence, Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C. can discuss your options under Massachusetts wrongful death law. Call (617) 698-6000.
Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C. represents personal injury clients throughout eastern Massachusetts, including the following communities and surrounding areas:
Clients who live outside Massachusetts but were injured within the state are also welcome to contact the firm to discuss jurisdiction and venue options.
Dealing with an injury is difficult enough without trying to interpret statutes, respond to insurance adjusters, and meet court deadlines on your own. A lawyer can review your rights, explain the next steps, and help you understand the factors that may affect your claim.
At Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C., our team has helped injury victims across Greater Boston and Norfolk County pursue claims against negligent parties. We handle every phase of the personal injury process, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurers and, when necessary, litigating the case in the appropriate Massachusetts court.
Call Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C. at (617) 698-6000 to schedule a consultation. We serve clients throughout Milton, Boston, Canton, and the South Shore.
Darin is a great lawyer, works with his clients, and goes all out for everything they can get. Above that, he has the best assistant, Allison, she is always there to help when Darin is doing his outside work. I will recommend this agency to get you everything you deserve…
Professional, Honest, and Responsive
I cannot recommend Attorney Matt Marcus enough for anyone seeking estate planning services. What truly set him apart was his professional integrity, right from the very start…
Very happy with the care, attention and service I received from everyone at Colucci Colucci & Marcus at Law. From day one, everyone was kind, professional and outstanding advocates for me during a very stressful time in my life. I am very happy with the settlement I received. Stephanie & Junyan were kind…