Personal Injury

Personal Injury Attorney in New Bedford

Focused Representation Supported by Investigative Resources

We represent people injured in motor vehicle crashes, falls, dog attacks, and other incidents. At Law Offices of Rachel M. Matos, we tailor our legal approach to each client’s injuries, financial losses, and circumstances. We serve clients throughout New Bedford who need clear guidance about their legal options.

Case strategy may require more than reviewing medical records and insurance documents. We use private investigators, forensic evidence assessments, and forensic analysis to examine relevant facts and develop our approach. Throughout the case, we keep clients informed about the issues affecting their claims.

Call (508) 206-9334 or use our contact form to request a free consultation with an injury lawyer in New Bedford.

Personal Injury Claims We Handle in New Bedford

Different injury claims involve different evidence, insurance provisions, and liability standards. We represent clients across several categories of accidents and harmful incidents.

Motor Vehicle & Truck Accidents
Our personal injury practice includes motor vehicle and truck accidents. These claims may involve questions about fault, available insurance coverage, and losses such as medical expenses or income missed while an injured person can’t work. Truck accident cases can also require careful assessment of vehicle evidence and the parties connected to the collision.

Premises Liability & Negligent Security
We handle premises liability claims involving unsafe conditions on residential, commercial, or public property. This work includes slip and fall claims as well as negligent security claims. Relevant evidence may include the property’s condition, notice of a hazard, and maintenance or security records.

Dog-Bite Injuries
We represent people injured in dog attacks and other incidents caused by dogs. These matters are governed by specific Massachusetts liability rules, including exceptions based on the injured person’s conduct at the time of the incident.

Massachusetts Personal Injury Filing Deadlines

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 260, Section 2A generally requires a tort action, including a personal injury lawsuit, to be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues. Accrual refers to the point when the legal claim arises. The deadline in a particular case can depend on the claim, the defendant, and other facts, so the general time limit isn’t a substitute for individualized legal advice.

Claims against public employers have an additional requirement. Written presentment must be made to the public employer’s executive officer within two years after the cause of action arose, and a civil action can’t be brought more than three years after accrual. Civil personal injury lawsuits arising in Bristol County may be filed at Bristol County Superior Court-New Bedford when that court has jurisdiction.

What Shapes Compensation in Massachusetts Injury Claims

Massachusetts uses a no-fault auto insurance system that includes personal injury protection. Personal injury protection can pay medical bills and lost wages up to $8,000 even when the claimant was at fault, subject to the policy and applicable insurance rules. Access to additional compensation depends on the injuries, evidence of liability, and available coverage.

An injury claim may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Recoverable damages depend on the documented losses, the circumstances of the incident, and Massachusetts law.

Massachusetts Dog-Bite Liability

Massachusetts law generally makes a dog owner strictly liable for injuries caused by the dog. Strict liability means an injured person doesn’t ordinarily need to prove that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. Exceptions may apply if the injured person was trespassing, committing another crime, or tormenting or abusing the dog. A child under seven is presumed not to have engaged in conduct that provoked the animal.

Slip & Fall Hazards

Premises-related claims often turn on the specific hazard and whether the responsible party had notice of it. We handle slip and fall injuries involving:

Liquid spills
Debris in aisles or on sidewalks
Defective ramps or uneven stairs
Negligent maintenance
Snow or ice that wasn’t cleared from walking surfaces

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Discuss Your Injury Claim in a Free Consultation

In a free consultation, we can discuss the incident, your injuries, and the legal questions affecting a potential claim. New Bedford residents can share initial details through our contact form.

We provide client-focused attention and clear information about your options without promising a particular result.

Call (508) 206-9334 to discuss your next step with our personal injury attorneys.

“Really great service!”
Really great service and really helpful to me and my family situation.

- Erick T
“I was extremely grateful and bless for her service”
I was extremely grateful and bless for her service. Had great communication skills along the case. Treats her client’s respectfully. Most importantly she has the passion and thrive as an attorney.

- Luis A.
“I am glad that I know I will be able to count on her”
“I am so glad I found attorney Rachel Matos. From the very first phone call attorney Matos has been so diligent and helpful and always willing to help and offer me the guidance and support I need in order to fight for my daughter.”

- Liolga A.
“Thank You For Your Help!”
I appreciate how diligent you and your staff are to help a very close friend of mine. We value your help and guidance during this difficult process. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.

- Dixie R
“She was extremely professional and responsive!”
Attorney Matos was caring and super helpful. She was extremely professional and responsive to any questions I had. I am so thankful I was able to find her and she was able to take care of everyone of my needs.

- Former Client
“Professional, organized and courteous”
Professional, organized and courteous when it came down to listening to what I needed from her in order to represent me on a private matter...Rachel Matos will get you the results you are looking for! You won't be disappointed.

- Selvin Z.
“My family and I thank Rachel for her all efforts!”
“She was always very professional, had great communication, and the outcome was the best!”

- Manuella A.
“Always willing to help, with top-notch professionalism.”
“The Law Offices of Rachel M. Matos is always willing to help, returns calls the same day, and knows what they are doing. Their professionalism is top-notch.”

- R.V.

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