Impaired Driving Increasing in Massachusetts
A fatal accident illustrates a new problem in our state following the Pandemic. New data from 2023 shows an increase in fatal crashes involving drugs or alcohol across Massachusetts. State police investigated 34 deadly crashes linked to impaired driving, and preliminary figures for early 2024 suggest this trend may be growing. Law enforcement agencies have reported more frequent patrols aimed at reducing these numbers. Despite those efforts, impaired driving remains one of the most dangerous problems on the road.
Several of the deadly crashes involved drivers under the influence of substances, including both alcohol and drugs. In one notable case, a Cape Cod man faces manslaughter and OUI charges after a Route 6 crash claimed a life. Another incident on the New Bedford–Fairhaven Bridge saw a driver arrested with a blood alcohol content over .20, more than twice the legal limit, after a head-on collision that killed a passenger. A separate crash in Franklin tragically took the life of a five-year-old girl and left two others seriously injured, with the driver reportedly having a BAC of .19. These cases highlight the ongoing need for awareness and prevention to protect lives on Massachusetts roads.
You don’t have to face this alone. Whether a recent crash has directly impacted you or you are concerned about the rising threat of impaired drivers across the state, we’re here to help you make sense of what’s next. At Harrington & Harrington, we don’t just handle cases, we take a stand for safer roads and for the people harmed when others break the law. Let us fight for accountability, justice, and the financial recovery you deserve. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation and take the first step toward holding impaired drivers accountable and making Massachusetts roads safer for everyone.
Harrington & Harrington Knows How to Hold Impaired Drivers Accountable
Families affected by impaired driving often face overwhelming emotional and financial challenges. While law enforcement may pursue criminal charges, that doesn’t always lead to justice for the victims. Civil claims allow injured individuals and grieving families to seek accountability through the court system. At Harrington & Harrington, we help our clients understand their rights and pursue maximum compensation.
We focus on building a strong legal case from the ground up. That means gathering medical records, crash reports, toxicology results, and witness statements to prove liability. We also understand how to challenge insurance delays and fight back against attempts to undervalue the harm our clients have suffered. By putting in the work early, we give your case the attention it deserves from day one. Our firm has secured substantial compensation for victims of drunk and drug-impaired drivers across Massachusetts.
Impaired Driving Has Become an Increasing Menace on Massachusetts Roads
Impaired drivers represent a threat to everyone sharing the road, from pedestrians to commercial truckers. They often lose the ability to judge speed, distance, and traffic signals. In a dense and fast-moving environment like Massachusetts, split-second decisions matter. Just one wrong turn or missed stop sign can end in tragedy.
The danger is magnified by our state’s compact layout and volume of commuter traffic. Impaired drivers often strike at night or on weekends, when families are returning from outings or workers are heading home. These crashes aren’t just numbers; they’re often head-on collisions or high-speed rollovers with devastating outcomes. The presence of drugs or alcohol in a driver’s system significantly raises the chance of fatal injury. Our roads require clear thinking and fast reflexes, two things impaired drivers simply can’t offer.
Impaired Driving Always a Problem
No matter the time of year or time of day, impaired driving never stops being a danger. It persists during holidays, late nights, weekday commutes, and even broad daylight. Because impairment affects judgment, many drivers don’t even realize how dangerous they are. And when they do cause harm, it’s usually too late to reverse the consequences.
Repeat offenders add to the problem. Despite prior arrests or convictions, some individuals continue to get behind the wheel while impaired. This creates an ongoing public safety risk, especially when prior penalties have not been enough to deter future behavior. Even first-time offenders, though, can cause irreversible harm in a single moment of poor judgment. Prevention, accountability, and community awareness must work together to combat this threat.
Massachusetts Drivers Can’t Afford the Presence of Drunks
Massachusetts has a tightly packed network of roads, many with short merging lanes, narrow shoulders, and heavy traffic. When impaired drivers enter that system, the risks multiply instantly. There’s less room for error and fewer seconds to avoid a dangerous situation. Our infrastructure demands a sharp focus that something impaired drivers simply cannot provide.
Even minor errors can become catastrophic. On a winding Cape road or a busy Boston intersection, a driver with slowed reaction time can’t safely respond to sudden stops or turns. This leads to crashes that would otherwise be avoidable. For those who regularly commute or travel with family, the presence of impaired drivers turns every trip into a potential tragedy. Holding these drivers accountable is about preserving the safety of everyone on the road.
Why Impaired Driving has been Increasing in Recent Years
Data shows a troubling trend: impaired driving incidents have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Isolation, mental health struggles, and substance abuse are all contributing factors. People are taking more risks and, in some cases, choosing to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This reckless behavior is showing up in crash data across the state.
Despite public awareness campaigns, enforcement challenges remain. Fewer traffic stops during the early pandemic years created an accountability gap. Unfortunately, the consequences are now showing up in more fatal collisions and devastating personal injuries. This is not just a trend; it’s a public safety emergency that demands immediate legal and community responses.
Specific Issues with Impaired Driving
Impaired driving is not a single issue; it’s a collection of dangerous conditions that affect a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Alcohol, illegal drugs, and even some prescription medications can cause slowed reflexes, poor judgment, and distorted perception. These effects don’t just put the impaired driver at risk, they endanger every pedestrian, cyclist, and motorist nearby. The complexity and severity of impairment vary case by case, but the consequences are consistently devastating.
When someone drives under the influence, they lose the ability to make sound decisions in real time. Many don’t even recognize how impaired they are, and by the time they do, it’s often too late. Reaction time is slowed, coordination is compromised, and the ability to interpret surroundings is significantly diminished. Impaired drivers can’t respond to sudden changes on the road, like a child running between parked cars or a vehicle braking ahead. These dangerous lapses in judgment are exactly why impaired driving continues to cause preventable tragedies on Massachusetts roads.
Slow Reaction Times
Reaction time is critical behind the wheel, and impaired drivers cannot quickly respond to changing road conditions or the actions of other drivers. Even a delay of just one second can mean the difference between braking in time and causing a deadly crash. Alcohol and many drugs slow the central nervous system, dulling both mental and physical responses. This delay is especially dangerous on highways, at intersections, and in construction zones where quick decisions are essential. Impaired drivers might miss red lights or drift into other lanes, and night driving only worsens the risk due to reduced visibility, requiring faster reflexes. When drivers cannot keep up with road conditions, everyone nearby faces increased danger. Slower reaction times don’t just create risks, they directly contribute to countless fatal crashes every year.
Drunk Drivers Don’t Understand When They Are Too Impaired to Drive
One of the most dangerous effects of impairment is that it clouds a driver’s self-awareness, causing many to believe they are “okay” to get behind the wheel. This false confidence leads them to ignore clear signs of danger, such as slurred speech, poor coordination, or mental fog. By the time they decide to drive, they pose a serious risk to everyone on the road. The problem intensifies with repeat offenders, some of whom have driven impaired dozens of times before being stopped or causing a crash. Others worsen the danger by mixing substances, increasing confusion and disorientation. Many mistakenly believe a quick nap or a cup of coffee will make them safe to drive, but science proves otherwise. Denial and poor judgment fuel these tragedies, underscoring why holding impaired drivers accountable through the legal system is so important.
Impairment Leads to a Poor Sense of Direction
Spatial awareness suffers greatly under the influence of drugs or alcohol, causing impaired drivers to miss turns, drift into other lanes, or even travel the wrong way on highways. They often struggle with basic navigation, making familiar roads confusing and leading to unexpected, erratic behavior behind the wheel. Wrong-way crashes rank among the deadliest accidents, as a disoriented driver entering a one-way street or divided highway puts dozens of other motorists at risk. In Massachusetts, these incidents occur more frequently than many realize, especially during late-night hours. Impaired drivers also commonly misjudge exit ramps and road signs, leading to catastrophic crashes on major routes like I-95 and Route 6.
Many are Driving Dangerously High-Powered Vehicles, Often on Public Roads, on Narrow Streets
Modern vehicles are faster, heavier, and more powerful than ever, and many impaired drivers aren’t just behind the wheel of small sedans, they’re driving SUVs, pickup trucks, or high-performance cars. This greatly increases the danger because larger, heavier vehicles can cause far more damage in a collision. When speed combines with impairment, the result is often deadly. Even smaller vehicles can be hazardous when driven recklessly, but impaired driving in a truck or powerful car raises the stakes significantly. Public roads aren’t designed for unpredictable or high-speed maneuvers, yet impaired drivers frequently take unnecessary risks, putting pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists in danger.
Insurance Complications with Impaired Driving on Roads in Boston and Massachusetts
Navigating claims involving impaired drivers can be complicated, especially in a city as dense and fast-moving as Boston. Impaired drivers often cause severe damage, but the legal aftermath is rarely straightforward. Insurance coverage may be lacking or denied, and the at-fault driver may be unwilling to cooperate. This creates immediate challenges for victims seeking compensation.
In Massachusetts, personal injury claims involving impaired drivers often require a closer look at insurance gaps, disputed liability, or even criminal proceedings. A drunk driver may have limited coverage or none at all, leaving victims to turn to their policies for relief. These cases also tend to trigger more aggressive responses from insurance carriers, who fear large payouts or reputational damage. Even with a clear fault, insurers may delay, dispute, or deflect responsibility. That’s why working with a law firm that understands the full landscape of impaired driving claims is essential from the start.
Many Negligent Drivers Have Not Maintained Their Insurance
Unfortunately, impaired drivers are also more likely to let their auto insurance lapse. That means when they cause a crash, there may be no policy in place to cover your injuries or property damage. This forces victims to pursue alternative legal and insurance options. Recovering compensation becomes more difficult, but not impossible. Some complaints could merit a discussion with the Massachusetts Department of Insurance.
Physical Damage from a Drunk Driving Accident
The physical toll of a drunk driving crash is often immediate, violent, and life-altering. In the recent Route 6 crash that sparked this conversation, the victim did not survive, and the alleged impaired driver now faces manslaughter charges. Such cases are not rare. Boston and the surrounding areas have seen a troubling spike in fatal impaired-driving incidents since the pandemic, especially on tight, fast-moving corridors like the Southeast Expressway, I-93, and Route 24. These are roads where any delay in reaction time can be deadly, particularly when drivers under the influence make sudden, reckless maneuvers. Whether the crash involves a head-on impact, rollover, or T-bone collision, the human body is no match for the violent forces unleashed in these wrecks.
Victims of drunk driving accidents in Boston often suffer spinal injuries, head trauma, deep lacerations, and broken bones, sometimes all at once. Hospitals like Mass General and Boston Medical Center routinely treat these complex injuries, requiring emergency surgery and months of painful rehab. Some patients never walk again, never work again, or never feel safe behind the wheel. Others carry permanent reminders of their trauma in the form of chronic pain, facial scars, or limited mobility. Every one of these injuries is preventable, and when someone chooses to drive drunk in Massachusetts, they put others in physical jeopardy in ways that no one should have to endure.
Spinal Damage
The Mayo Clinic reports that traffic accidents are the main cause of spinal damage. Drunk driving crashes often involve high speeds and sudden impacts, which place extreme stress on the spine. Victims may suffer herniated discs, spinal cord contusions, or even paralysis, depending on the severity of the collision. In the Route 6 crash and others like it, the angle and force of impact can twist the body violently, damaging vertebrae or severing nerves. Spinal injuries are among the most life-altering outcomes and often require surgery, immobilization, and long-term physical therapy. For many survivors, the physical limitations are permanent, with some needing wheelchairs or assistive devices for the rest of their lives.
Lacerations
Broken glass, twisted metal, and roadside debris often result in deep cuts and gashes during a crash. These lacerations can be severe, leading to blood loss, nerve damage, and the risk of infection if not treated immediately. Victims of impaired driving accidents often require stitches, skin grafts, or plastic surgery to treat these wounds. In some cases, these injuries leave permanent scarring, visible reminders of a traumatic, preventable event. Emotional distress tied to disfigurement is also common, especially when the injuries affect the face, arms, or other visible areas.
Broken Bones
Collisions caused by drunk drivers frequently result in broken ribs, legs, arms, and hips. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these kinds of accidents are among the most common causes of bone fractures. Airbags, seatbelts, and vehicle crumple zones help, but they can’t prevent every fracture. Victims in Boston-area crashes often need orthopedic surgery and months of rehabilitation to regain mobility. Some suffer compound fractures or multiple breaks at once, which complicates recovery and increases the risk of long-term disability. These injuries are painful, costly, and often result in time away from work, school, or caregiving responsibilities.
Head and Neck Injuries
Head and neck trauma is especially dangerous because it can be fatal or cause lasting cognitive issues. In impaired driving crashes, victims are often thrown forward violently, causing concussions, skull fractures, or whiplash. Some suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that alter memory, speech, or mood. Neck injuries like cervical strains or disc damage can also limit movement and lead to chronic pain. These types of trauma demand immediate medical attention and often have long-term implications for a person’s mental and physical health.
Emotional Injuries
Not all injuries are visible. Survivors of drunk driving crashes often carry deep emotional scars that affect their daily lives. They may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or intense fear of driving. In some cases, therapy is required just to resume normal routines or regain a sense of safety. The psychological toll of being hit by a drunk driver is real, and victims deserve legal and emotional support to fully recover.
Financial Damages After a Drunk Driving Accident
The financial toll of a drunk driving crash can be devastating, especially for victims who are left unable to work or face a long road to recovery. Medical bills begin piling up immediately after emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment often cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Lost wages add to the strain, particularly if the injury prevents a return to work or forces a career change. Property damage, such as a totaled vehicle, adds another layer of financial pressure. These economic burdens don’t just affect individuals, they impact entire families.
Beyond the immediate expenses, many victims face long-term financial uncertainty that the at-fault driver’s insurance may not fully cover. Pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life often go uncompensated unless aggressively pursued in a personal injury claim. In Massachusetts, victims have the right to seek both economic and non-economic damages, including for permanent disability or loss of future income. Insurance companies frequently try to undervalue these claims, making legal representation critical to secure full compensation. At Harrington & Harrington, we work to calculate every dollar you’re owed, and we won’t stop until you get it.
Medical Bills
After a drunk driving accident, the cost of medical treatment begins immediately and can continue for months or even years. Ambulance rides, ER visits, diagnostic tests, surgeries, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and medications quickly add up. For serious injuries like spinal trauma or head injuries, ongoing care may be necessary for life. Without legal intervention, victims are often left to shoulder these costs out of pocket or navigate complicated insurance disputes. Medical bills are the leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States.
Lost Wages
Time away from work is almost inevitable after a serious crash, and for many, that means lost paychecks, missed promotions, or even job loss. Whether you’re recovering at home or hospitalized, your income may stop while your expenses increase. Some victims are unable to return to the same line of work due to physical limitations. That loss of future earning capacity deserves to be factored into any settlement. Holding the impaired driver accountable includes addressing every financial consequence, not just the immediate ones.
Legal and Administrative Fees
Drunk driving crashes often come with additional legal and administrative expenses beyond typical accident claims. Victims may need help accessing police reports, court documents, medical records, and expert evaluations. Filing a claim, especially one involving serious injuries or disputed liability, often requires upfront costs that insurance companies won’t reimburse. Without representation, these processes become overwhelming and costly. Working with Harrington & Harrington ensures these costs are managed strategically and factored into your compensation.
Incidentals
Some expenses don’t show up on hospital bills or pay stubs but still have a significant financial impact. These include transportation to medical appointments, home modifications for mobility issues, childcare during recovery, and even mental health services. Victims may need to hire help around the house or replace damaged personal property. While these costs might seem minor compared to hospital bills, they can add up quickly and disrupt a household’s financial stability. That’s why we make sure every cost tied to your recovery is included in your claim.
Insurance Companies Often Adopt a Defensive Strategy When Facing Claims in Boston or Massachusetts
Even when the facts are clear and faults are obvious, insurance companies rarely make things easy for crash victims. In cases involving impaired drivers, insurers often treat the claim as a financial threat and shift into defensive mode quickly. They may challenge medical expenses, question the severity of injuries, or argue that treatment was unnecessary. Sometimes, they even try to assign partial blame to the victim to reduce what they have to pay. These tactics are calculated, not accidental, and designed to protect their bottom line. Sometimes, a claim with the Massachusetts Department of Insurance may even be warranted,
This kind of resistance can be overwhelming for someone already dealing with serious injuries and emotional trauma. It’s not just about paperwork; it’s about defending your right to recover and be treated fairly. A seasoned legal team can anticipate these moves and build a case that insurance companies can’t ignore. At Harrington & Harrington, we know how to counter these strategies with clear evidence, aggressive negotiation, and, if necessary, trial-ready preparation. You shouldn’t have to battle the system alone. Let us fight back for you.
Some Insurance Companies Will Fight Even in the Face of an Unfavorable Determination of Fault
Some insurers will fight claims even after police reports and toxicology confirm the driver was under the influence. They may argue the crash was unavoidable or shift the narrative to obscure their policyholder’s role. These tactics are especially common in high-damage cases where insurance companies fear large settlements. The longer they delay, the more pressure victims feel to accept less than they deserve. Our team at Harrington & Harrington sees through these tactics and pushes back hard.
Uninsured Motorist Policies are Often Key to Securing Compensation Against Impaired Drivers
When the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your losses, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage becomes essential. Many Massachusetts drivers don’t realize this protection exists until they need it. UM coverage can step in to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, your insurer may still challenge or undervalue your claim. We help clients understand and fully utilize this coverage to secure the compensation they’re entitled to.
Why Victims of Personal Injuries Need Assistance with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are not in the business of paying out what victims truly need; they’re in the business of minimizing losses. After a drunk driving crash, the process of filing a claim and securing compensation becomes even more complex. Victims often face delays, denied claims, or lowball settlement offers that don’t reflect the severity of their injuries. That’s why legal guidance is essential to ensure insurance companies are held accountable and victims receive what they’re rightfully owed.
Harrington & Harrington, Your Guide to Navigating Boston’s Treacherous Streets since 1966
Driving in Boston isn’t like driving anywhere else, with tight streets, fast decisions, and constant congestion. When impaired drivers enter that mix, the danger becomes even more severe. For decades, we’ve helped victims of drunk and drugged driving take back control after devastating crashes. Our deep roots in the community and courtroom experience make a real difference. We don’t just handle cases, we change outcomes.
Since 1966, Harrington & Harrington has built its reputation on personal service, relentless advocacy, and real results. We know the traffic patterns, the courts, and the pressure insurance companies apply. We use that insight to pursue maximum compensation for our clients, no matter how complex the case. Whether the crash happened on Storrow Drive or a quiet street in Quincy, we’re ready to help. Our commitment is to justice, accountability, and making sure your voice is heard.
24/7 Support
Legal emergencies don’t follow business hours, and neither do we. At Harrington & Harrington, our team is available 24/7 to provide immediate guidance when a crash turns your life upside down. Whether it’s midnight on a weekday or early Sunday morning, we’re here to answer your call, listen to your concerns, and help you take the right next steps. We understand that after a traumatic accident, time matters and so does peace of mind. That’s why we’re committed to being accessible when you need us most, not just when it’s convenient.
Millions Won
Harrington & Harrington brings decades of trusted results and unwavering client dedication to every case. Our attorneys have secured multi-million‑dollar recoveries for personal injury and wrongful death clients in both state and federal courts. We consistently earn recognition from peer-reviewed organizations for our courtroom excellence, and we pride ourselves on standing up to major insurance companies on behalf of everyday people. Honesty, tenacity, and compassion drive our firm’s approach each client receives personalized attention matched by legal skill. From handling catastrophic crashes to complex liability claims, we leverage our depth of experience to build strong legal strategies with real-world impact.
Supporting Boston and Beyond
We proudly serve clients across Boston, the South Shore, Cape Cod, and throughout the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Whether your crash happened in the heart of the city, on the highways near the Cape, or a quiet road in Western Mass, our team is prepared to fight for your rights with urgency and precision. We understand the distinct legal and logistical challenges that come with different regions, and we use that knowledge to build stronger, more targeted cases. With statewide reach and deep local roots, we meet you where you are, whether that means showing up in court, communicating by phone, or working closely with your family to keep you informed and supported every step of the way. At Harrington & Harrington, your location never limits your access to justice.
Bilingual Law Firm
Language should never be a barrier to justice. At Harrington & Harrington, we serve clients in both English and Spanish so that everyone, regardless of background, can fully understand their rights and the legal process. From your first call to your final result, our bilingual team ensures clear communication, answers your questions in your preferred language, and keeps you informed every step of the way. We believe every client deserves to feel respected, supported, and empowered during one of the most difficult times in their life. ¿Habla español? Llámenos hoy para una consulta gratuita y permítanos luchar por la justicia que usted merece.
Contact Us Now for a Free Assessment
You deserve answers, and you shouldn’t have to wait for them. At Harrington & Harrington, we offer free, no-obligation assessments because we know how urgent these situations can be. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, missed work, or the emotional toll of an accident, we’re here to help you understand your legal options. Every case starts with a conversation, and that conversation starts with your call.
We take the time to listen to your story, evaluate the details of your situation, and give you clear, straightforward advice about what comes next. You won’t get pressure or legal jargon, just honest guidance from a team that’s been fighting for Massachusetts families for decades. If we take your case, we fight to win and hold impaired drivers accountable for the harm they cause. Our team is ready to stand by your side from day one, no matter how complex your case may be. Call Harrington & Harrington today may be. Call Harrington & Harrington now at (617) 227-1975 or visit our website. Call now before the damage escalates.