What to do when you get into a car accident in Massachusetts

Check for injuries:

The first and foremost step is to check if yourself or anyone involved needs urgent medical attention or medical treatment. If medical attention is needed call 911 right away. If you can, try not to move the vehicles unless they are causing an issue with traffic. If possible, wait for police officers to arrive before moving anything.

Call the Police:

Even in a minor accident, it is important to make sure there is a legal accident report. A police report can help with your claims process, especially if there's been a personal injury. You will need to file a report with your insurance company, and the police department in the city or town where the accident occurred. You also need to file the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report. 

Take an accurate record:

This is the part most people know to do, but often forget due to the stress of the accident. 

When the police arrive, make sure to tell them exactly what happened to the best of your ability. It is important to get the names, addresses, phone numbers and license plates if possible of everyone involved in the accident while you are still on the accident scene. Other factors like weather conditions and details of the accident scene might also be important to take note of. 

Do not speculate, guess, or misstate any of the facts. Make sure the statement made by the opposite party involved in the accident is accurate as well.

Take pictures:

As most people have access to mobile phones, and insurance companies allow you to submit claims using apps or email, you can take pictures of the vehicles if there is any visible damage. If you have visible injuries, you should photograph them as well. Taking pictures of where the cars were on the road is also useful. However, you should in no way interfere with the ongoing police investigation.

Keep a file:

Good car accident lawyers will recommend keeping all your accident-related documents and information together. This includes the police report, the insurance claim number, the claims adjuster's name, and phone numbers of all contacts, receipts for rental cars and other expenses related to the total property damage or loss as a result of the car accident.

It's valid to file a personal injury claim up to three years after an accident, so be sure to keep all of this documentation whether you are filing a personal injury lawsuit now or in the future.

Seek an experienced car accident Attorney in MA

The next most important thing you should do after an accident is to consult a car accident attorney. Your lawyer can protect your rights and make sure valuable evidence is not destroyed.

If you decide to work with a lawyer, be sure to forward all correspondence to them and do not sign any documentation from another insurance agency without their consultation. Additionally, wait to speak to any other insurance companies of those who were involved in the accident.

Call the Law Offices of Jason M. Ranallo, P. C.

If you want or need legal assistance, our experienced and trusted personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Jason M. Ranallo, P.C. have what it takes to fight an insurance company every step of the way. We settle cases through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and will go to trial if a fair and just settlement cannot be achieved.

Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no legal fee unless our attorneys recover financial compensation for your injuries. 

If you believe you have a personal injury claim from a car accident, contact us today and we will provide a free car accident case evaluation.