Car accidents are an unfortunate part of life. Sometimes even the best drivers get into accidents for a variety of different reasons, or even due to someone else's negligence. Many who find themselves in this situation don't know what to do once they've been in an accident. If you are ever involved in an automobile accident in Massachusetts, there are steps you can take to make sure you are protected.
Attorney Jason Ranallo has been helping injured individuals through the aftermath of car accidents since 2002. He's put together the following step-by-step instructions for what you should do when you get into a car accident.
First and foremost, 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 issues with traffic. If possible, wait for police officers to arrive before moving anything.
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 along with 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 following the accident.
This is the part that 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.
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.
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.
The next - and perhaps 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.
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.
DISCLAIMER : The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.
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