Car accidents can be overwhelming and scary experiences, leaving victims unsure of what to do next. If you find yourself in a car accident in Massachusetts, it’s important to know the steps to take to ensure your safety and protect your rights. In this article, we’ll go over what to do after a car accident in Massachusetts.
1. Check Yourself and Others for Injuries
The first thing to do after a car accident is to check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. Even if there are no visible injuries, it’s still a good idea to seek medical attention as some injuries may not be apparent right away.
2. Move Your Vehicle to a Safe Location
If your car is still drivable and it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle to a safe location off the road. This will prevent further accidents and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
3. Call the Police
Even if there are no injuries, it’s important to call the police after a car accident. The police will file a report which can be used as evidence in any future legal proceedings. Be sure to get the officer’s name and badge number.
4. Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. This should include their name, phone number, address, insurance information, and license plate number.
5. Gather Evidence
Take pictures of the accident scene, including damage to both vehicles and any other property damage. This can be used as evidence in any future legal proceedings. Also, get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Provide them with all of the information you gathered, including the police report and pictures of the accident scene.
7. Seek Legal Advice
If you’ve been injured in the accident, it’s a good idea to seek legal advice. An experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
8. Follow Up with Medical Treatment
If you were injured in the accident, follow up with medical treatment as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be apparent right away. It’s important to get checked out by a medical professional to ensure your health and well-being.
9. Stay Organized
Keep all of your documentation organized, including police reports, medical bills, and insurance information. This will make it easier to navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
10. Be Careful What You Say
Be careful what you say after the accident, especially to insurance adjusters. Anything you say can be used against you in any future legal proceedings. Stick to the facts and only discuss the accident with your attorney.
Conclusion
Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. But by following these steps, you can ensure your safety and protect your rights. Remember to stay calm, gather as much information as possible, and seek legal advice if necessary.
FAQs
- Do I have to call the police after a car accident in Massachusetts?
Yes, even if there are no injuries, it’s important to call the police after a car accident. The police will file a report which can be used as evidence in any future legal proceedings.
- What should I do if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you may still be able to recover damages through your own insurance policy or by suing the other driver.
- How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
- What if I can’t afford medical treatment after a car accident?
If you can’t afford medical treatment after a car accident, your attorney may be able to help you find medical providers who are willing to work on a lien basis, which means they’ll provide treatment now and get paid later from your settlement.
- Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, Massachusetts follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means that you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.