The initial shock can make it difficult to know what to do after a car accident in Massachusetts. However, you can keep a list of steps in your glove compartment to make it easier. The following steps will protect your health and your ability to pursue compensation for your losses.
If the accident scene is unsafe, you should get to safety as quickly as possible. For example, if your vehicle is in the lane of traffic at night on a busy road, move it off to the nearest safe place. You don’t want subsequent accidents to occur when people crash into your vehicle at the scene. If you notice gas leaking or flames, move away from the vehicle and get others to safety.
Once everyone is safe, call 911 to request emergency responders. The dispatcher will send the police and other first responders to investigate and document what happened. Emergency medical technicians or paramedics can assess injuries at the scene and provide emergency medical help. If the police respond to the scene, they will also write an accident report that could be invaluable in your subsequent accident claim.
Even if the police respond and investigate your accident, you should still take photographs. Some information could be lost if it isn’t photographed shortly after your collision. Take detailed pictures of the damage to each vehicle, the other driver’s make, model, and plate number, road debris, traffic and weather conditions, and all other relevant details. If your injuries prevent you from taking photographs, ask a family member or friend to take them for you with your smartphone camera.
Massachusetts law requires drivers involved in collisions to exchange information with each other, including their names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, automobile insurance information, and license plate numbers. Take a photo of the other driver’s license, insurance card, and license plate to ensure you don’t lose this information. If you can, ask to see the other driver’s vehicle registration to determine whether they are the car’s owner or if someone else is instead.
If anyone saw your collision, ask for their names, emails, addresses, and phone numbers. Ask them to explain what they saw and if you can record it. Tracking down witnesses later can be hard, so getting this information at the scene can strengthen your claim. Your car accident lawyer can talk to them later and potentially call the witnesses at trial.
If you’re seriously injured, go to the emergency department by ambulance right after your collision. If you have minor injuries or don’t know whether you have been injured, you should still see your doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries have delayed symptoms but can still be serious. If your doctor can’t get you in, go to an urgent care facility or clinic for an examination. When you see a doctor immediately, you can protect your health and prevent the insurance company from trying to claim your injuries were caused by something other than your collision.
If the police responded to your accident, get a copy from their agency. Under Mass. Gen. Laws Chapter 90, § 26, you must file a report with the state within five days if your accident resulted in injuries, fatalities, or property damage of $1,000 or more whether or not the police responded to the scene.
Once you’ve completed the previous steps, you should schedule a consultation with the talented attorneys at Ellis & Associates. We offer free consultations and can explain whether you have grounds to pursue a claim against the other driver. We can also ensure that you know what to do after a car accident in Massachusetts. While your PIP coverage should cover your expenses for minor injuries, you might be able to step outside of the no-fault system in some situations. When you’re ready to get started, call 800-MR-ELLIS or send us a message online.
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