What to Do After a Car Accident

Thousands of car crashes happen in our state each year. While most collisions only involve property damage, more than 2,700 people are injured and several hundred are killed on average each year in Massachusetts motor vehicle crashes. In the immediate aftermath, knowing what to do after a car accident can be difficult. Most people are confused and overwhelmed after collisions. To help prepare yourself for the unexpected, scroll down to learn what to do after a car accident.

What to Do After a Car Accident

On average, drivers in the U.S. experience four collisions during their lives. Since most people will be involved in several collisions during their lives, it is a good idea to keep a list of what to do after a car accident in your glovebox. Having a list can make it much easier for you to know what to do to protect your rights immediately after your accident. The following steps should undoubtedly be on your list:

1. Remain at the accident scene.

You should never leave the scene of an accident. If you do, you could face criminal liability. Stop at the scene. If you are not in a safe place, move your vehicle off of the road to the safest place available that is as close to the accident scene as possible.

2. Protect others and the scene.

Try to protect other motorists from being involved in additional accidents when they come upon the scene of your accident. Turn on your hazard lights and keep them on. If you have flares, set them up well before where your crash occurred. Keep a flashlight in your car to ensure you’re safe if you need to wait for the police to arrive at night.

3. Call the police.

Following an accident, you should call the police and request officers to respond to your accident scene. After the police arrive, tell the officer what you remember happening in the moments leading up to your collision. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating or guessing. Do not say that you are uninjured. If you are unsure, simply say that you are unsure if you are injured or not. Some injuries might not show symptoms for hours or days.

4. Photograph the scene.

Use your smartphone or camera to take photographs of the damage to each involved vehicle, your injuries, any tire skid marks, the road and weather conditions, and other relevant details such as nearby intersections, traffic control devices, and speed limit signs. Photographs can provide critical evidence of what happened in your crash.

5. Exchange information with the other involved drivers.

You are required to exchange information with the other driver or drivers involved in your crash. Get the name, address, and phone number of each person who was involved. Ask for their insurance and registration information, and provide them with your information. Take a picture of the other driver’s license plate number and his or her vehicle’s make and model. If there are witnesses, ask them for their names and contact information as well.

6. Report your accident to your insurance company.

Massachusetts is a no-fault state for car accidents. This means that you will need to report your accident to your insurance company. Most insurance companies require their insureds to immediately report accidents in which they are involved and to cooperate fully with the companies’ investigations. If you are seriously injured, you can also file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver.

7. Seek immediate medical attention.

Any time you are involved in a car accident, you should see a doctor for a medical examination. You might have injuries that are not immediately apparent. Getting medical attention as soon as possible after an accident can help you to identify any injuries you might have and aid in the recovery process. Seeking immediate medical attention can also show that your injuries were caused by your accident and not by an intervening incident.

8. Save all documents related to your accident.

Make sure to gather and save all of the documents that are related to your accident in a safe place, such as a file. You should request a copy of the police report and keep it in the file. You should also save any correspondence from the insurance company, the photographs you took at the accident scene, and the names and contact information for everyone involved, including any witnesses who saw what happened. Keep copies of your medical bills and medical records related to your injuries, and make a copy of your insurance policy and the name and contact information of the adjuster. Your attorney will want to review this information during your consultation.

9. Talk to an experienced personal injury attorney.

If you have been injured in a car accident because of the negligence of another driver, you should talk to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights. Call Ellis & Associates for a free consultation at 800-MR-ELLIS.