A car accident can happen in the blink of an eye. However, the consequence of the crash often leaves a harrowing experience for its victims. By learning about which steps to take after an accident, victims (like yourself) can seek fair compensation for their injuries.
1. Stay alert and dial 911
After the accident, remain at the scene and dial 911 to ask for medical assistance. While you wait for help to arrive, check yourself and/or your passengers for any signs of cuts, bruises or potential head trauma.
You should also request the other party’s contact details. You can use this information later when you process your personal injury claim. Once the paramedics arrive, ask to be examined and be taken to a hospital.
2. Notify the police and the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
After getting proper treatment for your injuries, contact the local police and the state’s RMV to report your accident. Since these reports help create official records of your crash, you can use them to strengthen your insurance claim.
Keep in mind that failure to report to the Massachusetts RMV within five days of your accident can lead to a license suspension.
3. Collect additional evidence
Now that you have a copy of your medical report, police report and RMV report, you can go back to the scene of the accident to take media recordings of the crash and your car’s damage. These types of documentation can help prove who was at fault and provide an estimate of your compensation amount.
4. Call your auto insurance company
You must also call your insurance provider to inform them of the car accident and the other party’s contact information. However, you should refrain from discussing any details about your injuries.
Although there are insurance companies that operate in good faith, there are a lot of auto insurers that practice unethical ways to protect their company and provide a lower settlement amount for insurance claims.
By understanding your rights and Massachusetts’ car accident compensation laws, you can navigate the whole process with better familiarity and file your claim with confidence.
