Particularly in a packed city like Boston, where traffic is typically difficult, car accidents might be incapacitating. Whether you live nearby, are a college student, or are just on a vacation, you should know what to do straight away after an accident. Acting correctly helps you to protect your health, ensure equitable treatment, and help with your reimbursement for any losses or injuries.
Should you or a loved one have been in an accident, you might choose to get advice from reputable experts such as Michael Kelly Boston Injury Lawyers on your rights and next actions.
From the instant aftermath to the legal follow-up, let’s go over what you should do should you get in a vehicle accident in Boston.
Immediate Steps to Take After the Accident
Participating in an automobile collision may be quite taxing and confusing. Still, your safety, rights, and a more seamless claims procedure depend on the activities you take in the immediate wake. The main actions to do promptly after a collision are listed below.
Ensure Safety and Call 911
Safety should be your first concern. If at all possible, move your car to the side of the road to stop more mishaps. Turn on your hazard lights. Check your passengers and yourself for injuries. Even if they seem minor, call 911 Boston law mandates drivers to report accidents involving injury, death, or major property damage.
Exchange Information
Get their complete name, contact information, driver’s license number, insurance company and policy number, as well as the make, model, and license plate number of their car. Then exchange information with the other motorist. Keep your cool and be polite during the exchange. Avoid owning mistakes or accusing others. Culpability is something the inquiry will help to decide.
Document the Scene
Use your phone to carefully document the situation, capturing images and videos. Pay close attention to every car involved from many directions, any obvious damage, license plates, street signs or landmarks indicating the location, and pertinent road conditions like skid marks or trash. When making an insurance claim or seeing a lawyer, this visual proof may be very beneficial.
When Medical Attention Is Critical
See doctor even if you feel well. Certain injuries such whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding may not exhibit symptoms straight away. Early documentation of your injuries can also help any future insurance or legal claims.
There are first-rate hospitals in Boston. A few amenities to give thought:
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Tell your doctor that your injuries result from an automobile accident so they show up on your medical records.
Report the Accident
If you are legally obliged in Massachusetts to submit a Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report within five days following an accident, then:
- Anyone is injured or killed
- Property damage exceeds $1,000.
This form is available at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) website and has to be sent to:
- The local police department where the accident occurred
- The RMV
- Your insurance company.
Ignoring to submit this report might compromise your eligibility to submit insurance claims.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance company right after following an accident. Share all pertinent information, including medical records, pictures or videos of the damage, police reports, other driver’s insurance and contact information. Speak with your insurance using the facts. Try not to assume who was responsible. See a lawyer if you’re not sure how to go forward to assist safeguard your rights and walk you through the process.
When to Consult a Car Accident Lawyer
Speaking with an attorney may defend your rights and raise your prospects of fair recompense if you have lost work, incurred major injuries, or gone through emotional anguish.
- Disputed liability
- Denied insurance claims
- High medical expenses
- Long-term rehabilitation needs
- Emotional distress or PTSD.
Additional Tips for Handling a Boston Car Accident
Beyond the first actions you do after an accident, there are further activities you may take to guard your legal rights and bolster any insurance or damage claims. These useful pointers are particularly crucial in Boston, where state regulations and insurance processes may be complicated after an automobile accident.
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Avoid speaking to the other driver’s Insurance Adjuster
They may try to get you to settle quickly or downplay your injuries. Always speak to your insurer or your attorney first.
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Don’t post on social media
Insurance companies may monitor your social media to dispute injury claims. It’s best to avoid posting anything about your accident until your case is resolved.
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Keep all receipts and records
Track all expenses related to your accident, including medical bills, car repairs, prescription medications. towing or rental car fees, and lost wages.
Although a Boston automobile accident may be a trying event, knowing what to do ahead of time can help. Keep cool, give medical treatment and safety priority, and, if matters grow problematic, don’t hesitate to get legal advice.
Whether you’re only in town to see a Celtics game or a tennis event or a full-time Bostonian, you have rights to fair treatment and safety. See Michael Kelly Boston Injury Lawyers for seasoned legal advice to assist in your recuperation and enable you to resume normal activities.
