No matter how carefully you drive in Massachusetts, you are likely to get into an accident at some point in your life. When this happens, you must be well prepared to handle the situation. Here’s a quick guide you could use.
Stay on the scene
The greatest mistake you could ever make after a car crash is to flee the scene. This can result in imprisonment, heavy fines or both. Additionally, if a lawsuit is filed, the judge might take leaving the scene as an admission of guilt, even if you are innocent. So, stop and park your vehicle in a safe place away from traffic.
Call the police
If anyone has been injured or if there is significant vehicle damage, you should contact the police. The responding officer will create a report of the accident. This document could be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action against the other driver.
Get the other driver’s information
Exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. Get their name, phone number, address, driver’s license number and insurance information. If there are any witnesses to the crash, collect their names and contact information as well.
Take pictures and videos of the scene
If you have a camera or smartphone, take pictures and videos of the accident scene. Include photos of all the vehicles involved and any damage that has been done. If there are skid marks on the road, capture those too. This visual evidence could be helpful later on.
Call your insurance company
You will need to contact your insurance company and let them know about the accident. They will likely want to send an adjuster out to inspect the damage to your vehicle. Once they have processed your claim, they will provide you with information about how to proceed.
Accept medical treatment
Even if you feel okay, it’s important to see a doctor after a car accident. The increased adrenaline after motor vehicle accidents and the chaos that comes with it can mask symptoms of being hurt. Besides, you will need a doctor’s report when filing a claim to your insurance company or the at-fault driver.
Dealing with a car accident is never fun. However, by following the steps above, you can help to ensure that everything is handled correctly.
