What To Do If You Have A Car Accident
There is a reason they call them accidents. No one is trying to have one, and they take you by surprise. It’s important to know what to do if you have a car accident. One of the first steps is to consult with a qualified attorney who specializes in personal injury or car accident cases to get advice tailored to your specific situation.
Each auto accident case is individual and deals with different circumstances. Whether you caused the accident or not, you still need to pay your medical bills, get compensated for your lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other costs you incur because of the accident.
Massachusetts is a no-fault state concerning auto accidents and you’re required to carry personal injury protection to cover certain expenses, like medical bills. Even if you think you were not at fault, you should consult with a law firm that has experience with auto accident cases like Attorney Jim Brady and Associates in Walpole, Ma.
Most “accidents” are really the result of choices made by one of the drivers - some good and some bad. You can file a lawsuit for your car accident if your personal injury expenses exceed $2,000, have a permanent injury, or have been scarred. You have up to three years to file a claim, but the sooner the better, and you will need an attorney that understands the process.
Here are some steps to take, right away, if you are involved in an accident:
Make sure you and any passengers are okay before you start moving around and getting out of the car.
Make sure any other people involved are okay.
Call the police and get a detailed police report.
Take plenty of photos from different angles of all vehicles involved.
Get contact information from any witnesses.
Get the insurance information of the other people involved in the auto accident and take a picture of their driver’s license(s).
Go to the hospital to get checked out, even if you have minor injuries.
Call your insurance company when you get home.
If you’re not able to do these things at the time of the accident, you can contact your insurance company from the hospital, or after you recover if your injuries are serious.
The Days and Weeks After the Auto Accident
Keep a record of any pain and suffering you experience after the collision.
Do not hesitate to see your doctor if something is wrong.
Keep all paperwork, receipts and reports in one place so you have the information you need.
How Can an Attorney Experienced in Auto Accident Cases Help You?
Injuries are not always obvious right after an accident. They can present themselves in the days following the accident. This is why you need a seasoned auto accident lawyer who knows how to deal with insurance companies and can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement for damages and injuries.
Attorneys Jim and Steve Brady & Associates can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and related expenses. They will gather evidence, file any necessary paperwork, interview witnesses, reconstruct the accident, meet court deadlines, and build a strong case to establish liability.
Remember, these are just general guidelines, and the specific circumstances of every case are different. It's always recommended to consult with an experienced attorney who can provide guidance based on state laws and regulations.
If you or a loved one have been in a car accident, don’t waste time. Contact us for a complimentary consultation. We have been handling auto accident cases for over 38 years in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
