Preparing for What To Do/Not Do Following A Serious Car Accident

September 21, 2012 (Press-News.org) It may be difficult to think calmly and rationally when your adrenaline is flowing and your heart is pounding following a car crash, especially if you are seriously injured. But, if you are physically able and aware, there are certain actions that should be executed following a Massachusetts car accident.

Knowing who to call, how to file a report and how to handle towing and repair issues can help you prepare for and preserve information needed for any insurance claims or lawsuits you may choose to file.

What To Do Following Accident

If you are physically and mentally well enough after a serious motor vehicle accident, you should first be sure you and anyone else on the scene is safe from further harm and then call 911 if you or another person involved in the crash needs medical attention. Once the situation calms down, it is a good idea to report the accident to both local law enforcement and your insurance company.

Be sure to exchange insurance information with the other drivers, or make sure the officer on scene collects all the necessary contact and insurance information from each driver. If possible, also document as much of the scene with pictures or by writing down what you notice so you can refer to it later when you are interviewed by the insurance company or if you consult an attorney. If your car is not in condition to be driven, you may need to call a towing service and/or repair shop or ask your insurance advisor for help finding one.

What Not To Do

Avoid allowing an unsolicited towing service to remove your vehicle from the scene and verify that the towing service that does arrive is who you called. Do not pay for any vehicle repairs in full until they are complete and after they are approved by your insurance company, which may have specific repair requirements. Try not to give anyone more information than they need to do their jobs, for example handing over your vehicle's personal lien holder information. It is unfortunate, but you may be vulnerable after a crash.

Do not flee the scene of an accident, particularly where someone was seriously injured or killed and the vehicles were severely damaged. Try not to panic or make statements of fault to anyone on the scene, including any law enforcement officials, as these could be used against you during the claim process. Once the accident scene has been cleared, do not forget to see a doctor right away to assess if you have any unseen injuries or internal bleeding. Avoid signing any releases that could let your insurance company off the hook.

When to Call for Help

Even if you prepare yourself well for how to handle all aspects of a scenario following a serious car crash, unexpected events may still occur. When you do not know how to approach an accident situation, or what to do to preserve evidence for a future claim, a personal injury attorney with experience handling motor vehicle accident cases may be able to help. A personal injury lawyer can give you further advice about what to do or not do following a collision as well as assess your case to see if further legal action is needed against an insurance company or other person or party. Most importantly, a legal representative can help you get the compensation you deserve to heal after such a dramatic event.

Article provided by Law Offices of Joseph J. Cariglia, P.C.
Visit us at www.cariglia.com