Most people think they would know what to do in the event of a car accident. If there are no serious injuries, you just exchange information and call the insurance company, right? But many of us underestimate how shaken up we would be in a collision, even if no serious injuries are immediately apparent. Rear-end collisions can be especially frightening. One minute you’re sitting at a stop light, thinking about what you’re going to make for dinner, and then CRASH. Even without injuries, the effects of such an accident can leave you emotionally shaken and unsure of what to do next. Contact a Boston Car Accident Lawyer Today.
The 4 R’s of Motor Vehicle Collisions
The good news is, there’s an easy way to remember what to do in the event of a rear-end collision. Just remember the 4 R’s; review, report, record, and reach out.
- Review: Although you can never really be ‘prepared’ for a car accident, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of reacting appropriately if an accident occurs. For starters, immediately following an accident, review the situation. Is anyone injured? Injuries, minor and severe, take priority over property damage. If no injuries are present, review property damage. Is your car damaged? What about the other driver’s car? What about surrounding property? Take a quick mental note of any visible damage and move to step 2.
- Report: If no injuries or damages are apparent, you probably don’t need to report the accident to the police. However, if there is significant damage or anyone suffered injuries, you should immediately contact the police. In addition to offering protection if emotions become heightened, police can investigate the accident and create an official report. This can be immensely helpful in a lawsuit. Once the police have been contacted, call your insurance company. Timely reporting is crucial if you wish to file an insurance claim.
- Record: A permanent record of the accident scene, contact details, witness statements, medical expenses, and property damage can be your best friend after a car accident. Record every detail possible, and do it as soon as possible. While you’re still at the scene of the accident, talk to other drivers, passengers, and witnesses to get their perspective on what happened, before their memories fade. Jot down your own account of what happened as well. Take pictures of the scene, including damage to the car(s) and any other property, and any factors that may have contributed to the accident, such as an icy road, or a difficult-to-see stop sign positioned behind a large tree or improperly-parked vehicle.
- Reach out: If you or anyone else involved in the accident suffered injuries, or if there was significant property damage, you should reach out to a skilled motor vehicle accident attorney. Many personal injury lawyers will be willing to work on a contingency basis, meaning they don’t get paid unless your claim is successful. Whether you’ve been injured, or someone is blaming you for their injuries, you will want the help of an experienced auto accident lawyer.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Car Accident Lawyers Serving MA For Over 50 Years
If you’ve been in any type of motor vehicle accident, we can help. Our skilled legal team has extensive knowledge of the insurance claims process, and we have an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for our clients. You may be entitled to compensation for property damage, medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.