After the Crash but, before the MA Car Insurance Claim – What to do after an accident

Do you remember taking drivers-ed as a teenager? Sitting through the classes might have been boring but the prospect of driving and the independence that came with it was exhilarating. Despite the excitement and utility we get from driving, there are safety concerns and risks involved. Although they are not ideal, accidents do happen and that’s when your Massachusetts Car Insurance comes into play. But before you even put in the claim, you need to handle the situation – do you know what to do? Even if you think you do, you want to stay calm and avoid going into panic-mode, which is always best for dealing with the situation smoothly and efficiently. Here are some general caraccidents guidelines for you to get through this process as smoothly as possible.

1. Never leave the scene of the accident! It is a criminal offense. It is also a good idea to ask any witnesses to stick around for the police to arrive.

2. When you are involved in an accident, it is best not to move the vehicles to preserve the scene for when the police arrive. In some cases, you may be blocking traffic in which case you should move your vehicles as little as possible. Contact the nearest police department immediately.

3. If you feel ANY pain seek medical treatment from the scene of the accident –  a delay in doing so can be held against you if the claim goes to court.

4. Exchange information:

a. Contact info: name, address, telephone number, license number, insurance company, and policy
number;

b. Passenger & Witness info: name(s), address(es) and phone number(s); and

c. Owner info: If the driver of the vehicle is not the owner, get the name, address, phone number and insurance info of the owner.

If you need to get your car towed, make sure that you get a price quote and the driver’s information and the vehicle information before letting your car get picked up. Also take note of the details of the situation such as setting, weather, time, and pictures (if possible) – this will be useful when you submit the accident report and when it comes time to remember exactly what happened. You should contact your local Massachusetts insurance agent as soon as possible to get the coverage you need. It may
also be helpful to contact your lawyer – depending on the situation.

 

 

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