What to Do After a Car Accident in Massachusetts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Call 911 even if injuries seem minor. A police report is critical documentation. Move vehicles out of traffic if safe to do so. Check for injuries and assist others if you can do so safely. Exchange information with the other driver: name, address, license number, plate number, and insurance information. Photograph the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get the names and contact information of witnesses. Do not apologize or admit fault.

Yes, and promptly. Many serious injuries, including whiplash, herniated discs, concussion, and internal injuries do not cause immediate pain due to adrenaline and shock. Symptoms may appear 24 to 72 hours after the accident. A gap between the accident and your first medical visit gives insurers ammunition to argue your injuries were not caused by the crash. Seeing a physician the same day or the next day protects both your health and your claim.

Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company without consulting Attorney Lavey. Do not sign any documents from an insurer or the other driver. Do not post about the accident on social media. Do not accept an initial settlement offer without legal review. Do not assume your injuries are not serious enough to involve an attorney. Many significant injuries present subtly at first.

As soon as possible. The evidence that supports your claim is strongest immediately after the accident and can deteriorate quickly. Witness memories fade, surveillance footage is overwritten, and accident scene conditions change. Attorney Lavey offers a free consultation and handles everything from this point forward. There is no downside to calling early, and significant upside to having experienced guidance from the start.