Harvey Alford Corporate Law Blog on Lawyers.com

When you have been in a car accident, you may feel confused and frustrated, especially if you have suffered an injury.  Car accident victims often try to handle claims without a lawyer just to reach a settlement or resolution as quickly as possible.  What victims may not know is that any wrong move, word, or simple mistake can cost you thousands.  Insurance companies are just that: companies.  They are in business to make money.

A Boston personal injury attorney familiar with the local Boston traffic laws and auto accident claims will be able to accurately determine the value of your claims, and prevent you from being low-balled by an insurance company. 

Remember the following steps if you have been in a car accident:

• Immediately pull over to the side of the road and stop your car.  Make sure you are not obstructing traffic, and put on your hazard lights.
• Call 911:  Getting police and emergency responders on the scene right away can save a life. 
• If there are any witnesses at the scene, try to get their contact information. Ask them what they saw, and write down what they say.  Pay close attention to phrases such as “That car was flying!” or “I don't think the truck even saw the stop sign.”  These statements might be useful to your car accident claims. 
• Always exchange insurance information with the other driver – even if you think the damage is minimal.  You have to protect yourself.
• DO NOT refuse medical attention.  In many cases, serious injuries like whiplash or traumatic brain injuries are not immediately evident.
• Take photos of the road conditions, the damages to any vehicles involved, and any other environmental factors that may have contributed to the car accident.  Remember, even if you don't carry a camera, most cell phones have cameras, and this will be valuable to you later on.  Photographic evidence is very hard to dispute, and it may also protect your claim.
• Remember you have the right to see your own doctor.  Always follow your doctor's instructions.  Keep records of your doctor visits, and any prescriptions, treatment, or therapy you receive.
• After you file a police report, call your car insurance company.  Once you get your claim number, inform the insurance company that your lawyer will be contacting them.  NEVER agree to a settlement without legal consultation.
• Avoid speaking with an insurance adjust.  He or she is a representative of the company, and may not have your best interests in mind.  Your attorney should communicate with insurance adjustors.
• As soon as you can, write down a detailed report of everything that happened directly before, during, and after your accident.  Even facts that may seem trivial now may be important to your case later.
• Call an experienced car accident lawyer. 

If you are too injured at the scene to do these things, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as you are able.  The Boston accident lawyers at Alford & Bertrand represent clients who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents throughout Massachusetts with offices in Watertown, Mattapan, Quincy and Lynn.

If you have questions about Boston car accident injury law, call us for a free initial case evaluation.  We have four offices conveniently located in Boston with evening and Saturday appointments available.

Alford & Bertrand, LLC - Boston Personal Injury Lawyers
Attorneys at Law
60 Arsenal Street
Watertown, MA 02471
Personal Injury Hotline: 614.600.7715
www.alfordandbertrand.com

1651 Blue Hill Avenue
Boston, MA 02126
Toll Free: 800.698.ATTY (2889)

Lynn Office:
85 Exchange Street
Lynn, MA 01901

Quincy Office:
250 Copeland Street
Quincy, MA 02169