What to Do After a Car Accident in Framingham, MA

You have to give the other driver involved your contact information and insurance policy information, and you should get the same information from the other driver. (Note that if you don’t feel safe doing so immediately, it’s okay to wait until the police arrive.) However, you need to keep your comments at the scene brief and stick to the facts of what happened. Don’t say anything about fault or apologize for the accident.

Much of the evidence that will affect your claim won’t last long after the crash happens. Use your cellphone to take pictures and video of the scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, street signs, road conditions, and any visible injuries. You also need to get the names and contact information of any witnesses. If there are any security cameras nearby, definitely take note of that as well.

Even if you feel okay, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident, ideally on the same day. You can go to Framingham Union Hospital or an urgent care center like ConvenientMD. You can also go to your primary care doctor if they have walk-in hours or same-day appointments. The important thing is that you get checked out right away and tell the doctor about all your symptoms, head to toe.

Getting medical attention protects both your health and your legal rights. Car accidents sometimes cause hidden or delayed injuries, like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The sooner you get checked out, the more effectively your doctor can diagnose and treat your injuries. Moreover, seeing a doctor creates an official record of your injuries that can later be used to justify your claim for compensation. Make sure you keep copies of your visit summaries, bills, and other medical records.

In the days and weeks following the accident, you need to follow your doctor’s instructions. Go to your follow-up visits and take your medications as prescribed. If anything changes or gets worse, tell your doctor right away. Again, this protects both your health and your legal rights.

Your car insurance company likely requires you to notify them promptly after an accident. You do need to cooperate with them to some extent to avoid breaching your insurance contract, but you don’t have to give them too much information. Stick to the facts and answer their questions as succinctly as possible. Don’t volunteer any extra details. In particular, don’t discuss your injuries in detail; “I’m getting medical treatment” is plenty. Also, don’t say anything downplaying the accident, such as “I’m fine” or “it was just a fender-bender.”

Remember, you’re not required to talk to the other driver’s insurance company at all. You’re also not required to sign a release, give a recorded statement, or accept a settlement offer – and keep in mind that once you accept their money, that's it. That’s why you should never sign anything from an insurance company without talking to a lawyer.

If you hire a Framingham car accident lawyer soon enough, they can handle the initial notification to your insurance company on your behalf.

The sooner you talk to an attorney, the better the position you will be in. Your lawyer can deal with the insurance company on your behalf while you focus on healing. Your lawyer can also start investigating your accident before important evidence is lost or destroyed, protecting your rights and building a stronger case for the compensation you deserve.

It’s never too soon to contact a car accident lawyer – you can even call from the scene of the accident – but it can absolutely be too late. If you were involved in a car accident in Framingham, get legal representation as soon as possible. Contact one of our verified attorneys today.