What to Do if You Are in a Rear-End Accident in Springfield, MA
Rear-end accidents can be disorienting. However, there are key steps you need to take following an accident to secure your case.
Call the Police
This is the first step you should take following a car accident. Police will create and file a report which can be used as a key record moving forward with your case, and that report is one of the first things a rear-end accident lawyer reviews.
Seek Medical Treatment
When you call 911, ask for an ambulance to ensure you receive medical treatment immediately. Otherwise, make sure to receive medical treatment as soon as possible. It is extremely important to seek medical attention even if you think you are not hurt. The rush of adrenaline that comes with an accident might make you feel like you are not hurt.
Document the Scene
If you are able, take pictures documenting the scene of the accident, injuries, and any other evidence that may be useful to your case. Be sure to exchange contact, license and insurance information with any other drivers involved in the accident. If possible, get the name and contact information of any witnesses. If you do decide to pursue a personal injury case, the right documentation is essential when it comes to proving both the severity of your injuries and the negligence on the part of the other driver.
However, if you are too badly injured, too disoriented, or otherwise unable to document the scene, that does not necessarily mean you do not have a case. If a rear-end accident lawyer represents you, they will thoroughly investigate your accident — including attempting to find witnesses, seeking out possible CCTV footage, and obtaining copies of your police report.
Contact an Attorney Before Speaking to Insurance
When an insurance company talks to you about a car accident, they are not just looking for a report. Adjusters will often try to find reasons that they should not have to pay your claim. It is easy to fall prey to these tactics, especially when you are reeling from the shock of an accident. That is why consulting an experienced rear-end collision attorney is vital, as they can talk to the insurance company on your behalf.
If you have been hurt in a rear-end collision, time is of the essence. Call our rear-end accident attorneys at (413) 737-3430 or (413) 781-CAVA (2282) today.
What Types of Compensation Can Rear-End Accident Victims Receive?
In Massachusetts, you can receive both economic and non-economic damages.
Non-economic damages cover losses that cannot be easily calculated, such as:
Economic damages, on the other hand, cover costs that are readily documented by invoices and payroll information.
Some of these types of losses include:
- Cost of medical care related to the accident, both present and future.
- Cost of damage to your vehicle.
- Cost of damage to other valuable property that may have been in the vehicle.
- Wages lost as a result of the accident.
- Future lost wages if you become disabled because of the accident.
When you work with a Cava Law Firm rear-end accident lawyer, we will take stock of your circumstances and negotiate for a settlement that accounts for every cost of the accident.
FAQ
Our Springfield Rear-End Accident Attorney Responds
Talking with a personal injury attorney can feel daunting. Clients often come to us with questions like these:
Do I have a rear-end accident case?
Many variables determine whether you have a case. One of our rear-end collision lawyers can review your circumstances and determine your legal options.
What are fault and negligence and how do they impact my case?
Negligence means someone failed to act with care and reasonable caution. If the accident was caused by someone’s negligence, you may recover your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering from the at-fault party.
What types of injuries can I suffer in a rear-end accident?
Rear-end accidents can cause a variety of injuries to your neck, spine, and ribs. You also might suffer injuries to your knees, hips, shoulders, and hands. Head injuries, including serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are also common.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Make sure you bring as much documentation as you can, including a police report, your driver’s license, proof of car insurance, health insurance information, medical bills, and any discharge instructions or other paperwork given to you by a hospital or other medical provider.
What should I do if my insurance company offers me a settlement?
Never talk to an insurance company before consulting with a lawyer for rear-end accidents first. Insurance companies will take any chance they can get to lower the settlement they offer you or deny your claim altogether.
If you have more questions, please get in touch to ask!
Why Choose Us?
Winning Is NO Accident!
Even if your case seems clear-cut, insurance companies may do everything they can to avoid paying a settlement. At Cava Law Firm, we know how to negotiate effectively, and insurance companies know that we fight for each of our cases with determination. When you work with our rear-end collision attorneys, you only have to focus on healing — we can handle the rest.
Call (413) 737-3430 or (413) 781-CAVA (2282) today to schedule a free consultation with a rear-end accident lawyer in Springfield, MA. During this meeting, we can learn more about your circumstances and answer questions specific to your case.
