In a Car Accident? Avoid This Mistake!

Last week, we posted on the first fatal mistake that you can make after you’ve been involved in a car accident. Today, we’ll be presenting the second fatal mistake that you can make. In the coming weeks, we'll be posting on the rest of the 7 most common mistakes that drivers make after a car accident occurs and by outlining what to do to help your potential claim, you will be better prepared for what’s in store for you.

Fatal Mistake #2: Not Documenting Everything That Happens in the Weeks and Months after the Accident

In order to help you through this challenging process, here are some important reminders on what to do in the aftermath of your car accident.

1. Write down everything that you can remember about the accident as soon as you can after the crash occurs. The more information that you can put down in writing right after the accident, the better. Don’t wait too long to write these details down, because they won’t be as fresh in your mind. Keep a journal of your day-to-day condition—is the pain better or worse? Keep tabs on how you generally feel because your written words will be a big help in proving your case.

2. Make sure to keep detailed notes of any and all calls with the insurance company. This is imperative in order to protect your potential claim. Get contact information on everyone you speak with—their names, titles, telephone numbers, and any other identifying information. Keeping track of who you speak with and, more importantly, what they tell you, bolsters your position if there are ever any discrepancies.

3. Keep written records of your medical visits. This may seem simple enough, but detailing how your appointments go and what was talked about will also prove helpful in proving your case.  The more detailed, the better.

4. Keep track of any and all lost wages from your job. If you want to seek compensation for the time you missed at work, make sure you document exactly how much time you needed to take off of work.

5. Be sure to take pictures of your injuries from the accident. Have a family member or friend take photographs of any and all injuries. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words, and it will be essential in proving your claim.

Check back in the coming weeks for the rest of the 7 Fatal Mistakes so that you'll know what to do in the event of a car accident.

For more information, download or request a copy by mail of Massachusetts car accident attorney Thomas M. Kiley's book "The 7 Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Massachusetts Accident Case" now! The free Massachusetts auto accidents book is available to Massachusetts residents only.