1 Injured, Cars Towed in 2 Accidents on I-93 and 495

Two car accidents on two separate highways early Wednesday morning resulted in injuries and required vehicles to be towed from the scenes.

The Eagle Tribune reported that the first collision occurred between two cars at about 6:00am on 495 South near the exit for I-93. One of the individuals involved had to be hospitalized and both vehicles were towed away.

About 10 minutes after the first accident, authorities responded to the second car accident that took place on I-93 on the southbound side in the area of the 495 exits. No individuals sustained any injuries in the 93 accident, but one of the vehicles needed to be towed away.

The combination of the timing and proximity of the two motor vehicle accidents caused commuters to have a frustrating start to their morning commute. Traffic on 93 South was backed up beyond Route 213 in Methuen until about 7:30am, while 495 South traffic was stopped all the way back to the exits for Route 114.

Authorities also reported a truck had broken down on 93 South in the area of River Road, which caused commuters to have even more of a headache on the way to work. Police have not officially released the cause of either accident.

Massachusetts Accident Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2 million occupants of motor vehicles required medical treatment in 2009 for injuries they suffered in an accident.

When Should You Contact a Massachusetts Car Accidents Attorney?
If you have suffered serious injuries in a car accident in Massachusetts due to a reckless driver, BEFORE you sign any forms, talk to the insurance company or hire a lawyer, contact the Massachusetts car accidents lawyers with Kiley Law Group to find out about your legal options.

Our car accident lawyers have 30 years of experience and a successful track record of obtaining seven figure wins for our clients in auto accident cases, medical malpractice, child birth injuries, brain injuries, and other personal injury cases.

Call us today at 800-410-2769 to receive your free legal consultation. And while the call is free, the information may be priceless.

DISCLAIMER: The Kiley Law Group is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited within the article. If you were involved in this accident or a similar incident and have questions about your rights and legal options, call us at 800-410-2769, or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a legal evaluation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to all not-at-fault persons named in this article and to their family members as well.

Haverhill Man Killed, Peabody Man Injured in Route 128 Accident

Wallace Arnott, 56, of Haverhill died in a three-vehicle accident yesterday morning on Route 128 in Peabody. Kenneth Weeden, 52, of Peabody was another driver involved in the accident and he was seriously injured. The third driver involved, Rita Tavarez, 42, of Chelsea did not suffer any injuries in the crash.

The accident occurred at about 6:45am on the northbound side of 128 near the exit for Lowell Street.  Arnott was found unconscious at the scene and was taken to a local hospital before being flown to a Boston hospital, where he was pronounced dead later that day.  Weeden was rushed to an area hospital for serious injuries stemming from the crash.

While the exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, police are reporting that it involved a chain reaction of rear-end collisions with the three vehicles.  Another accident occurred moments afterward on the southbound side of 128, directly opposite of the 3-car northbound crash.

Fatal Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 334 individuals who were killed in 2009 as a result of motor vehicle accidents across Massachusetts.  There were 250 deadly crashes that same year in the state that involved up to two vehicles being driven straight ahead on a highway or other roadway.  Our thoughts and condolences are with the families involved in this multi-vehicle accident in Massachusetts.  

When to Contact a Massachusetts Injury Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been in a motor vehicle accident in Massachusetts due to someone else’s recklessness, BEFORE you sign any forms, talk to the insurance company or hire a lawyer, get this free Massachusetts accidents book to learn how to avoid making the 7 fatal mistakes after an accident.

Contact the Massachusetts personal injury attorneys of Kiley Law Group to find out about your legal options. Our car accident lawyers have 30 years of experience and successful track record of obtaining seven figure wins for our clients in auto accident cases, medical malpractice, child birth injuries, brain injuries, and other personal injury cases. Call 800-410-2769 to receive a free legal consultation.  And while the call is free, the information may be priceless.

DISCLAIMER: The Kiley Law Group is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited within the article. If you were involved in this accident or a similar incident and have questions about your rights and legal options, call us at 800-410-2769, or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a legal evaluation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to all not-at-fault persons named in this article and to their family members as well.       

Massachusetts Auto Accident Victims - Do You Really Need an Attorney?

Insurance companies don’t want you to hire a lawyer for any injury claim you may have because they know that they’ll probably end up paying you more money. Don’t let an insurance adjustor or a lawyer who works for the insurance company force you to make a decision about a claim. If you feel like you need a lawyer to help you through this process, then it might be time to start researching your legal options.

The size of your potential case will determine if you should handle the case on your own or if you should retain an attorney. If the car accident you were in results in little or no damage to your car, requires medical treatment for a couple of months with minor injuries, and medical bills that are under a few thousand dollars, then you can typically settle your claim on your own without an attorney.

If the injuries are more severe and threaten to be permanent and the circumstances of the accident are significantly more complex, it may be beneficial to consult with an attorney about your potential claim. 


Here are some unfortunate occurrences that could happen in the aftermath of a car accident:

• The insurance company might be reluctant in investigating your injury claim and who was ultimately responsible in the crash
• The person who was at fault for the accident may not report it to his or her insurance company
• The person who was responsible may not even have coverage for the injuries you suffered in the accident. If that happens, you may have to file a claim through your policy. This is one of the reasons why underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage and uninsured motorist (UM) coverage are the most important coverages you can possibly have
• If your car repairs cost more than what it’s actually worth, you may have to replace it
• If you don’t own the car, either the bank or car dealership could repossess the title if your payments aren’t up to date

An experienced personal injury lawyer will understand the value of assorted injury claims and can then more effectively communicate and defend that value to insurance companies. Again, insurance companies will have attorneys who work for them and so should you.

If you want to know more about filing personal injury claims, order Massachusetts car accident attorney Thomas M. Kiley's free book "The 7 Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Massachusetts Accident Case" now! The PDF version of the Massachusetts Accidents Book is available right away. A hard copy of the book will be mailed to Massachusetts residents only.

Roxbury Man Dies in Lawrence Crash after I-495 Police Pursuit

Stephen Kelley, 47, of Roxbury, died in the afternoon of New Year’s Day after he crashed the van he was driving into a utility pole on Marston Street in Lawrence.

The fatal crash occurred while Kelley was trying to flee from state police, who attempted to stop Kelley on the highway in Haverhill.  Troopers involved with the chase stated that Kelley did not stop for them and drove away “at a high rate of speed.”

Officials received reports that Kelley had been driving erratically on I-495 up in Newbury and troopers eventually caught up with Kelley in Haverhill and continued to pursue him.  Kelley took the 110 exit off of 495 and turned onto Marston Street, where he collided with the pole.  Kelley was taken from the scene of the crash to Lawrence General Hospital and was later pronounced dead. 

The accident happened just after 2:00pm Saturday and caused heavy traffic delays into the late afternoon.  Marston Street was closed for the purposes of the investigation.  The crash also left 700 homes without electricity for some time.

The fatal accident remains under investigation as authorities examine what led up to the fatal crash.

Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics
In 2009, there were 334 fatalities in Massachusetts that were the result of motor vehicle accidents.  163 of the 334 victims were the operators of the vehicle that they were driving.  The age bracket that had the second highest reported fatalities was for those ages 45-54, with a total of 53 deaths in Massachusetts last year related to car accidents. 

When to Contact a Massachusetts Car Accidents Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Massachusetts, BEFORE you sign any forms, talk to the insurance company or hire any lawyer, get this free Massachusetts accidents book to learn how to avoid making the 7 fatal mistakes after an accident.

Contact the Boston personal injury law firm the Kiley Law Group to find out about your legal options.

Our car accident lawyers have 30 years of experience and successful track record of obtaining seven figure wins for our clients in auto accident cases, medical malpractice, child birth injuries, brain injuries, and other personal injury cases.  Call 800-410-2769 to receive a free legal consultation.

And while the call is free, the information may be priceless.

DISCLAIMER: The Kiley Law Group is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited within the article. If you were involved in this accident or a similar incident and have questions about your rights and legal options, call us at 800-410-2769, or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a legal evaluation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to all not-at-fault persons named in this article and to their family members as well.

Hairo Gomez Pleads Guilty in Fatal Staged Car Accident

Hairo Gomez, 33, formerly of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges in connection to a staged car accident in which his 65-year-old grandmother, Altagracia Arias, died. Arias was a willing participant in the scheme, news reports said.

According to prosecutors, Gomez was driving one of the vehicles in the intentional crash in September 2003, as an attempt to defraud the insurance company.

Gomez will serve a sentence of 2 1/2 years in prison concurrently with a 5-year drug sentence he is serving in New Jersey. Upon his release, Gomez faces deportation to the Dominican Republic.

DISCLAIMER: The Kiley Law Group is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited within the article. If you were involved in this accident or a similar incident and have questions about your rights and legal options, call us at 800-410-2769, or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a legal evaluation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to all not-at-fault persons named in this article and to their family members as well.

Maximizing Your Personal Injury Settlement

Victims who are injured in a car accident in Los Angeles could be facing a number of difficult challenges.  Some will experience constant phone calls from an insurance adjuster and frequent medical treatments.  This is no life is no easy task to say the least.  Staying focused during this difficult time is important.  You need to prepare your personal injury claim now to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.

The first thing you should be aware of is that the insurance adjuster is not your friend.  An adjuster works for the insurance company to settle your claim for as little money as possible.  Every dollar an insurance adjuster saves on your claim is another dollar of profit for shareholders.  To receive a fair settlement from an insurance adjuster you will need skill in to areas: preparation and negotiation.

Preparation is important to any personal injury case.  You would not take a trip to Europe without planning all the details.  A personal injury claim is no different in this regard.  Start the preparation of your case by answering the following questions:

1. What is the strength (evidence) of your claim?  The strength of your case will be the evidence you provide.  Prepare statements of witnesses, police records, photos, documentations of your losses and so on.
2. What are similar claims generally resolved for? Go to your local law library and find similar cases.  Don't be afraid to reference these cases when negotiating.
3. What is your settlement goal?  This number should be the ideal amount you would like to walk away with.  Keep it within reason.
4. What is your settlement bottom line?  Define the lowest amount you will settle your case for.  Make sure this will pay for all of your expenses, pain and suffering, as well as future expenses that will be incurred from your accident.
5. What alternatives do you have if you don't settle?

After a car accident it is important that you consult with a skilled personal injury lawyer in California.  The best personal injury attorneys will offer free consultations to all injured accident victims.

What You Can Do to Avoid a Holiday Disaster

With so many of us counting down to the approaching holidays, there is little doubt that we will have errands to run here and there in our preparations for parties and presents.  Heading out into the cold or snowy weather is just another item on our To Do lists.

As you dash through the snow to and from stores and soirees this holiday season, try taking extra time and care with your driving.  Other drivers may be rushing even more than you out on the roadways and this can be a recipe for disaster.  The roads may be icy and because we don’t have as much daylight in these cold months, it may take some time to adjust to driving in the dark.  If you factor in ice or snow storms into your driving experience, calling off errands for that day may not be such a bad idea.

Try to pay extra attention while driving if you want to avoid an accident this season.  Drive a little slower to be safer.  Leave earlier than you normally would to get to your holiday parties on time.  Even arriving a few minutes late will not make a difference if you were to take your time out on the roads.

 The drive home from a party can be just as dangerous as getting there safely.  If alcohol is involved, please plan ahead and have a designated driver in your group before you even arrive.  Look into public transportation options such as a train or taxi, if a responsible driver isn’t available to get you back to your front door.   By taking this extra step before the festivities begin, you won’t have to worry about it later.

At this time of year, car break-ins are a common crime in shopping plaza parking lots.  Remember that “Out of sight, out of mind” is a good motto to follow if you don’t want your gifts to be a temptation for others.  Put presents in your car’s trunk, for example, or under seats.  If possible, try to park in an open and well-lit parking space wherever your shopping list takes you.

Hopefully these reminders will help you make the most of this holiday season. 

Happy Holidays!

When Should You Contact a Massachusetts Auto Accident Attorney?
If you have been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident in Massachusetts, and want to know if you have a case, call the Massachusetts personal injury lawyers at Kiley Law Group.

BEFORE you talk to an insurance adjustor, sign ANY forms or hire a lawyer, get a FREE copy of attorney Thomas M. Kiley’s Massachusetts accidents book.

For a free case evaluation call 1-800-410-2769.

Methuen Man in Fatal Car Accident

Yesterday afternoon, 55-year-old Methuen resident Michael Croshaw died in a single vehicle accident on Route 110 in Methuen.

He was driving east on Lowell Street around 1:30pm when a witness stated that the car Croshaw was operating, a 2007 Honda Civic, went off the roadway and crashed into a tree. 

 Initial police reports about the crash are revealing that there was no evidence of skid marks on the road before the fatal impact.   Methuen police reported that an autopsy may uncover more details as to the cause of the accident and whether or not a health condition or some other distraction could have had a role in this tragic accident.

Emergency responders had to employ hydraulic equipment in their attempts to rescue Croshaw from his car.  He was transported to Lawrence General Hospital and was later pronounced dead.

The Methuen Police Department is continuing to investigate the crash.

When Should You Contact a Massachusetts Auto Accident Attorney?
If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident in Massachusetts, and want to know if you have a case, call the Massachusetts personal injury lawyers at Kiley Law Group.

Before you talk to an insurance adjustor, sign any forms or hire a lawyer, get a free copy of attorney Thomas M. Kiley’s Massachusetts accidents book.

For a free case evaluation call 1-800-410-2769.

Teenage Driver Hits Student Crossing Street in Andover

Yesterday morning, a 17-year-old driver struck a 14-year-old student who was crossing the street on Andover Street to board her school bus in Andover. It was reported that Melanie Nesteruk, the driver, had not cleared the frost off of her minivan’s windshield, which authorities state is what led to her hitting the unidentified girl.

The student was attempting to catch her 7:15am bus to school when she was hit by Nesteruk and is currently listed in fair condition at a Boston area hospital. Nesteruk has been cited by police for passing a school bus as its lights were flashing as well as impeded operation of her vehicle, due to the frosted windshield obstructing her view.

Nesteruk reportedly told Andover police that she did not see the bus, the lights or the girl crossing the street towards the bus. The victim was semiconscious at the scene of the accident and was immediately taken to a local hospital before being transferred to a Boston hospital. Earlier in the day on Monday, she had been listed in serious condition, but has since been upgraded to fair.

Andover police stated that the driver of the school bus that had stopped for the girl was so distraught from the accident that she had to have another driver continue her bus route for her. Students from her bus were then transferred to a second bus in order to get to school for the day.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident, 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. This free Massachusetts auto accidents book is available to Massachusetts residents only.

Andover Vehicle Accident Injures Three

A Saturday evening crash over the weekend left three people injured on the exit from 495 South to 93 North in Andover. The two-car crash involved a Chevrolet Malibu and a Honda Odyssey and resulted in two individuals being rushed to an area hospital, with the third requiring a helicopter transport to a Boston hospital.

Emergency responders had to use hydraulic jacks to free the individuals from their cars.

While the drivers and passenger involved have not been identified yet, police investigating the crash reported that one of the injured was from Lowell and a second one was from New Hampshire. The extent of the injuries and current conditions have not been released.

The ramp was closed temporarily while a reconstruction team investigated the accident.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident, 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. This free Massachusetts auto accidents book is available to Massachusetts residents only.

How Dangerous is Four Loko?

The Four Loko drink is one of the hottest discussion topics right now, which you’ve probably figured out already while listening to the radio or seeing it on the nightly news.

Next Monday, the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission of Massachusetts will seek to file an emergency ban to stop the selling of the alcohol-meets-caffeine Four Loko product and similar drinks. If the ban goes through, it will prohibit malt beverages that have alcohol, caffeine and other stimulants in it to be sold.

The hoped-for ban stems from the concerns that the drink poses.First off, Four Loko is a malt drink that is syrupy in texture, even described as cough syrup. To get some perspective on how Four Loko impacts our bodies, it’s similar to drinking “three beers, a can of Red Bull and a shot of espresso.”

Other names for the drink have been reported as “liquid cocaine” and the very concerning “blackout in a can.” Four Loko is packed with a 12 percent alcohol by volume kick (putting it mildly). Despite the unappetizing descriptions and how it sounds like something to drink on a dare rather than by choice, health concerns and sales have gone through the roof.

However, several stores in Massachusetts have already pulled Four Loko off of their shelves out of concerns for the risk of drinking and driving among teenagers. The appeal of the drink to teens is simple mathematics: Lots of alcohol in a can + each can sold for about $3.00 = Getting drunk quickly and inexpensively.

Washington is one of the few states so far that has approved a 4-month emergency ban on the powerful punch, with hopes of a more permanent ban to follow. The state made the decision to take the product out of stores after nine freshman college students were found “dangerously drunk,” with alcohol levels soaring up to 0.35 percent. Police who responded to that scene described it as “chaotic” and thought at first that the freshmen were overdosing on drugs.

We’ll just have to wait and see how the ban will go next week in Massachusetts, so from now until then, please drink responsibly.

When should you contact a Massachusetts car accident attorney?
Has your teenager been seriously injured in a car accident due to drunk driving in Massachusetts? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want justice? Call the Massachusetts car accident lawyers at Kiley Law Group for a free and professional evaluation of your case at 1-800-410-2769.

And while the call is free, the advice may be priceless.

20-year-old Methuen Man Victim of Hit and Run

This past Monday night, amid the very rainy weather, a 20-year-old man was hit by a car while he was on Woodland Street in Methuen.

The driver of that car never stopped after striking Isaias Rivera, of Hazel Street in Methuen, who was left in the road around 7:00pm with serious injuries to his head and internal organs. Rivera was unconscious following the impact but was breathing on his own. He was transported to an area hospital and then driven via ambulance to a Boston hospital, where he remained in critical condition. He would have been flown to Boston, but the weather would not allow for the helicopter’s flight.

Methuen Police are continuing to look for a dark-colored sports utility vehicle with a Massachusetts license plate that hit Rivera. Right now, those are the only details that they have.

Police encouraged the driver of the SUV to come forward to them, stating that because of the weather and the road conditions, there may be an explanation for how hard it may have been to be on the look-out for pedestrians.

Leaving the scene of a hit-and-run, however, was far from the right decision.

In the aftermath of Rivera being struck, it was reported that drivers pulled around his body on the street and honked their horns as they passed. Neighbors did their best to help in the shocking situation.

Woodland Street is reportedly one of sections that Methuen Police patrol the most, watching for excessive speed and other driving violations.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident, 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. This free Massachusetts auto accidents book is available to Massachusetts residents only.

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.

State Trooper Crashes SUV, Avoids Basketball Equipment on 495

Last Wednesday morning, Massachusetts State Trooper John McGrath crashed his unmarked SUV off of Route 495 South in Haverhill after he lost control of the SUV when he swerved to get out of the way of a basketball hoop and backboard that had fallen out of the back of a truck driving in front of him. Once McGrath swerved out of the way of the basketball equipment, his SUV rolled over in the breakdown lane and up against the tree line off of the highway.

McGrath sustained minor injuries as a result of the accident and was treated at an area hospital. His SUV was towed from the scene, while fellow State Police responded to the accident site.

Haverhill’s Ernest Penachio, the 61-year-old driver of the truck carrying the unsecured equipment, was cited by police.

The accident caused severe back-ups on both the highway and back roads due to lane closures as an investigation was conducted. That same morning there were a number of additional accidents on both 495 and Route 93, causing residual delays and curiosity traffic in the opposite lanes of travel.

If you have recently been in a car accident, contact Massachusetts car accident attorney Thomas M. Kiley for your free consultation.

North Andover Man in Fatal Route 125 Car Accident

Late last Wednesday evening, a 29-year-old man was fatally wounded when he lost control of his car and crashed into trees in the woods off of Route 125 in Andover. Chiho Chao of North Andover was pronounced dead at a local hospital, after he was found at the crash site having trouble breathing.

Chao is reported to have lost control of his Infiniti sedan on the dimly lit stretch of 125, not far from the Andover State Police barracks. While the investigation is continuing into the cause of the tragic accident, high speed has been named by officials as a contributing factor.

Teams of reconstruction experts were at the scene of the tragic crash the following morning to piece the accident together. The southbound lane of Route 125 was shut down for just under two hours while the investigation occurred.

The collision involving Chao’s vehicle resulted in the car splitting down the middle, ripped apart from the impact with the trees. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

If you have recently been in a car accident, contact Massachusetts car accident attorney Thomas M. Kiley for your free consultation.

Also, feel free to download your copy of "The 7 Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Massachusetts Accident Case" today. This Massachusetts auto accidents book is available to Massachusetts residents only.

Involved in a Car Accident? Avoid These Common Mistakes

Right after a car accident, you will most likely be in a state of shock, maybe even shaking, and your common sense may have shut off because of the trauma you just experienced. If you want to make sure that you recover what is rightfully yours following the accident, you must make the right decisions to protect any claim you have.

We'll be presenting the 7 most common mistakes made after a car accident and by outlining what to do to help your case, you will be better prepared for what lies ahead of you.

Fatal Mistake #1: Not Documenting Everything at the Accident Scene

1. Stop immediately without blocking traffic and check for any injuries. By law in Massachusetts, you must stop when there has been an accident of any kind, no matter the damage. Do what you can to help those with minor injuries but do not move anyone who has serious injuries unless it’s to move them away from any danger. If you haven’t already, call 911 for immediate medical assistance. These are extremely important: keep your cool, don’t argue or place blame towards the other driver, and do not claim fault, such as “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you.” Anything that you say from now on can be recounted by other parties and could potentially be used against you.

2. Call the police immediately and fully cooperate with the responding officers. If the other driver tries to dissuade you from calling the police, don’t listen. When the officers arrive, make sure to request a written report of the accident and also the incident number of the repost. You will also want to get the name, badge number, and exact agency that the officer works for. Once the police report is filed, it should be available at the department for pick up in the days following the accident. Verify all of the information in the report and clarify any errors immediately with the officer who wrote the report.

3. Gather information. If the accident happened at a place of business, make sure that the manager on duty at the time of the accident speaks with you in order to write an incident report. If there are surveillance cameras at the scene of the accident, request that the footage be preserved as evidence, in the event your injury was taped. Write the names, addresses, phone numbers, and license plates down of all the people involved in the accident. Contact information on witnesses to the accident is incredibly valuable as well, so try to get a name and at least a phone number.

Take pictures if you are able to, even with your cell phone. If you can record video with your phone, this will also be valuable evidence. Try to get photos of each vehicle involved in the crash. Get pictures of the scene and of street signs, traffic signs or lights and any additional relevant traffic guides. If there are skid marks on the roadway, snap a picture. If there was damage to a telephone pole or a fire hydrant or any other landmark, get a picture. Try to get pictures of the other parties involved or the witnesses, if you can.

4. Exchange information with the other drivers and passengers involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses. Get the other driver’s identification, license plate number, vehicle insurance information, address, phone number and any other contact information. Try to get the contact information for the other passengers and any witnesses that may have seen the accident. Again, whatever you do, don’t say anything about fault or injuries to the other parties. Any statement you do make about the accident, make to the responding police officers or the paramedics who are treating you.

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 an accident.

Haverhill Woman Charged with DUI in Crash

A 2-vehicle accident which occurred in the early yesterday morning hours resulted in minor injuries for everyone involved and DUI charges for a Haverhill woman.

The crash happened at Kenoza Avenue and Route 108 in Haverhill around 1 am, police said.

According to an Eagle Tribune report, Christine Yacubacci, 43, was attempting a left turn onto Route 108 (also known as Newton Road), from Kenoza Avenue, when she crashed into a car driven by Lisa Daoust, 39, also of Haverhill.

The crash deployed the airbags in both vehicles. Daoust had two passengers in her car, Paula Perez and Ramon Morales, both 20. Everyone was taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries, police said.

Police also suspected Yacubacci of drunken driving and after giving her a breathalizer test, which she failed, charged her with driving under the influence of liquor and a marked lanes violation.

Both cars were towed from the scene. 

To find more news on local accidents, please visit the Massachusetts Auto Accidents blog.

FREE book offer: Receive a free copy of the essential consumer guide on the 7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Massachusetts Accident Case.

Two Women Injured in Andover 3-Car Crash

Two women suffered minor injuries in a 3-vehicle accident on I-495 in Andover, MA.

The accident happened near the Route 133 exit at 9:45 am yesterday.

One of the drivers, Christine Leeds, 63, of Andover, was operating a Porsche when she collided with a Mercury Milan driven by Annielu Dewitt-Santini, 39, of York, Maine.

Both women were taken to Saints Memorial Hospital in Lowell for treatment of minor injuries, police said.

Their cars were damaged in the crash and were towed away.

The third driver in the accident, Carol Finocchario-Nerney, 41, of Manchester, NH, was not injured and was able to drive her car from the accident scene, the Eagle Tribune reported.

The accident is under investigation. No charges have been filed.

Lawrence Man and Methuen Woman in Car Crash

A Lawrence man and a Methuen woman were injured in a Sunday morning car accident near Calareso's on Main Street in Reading, MA, news reports said.

Their rescuers said they were "lucky to be alive" after an SUV, driven by the Lawrence man, struck a utility pole on the side of the road before 4:49 am.

The crash took down the pole, while at the same time knocked both the driver and his passenger unconscious. The Methuen woman, who it is believed was not wearing a seat belt, was sent under the dashboard in the crash.

The car was found on its side.

Both victims, whose names are not yet released by police, were taken to the Lahey Clinic.

The accident remains under investigation.

Why Should I Take Pictures After An Accident?

Immediately following an accident, shock and confusion often override common sense. But if you want to ensure recovery of expenses from the negligent party in your accident, you absolutely must document the crash site. Take pictures.



Thanks to modern technology, now every phone comes with a camera. It may not be pixel-perfect, but when an accident occurs, even a quick snapshot will come in handy if you ever need to prove your case.

Take photographs of all involved vehicles. Also, take pictures from various angles.

Photograph the street scene: traffic control devices (stop signs, yield signs, or traffic lights), skid marks, and any physical objects (such as guardrails or light poles) that were struck by a vehicle.

If possible, even photograph the other drivers, passengers and witnesses.

Also, if your phone or camera can shoot video, take a short clip of the entire scene. It will be extremely helpful to clearly depict the physical relationship between vehicles and objects.