As careful as you might be, it takes one inattentive driver to cause a car accident, potentially impacting your life for years to come. Along with expensive medical bills, physical pain, and emotional trauma, you might be unable to work or participate in favorite activities. The law allows victims to collect compensation from the liable parties; to ensure this happens, take the following steps to protect your rights.

What to Do After a Car Accident

1. Document the Scene

If you’re mobile after the accident and not too badly hurt, take pictures of any factors that might have contributed to the crash, as well as your injuries. Police reports are usually very accurate, but photographic evidence of the scene is more persuasive and may compel insurers to offer a fair settlement.

2. See a Doctor

Many injuries from car accidents take hours or days to appear, so see a doctor even if you don’t seem badly hurt. Early medical attention ensures you get the treatment you need and establishes a clear link between the damages and the crash.

3. Don’t Talk to the Insurer

After a car accident, the other driver’s insurance company might approach you with an offer or ask for an official statement. It might seem innocuous, but they can use what you say against you later. To protect your right to compensation, don’t speak to the insurance company until you’ve talked to a lawyer.

4. Hire an Attorney

Getting the compensation you deserve may depend on the skill and experience of your personal injury lawyer. They’ll know how to calculate all your losses in monetary terms, build a case proving the other driver’s liability, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, the Bellotti Law Group, PC, in Boston, MA, has the expertise to protect your rights and achieve some measure of justice. Their stellar service and dedication to their clients have earned this law firm recognition as Super Lawyers and one of the Top Ten Attorneys and Firms from the American Institute of Legal Counsel. Visit the website for more on how they can help after a crash, or call (617) 778-1000 to schedule a consultation at their Boston location. For a meeting in Quincy, dial (617) 328-2300, or call (617) 225-2100 to reach their office in Cambridge.