First, you should always have a pad of paper or small notebook in your car and a pen that actually works.

If you’re involved in a car accident, you should immediately record the date/time of the accident. Check the name of the street and the street number of the nearest house or building or, at least, the names of nearby businesses to establish the location of the accident.

You will need to exchange information with the other driver. Take out your driver’s license and registration and exchange with the other driver. Write down the other driver’s name, address, date of birth, driver’s license number, registration or license plate number and name of the insurance. Be sure to confirm with the other driver that his or her home address and insurer listed on the registration is still up to date.

If the driver of the car that hit you is not the owner of the car, be sure to get the complete name and address of the owner.

If there are any witnesses, be sure to get their name, address and telephone number. Ask them what they saw and who they believe was at fault.

You need to report the accident immediately to your insurance company. Many insurance companies have a 24 hour telephone number for reporting new accidents. If not, be sure to report the accident to your insurer the next business day. Be sure to report the accident to your insurer within 24 hours from the day of the accident.

You must complete a Massachusetts Operator’s Report and file it with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles and send a copy to your automobile insurer and the local police station where the accident occurred.

If you were injured as a result of the car accident, you should see a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately. If you require emergency medical care at the accident scene, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance and police to response to the accident scene.

If you are injured in a car accident, call a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law. Don’t wait. Call a lawyer right away.

Copyright © 2009 John J. Sheehan