BEFORE a Motor Vehicle or Motorcycle Accident Occurs:

• Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage, BOTH Health Insurance and Motor Vehicle/Motorcycle Insurance, including “uninsured/underinsured” coverage. There are many people driving on the road everyday that have no motor vehicle/motorcycle insurance at all. Speak with your insurance agent to make sure you have adequate insurance coverage. Also be aware that in Massachusetts, insurance companies are not required to provide Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage in motor vehicle insurance policies covering motorcycles. Therefore, your motorcycle insurance policy will most likely NOT provide PIP coverage to you, the owner, rider or passenger of a motorcycle who suffers injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident. Click here for more information regarding Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage in motor vehicle insurance policies covering motorcycles.
  

• Make sure your vehicle has had all recommended maintenance and repairs;
  Drive safely and courteously. Injuries from a vehicle accident are not worth the pain and suffering that can come from bad driving or incidents of road rage. Also, “burnouts”, racing and motorcycle stunts should only be attempted on a closed track so as to not put innocent drivers in jeopardy.

AFTER an Motor Vehicle or Motorcycle Accident Occurs:

• Insist that a report be completed and filed with the police on scene, regardless of how minor the accident seems. It is not uncommon for opposing parties to give false information or change their story of how the accident occurred or who is at fault. Additionally, some minor pains may potentially develop into more serious symptoms or injuries in the first few hours after an accident has occurred;
• Get the name, address, insurance information, vehicle license number, driver’s license number of all those involved in the accident, including passengers. Also sure to verify such information through government issued identification;
• Get the name, address, and phone number of witnesses;
• Record the make, model, year, color and damage of all vehicles involved in the accident;
• Photograph the accident scene as soon as possible. Remember, you most likely have a camera with you at all times as most cellphones have a camera built-in camera;
• Photograph each vehicle involved before it is towed or repaired;
• Photograph all visible injuries as soon as possible;
• Seek medical attention immediately, inform your doctor exactly how the injury occurred, and describe all your injuries and complaints in detail, including any pain, memory problems, headaches, trouble sleeping, and disorientation no matter how minor they may seem at the time;
• DO NOT TALK with anyone except your attorney and treating doctors about the accident or injuries, especially NOT an insurance adjuster or appraiser. Even truthful statements made in an attempt to be helpful can be misinterpreted or intentionally used against you;
• DO NOT SIGN anything without consulting your attorney. Simple documents can contain language and fine print that give up your rights or undermine your interests.

IF you have been involved in an accident, regardless of fault, you should contact an attorney BEFORE you speak with any auto insurance company, including your own car insurance company, as the alternative potential consequences can be severe and can last a lifetime. Don’t become the next victim of your own words and statements, hire an Boston Personal Injury Attorney at The Jacobs Law, LLC to represent you and advise you throughout the matter. You can contact us at 800-652-4783 or ContactUs@TheJacobsLaw.com.