Steps for Proper Automobile Repair After an Accident

When you are involved in a car accident, and your vehicle sustains physical damage, there are certain steps one should take to get their automobile properly repaired:

  1. If you have full coverage, then use your own insurance to pay your claim.  Your own insurance company will treat you better because you are their customer.
  2. Don’t use the other person’s insurance to repair your car, unless you do not have full coverage.
  3. Do not give a recorded statement to the other person’s insurance company, unless there is an attorney present.  Saying the wrong thing to the other side can damage the outcome of your claim.  
  4. If your car is a total loss and you don’t have full coverage, try and have the car towed to your home or a secure location.  This will stop the accrual of storage costs at the tow yard.  Store costs can be as high as $35.00 per day.
  5. Make sure the police are called to the accident scene.  A Police report helps the insurance company determine liability faster.  
  6. Complete a RMV crash report.  Completing a crash report helps the insurance adjuster determine liability faster.  A crash report should be completed within five days of the accident in accordance with MGL c. 90, section 26.  This can be found at the RMV website www.massrmv.com/rmv/forms.  
  7. Take pictures of the accident scene.  Look for skid marks left on the roadway.  
  8. Take pictures of any bruising or lacerations to your body.
  9. Hire an experienced Haverhill personal injury attorney to help guide you to success with your claim.