Going on a road trip in Massachusetts and New Hampshire is supposed to be fun, and the last thing you expect is to be involved in a motor vehicle collision. You might not know the area you’re in, or you might have to get medical care in a new place. This can be frightening, especially on top of the stress of dealing with the crash itself.
Here’s what to know after a road trip auto accident and what steps to take.
Common Road Trip Auto Accidents
Road trip accidents can happen for many reasons, including:
- Speeding
- Distracted or drunk driving
- Violating other traffic laws
- Poor road conditions
- Inclement weather
- Poor visibility
- Malfunctioning vehicle
- Unsecured cargo
- Animals crossing the road
What Makes Road Trip Accidents Difficult
A crash close to home is hard enough. When it happens on a road trip, things can get dicey fast. First, you might not know where to get medical care. If your car is badly damaged, you’ll likely have to figure out repairs or get alternate transportation home.
On top of that, dealing with insurance can also be tough, especially if one or more drivers who were involved have out-of-state licenses. If passengers were hurt, there may be several people dealing with medical bills and insurance claims at the same time.
What to Do After a Road Trip Accident
Check for Injuries
Start by assessing yourself and everyone else in the vehicle for injuries if you are able. If anyone is hurt or there is damage to your vehicle, call 911 or the local police.
Move Somewhere Safe
Next, move your car out of traffic when possible. Try to wait several feet outside your vehicle and away from the road. That way, if anyone else hits your car, you won’t be in it.
Exchange Information
Get the names and contact information of others who were involved in the crash, as well as their insurance information. If anyone saw the crash, consider asking for their contact information too.
Get Medical Care
Even if you feel okay, you should be assessed by a medical professional as soon as possible after the crash. This helps identify any injuries that might not have been obvious and creates medical records that are connected back to the accident.
Gather Records
When possible, take photos of the accident and gather any relevant records like your medical paperwork, travel receipts, etc. These may be useful if questions come up later.
How Mazow | McCullough, PC Can Help
At Mazow | McCullough, PC, we can help you understand your legal options after a road trip accident in Massachusetts or New Hampshire. Our team can review what happened, determine if another driver or someone else may have been at fault, and help you figure out what the next steps are. We’ll guide you through the process of filing an insurance claim, and if they do not offer a fair settlement, we can help you pursue compensation through the court system.
Contact us today to learn more or to set up a time for your no-cost case consultation by calling (978) 744-8000 or toll-free at (855) 693-9084.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was a passenger?
If you were riding in someone else’s car on your road trip, and there was an accident, you may have options for covering your medical care and other expenses. Depending on what happened, a claim may involve the driver of your vehicle, another driver, or more than one insurance company.
If you were in a rideshare vehicle, different insurance coverage may apply depending on who caused the crash and whether the driver was actively using the app at the time.
What if a rental car was involved?
Rental car accidents can be confusing because different types of coverage may apply. This may include the driver’s auto insurance, coverage purchased through the rental company, or the other driver’s insurance policy. If this happens to you, make sure to report the accident to the police and the rental company as soon as you can.
Don’t try to explain how the crash occurred or what you think may have caused it. A proper investigation into what happened will be done anyway, and additional information you provide the rental company might be used against you.
Should I talk to the insurance company?
It’s best to avoid talking to insurance providers when possible after an accident, with the exception of making the basic report. Try to stick to the facts, such as where the crash happened, what time it was, who was in the car, and other concrete facts. Avoid providing details that will be figured out later, like how fast you were going or if you tried to stop your vehicle before the collision.
Usually, you should report the crash to your own insurance provider first. If another driver’s insurance company contacts you for a statement, you can politely decline or refer them to your lawyer.
