What should you do if you’re injured in an accident caused by a reckless driver? This is a question that many people find themselves asking after such an incident. Here’s an overview of what you can do when dealing with the aftermath of a car accident.
Identifying reckless driving in Massachusetts
Any careless and dangerous behaviors that put other drivers or pedestrians at risk are considered reckless driving in Massachusetts. They include:
- Driving while impaired
- Weaving through traffic
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Driving aggressively
What to do when you get into an accident with a reckless driver
If you’re injured in an accident caused by reckless driving, there are certain steps that you need to take to protect your rights. They include the following:
• Get medical attention – Injuries exacerbate if you don’t respond to them quickly. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it is important to get checked out by a doctor. Soft tissue injuries may not be visible right away, but they can lead to serious harm if you don’t treat them.
- Contact the police – In Massachusetts, it’s mandatory to call the police after a motor vehicle accident if someone sustains injuries or if damages equal more than $1,000. Since it can be challenging to assess the scope of your injuries or damages in the chaos of the accident, call the police to be safe.
- Collect evidence – Massachusetts is a no-fault auto accident state, meaning your insurance company will pay for all your injuries and damages to your car. However, if your injuries are too severe to be covered by your policy alone, you may need to sue the other driver. The pieces of evidence you’ll collect at the scene are vital to support your case.
A personal injury claim may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, past and future lost income, and punitive damages if the driver’s recklessness caused severe injury. There’s no amount of financial compensation that can replace your loss, but you deserve justice for their negligence.