Worcester Office Location

d’Oliveira & Associates: 120 Stafford St. Unit 5 Worcester, MA  01603 | (508) 490-5955

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

A woman at the scene of a car accident.
  1. Activate your vehicle’s hazard lights to warn other drivers.
  2. Get to a safe place. Move your vehicle only if it is in a dangerous location.
  3. Call 911 and request police and an ambulance if necessary.
  4. Photograph and/or document details of the accident, especially:
    • What time the accident happened
    • Where the accident occurred, including the vehicles’ positions after the accident
    • Weather and road conditions at the time of the accident
    • Any damage to your vehicle
    • Any visible bodily injuries
    • Any noticeable traffic violations
    • Other important facts of the accident
  5. File a police report and make sure you get a copy.
  6. Get the other driver’s information, including their name, contact details, and insurance information.
  7. Get examined by a medical professional to determine whether you sustained any accident-related injuries. Although you might not think you were injured, pain sometimes takes a few hours or days to become noticeable. It is better to be safe than sorry!
  8. Save all paperwork related to your car accident claim, like medical bills, vehicle repair receipts, and any other accident-related expenses.
  9. Following the accident, contact your insurance company.
    • Look at your insurance policy to see what claim(s) you can file. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can assist you in this process.
    • Communicate all accident details to your insurance agent.
    • Give the other driver’s insurance information to your agent.
  10. We recommend that you do not talk to the other driver’s insurance company without speaking to a car accident lawyer first. Often, insurance companies try to offer you less money than you are entitled to, so they can settle the case quicker. However, if you choose to communicate with the other party’s insurance company, we suggest not sharing specifics of the accident. For example:
    • Do not disclose how the accident occurred.
    • Do not admit fault.
    • Do not approve any settlement offers or insurance waivers until a medical professional has dismissed you from treatment and you are pain-free.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Worcester Car Accident Lawyer?

d’Oliveira & Associates uses a contingency fee arrangement, so our firm does not get paid unless and until you receive an award or settlement of your car accident claim.

How Much Is My Worcester Car Accident Case Worth?

A check being handed to the client

If you have been involved in a car accident in Worcester, MA for which you were not at-fault, you may be able to recover for your medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost income, and pain and suffering, among other related expenses. The total amount you will be able to recover depends on the specific facts of your case, like the nature and severity of your injuries, amount of medical care needed, and how your injuries affect your daily life. You should speak with an experienced car accident attorney to determine what your case may be worth.

Can I Get Compensated for Property Damage to My Vehicle?

You may be able to get compensated for your property damage as well as your personal injuries. We recommend going to a car repair shop that you trust. Typically, it is in your best interests to choose an independent repair shop instead of one recommended by the insurance company.

Once you select a reliable auto repair shop, your insurance claims adjuster should meet with the mechanic. The mechanic will accurately assess your vehicle’s property damage and communicate this to your insurance adjuster, which prevents the insurance company from underpaying for your property damage. To learn more about getting your vehicle fixed, click here.

How Long Do I Have to File a Worcester Car Accident Claim?

According to Massachusetts law, you have three (3) years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury claim in MA.

You should not wait until this deadline to file a claim! It is best to give your car accident lawyer as much time as possible to review the evidence, build a strong case, and maximize your compensation.

Do I Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Lawyer sitting at her desk doing paperwork.

Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer to advocate for you may lead to a larger settlement. Because insurance companies are for-profit businesses, they often offer quick settlements that undercompensate you for your losses. A knowledgeable car accident attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you get the settlement you are entitled to.

If you choose not to hire a lawyer, we suggest that you contact your insurance claims adjuster and send them your medical records. You should not accept any settlement offers until a medical professional has examined your injuries and discharged you from treatment. If you do not have a lawyer, click here to learn more about the insurance steps you should take after a car accident.

How Long Does It Take to Settle My Car Accident Case?

The length of time it takes to receive a settlement differs for each case. There are many factors that affect how long it takes to settle a car accident case, such as the severity of your injuries, disagreements about who is at fault, and difficulty of obtaining medical records. Our attorneys are prepared to support you throughout the process and ensure you receive a favorable settlement as soon as possible.

Insurance Coverage in Massachusetts

There are various types of insurance coverage available to Massachusetts drivers. Massachusetts law requires that all drivers carry certain types of insurance.

MA requires the following auto insurance coverage:

  1. Bodily Injury to Others (Liability Insurance)
    • Covers accident-related medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
    • Protects you (or anyone you let drive your car) from legal responsibility for accidental injuries or death resulting from a car accident.
    • Only covers accidents that occur in MA.
    • Does not cover injuries or death to passengers in your own car.
    • Minimum coverage: $20,000 per person
    • Maximum coverage: $40,000 per accident
  2. Personal Injury Protection (PIP / “No-Fault” Insurance)
    • Covers accident-related medical expenses, up to 75% of lost wages, and funeral expenses.
    • Covers you, anyone you let drive your car, household residents, vehicle passengers, and pedestrians, regardless of who caused the accident.
    • Minimum/Maximum coverage: $8,000 per person, per accident
  3. Bodily Injury Caused by Uninsured Auto (Uninsured Motorist Insurance)
    • Used when the at-fault driver has no insurance or cannot be identified (like during a hit-and-run).
    • Covers you, anyone you let drive your car, household residents, and vehicle passengers.
    • Minimum coverage: $20,000 per person
    • Maximum coverage: $40,000 per accident
  4. Damage to Someone Else’s Property (Property Damage Insurance)
    • Pays for accidental damage to another person’s property.
    • Covers you, anyone you let drive your car, and household residents.
    • Minimum coverage: $5,000 per accident

Why Hire d’Oliveira & Associates for Your Car Accident Case?

  • Car accident claims are our specialty. We have been successfully representing injured clients in car accident cases for over three (3) decades.
  • All d’Oliveira & Associates attorneys have more than twenty (20) years of experience in winning car accident cases.
  • Our experienced lawyers know the games that insurance companies play. Our attorneys have much success in negotiating with them, so that we can obtain a fair settlement for you.
  • 95% of our clients’ cases settle without going to court.
  • We have secured more than $250 million in awards or settlements for our clients.
  • We offer free case evaluations and are available by telephone 24/7.
  • We only get paid if we win your case.

Where is d’Oliveira & Associates Worcester Located?

Contact Us Today!

Call us anytime at 508-490-5955 or fill out a contact form for a free (no obligation) consultation.

d’Oliveira & Associates Massachusetts Office Locations

Attleboro

Boston

Brockton

Fall River

New Bedford

Taunton

Wareham