- November 26, 2021
- Posted by: Western Mass Auto
- Category: Auto Insurance
A car accident can be a frightening and traumatic experience. You may not know what to do or who to call after the accident has happened. This article will help you navigate the process of what happens after an auto collision in Massachusetts so you can get on with your life as quickly and painlessly as possible. No matter how serious the injuries are or how much property damage, a car accident can be frightening. Although you might think you are well-informed, you can easily forget what you should do in an accident. You can avoid further injury and comply with state laws by taking the right actions immediately following a car accident.
1. Stop and get off the road – If Possible
Massachusetts law requires that you stop at the accident scene, even if it was a minor accident. If you fail to provide identification and insurance information, it could lead to serious criminal charges. Fines, imprisonment, or both could be imposed if you leave the accident scene.
It’s a good idea not to drive off the road if you aren’t hurt and your car is still in working order. This can save you from further injury or being in an accident. It is important to assess injuries and move anyone involved in a car accident. If you are experiencing neck or back pain, don’t move anyone until medical assistance arrives.
2. Call 911 or Local Authorities
The state of Massachusetts requires that an accident report be filed if there is an injury to the person or property, or if there are more than $1,000 dollars in damages. It can be difficult for accident victims and property damage to be assessed in the chaos. It is important that you contact the police, no matter how minor the accident may seem. Make sure to take the time to check for injuries and gather as much information as possible when you make this phone call. It is important to notate any injuries that you, your passengers, or the person in the other vehicle may have.
3. Seek Medical Attention if Needed
Many people who are injured in a car crash worry about the cost of treatment. They avoid seeking medical attention. This is a huge mistake as injuries can worsen over time. Concussions, back injuries, and neck injuries that are common in car accidents often don’t show any symptoms right away. The symptoms of injury can also be masked by adrenaline.
Not only is it risky for your health, but waiting to report injuries can make it more difficult to prove a personal accident claim. It’s simple. It is more difficult to prove that injuries were caused by the crash if you delay in getting your injuries checked out. Photograph any visible injuries if you are unable to see a doctor right away.
4. Exchange Insurance Information
Massachusetts law requires all drivers to have auto insurance. Although it is best to not discuss the incident, you must exchange information with other people involved in the accident. Please share the following information.
- Your name
- Contact information
- Number of driver’s license
- Number of the license plate
- Information about insurance
5. Cooperate with Law Enforcement
Stress is a complex emotion. A car accident scene can quickly become chaotic. Please be polite and answer all questions regarding the accident. Negative statements, reactions, and arguments should be avoided with the other party. If the case is taken to court, the accident report will be a crucial document and all of your actions will be recorded. You should also request a copy to support your insurance claim.
6. Take photos
Any evidence found at the accident site after the scene has been cleared will be lost. Many drivers own a smartphone equipped with a camera. To help tell the story, take as many photos as you can with your smartphone. Photograph the accident scene and any other details. Photos are a great way to show details such as the location of vehicles, weather conditions, and debris. These photos are useful for filing an insurance claim or in the case of a personal injury suit.
7. Get in touch with Your Insurance Provider
Your insurance provider will need as much information as possible about your accident. Your local independent agent can also advise you on the next steps. You may have difficulty filing a claim if you fail to notify your insurance company immediately. Your insurance agent should have enough information to handle a brief description of your accident.
Additional Responsibilities: Report Your Car Accident
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 26 requires that any Massachusetts driver involved in an accident-causing injury or death, or property damage exceeding $1,000, file a crash report to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. This report must be filed within five days of the incident. This additional form is required even though a police officer likely was present at the scene. The police department must receive a copy of your report. The filing of a crash report is free.
A car accident can have serious consequences for your health and financial stability. Knowing your responsibilities at the very beginning can save you from costly fines later. Visit our blog to learn more about Massachusetts’ auto regulations and auto insurance.
Western Mass Auto, an independent insurance agency in the Greater Springfield region. Our goal is to assist our clients in finding the best insurance policies that meet their needs, at affordable prices. Contact us today to get more information on our policies and an instant quote. Or to find out how you can finally find the insurance that suits your needs.
What to Do After a Massachusetts Car Crash FAQs
What is the first thing I should do after a car accident?
Contact the authorities and exchange insurance information with everyone involved. If someone is hurt, call 911 immediately and provide assistance to those in need of medical attention. You should also seek out any witnesses that may have seen what happened during the crash.
How long do I have to file an official report for my car accident?
Your insurance company will need to know about your accident as soon as possible, but you only have three days. This timeframe is in place so that the police can investigate and determine fault for a claim or lawsuit following an incident.
What if I was not at fault for the accident?
Massachusetts is a state that does not have to pay for your medical bills. To seek medical expenses compensation, you will need to file a claim with the insurance company. You can file a third-party claim with the driver, but only if you have incurred more than $2500 in reasonable medical expenses.
Do I need to report my accident?
Yes, injuries can take several hours or even days to manifest for you and the other driver. Drivers who are not insured or underinsured might be more inclined to find ways to fix the accident quickly and without calling the police.
Do I need to file a claim for minor damages?
If no one was injured and there is no damage, do I need to report it? It’s a good idea if you cause an accident that involves another vehicle to file a claim. You might be better off paying out of pocket if your car was damaged in an accident without involving another vehicle, but it’s always best to speak with someone from your insurance company before making any decision.
Where can I find a crash report?
The report can be downloaded from mass.gov or requested from any law enforcement agency. Send a copy of the completed report to your insurance company, the local police department, and the RMV or Massachusetts Registry Of Motor Vehicles.
How can I get information about my accident after it happens?
The quickest way is to call your insurance provider directly – they should be able to give you all the information that they have on hand. The police department and RMV should also be able to give you any reports or information that is available.
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