What to Do After a Car Accident in Massachusetts: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you are involved in a car accident in Massachusetts, your first priority is safety: move your vehicle out of traffic if possible, check for injuries, and call 911. Under Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 90, Section 26), you are legally required to file a Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report within five days if the accident resulted in personal injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
The moments following a collision are chaotic, but the actions you take and the ones you avoid can significantly impact your health, your insurance claim, and your legal standing. As a trusted partner for collision repair in Malden, GAR AUTO BODY has compiled this guide to help you navigate the aftermath of an accident on Massachusetts roads.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Call 911
Immediately after the impact, assess yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 right away. If the accident is minor and your vehicle is operable, Massachusetts law requires you to move it out of the travel lanes to a safe location (like the shoulder) to prevent secondary collisions. If your car is disabled, turn on your hazard lights and stay a safe distance from the road until help arrives.
Step 2: Report the Accident (Legal Requirement)
Many drivers mistakenly believe that if they don’t see an officer, they don’t need to file a report. This is incorrect.
- Police Report: Even if the police do not respond to the scene, you should go to the local police station to file a report. An objective account of the scene, road conditions, and witness statements is invaluable for insurance disputes.
- The “Crash Operator Report”: Under M.G.L. c. 90, Section 26, if an accident results in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000, you must file a Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report with the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), the local police department, and your insurance company within five days.
Step 3: Exchange Information, Don't Speculate
While at the scene, collect the following from all involved parties:
- Full name and contact information.
- Driver’s license number and state.
- Insurance company name and policy number.
- Vehicle make, model, year, and license plate.
Pro-Tip: Never admit fault or apologize at the scene. Statements like “I didn’t see you” or “I’m sorry” can be used by insurance companies to deny your claim or increase your premiums. Keep your interactions factual and limited to exchanging information.
Step 4: Document the Scene
Before the vehicles are moved or towed, use your smartphone to capture:
- Photos of the entire scene (not just close-ups of the damage).
- Damage to all vehicles involved from multiple angles.
- Traffic signs, road conditions, and any potential witnesses.
- Names and numbers of any witnesses who saw the crash but were not involved.
Step 5: Seek Medical Attention Promptly
Even if you feel “fine,” see a doctor within 24 hours. Many injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or soft-tissue damage, have delayed symptoms. In Massachusetts, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage helps cover medical expenses regardless of fault. Delaying medical care can make it much harder to prove that your injuries were directly caused by the accident.
Step 6: Understand Your "No-Fault" Rights
Massachusetts is a “no-fault” insurance state, which means your own insurer covers your medical expenses through PIP (up to $8,000) regardless of who caused the crash. However, this only applies to personal injuries. Damage to your vehicle is handled by the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. You have the right to choose your own auto body shop for repairs. Do not feel pressured to use an insurer’s “preferred” shop if you aren’t comfortable doing so.
Step 7: Notify Your Insurance Company and Choose Your Shop
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. When they ask for your preferred repair shop, tell them you have a local expert you trust.
Remember: As the vehicle owner, you have the legal right to choose where your car is repaired. Bringing your vehicle to a shop that knows how to navigate Massachusetts insurance claims like GAR AUTO BODY can be the difference between a seamless repair process and weeks of administrative headaches.
Conclusion: Stay Calm and Prepared
Accidents are stressful, but by following these steps and documenting everything, you protect your physical health and your financial investment.
Had an accident in the Malden area? Contact GAR AUTO BODY as soon as it’s safe to do so. We can help you navigate the appraisal process, advocate for high-quality OEM parts, and ensure your vehicle is restored to factory safety standards.
[Contact GAR AUTO BODY today for your free post-accident inspection and repair estimate!]
Quality repairs that you can trust every time means that you can rely on the repair services to fix your vehicle correctly, Efficiently, and safely. When you take your car