Written by
Amy Grover, Esq.
Amy Grover, Esq.
Licensed Attorney
Amy is a licensed attorney with a range of experience in the legal field, including work with the Department of Justice in administering victim compensation funds, and representing clients in trial court, appellate, and administrative proceedings.
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Learn what you need to do after an accident in Massachusetts, including exchanging information and reporting the accident to the police.
On This Page
- 1. Driver Exchange of Information
- 2. Your Duty to Render Aid
- 3. Reporting an Accident to Police
- 4. Accidents with No Injuries
- 5. Hitting a Parked Car
As a driver in Massachusetts, do you know what to do after an accident? Failing to comply with the law can lead to serious consequences, so it’s essential that you know your duties if you get into an accident.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the key laws and regulations governing car accidents in Massachusetts. For more information, you can also reviewChapter 90 of theMassachusetts Motor Vehicles and Aircraft Code.
1. Massachusetts Driver Exchange of Information Law
After a car accident in Massachusetts, the law requires that you exchange information with the other people involved in the crash. This includes your name and address, as well as the registration number of your vehicle. You must also display your driver’s license and certificate of registration if you are requested to do so.
Any operator who knowingly collides with or causes injury to any person or damage to any property shall, upon request, plainly exhibit to such person his license and, if required under the provisions of this chapter to carry the certificate of registration for the vehicle upon his person or in the vehicle, such certificate.
Whoever without stopping and making known his name, residence and the registration number of his motor vehicle, goes away after knowingly colliding with or otherwise causing injury to any person not resulting in the death of any person, shall be punished.
Whoever without stopping and making known his name, residence and the registration number of his motor vehicle, goes away to avoid prosecution or evade apprehension after knowingly colliding with or otherwise causing injury to any person shall, if the injuries result in the death of a person, be punished.
2. Massachusetts Car Accident Injury Law: Duty to Render Aid
Massachusetts law does not require you to render aid to anyone who is injured in a car crash. However, you must stop your vehicle and exchange information with the other parties in the accident.
Whoever without stopping and making known his name, residence and the registration number of his motor vehicle, goes away after knowingly colliding with or otherwise causing injury to any person not resulting in the death of any person, shall be punished.
Whoever without stopping and making known his name, residence and the registration number of his motor vehicle, goes away to avoid prosecution or evade apprehension after knowingly colliding with or otherwise causing injury to any person shall, if the injuries result in the death of a person, be punished.
3. Massachusetts Law on Reporting a Car Accident to Police
In Massachusetts, you must report any accident that kills or injures someone or causes damage exceeding $1,000 to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles within five days. You must also send a copy of the report to the local police department with jurisdiction over the road where the accident occurred.
An exception to this rule exists when the crash physically incapacitates the driver. However, if the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, the owner must report the crash if the driver is physically unable to do so.
Every person operating a motor vehicle which is involved in an accident in which any person is killed or injured or in which there is damage in excess of one thousand dollars shall, within five days, report in writing to the registrar and send a copy to the police department having jurisdiction on the way where such accident occurred.
Such report shall not be required of any person who is physically incapable of making a report. If the operator is not the owner of the vehicle and is physically incapable of making such written report, the owner shall within five days after the accident make such report.
What if I Fail to Report an Accident in Massachusetts?
If you fail to report an accident in Massachusetts, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles can revoke or suspend your driver’s license. However, as we discussed earlier, you are only legally required to report crashes where someone is hurt or killed or there is property damage exceeding $1,000.
The registrar may revoke or suspend the license of any person violating any provision of this section.
4. Massachusetts Car Accidents With No Injuries: Your Legal Duty
You have a legal duty to stop at the scene of an accident only involving property damage. After stopping your vehicle, you cannot leave until you give your name, address, and vehicle registration number to the other people involved. You also must display your driver’s license and certificate of registration if someone asks to see them.
Any operator who knowingly collides with or causes injury to any person or damage to any property shall, upon request, plainly exhibit to such person his license and, if required under the provisions of this chapter to carry the certificate of registration for the vehicle upon his person or in the vehicle, such certificate.
Whoever without stopping and making known his name, residence and the register number of his motor vehicle goes away after knowingly colliding with or otherwise causing injury to any other vehicle or property shall be punished.
5. What if I Hit a Parked Car in Massachusetts?
If you hit a parked car in Massachusetts, the law requires you to inform the owner of the vehicle of your name, address, and vehicle registration number. You must also show your driver’s license and registration if the owner asks you to do so.
Any operator who knowingly collides with or causes injury to any person or damage to any property shall, upon request, plainly exhibit to such person his license and, if required under the provisions of this chapter to carry the certificate of registration for the vehicle upon his person or in the vehicle, such certificate.
Whoever without stopping and making known his name, residence and the register number of his motor vehicle goes away after knowingly colliding with or otherwise causing injury to any other vehicle or property shall be punished.
If you get into a Massachusetts car accident, it is important to know your legal obligations. By understanding your responsibilities, you can avoid penalties and ensure that the accident is dealt with in a prompt and efficient manner.
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