Last updated: October 20, 2026
Being involved in a car accident is disorienting. Knowing what steps to take immediately after a crash in Massachusetts helps protect your safety, meet your legal obligations, and support any insurance claim you may need to file.
Quick Answer: What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Massachusetts?
Stay at the scene, check for injuries, call 911 if anyone is hurt or if the accident involves significant property damage, exchange information with the other driver, document the scene, and report the accident to your insurer. Massachusetts law requires you to stop and remain at the scene of any accident involving injury, death, or property damage.
TL;DR:
- Stop and stay at the scene. Leaving is a criminal offense in Massachusetts.
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt or if you are unsure.
- Move to safety if the vehicles are creating a hazard and it is safe to do so.
- Exchange information: name, address, license number, registration, and insurance information with the other driver.
- Document the scene with photos and notes before vehicles are moved if possible.
- Report to your insurer promptly, even if you were not at fault.
- File a crash report with the RMV if damage exceeds $1,000 or there are injuries.
Step-by-Step: What to Do Right After a Crash
- Stop immediately. Massachusetts law requires all drivers involved in an accident to stop at the scene. Leaving without stopping and providing information is a criminal offense.
- Check for injuries. Check yourself, your passengers, and if safe to do so, the occupants of other vehicles. Do not move anyone who may have a neck or spine injury unless they are in immediate danger.
- Call 911 if anyone is injured, if vehicles cannot be safely moved, or if the damage is significant. Even for minor accidents, having a police report can help with insurance claims.
- Move to safety if your vehicle is operable and its position creates a hazard. Massachusetts law permits moving a vehicle off an active roadway after an accident if it can be done safely. Photograph the original positions first if possible.
- Exchange information with all other drivers involved: full name, home address, driver license number, vehicle registration number, insurance company name and policy number.
- Document the scene. Photograph vehicle positions, damage to all vehicles, road conditions, traffic signals or signs, and any visible injuries. Note the time, date, and location.
- Do not admit fault at the scene. Fault determination involves factors you may not be fully aware of at the time, and statements made at the scene can be used in insurance and legal proceedings.
- Contact your insurer as soon as possible after the accident. Most policies require prompt reporting regardless of who was at fault.
Massachusetts Crash Report Requirements
Massachusetts requires drivers to file a Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report with the RMV within 5 days if the accident resulted in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. This is the driver’s own report and is separate from any police report. Failure to file when required can result in license suspension.
The crash report form is available on the Massachusetts RMV website.
Insurance After a Massachusetts Accident
Massachusetts is a no-fault insurance state for medical expenses. Your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for medical expenses and some lost wages up to the policy limit, regardless of who caused the accident. For property damage and larger injury claims, fault does matter and is determined through the claims process.
Under the Massachusetts Merit Rating Plan, an at-fault accident results in a surcharge on your insurance premium for 6 years from the date of the accident. Even accidents where you are not at fault are noted on your record, though they do not result in a surcharge unless you have multiple not-at-fault accidents.
Driver Education and Accident Prevention
The best outcome in any potential accident situation is avoiding it entirely through good hazard perception and vehicle control. Central Mass Safety Council’s driver education programs teach the scanning habits and emergency response techniques that help drivers avoid crashes and respond correctly when they happen.
Learn more about CMSC’s programs on our road test preparation page or contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to call the police after a minor car accident in Massachusetts?
You are not always legally required to call police for a very minor accident with no injuries and minimal damage. However, having a police report can support insurance claims and provides an objective record. For any accident involving injury, significant damage, or dispute about what happened, calling 911 is strongly advisable.
What happens if I leave the scene of an accident in Massachusetts?
Leaving the scene of an accident in Massachusetts where there is injury or property damage above a minimal threshold is a criminal offense. The severity depends on whether there were injuries or a fatality. Consequences can include fines, license suspension or revocation, and potential criminal charges. Always stop and remain at the scene.
How long do I have to report a car accident to my insurance in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts insurance policies typically require prompt notification of any accident. Check your policy documents for the specific requirement, but most insurers expect notification within a few days. Waiting too long to report can complicate or jeopardize your claim. Report as soon as you are safely able to do so after the accident.
About the Author
Jake Cooney is the CEO of Central Mass Safety Council (CMSC), a licensed driving school serving teen and adult drivers across central Massachusetts.
