Do you need to call the police for a minor car accident in Massachusetts? Technically, you only have to report car accidents involving injuries, deaths, or property damage over $1,000. However, reporting any car accident can make it easier to secure compensation.
Therefore, your Boston car accident lawyer may suggest calling the police even for a minor fender bender. It’s usually a good idea to speak with a lawyer before even completing a crash report. You can learn more about how to handle these collisions with our team at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers.
Call or fill out our online contact form to learn more.
Do You Legally Have to Report Minor Car Accidents?
Legally, you have to report a motor vehicle crash any time the collision results in:
- An injury
- A fatality
- Over $1,000 in property damage
The legal codes in Massachusetts require you to report the accident to the Registry of Motor Vehicles and the police department with jurisdiction over the location of your accident. You have to file a Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report form after these collisions.
We also recommend that you immediately contact the police to visit the scene of these accidents so that they can make an official report. However, you legally do not have to report minor collisions under these laws.
Should You Report a Minor Car Accident?
While Massachusetts does not legally require you to report a minor car accident, attorneys often recommend informing the police of your collision, no matter how minor. Reporting your accident results in official proof that the collision occurred.
The police may choose not to visit the scene of a minor car accident. However, they may still record information about the location of the collision and when it occurred. These details may become necessary when you seek compensation for the collision.
Additionally, some accidents are more severe than they initially appear. Many motorists have difficulty accurately assessing the amount of damage to their vehicle. What seems like a minor collision could result in thousands of dollars in property damage.
What Else Should You Do After a Minor Car Accident?
We can help you decide what to do after a car accident in Boston. Ensure that you:
Stop and Exchange Contact Information
Legally, you must stop at the scene of a car accident, no matter how minor the collision seems. Leaving the accident scene can result in accusations of committing a hit-and-run.
After you stop your vehicle, you should exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Ensure you get their name, phone number, and insurance details to file a claim appropriately.
Take Pictures
We recommend you take time to get pictures of the accident scene, the damage to your vehicle, and any potential injuries you sustained. These photos can help with a claim for compensation.
Get Medical Care
Minor accidents generally do not result in injuries. However, some drivers discover they sustained an injury in the hours or days after a collision. For example, concussion symptoms may take time to appear.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Make sure that you report even minor car accidents to your insurance company. In many cases, these claims end up settled through insurance, allowing you to secure compensation for any expenses you face.
While you should speak with your insurance company, we recommend against contacting the other driver’s insurance or providing them with a recorded statement. A lawyer can provide you with specific advice about handling your insurance claim.
Contact a Lawyer
You can discuss your situation with a lawyer even after a minor car accident. Our firm offers free case evaluations to provide you with information about legal options to secure compensation.
Your attorney may help with personal injury insurance claims after a car accident or advise you to file a lawsuit, though generally, you do not have to sue another driver after a minor collision.
What Compensation do You Get After a Minor Car Accident?
You may receive compensation to cover any financial losses associated with a minor car accident. Generally, insurance policies will cover the costs of repairing minor damage to your vehicle.
You may get funds to cover the cost of a rental vehicle during the repair process. We can help you seek additional damages if you discover injuries after what you thought was a minor accident.
Speak to Us About Calling the Police for a Minor Car Accident
Do you need to call the police for a minor car accident? While the laws in Massachusetts do not require you to report minor collisions to the police, taking this step may help you secure compensation for your losses, so we recommend that you inform them.
You can discuss what to do after an accident in more detail with our team at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers. Call or complete our online contact form to go over your legal options.
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