After a car accident in Massachusetts, the steps you take in the first hours and days affect both your health and any future claim. Massachusetts is a no-fault state, which shapes how medical bills are paid and when you can pursue a claim beyond your own insurance. The Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl, located in Fall River, helps injured people across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and this guide explains the basics.
At the Scene
Safety and documentation come first.
- Move to a safe spot if you can, and check for injuries.
- Call 911. In Massachusetts, police should be notified of any crash involving injury or significant property damage.
- Exchange license, registration, and insurance information with the other driver.
- Photograph the vehicles, the road, and any visible injuries, and get contact details for witnesses.
Even a low-speed collision is worth documenting, because injuries like whiplash often do not show up until the next day.
Report and Seek Medical Care
Massachusetts drivers must file a Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report with the RMV within five days when a crash causes injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Just as important, see a doctor promptly even if you feel fine. A medical record created close to the accident connects your injuries to the crash, which matters later if a claim becomes necessary.
How No-Fault Insurance Works in Massachusetts
Under the state's no-fault system, your own Personal Injury Protection coverage, known as PIP, pays initial medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of who caused the accident, up to the policy limit. To keep those benefits flowing, submit the PIP application to your insurer on time and follow the treatment your doctor recommends.
No-fault has limits. Massachusetts law allows an injured person to step outside the PIP system and pursue a claim against an at-fault driver when medical expenses cross a statutory threshold or when the injury involves certain serious harms, such as a fractured bone or permanent disfigurement. Because those rules are specific, this is the point where many people speak with an attorney about their
personal injury options.
When to Talk to an Attorney
Not every accident requires legal help, but some situations call for it: serious or lasting injuries, disputes about who was at fault, or an insurer that delays or denies a fair claim. An attorney can handle communication with the insurance companies and make sure deadlines are met. In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident, so it is better to ask questions early than to wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to report a car accident in Massachusetts?
Yes. A crash involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported to the RMV within five days, and police should be notified at the scene.
Will my insurance pay my medical bills if the accident was not my fault?
In most cases your own PIP coverage pays initial medical costs regardless of fault, up to the policy limit, because Massachusetts is a no-fault state.
How long do I have to file a claim in Massachusetts?
Generally three years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims. Specific circumstances can change that, so confirm your deadline early.
Questions After an Accident?
Call the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl at
(508) 677-4900 or reach us through our
contact page to discuss your situation.
