Law for Reporting Auto Accidents in Massachusetts

Massachusetts law requires a driver involved in an auto accident to report the accident in certain situations. A driver should understand what situations require the filing of a report, the purpose and necessary information for the report.

Requirements

Following an accident in Massachusetts, a driver must file an accident report within five days of the accident occurring. He must file a report when the damage to any vehicle or property exceeds $1,000, or if any person sustains an injury. Send a copy of the report to the police department in the city where the accident occurred, the insurance company and the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Purpose

Massachusetts vehicle operator crash reports help to identity areas with a high concentration of accidents and to improve hazardous roads. Information helps in creating programs for highway safety to decrease injuries and death.

Report

In Massachusetts, an accident report requires information about all the vehicles involved, the drivers and passengers, property damage and any non-motorists involved. A driver must provide a description of how the accident occurred, crash conditions, a diagram of the scene and information about witnesses.

References

• Commonwealth of Massachusetts: Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report