At the Law Office of Michael J. Carroll, we’ll take the time to explain your options, answer your questions, and guide you through every stage of the process with honesty and care. By calling (617) 816-1072, you won’t just get a lawyer, you’ll get a dedicated advocate who truly puts your recovery first.

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A car crash can turn your world upside down in seconds. Whether you're rear-ended on I-93 near Somerville, sideswiped on Route 9 by Newton Centre, or involved in a multi-vehicle collision near the Mass Pike exit by Fenway Park, knowing what to do after a car crash in Massachusetts is essential to protecting your rights and health.

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Even minor accidents can lead to confusion, injuries, and disputes over fault. From ensuring your safety to dealing with insurance companies, every action you take in the hours and days following a collision matters.

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This guide outlines the steps to take after a collision, shares a detailed Massachusetts post-accident checklist, and explains why contacting a seasoned Massachusetts car accident lawyer can make all the difference in your recovery and legal outcome.

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Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Move to a Secure Location

Immediately after the accident, your top priority should be ensuring safety. If you're physically able to move, check on your passengers and others involved. If the vehicles are creating a hazard and it's safe to do so, move them to the side of the road. Use your hazard lights to alert approaching drivers.

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On high-traffic roads like Route 128 or Storrow Drive, staying in the center of the roadway can increase your risk of further harm. However, if anyone is seriously injured, do not attempt to move them; call 911 and wait for emergency service responders.

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Step 2: Call 911 and Report the Crash

Massachusetts law requires that any car accident involving personal injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 be reported. Call 911 and request both police and medical assistance, even if injuries appear minor.

Police will assess the scene, gather statements, and create an official accident report. This document is essential when filing an insurance claim or if you need to prove liability later on.

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Be sure to ask how to obtain a copy of the police report and write down the names and badge numbers of the officers on the scene. In cities like Cambridge or Quincy, crash reports may also be accessible through the local police department’s website.

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Step 3: Exchange Information With All Parties Involved

Once everyone is safe and authorities are on the way, gather essential information from the other driver(s):

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• Full names and contact details

• Driver’s license numbers

• License plate numbers

• Insurance company names and policy numbers

• Make, model, and year of each vehicle

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Be polite, but avoid admitting fault or apologizing; these statements can be used against you later. Stick to the facts and let the investigation determine responsibility.

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Step 4: Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you're able, collect evidence from the accident scene before vehicles are moved or debris is cleared. This is one of the most important steps to take after a collision, as your claim may rely on evidence gathered within the first few moments.

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Take photos and video of:

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• Vehicle damage (close-up and wide shots)

• Skid marks, broken glass, and debris

• Road signs, traffic signals, and intersections

• Weather and lighting conditions

• Injuries (if visible and appropriate)

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Look around for potential witnesses, pedestrians, nearby drivers, or business owners near areas like Harvard Square or Coolidge Corner. Ask for their contact info and a brief summary of what they saw.

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Step 5: Get Medical Attention

Injuries from car accidents aren’t always immediately obvious. Adrenaline can mask symptoms of concussions, whiplash, and internal injuries. Visit a hospital or urgent care center right away, even if you don’t feel seriously hurt. Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s, and Lahey Hospital & Medical Center are excellent emergency services facilities.

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Delaying care can endanger your health and create doubt in your injury claim. Medical records are a vital part of proving your damages, so don’t skip this critical step.

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Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company

Massachusetts law requires you to notify your insurer about any accident, even if you weren’t at fault. Call your insurance company as soon as possible, provide the basic facts, and avoid offering opinions or recorded statements until you speak with a Massachusetts car accident lawyer.

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You’ll also need to file a Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report within 5 days of the accident if there’s injury, death, or over $1,000 in damage. This must be sent to the RMV and the local police department where the crash occurred.

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Step 7: Create a Massachusetts Post-Accident Checklist

Staying organized after a crash can be difficult, especially when you’re managing injuries and insurance calls. Use this simple Massachusetts post-accident checklist to keep track of everything:

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Immediately After the Accident:

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• Move to a safe location

• Call 911 and request police/medical assistance

• Exchange information with all drivers

• Take photos/videos of the scene

• Identify and speak to witnesses

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Within 24–48 Hours:

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• Seek medical evaluation and follow-up care

• Notify your insurance company

• Request a copy of the police report

• Write down your personal recollection of events

• Contact a Massachusetts car accident lawyer

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Ongoing:

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• Save all medical records and receipts

• Document the time missed from work

• Track your symptoms in a recovery journal

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Staying proactive with documentation helps build a strong case should you pursue a personal injury claim.

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Step 8: Be Cautious With Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies, yours or the other driver’s, may contact you quickly, often asking for a statement. While they may sound helpful, these conversations are carefully designed to gather information that can limit what they pay out.

Be cautious. You have the right to decline to give a recorded statement until you consult an attorney. Adjusters may try to downplay your injuries, shift blame, or offer quick settlements that don’t reflect the long-term costs of your recovery.

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Step 9: Understand Your Legal Rights

Massachusetts is a no-fault state, meaning your own insurance, specifically, your Personal Injury Protection coverage, will pay for certain expenses up to $8,000. This includes medical bills and partial lost wages, regardless of fault.

However, suppose your medical expenses exceed $2,000 or you suffered serious injuries (like permanent disfigurement, fractured bones, or significant loss of function). In that case, you may file a claim against the at-fault driver. This can include damages for:

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• Pain and suffering

• Full lost wages

• Future medical care

• Vehicle damage

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Navigating the system alone is difficult. An experienced Massachusetts car accident lawyer can help you determine fault, calculate your losses, and protect your legal rights.

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Step 10: Seek Legal Guidance Before You Sign Anything

After an accident, it’s easy to feel pressure from insurers and even well-meaning family or friends. However, signing forms or accepting a settlement without understanding the full scope of your damages could permanently limit your recovery.

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Before you agree to anything, consult a lawyer who can review your case. An attorney will ensure that any agreement you sign protects your interests and includes adequate compensation for both current and future needs.

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Why Every Step You Take After a Crash Matters

In Massachusetts, the actions you take after a car crash are not only practical but also vital. Filing your RMV report, documenting your injuries, and protecting your statements are all steps that could impact whether or not you receive fair compensation.

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Skilled car accident lawyers understand that each crash is unique. Maybe your injuries were caused by a speeding driver near South Station. Maybe you were rear-ended on Commonwealth Avenue by a distracted Uber driver. Whatever the case, a good legal team will carefully reconstruct the facts, deal with insurers on your behalf, and help you focus on healing, not bureaucracy.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Massachusetts Car Accident

Even well-intentioned drivers can make errors that jeopardize their claim. Avoid these common missteps:

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• Admitting fault at the scene

• Failing to seek prompt medical care

• Delaying insurance notification

• Discarding medical bills or receipts

• Posting about the accident on social media

• Accepting a quick settlement offer without legal advice

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Each of these could be used by an insurance company to reduce your payout or deny your claim altogether.

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Ready to Move Forward? Legal Help Is Just a Call Away

If you’ve been injured in a crash and are unsure of what to do after a car crash in Massachusetts, you don’t have to navigate the recovery process alone. From the first call to the final resolution, a knowledgeable Massachusetts car accident lawyer can make sure you’ve taken all the right steps to protect yourself after a collision.

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At the Law Office of Michael J. Carroll, we understand how overwhelming it is to deal with injuries, vehicle damage, and legal confusion all at once. Attorney Carroll brings decades of experience, a background in the U.S. Coast Guard, and a strong commitment to justice, qualities that shape every case he takes on. Our firm proudly represents clients throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island with compassionate, personalized attention.

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Call (617) 816-1072 today for a free consultation. Let us help you understand your rights, handle the paperwork, and fight for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.

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