Hit-and-run accidents leave you shaken and unsure what to do next. If a driver leaves the scene of a crash in Massachusetts, it is considered a hit-and-run and may carry serious legal consequences. If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, the most important steps are to prioritize safety, call 911, document the scene, gather witness information, and report the crash to police.
These steps can help protect both your health and your ability to pursue compensation through an insurance claim or a legal action. If you have questions about your rights after a crash, a hit-and-run accident lawyer can help. At DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers, we offer free consultations to review your situation and explain your legal options. Contact us today if you’ve been hurt in a hit-and-run.
Prioritize Safety and Call 911
Your safety should always come first after a hit-and-run accident. Check yourself and others for injuries, move to a safe location if possible, and call 911 immediately to report the crash.
Reporting the accident immediately allows police and emergency responders to assess injuries, secure the scene, and begin documenting what happened. If you notice details about the fleeing vehicle, such as its color, direction of travel, or a partial license plate number, share that information with the dispatcher right away so officers in the area can be alerted. It is also important not to chase the fleeing driver, as doing so can put you at further risk and complicate the investigation.
Document the Scene
If it is safe to do so, document the accident scene as thoroughly as possible. Take photos or video of vehicle damage, the position of the vehicles, debris on the roadway, skid marks, traffic signs, and surrounding intersections. These details can help show how the crash happened and may become important evidence in an insurance claim or legal case.
In hit-and-run cases, small details can make a big difference. Try to capture photos of paint transfer on your vehicle, broken vehicle parts left behind, or tire marks on the roadway. These clues can sometimes help investigators identify the type of vehicle involved or connect the fleeing driver to the crash.
Collect Witness Information
If anyone saw the crash, try to collect their name and contact information before they leave the scene. Witnesses can provide valuable statements about what happened, including details about the fleeing vehicle or the direction the driver traveled.
You may also want to ask whether they captured any photos, dashcam recordings, or car accident footage on their phone. This type of evidence can help investigators identify the driver or confirm how the crash occurred.
Report the Accident to the Police
In Massachusetts, filing a police report after a motor vehicle crash is required if the accident involves injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more. You must complete and submit the required form (Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report) within five days of the crash, excluding Sundays and legal holidays.
The report must be sent to the local police department where the crash occurred, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), and your insurance company. Filing this report is especially important after a hit-and-run accident because it helps create an official record of the crash, which may be necessary when pursuing an insurance claim.
Seek Medical Care
Seeking medical attention after a hit-and-run accident is important for both your health and your potential injury claim. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it is a good idea to be evaluated by a medical professional. Many people visit an emergency room or urgent care after a car accident to check for injuries that may not show symptoms immediately. Some well-known options include Massachusetts General Hospital, Baystate Medical Center, CareWell Urgent Care, and ConvenientMD.
Prompt medical treatment also creates documentation linking your injuries to the crash. If there is a long delay before you seek care, insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident or are not as serious as claimed.
Watch related video: Do I Still Have a Valid Claim if I Didn’t Go to the Hospital Right Away?
Keep Records and Evidence After a Hit-and-Run Accident
After leaving the scene of a hit-and-run accident, continue keeping records related to the crash. This may include photos from the scene, the police report, medical records, repair estimates, and any bills related to your injuries or vehicle damage.
It can also be helpful to track missed work, lost income, and communications with insurance companies. Keeping organized records of these materials can make it easier to support your insurance claim and demonstrate the full impact the accident has had on your life. In many cases, insurance companies rely heavily on documentation when evaluating a claim, so detailed records can help show the true financial and personal effects of the crash.
Notify Your Insurance Company
After a hit-and-run accident, you should notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Prompt reporting helps protect your right to coverage, including cases involving uninsured drivers, and allows the claims process to begin without unnecessary delays.
When speaking with your insurance company, it is generally best to provide clear factual information about the crash while avoiding speculation about fault or the extent of your injuries until you have received a medical evaluation. Keeping records of all communications with your insurer can also help prevent misunderstandings later in the claims process.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Massachusetts Hit-And-Run Accidents
When a driver flees the scene of a crash and cannot be identified, the accident is typically treated as involving an uninsured driver. In other words, it is often handled similarly to an accident with no insurance, because there is no at-fault driver’s policy available to cover the damages. In these situations, injured victims often turn to their own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage for financial recovery.
In Massachusetts, uninsured motorist coverage is required under every standard auto insurance policy. This coverage may help pay for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, and other losses related to the accident. Because hit-and-run claims can involve complex insurance issues, having experienced legal guidance can help ensure your claim is properly evaluated and handled.
Massachusetts Time Limits for Hit-And-Run Accident Claims
In Massachusetts, drivers must file a Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report within five days if a crash causes injury, death, or at least $1,000 in property damage. This requirement comes from Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 26 and applies even if the other driver fled the scene.
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the crash under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 260 Section 2A. While some exceptions may apply, missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation, so it is important to understand your legal options as soon as possible.
Contact Our Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyer for Help
If you have been hurt in a hit-and-run accident, do not wait to get the help you deserve. Call our law office at (617) 870-0907 to schedule a free consultation.
At DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a crash can be. Our team is committed to guiding injured clients through each step of the process with clear communication and compassionate support. Let us handle your case so you can focus on recovery.