What to Do After a Car Accident in Boston, MA

Under Massachusetts law, you have to report any accident-causing injury, death, or significant property damage, and unless you need emergency medical attention, it’s a serious crime to leave the scene. Call 911 and wait for the Boston Police or the Massachusetts State Police to arrive. The police will secure the scene and call an ambulance if anyone is injured. The police will also prepare an official accident report, which is a key piece of evidence in your claim.

Some of the important evidence you need to support your claim will disappear quickly if it’s not secured. Take pictures of the accident scene, any visible injuries, property damage, skid marks, and so on. Get names and contact information for any witnesses. If you see any security cameras nearby, take note of their locations as well – camera footage is often deleted or overwritten within days.

If your accident happened to involve a cab, city vehicle, or commercial vehicle, then make sure you get the employer’s contact information as well.

You should get checked out by an EMT or paramedic at the scene, but even if you feel fine, you need to follow up with a doctor. You can go to one of Boston’s many great hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Medical Center, or Tufts Medical Center. You can also go to an urgent care center or the walk-in hours at your primary care provider.

Whatever option you choose, follow your doctor’s instructions. Take your medications as prescribed. Go to your follow-up appointments. Get your diagnostic tests done. This is the best option to protect your health. It also protects your legal rights in case the insurance company tries to dispute your injuries later. Be sure to keep copies of all medical bills and records to show your lawyer at your free consultation.

Most insurance companies require that you notify them promptly after an accident. You need to cooperate with your insurance company to some extent, but keep your comments as brief as possible. Stick to the facts of what happened. Don’t say anything pertaining to fault for the accident. Don’t go into detail about your injuries. Never sign a release or accept a settlement offer without talking to an attorney first.

If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, politely decline to speak with them. Let your lawyer handle it.

Indeed, if you talk to a Boston car accident attorney soon after the accident, they can even handle the initial notification to your insurance company on your behalf.

Time is of the essence after a car crash in Boston. There’s no such thing as too soon to call a lawyer – if you’re able to make that call from the scene of the accident, then do it. It can be too late, however. Strict deadlines apply throughout the process, and key evidence to support your claim can be lost or destroyed if your lawyer doesn’t take prompt action to preserve it.

That’s why you need to contact an experienced Boston car accident attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer can guide your case forward while you focus on healing. And there’s no cost or obligation – you can get a free, confidential consultation to understand your rights and options. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Boston, speak with one of our verified attorneys as soon as possible.