When it comes to what to do after a minor car accident, you should check for injuries, move to a safe location, call the police, exchange information with the other driver, and contact a personal injury attorney.
Collisions are stressful, no matter the severity, and even minor crashes are disorienting. While a minor accident will likely not result in major injuries or damage, it’s still important to protect your legal rights.
This means taking the right steps immediately after the incident, which involves contacting a Boston car accident lawyer as soon as possible. With an attorney by your side, you’ll have an advocate giving you advice throughout every step of the legal process.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Minor Car Accident
Car accidents of all severity levels are overwhelming, but when you know what to do after a minor car accident, you’ll help yourself feel empowered. When you take the following steps, you’re more likely to protect your legal rights while streamlining the insurance process.
Check for Injuries
Your health and safety should be your top priority. Even in a minor accident, injuries often occur, but certain symptoms will likely not appear right away. Make sure you check yourself and your passengers for any signs of pain, discomfort, or dizziness.
If you suspect that you have sustained an injury, seek medical attention immediately.
Move to a Safe Location
If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic. In fact, Massachusetts law requires you to remove your vehicle from the roadway if it is safe to do so. Also, turn your hazard lights on to alert other drivers.
Call the Police
Even if the accident is minor, call 911 and ask a police officer to come to the scene. In the state of Massachusetts, you are required to report an accident if it results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
Furthermore, a police report provides an official record of the crash, which is useful when filing an insurance claim. If the police do not come to the scene, you must file a Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
You are also expected to file a report with the local police department within five days if the accident meets the reporting criteria above.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Obtain the following details from the other driver:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle registration details
- The name and policy number of their insurance
When speaking with the other driver, avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later. Even saying “I’m sorry” likely will be interpreted as an admission of liability, so the less you say to one another, the better.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Boston
Documenting the accident scene is a must when it comes to protecting your legal rights. If possible, take the following steps:
- Photograph the vehicles from multiple angles
- Capture proof of visible damage and license plates
- Take pictures of road conditions, traffic signs, and any marks that you see
- Collect witness statements and their contact information if possible
Why You Should See a Doctor Even if You Feel Fine
Many car accident injuries—such as whiplash or concussions—will likely not show any visible symptoms right away. Adrenaline will likely mask pain, and symptoms take hours, if not days, to appear.
Seeking prompt medical attention ensures your injuries are diagnosed early, prevents further complications, and creates a medical record that can be used in your personal injury claim.
Common Injuries After a Minor Car Accident
Even in low-speed collisions, injuries often occur:
- Neck pain and stiffness caused by sudden movement
- Headaches, dizziness, and confusion from a mild traumatic brain injury
- Bruises, sprains, and strains from impact
- Muscle strain or spinal injuries from sudden force
If you experience headaches, nausea, dizziness, or persistent pain, seek medical attention immediately.
Do You have to Report a Minor Accident?
In Massachusetts, you must report an accident if either of these two factors are true:
- If the crash causes injuries or fatalities
- If there’s property damage over $1,000
Failure to report an accident often results in fines or penalties. If you are unsure as to whether or not you need to report the accident, it’s wise to file a report to protect yourself.
How to File a Massachusetts Accident Report
To report a car accident, fill out a Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report. Once it has been completed, submit it to the following parties:
- The Massachusetts RMV
- The local police department where the accident occurred
- Your insurance company
Massachusetts’ No-Fault Insurance System
Massachusetts follows a no-fault insurance system. This means your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will pay for your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident.
PIP covers up to $8,000 in medical bills and lost income. However, if the following details apply to your case, then your injuries will likely be severe enough to meet the threshold for filing a claim against the at-fault driver:
- Medical expenses exceeding $2,000
- Permanent disfigurement, broken bones, or significant loss of function
Contact Our Boston Personal Injury Law Firm for Legal Guidance Today
Injured in a collision? Better Phone Stone®. If you were involved in a minor car accident, you could be entitled to compensation. At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we are here to protect your rights and guide you through the claims process.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and with our Stone Cold Guarantee® in mind, we’ll call you back within 24 hours. Plus, when you meet with us, there’s no obligation—just information®—because you should know your legal options, and we’ll advise you of them.
We’ve been in business for over 21 years and have recovered more than $225 million in compensation. We’ve also handled over 15,000 cases, and we take care of our own because Massachusetts is our home.
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