You’ve been in an accident. Thankfully, you’re okay. You got the other driver’s information but now wonder: should I fill out a Massachusetts Crash Report?
When Must a Massachusetts Crash Report be filed?
MGL Chapter 90, Section 26 requires a person who was operating a motor vehicle involved in a crash in which (i) any person was killed or (ii) injured or (iii) in which there was damage in excess of $1,000 to any one vehicle or other property, to complete and file a Crash Operator Report with the Registrar within five (5) days after such crash (unless the person is physically incapable of doing so due to incapacity). The person completing the report must also send a copy of the report to the police department having jurisdiction on the way where the crash occurred. If the operator is incapacitated but is not the vehicle’s owner, the owner is required to file the crash report within the five (5) days based on his/her knowledge and information obtained about the crash. The Registrar may require the owner or operator to supplement the report and he/she can revoke or suspend the license of any person violating any provision of this legal requirement. A police department is required to accept a report filed by an owner or operator whose vehicle has been damaged in a crash in which another person unlawfully left the scene even if damage to the vehicle does not exceed $1,000.
You can print a copy here: http://www.massrmv.com/rmv/forms/21278.pdf
Once you have completed report send copies to:
- local or state police department in the city or town where crash occurred
- your independent, MA insurance agent or insurance company
- a copy to the RMV, Crash Records, PO Box 55889, Boston, MA 02205-5889
Where is the best place to find Massachusetts auto insurance? We recommend getting a quote from us at: MassAutoQuote.