Car accidents are on the rise in Boston, leading to a 19% spike in car accident fatalities. When collisions increase, so do non-fatal but life-altering injuries.
If you’ve been seriously injured thanks to another driver’s negligence, you may want to consider filing a claim. One of the first steps is hiring an experienced car accident lawyer. One of the next is obtaining a copy of the car accident report.
The steps you need to obtain a report after a car accident varies from city to city. Today, we’re going to talk about what steps to take in Boston, MA.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about police reports after a car accident.
Are You Required to Call the Boston Police After an Accident?
Some states require that you call the police after a car accident no matter what the results are. In Boston, things are done a little differently.
You are required to call the police after a car accident in Boston if any of the following are true:
- the car accident caused fatalities
- the car accident caused injuries
- the car accident caused more than $1000 in property damage
If any of the above apply, you have a maximum of five days from the time of the accident to report it to the Registrar. However, it is advisable to call the police right away so that they can come to the scene of the accident.
What Is Included in a Car Accident Report?
When you call the police as soon as a car accident occurs, the car accident report will be more thorough. It can include:
- the names of all drivers and passengers involved in the accident
- observable injuries and property damage
- witness statements
- road conditions
The car accident report may also include the responding officer’s opinion regarding who or what caused the accident.
How Can You Request a Copy of the Car Accident Report?
It is relatively easy to request your car accident report in Boston. Now, you can make your request on Mass.gov.
To complete the form, you will need to provide:
- the name of one or more drivers involved in the accident
- vehicle information for one or more cars involved in the accident
- your name, email address, and mailing dress
You will also need to pay a $20 fee. Once you’ve satisfied these criteria, you should receive the report in the mail within four weeks.
Call 1-800-LAW-GUYS for Legal Help in Boston
A car accident report isn’t the only document you’ll need to file a claim after a car accident in Boston. There are other legal documents and evidence required to put together a compelling case. The best way to improve your results is to start with the best lawyer.
Michael Kelly is proud to serve the accident victims of Boston and surrounding areas. To schedule a consultation, call 1-800-LAW-GUYS or contact us through our online form.
