14.4 Crash Duties, Hit-and-Run Penalties, Crash Reporting & Green Driving

Massachusetts had 134,472 motor vehicle crashes in 2022. The Manual's crash section explains the legal duties of drivers involved in a crash, and of witnesses. It ends with tips for saving fuel.

If You Are Involved in a Crash

You must stop for any crash, however small. Never leave the scene. Leaving can bring a "hit and run" charge.

Property damage only

1. Move your vehicle off the road if possible. With no injuries, the Driver Removal Law requires vehicles to be moved out of travel lanes to a safe place.
2. Exchange names, addresses, license numbers, registrations and insurance information with all drivers and property owners involved. Show your license and registration if asked.
3. If you damaged a parked vehicle or other property, try to find the owner or notify the local police.
4. Within five days, file a crash report with both the RMV and the local police for any crash with $1,000 or more of property damage.
5. If you injured a cat, dog or other animal, notify the local police and, if possible, the owner.

Crashes with injuries

1. Check for injuries.
2. Call the police and ask for an ambulance or EMTs if needed.
3. Move the vehicle off the road if possible.
4. Exchange information with anyone injured and with the other drivers; show your license and registration if asked.
5. Within five days, file a crash report with the RMV and local police for any crash causing injury, death or $1,000 or more of damage.
6. Notify your insurance company.

Calling 911 on a cell phone reaches the State Police for any emergency.

Emergency first aid

• Don't move an injured person unless necessary. If a life-threatening danger forces you to, fully support the head and spine.
• Check breathing. If the person isn't breathing and you are CPR-certified, start CPR immediately.
• For bleeding, press directly on the wound and keep pressing until help arrives.
• Cover the person with a blanket or coat for warmth and to prevent shock.

Hit and Run (Leaving the Scene Without Identifying Yourself)

In 2022, Massachusetts had 13,829 hit-and-run crashes. You must stay at the scene, identify yourself, give aid if possible and call for help if needed.

Failing to notify the owner or police after hitting a cat or dog can also bring a fine (c. 272, s. 80H). A criminal conviction can add probation costs, up to six years of insurance surcharges and license suspension. Leaving the scene after an injury crash means a one to two-year suspension; after a property damage crash, 60 days to one year (section 7.3).

If You Witness a Crash

If police and emergency vehicles are already there, slow down, drive carefully, watch for people and equipment, and don't slow down to look.

If no police or emergency vehicles are there:

1. Park off the road and turn on your flashers.
2. Check for injuries.
3. Call the police, or ask someone with a phone to call, or flag down help.
4. Place flares, triangles or reflectors 200 feet or more in front of and behind the crash.
5. Give first aid as above.
6. If possible, move the vehicles to the side of the road.
7. Turn off the ignition of all vehicles involved.

Stay away from downed electrical wires. If wires are on a vehicle, tell the people inside to stay inside until emergency crews arrive, and don't touch the vehicle.

Reporting a Crash

You must report any crash you are in that kills or injures someone or causes $1,000 or more in property damage, by filing a written report with the RMV within five days. Not filing can bring a fine and suspension or revocation of your license. Telling your insurance company is not enough.

Get the Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report at a police station, an RMV service center, the RMV Contact Center or Mass.Gov/RMV. Send copies to:

1. the local police department where the crash happened;
2. your insurance company;
3. the RMV Crash Records unit (P.O. Box 55889, Boston).

Keep a copy. A copy of a law enforcement crash report costs $20 online.

Drive Smart and Save: Green Driving Tips