How Do I Get A Copy Of My Crash Report?
Have you or someone you love been involved in an automobile accident in Massachusetts? Have you suffered injuries that require medical attention? Did you suffer property damage as a result of the accident? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you’ll want to secure a copy of your official Massachusetts accident report.
This report is a valuable resource to have as you navigate the claims process, as it establishes fault and causation. Additionally, it can provide important details concerning the drivers’ information, the conditions surrounding the accident, and the injuries and damages sustained at the time of the crash.
Regardless of how severe you estimate a crash to be, it’s a good idea to contact local law enforcement. In addition to making sure everyone involved is held responsible and their injuries are properly treated, the officer called to the scene can file an official Massachusetts accident report.
There are several details an officer will take note of in their official report, including:
- Both drivers’ insurance and identification information
- A diagram detailing the events of the accident
- A written narrative detailing the events of the accident
- The location, date, and time of the crash
- Any injuries sustained in the accident
- Any property damages sustained in the accident
Common Questions About the Massachusetts Crash Report
Massachusetts law does not require you to call a law enforcement officer to the scene when you are involved in an accident. Regardless of the severity of your accident, however, it is a good idea to call an officer to the scene, as they will be able to provide a clearer and more accurate account of the events of the crash. Insurance adjusters and car accident attorneys will prefer reports filed by officers, as well, as these reports make it easier to establish fault and causation.
The Freedom of Information Act gives access to anyone who can provide the driver’s information and the date, time, and location of the crash.
In the state of Massachusetts, reports are only available by request online. Additionally, all who wish to submit a request for their official Massachusetts traffic report must pay a $20 fee.
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles asks for all who submit requests to allow up to four weeks for their requests to be processed.
