Why Do I Need A Massachusetts Accident Report?
Why Do I Need An Accident Report?
Car accidents can be difficult to manage. Not only can they cause severe injury to you and your loved ones, but they can also leave you with significant property damages and even emotional trauma. Many who are involved in car accidents choose to claim insurance benefits or file a lawsuit so that they might be compensated for their losses.
What some people don’t realize is that the best way to expedite the claims process is to have access to a copy of your official Massachusetts accident report. Not only does this document provide you with the other driver’s information and details about the injuries and property damages suffered, it also guarantees that you will have a clear and unbiased account of the accident to provide to your insurance adjuster or car accident attorney.
Requirements for Obtaining a Massachusetts Traffic Crash Report
Not only is it advantageous for you to have access to your accident report if you are filing a claim, but in the state of Massachusetts, you are required to file a crash report in some cases. According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 § 26, you are legally required to report an accident to local law enforcement if the accident results in any of the following conditions:
- Injury
- Death
- Property damage of $1,000 or greater
Common Questions About the Massachusetts Traffic Crash Report
Determining whether or not you will need a copy of your crash report to file a claim often depends on the insurance company or attorney handling your case. Most often, attorneys and insurance adjusters will require a copy of your official report, as this makes it easier to establish fault and the cause of the crash.
If you are able, you should call an officer to the scene immediately after any automobile accident, regardless of how major or minor the accident may seem to be. This ensures that an official record will be kept of the accident. Additionally, any law enforcement officer called to the scene will be well-acquainted with filing accident reports and will be able to provide you with an official Massachusetts report faster than if you were to file a report yourself.
You can request a copy of your accident report with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles at any time, although it typically takes approximately four weeks to access it online.
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles charges a $20 fee to file an accident report request. With us, you can access a copy of your official crash report for FREE from the comfort of your own home. Click HERE to get started today!
Your Massachusetts Accident Report and the Insurance Company
When you begin the process of claiming insurance benefits, the insurance adjuster will request a copy of your official crash report. The report gives your adjuster a clear and unbiased account of the accident so that they can best determine what kind of settlement you are owed.
If you should fail to provide your insurance adjuster with an official copy of your Massachusetts crash report, it will be much more difficult for them to establish fault in the accident and to determine how to approach the claims process. In some cases, this can even result in higher insurance rates.
