Everyone hates motor
vehicle accidents, they are costly, troublesome, and above all dangerous.
However, there are several very simple tips that can help make an unpleasant
situation, a little easier for everyone.
There is one major rule to always remember when in an accident, and that is
safety is above all else. Nothing should ever be done at an accident if
it could jeopardize anyone's safety. This includes drivers, passengers,
pedestrians and other passing motorists. Below are some very simple pointers
to remember if you are in an accident.
- Do not panic,
do not argue, this will only make matters worse.
- Put your car
in park, put your hazards on. Make sure you are not hurt. Make
sure those in your vehicle are not hurt. If anyone is hurt, and it
is safe to do so, remain where you are, and call for help. Do not
try to move an injured person, unless staying in the vehicle will cause
further injury, for example a car fire.
- If everyone
is ok in your vehicle, check the other vehicle. Again, if anyone is
hurt, do not try to move them, and call for help.
- If it is a
minor accident, and you are positive that there are no injuries, move your
vehicle off to the side of the road. Leaving your vehicles in the
middle of the road is not only dangerous for you, but may cause other
accidents.
- Regardless of
the size of the accident, it is always wise to notify the police.
Police officers will respond to the scene and can assist with the exchange
of paperwork, and act as a calming influence on an otherwise difficult
situation. Remember, 9-1-1 phone calls placed from cellular phones
are routed to the State Police Operations Center. Please make sure
you state clearly where you are, including the town, so that the call may
be dispatched appropriately. Police officers on scene will advise
you how to proceed, and will be happy to answer any questions you may
have.
You must file your own "Motor Vehicle Crash Operator
Report" if you're the operator of a vehicle involved in a crash where the
damage to any one vehicle or property is over $1,000, or if there is an injury
to any person, even if a police officer was on the scene. These forms are
used to tell your side of the story, and are complete with full instructions.
These are standard forms, and are available at
any police station throughout Massachusetts. Or, you can use the link
below, and print out a copy of the form from the comfort of your home.
Please be sure to read the instructions carefully, and remember to supply
copies of your report to all the agencies listed in the instructions.
Massachusetts Motor
Vehicle Crash Operator Report