What Should I Do in the Days Following a Car Accident?
Published in Car Accidents on February 26, 2025
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Car accidents in Boston, MA, can happen at any time, whether you are merging onto I-93 or navigating the busy streets near Fenway. You might feel prepared if an accident ever happens to you because you have a mental list of what to do at the crash site. But have you thought about what steps you have to take in the days that follow? Here are a few things to consider if you find yourself in a car accident in the Greater Boston area.
Seek Medical Attention Promptly
Even if you felt fine right after the accident, schedule a doctor’s visit as soon as possible. Some common crash-related injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may take a few days to appear. If you have any of these symptoms within days of the injury, make another appointment with your doctor right away:
- Soreness and stiffness in your neck
- Trouble turning your neck all the way
- Neck pain that gets worse when you try to move it
- Headaches that often start at the base of your skull
- Achiness in your shoulders, upper back or arms
- A pins-and-needles sensation or numbness in your arms
- Random bouts of dizziness
Even if you start to feel better, always follow your doctor’s advice and complete all recommended treatments. Skipping or ending treatment too soon could slow your recovery and make it harder to prove that your injuries resulted from the accident.
Contact Law Enforcement
If the Boston Police Department did not arrive at the scene, file a police report on your own. Having an official record makes it harder for insurance companies or other parties to dispute your claim since the report serves as an independent, detailed account of the crash.
If you do not already have a copy of the police report, make sure to request one. If you decide to take legal action, the report provides a baseline for your lawyer to assess the strength of your case. Having it on hand can also streamline the claims process since the attorney and insurance adjusters can refer to the officer’s account of the crash rather than relying solely on potentially conflicting statements.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company about the accident, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. You should be honest and provide the basic facts—such as the date, location, and any police report number—but avoid admitting fault or speculating about who caused the crash. Stick to what you know, and let the insurer or an attorney sort out liability.
Report Your Accident to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Massachusetts law requires you to report most car accidents to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, but not every minor crash qualifies. You must file a report within five days if anyone is hurt or killed or if the property damage is more than $1,000. If you fail to file within five days, your driver’s license could be suspended, so it’s important to act fast—even if the police already filed their own report at the scene.
Remember that filing with the RMV is different from notifying your insurance company. The RMV does not forward copies of your report to your insurance adjuster. You still need to file a separate claim with your insurer.
Keep Receipts and Track Expenses
Boston-area repair shops, medical bills and transportation costs can add up quickly. It’s a good idea to save every receipt or invoice tied to the accident, including repair estimates, rideshare or taxi receipts if your car is not drivable, and any bills for prescriptions or medical devices. A lawyer can never have too much information, and having these documents ready will help them understand the full scope of your losses and build a strong case on your behalf.
Inform Your Employer If You Miss Work
If you are unable to work because of your injuries or must work reduced hours, let your employer know. Keep a record of lost wages and ask your doctor for a note explaining any work restrictions. These lost wages can become part of a claim if the other driver was responsible for the accident.
Limit Social Media Activity
Don’t talk about the car accident or how you’re feeling on social media. A casual post or photo might be interpreted in ways you do not intend. Insurance adjusters sometimes monitor social media to question if you’re actually as injured as you say you are. Don’t say anything online unless a lawyer gives you the OK.
Don’t Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
Under Massachusetts law, you are not required to give a recorded statement to an insurance company—no matter how strongly they urge you to do so. If the other driver’s insurer or attorney contacts you, think carefully before speaking with them or signing any documents.
Insurers often try to use your words to shift blame or reduce the payout, and providing detailed statements without legal guidance can be risky. You can politely decline any requests for a recorded interview, as limiting what you say helps protect you from having your remarks taken out of context or used against you later.
If you are unsure about how to respond or feel pressured to make statements, you can simply tell them, “I need to speak to my lawyer first.”
File an Initial Notice of Claim if Your Accident Involves the MBTA
Crashes involving the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority have extra steps because the MBTA is a government entity. If a T bus or train damaged your vehicle or caused injuries, filing an initial notice of claim as soon as possible may be required before you pursue compensation.
Contact a Boston Car Accident Lawyer
At Sweeney Merrigan, we understand how overwhelming life feels in the days following a car accident. You shouldn’t have to juggle repairs, medical care and legal paperwork on your own. Our team offers free consultations to learn more about your case, walk you through your options and help you work toward a fair outcome—whether that means dealing with insurance companies, filing a PIP claim or taking legal action. Partnering with our Boston car accident lawyers lets you focus on your health while we manage your case for you.