What should you do right After a Truck Accident in Massachusetts?
Get Medical Attention—both to your car and the other driver Exchange Insurance Information. You should report the accident Cooperate With Law Enforcement cops and ensure that a police report is made. In cases involving injury or death, under Massachusetts law, you are required to report the truck crash to the local police or Massachusetts State Police. A report is also needed to be made to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. To better protect drivers on the road, state and federal laws in place govern large trucks. Keep reading to learn about what to do following a truck accident in Massachusetts, in addition to some information about the state’s commercial trucking regulations.
Things to do at the Scene of a New England Truck Accident
Under Massachusetts law, motorists are required to exchange the following information with each other following an accident:
■ Name, address, and contact details.
■ Driver’s license numbers.
■ License plate numbers; and
■ insurance info.
Regulation of Commercial Trucking
In Massachusetts, some regulations apply to trucks with specific features. For instance, a law requires intrastate motor carriers to obtain and display a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. This applies to trucks designed to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver), trucks hauling hazardous substances trucks, and trucks engaged in intrastate commerce that weigh 10,001 lbs. or more.
Review of What to Do After a Truck Accident in Massachusetts
Whenever you have a legal question, the primary source of advice is the text of the law. Unfortunately, laws in the US are usually written in outdated legal jargon. Because of this, it is helpful to see a summary of the legislation in plain easy to understand the English. In the following chart, you can find a brief overview of laws about what to do following a truck accident in Massachusetts and links to pertinent statutes.
State Reporting Requirements for Accidents When a commercial truck is concerned, it is best to keep records the truck’s USDOT number and the company the truck is working for.
A truck accident should be reported to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in case it resulted in: $1,000 or a lot of property damage; or A person’s death or accident.
Time Limits for Filing Your Lawsuit
Following a truck crash, a lawsuit must be filed within the statute of limitations provided by law. Back in Massachusetts, the time limit for filing a lawsuit is three years if the truck accident claim is for personal injuries, property damage, or wrongful death.
Massachusetts General Laws, Part III, Title II. Activity and Proceeding Therein (Ch. 223-236)
Note: State legislation is always subject to change throughout the passing of new legislation, rulings from the higher courts (including federal conclusions), ballot initiatives, along other ways. While we strive to supply the most current information available, please consult with an attorney or run your legal research to verify the state law(s) you’re researching.
Get a Professional Lawyer to Help After Your Truck Accident in Massachusetts
A truck accident can result in significant damage to your automobile and severe injuries for you and any passengers. If you need to learn more about what to do following a truck accident in Massachusetts, it is ideal for getting in touch with a skilled motor vehicle collision attorney near you.
