Motor Vehicle Accident Reports

How do I know if I have to file an Accident Report?
The Massachusetts State form for all accidents can be obtained at any police station in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Now you can also DOWNLOAD the standard Massachusetts Operators Accident Report here

Obtain and fill out three copies, send the first copy to the police department in the jurisdiction where the accident took place. Send the second copy to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The third copy should be sent to your insurance company. It is also wise to keep a copy for your records.

Accident reports must always be filed when personal injury occurs, no matter what the damage to vehicles. In cases without injury, any accident where the combined damages exceed $1,000 also requires a report to be filed in the jurisdiction where the accident took place and within 5 days of the accident. Accidents where the combined damage cost is less the $1,000 do not require the filing of state accident forms.

After being involved in an accident, how long do I have to submit an operator's accident report to the police department?
The person operating the vehicle or, in the case where the operator is hospitalized and unable to submit the report, the owner if not the operator must submit the report within 5 days after the accident, M.G.L. Chp. 90, Sec. 26. The accident report form may can be picked up at the Bolton Police Department or any other police department in the Commonwealth.

If a police officer isn't available to investigate the accident, what information should I get from any other operators, witnesses or involved parties for my report?
You should obtain:Operator(s) name, current address, license number & expiration, and date of birth

  • Vehicle(s) registration number, make, model, color
  • Vehicle owner(s) name and address
  • Witness(es) names, addresses and phone number(s)

If I am one of the operators in a motor vehicle accident, can I obtain the other operator's completed report?
NO. The only information that will be provided will be the operators license and address information, vehicle information, insurance company, any injured parties and any witnesses. You will NOT be given a copy of the other operators statement.

How can I obtain the statement of another motor vehicle operator in an accident? 
This information is only available to your attorney and/or insurance company. Your attorney or insurance company may request this information and pay a modest processing fee during normal business hours.

Can I obtain a copy of the police officers accident report?
The Bolton Police Department will typically provide a Courtesy Report which will give you the necessary information on the accident and the other operator to easily complete your own report. We will not, however provide you with the Law Enforcement Copy of the State?s Accident Report. These reports must be requested by your attorney and/or insurance company.

When is an operator required to fill out an accident report?
According to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90 Section 26, every person operating a motor vehicle which is involved in an accident in which any person is killed or injured or in which there is damage in excess of one thousand dollars to any one vehicle or other property shall, within five days after the accident, report in writing to the registrar on a form approved and send a copy thereof to the police department having jurisdiction on the way where said accident occurred; provided, however, that such police department shall accept a report filed by an owner or operator whose vehicle has been damaged in an accident in which another person has unlawfully left the scene of such accident. Such report shall not be required during the period of incapacity of any person who is physically incapable of making a report. If the operator is not the owner of the vehicle and is physically incapable of making such written report, the owner shall within five days after the accident make such report based on such knowledge as he may have and such information as he can obtain regarding the accident. (Chg. by L. 1985, chap. 168, eff. 10/16/85)

The Registrar may require any such operator or owner to file a supplementary written report whenever in the opinion of the Registrar the original report is insufficient.

The Registrar may revoke or suspend the license of any person violating any provision of this section (Chg. by L. 1985, chap. 168, eff. 10/16/85)

All persons that fall under the above category should make copies of their accident report for the following agencies:

  • The Registry of Motor Vehicles
  • The Police Department where the accident occurred
  • Your Insurance Company
  • Yourself