can be tried as either a misdemeanor or a felony. This serious offense can lead to fines up to $5,000, imprisonment up to ten years, and permanent license suspension.

If you are ever the victim of a hit-and-run in Massachusetts, stay at the scene of the crash, call the police immediately, and file an insurance claim within five days.

In every state, it is illegal to leave an accident site without providing appropriate information to the other driver or property owner. Punishments vary from state to state.

In this article,

car insurance

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is breaking down everything you need to know about a hit-and-run in Massachusetts: what it is, the penalties for committing one, and how to report it to the police.

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What is a hit-and-run?

According to

Massachusetts car accident laws

, a driver who gets into an accident with another vehicle or stationary object that causes injury or property damage must stop to exchange information—including name, address, and

vehicle registration

number. Failing to do so makes you guilty of a hit-and-run in Massachusetts.

You would be considered the victim of a hit-and-run in Massachusetts even if the driver initially stopped but left before they gave you their information or provided aid to anyone injured in the crash. The other driver can also be charged with a hit-and-run for providing a false name at the scene of the accident.

MORE:

What to do if you're in a car accident without insurance in Massachusetts

What happens if you commit a hit-and-run in Massachusetts?

If you commit a hit-and-run in Massachusetts, you could end up with serious criminal charges and strict penalties, including fines, jail time, and a possible permanent

license suspension

It is best to avoid this charge altogether by staying at the accident scene. Fleeing the scene has severe legal and financial ramifications.

MORE:

How to reinstate a Massachusetts driver's license

Is a hit-and-run a felony in Massachusetts?

A hit-and-run can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony in Massachusetts, depending on whether anyone was hurt or killed.

If the collision caused property damage only, it would be tried as a misdemeanor. If the collision caused injury or death, it would be tried as a felony.

The penalties for committing a hit-and-run in Massachusetts range in severity—again, depending on whether it is charged as a misdemeanor or felony and whether the accident caused injury or death.

Result of accident	Possible punishment
Property damage only	Misdemeanor	Fine up to $100	License suspension
Injury	Felony	Fine up to $1,000	License suspension or revocation
Death	Felony	Fine up to $5,000	License suspension or revocation

How to avoid a hit-and-run charge

If you are involved in a collision with another driver or stationary object—like a parked car, mailbox, or fence—here’s what you can do to avoid a hit-and-run charge:

Move your car to a safe place near the accident site away from the flow of traffic.

Locate the vehicle’s driver or owner of the property struck. If there are injuries or fatalities, alert the police immediately and request medical help.

Exchange personal and insurance information—including your name, address, policy number, and

vehicle identification number

If you’re unable to locate the owner of the damaged property, leave a detailed note with the above information.

MORE:

What is accident forgiveness?

What should I do if I experience a hit-and-run in Massachusetts?

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run in Massachusetts, it’s important to stay calm and remain at the scene of the crash until you have called the police and gathered as much evidence as you can.

At the scene

Never attempt to follow the car that hit you. Leaving the accident scene before filing a police report is not advised, as this makes it more difficult for police to verify your claims.

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, follow these steps:

Move your car to a safe place near the accident site if possible.

Call 911 and summon a police officer to the scene.

Begin collecting evidence: take photos of the damage to your vehicle and talk to any witnesses at the scene. Ask witnesses to stay with you until the police arrive so their testimony can be added to the police report.

Before you leave, confirm that the police officer on duty has filed a police report. This report will be vital in

filing an insurance claim

The following information is helpful to include in the police report if possible:

License plate

number of the other driver if seen

Appearance of the driver

Any unique identifying details of their car

Circumstances of the crash

Key Takeaway: Always call 911 in the case of a hit-and-run and file a police report. This report will prove necessary in making an insurance claim.

After you leave the scene

Immediately

report the incident to your insurance company

. You technically have five days from the day of the collision to file a claim. That said, it’s usually best to do it as soon as possible, as some insurance companies may use a delay in reporting as grounds for denying your claim.

What insurance covers a hit-and-run?

Massachusetts is one of 12

no-fault states

. In these states, you will file a claim with your insurance company for car repairs or medical bills regardless of whether you're at fault for the accident.

In the case of a hit-and-run, this means that you would file a claim through your own insurance company, which will then compensate you for damage to your vehicle or medical expenses.

Massachusetts requires drivers to carry

personal injury protection

insurance to cover the cost of medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages, so it’s likely that your medical expenses will be covered if you're the victim of a hit-and-run.

If you have

collision insurance

, damage to your vehicle should be covered—although you will likely have to pay a deductible.

MORE:

High-risk car insurance: everything you need to know

How to find affordable insurance for collisions and more

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FAQs

Will a hit-and-run affect my insurance?

If you are the victim of a hit and run, your insurance should not go up significantly after the accident. However, you may have to pay a deductible when filing a claim since Massachusetts is a

no-fault state

If you committed a hit-and-run, your insurance premium would most certainly go up—it may likely double.

What is the minimum penalty for a hit-and-run?

If you commit a hit-and-run that results in property damage only, the minimum penalty is a misdemeanor charge and a $20 fine. You could also face jail time of two weeks and may have your license suspended.

Do I need a lawyer if I’ve committed a hit-and-run?

If you’ve committed a hit-and-run, you should seek legal counsel. A hit-and-run in Massachusetts is a criminal charge that carries strict legal penalties—you will likely benefit from discussing the circumstances of your case with a lawyer.

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