The Massachusetts hit and run can affect your insurance if you have insurance—even if you're not at fault. A hit and run is any incident in which one of the parties involved leaves the scene without exchanging information. It is also considered a hit and run if the driver hits a fixed object, such as a mailbox, fence, or parked car, and the homeowners are not notified. Bankrate takes a look at Massachusetts hits and runs and what to do if you're in for one.
Hits and runs in Massachusetts
According to Massachusetts hit-and-run laws, if the driver knows they have hit someone or anything, they must stop to determine if they have been harmed or damaged. If they do not stop and give the other driver or homeowner their name and insurance information if they hit a stationary object, they are guilty of hit and run. If they stop, but refuse to give information or give false information, it will still be a hit and run.
Nationally, there were 2,564 hit-and-run fatalities in 2020, a 26 percent increase from 2019. There are serious penalties for drivers who leave the accident scene without identifying himself or herself and failing to help where he or she is able.
Massachusetts hit and run laws
Hit-and-run laws are clear in Massachusetts: If you're involved in an accident, even if it's just a flex on the fender, according to the Official Massachusetts Driver's Handbook, you must stop, assess the damage and identify yourself. He should. If you left an accident, even if it was not your fault, you can be charged with a criminal offense for leaving the scene of an accident. You will also face the punishments listed below.
- Up to $200 and/or imprisonment for up to two years, and license suspension for six months or more if the accident causes damage to a vehicle or other property.
- Up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to two years and license suspension for one year or more, if the accident causes personal injury to a person that does not result in death.
- $5,000 and up to 2.5 years in prison, or up to 10 years in state prison and license suspension for at least three years if the accident results in personal injury that results in death.
You can also face additional insurance fees for up to six years and have your driver's license suspended. Finally, if you strike or kill a cat or dog and fail to notify the animal's owner or local police, you may also be fined.
How does hit-and-runs affect auto insurance rates in massachusetts
The average car insurance for a driver with a clean record in Massachusetts is $429 for minimum coverage by state, and $1,262 for full coverage, which includes collision and comprehensive insurance. If you are found at fault in a Massachusetts accident, you are likely to see your premium costs increase dramatically, averaging 68 percent more than what a driver with a clean slate would pay. If you're convicted of a massachusetts hit-and-run, your rates could go up even more.
5 Things to Do in Massachusetts After a Hit-and-Run
You may shake after the hit and run, but do your best to stay calm and follow the steps we've outlined below. Do not attempt to follow the driver who has left the scene of the accident. It is important that you remain at the scene yourself to provide assistance and information to the police and medical staff.
Check for injuries. If you or someone else is injured, your first call should be to 911, so that medical personnel can help as quickly as possible.
If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic. This is especially true if you are on a busy highway or road. If you get out of your car, be careful not to put yourself at risk of being hit by another vehicle.
Call the police. Even if there are no injuries, call the police and have them come so you can file a report. This is necessary for insurance purposes.
Collect information. Once you are safe and the police are on their way, if you can do so safely, take some pictures of your vehicle and the site. If there are any witnesses, ask them what they saw, and write down the distinguishing features of the car that left the scene of the accident. Request that they remain with you until the police come so that their information may be included to the official report.
Contact your insurance company. Don't delay. You want to open a file for your case as soon as possible. You may be able to do this on your company's website - if not, contact your insurance company for as much information as you have.
Will insurance cover hit and run?
There are several types of hit and run insurance in Massachusetts. Any of these things could be triggered if you are the victim of a hit-and-run.
Collision: This coverage (unlike property damage liability, which covers another car) covers damage to your own car. Your insurance company will help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your car, up to its actual cash value at the time of the claim, and will meet the deductible you choose for this coverage.
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury: This insurance is required and covers injuries to you and your passengers after an accident if the other driver does not have insurance. But your insurance company may require proof that the other driver was not insured, which may or may not be possible after a hit-and-run.
Uninsured Driver's Property Damage: Again, this insurance can help with damage to your vehicle, but depending on your insurance company there may be restrictions on its use.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Because Massachusetts is considered a no-fault state, you need to carry a PIP, which pays medical bills, wages, and more, no matter who was at fault in the accident.
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