Auto Accident Injury in Springfield, MA
A qualified Springfield car accident attorney can guide you through Massachusetts’ legal system, explain your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. From documenting the crash to negotiating with insurers, legal support can make this process more manageable—and more successful.
In this guide, you’ll learn what to do after a crash in Springfield, how Massachusetts’ no-fault laws affect your claim, and why speaking with an attorney early can improve your outcome.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Springfield, Massachusetts
In 2023, Springfield reported 19 traffic fatalities, surpassing even Boston in total deaths despite its smaller population. Among those fatalities, 7 were pedestrians, placing Springfield second in the state for pedestrian deaths. These numbers highlight a growing concern for both motorists and pedestrians in the city, especially in neighborhoods with aging infrastructure and limited safety improvements. Many of Springfield’s wide roadways, originally designed to reduce crash frequency, have instead encouraged excessive speeding—raising the risk of severe or fatal collisions.
Contributing factors include distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving, which continue to plague Springfield’s roadways. In response, the city has secured a $15 million federal grant through the Safe Streets and Roads for All program to improve safety across 15 intersections and 10 major corridors.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
Getting into a car accident can be disorienting, but the actions you take immediately afterward are critical. Whether your crash happened on I-91, Boston Road, or a local street in Forest Park, staying calm and following a clear plan will help you protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights.
Receive Immediate Medical Attention
After a car accident in Springfield, even if you feel okay, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away. Many common accident-related injuries—such as concussions, whiplash, or internal trauma—don’t produce symptoms immediately. By seeing a doctor promptly, you not only safeguard your health but also create a medical record that directly links your injuries to the crash, which is crucial for any insurance claim or legal case.
File a Police Report
Filing a police report after a car accident in Springfield, MA is a key step for both legal and insurance purposes. Massachusetts law requires that any crash resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 be reported to the local police department and to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) within five days of the incident (M.G.L. c. 90, § 26). Failure to file this report can lead to penalties and may negatively affect your ability to recover compensation.
Gather the Appropriate Documentation
Start by exchanging essential details with all involved drivers:
- Full names, addresses, and phone numbers
- Driver’s license numbers and issuing states
- Vehicle makes, models, and license plate numbers
- Insurance provider names and policy numbers
Use your phone to take wide and close-up photos of the scene, including:
- All vehicle damage
- The position of vehicles post-collision
- Traffic signals, street signs, skid marks, and debris
- Road and weather conditions
- Any visible injuries
If there are witnesses, politely ask for their contact information and, if possible, a brief statement. Third-party accounts can be vital, especially if the other driver disputes fault.
Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury
Massachusetts drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which pays up to $8,000 in combined medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. However, if your medical bills exceed $2,000, or if your injuries are considered serious (such as permanent disfigurement, fractured bones, or substantial loss of a body function), you may step outside the no-fault system and file a claim directly against the at-fault driver.
In Springfield, you may be entitled to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses beyond your PIP coverage
- Lost income and diminished earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or mental health treatment
- Vehicle repairs or total loss value
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Auto Accident Laws in Massachusetts
Liability Laws for Springfield
Massachusetts follows a no-fault insurance system under M.G.L. c. 90, § 34M, meaning your own insurance provider will pay for certain expenses—like medical bills and lost wages—regardless of who caused the accident. This is known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and it typically covers up to $8,000 in combined benefits. However, you cannot sue the at-fault driver for additional damages unless your medical bills exceed $2,000 or your injuries are considered serious (e.g., permanent disfigurement, broken bones, or substantial impairment).
Statute of Limitations in Springfield
Massachusetts law sets a strict three-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury or property damage lawsuit after a car accident (M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A). The clock begins on the date of the accident, and missing the deadline usually means losing your right to seek compensation in court.
Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Springfield, MA
An experienced Springfield car accident attorney can guide you through every step—from filing your PIP claim to pursuing additional compensation if your injuries are serious. They’ll ensure deadlines are met, documents are properly filed, and insurance companies don’t shortchange you. Most importantly, they’ll help you recover what you need to move forward—physically, financially, and emotionally.
After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct. We can even help you connect with legal help across Massachusetts state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to speak with an attorney in your area!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
