{"id":373936,"date":"2016-12-06T19:32:44","date_gmt":"2016-12-07T00:32:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html"},"modified":"2025-07-21T08:03:35","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T13:03:35","slug":"massachusetts-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html","title":{"rendered":"Massachusetts Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Massachusetts Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Teenagers are taught what to do if they’re in a car accident, but knowing how to reach and remembering all the steps during the stress of a crash are two different things. With more than 75% of drivers experiencing at least one auto accident during their lifetime behind the wheel, knowing what to expect and what needs to be done in the aftermath of a fender-bender is a necessity for most.<\/blockquote>\r\n

Being aware of what steps to take immediately following a Massachusetts car accident is important, as is knowing how the insurance claims<\/a> process works. If you suffer severe injuries in a car crash and the insurance carrier refuses to pay, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit.<\/p>\r\n

Even if you sue the at-fault driver, there’s a good chance your car accident case will settle before making it to a courtroom. This article explains the Massachusetts car accident settlement process, including how the settlement timeline<\/a> plays out. It also examines the factors that may impact your settlement amount.<\/p>\r\n

If you’ve suffered serious injuries in an auto accident, consider consulting a Massachusetts car accident attorney<\/a>. For ease of further research, we’ve supplied links to related FindLaw articles at the bottom of this page.<\/p>\r\n

Massachusetts Car Insurance Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

One of the reasons states require motorists to carry car insurance coverage<\/a> is to take care of accident victims who suffer serious bodily injuries. If you get into a motor vehicle accident, you must file an insurance claim.<\/p>\r\n

Massachusetts is a no-fault state, so you must file a claim with your auto insurance carrier first after an accident. If your insurance policy doesn’t cover your damages, your personal injury lawyer<\/a> can sue the at-fault driver.<\/p>\r\n

Under Massachusetts law, drivers must maintain four types of insurance coverage with the following minimum limits<\/a>:<\/p>\r\n