Leaving the scene of an accident, commonly referred to as a “hit and run,” is a serious offense under Massachusetts law. It involves a driver failing to stop and provide necessary information after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. This obligation applies regardless of whether the accident resulted in property damage, personal injury, or death. In Massachusetts, leaving the scene of an accident is defined under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 24.
To secure a conviction for leaving the scene of an accident, the prosecution must establish the following elements:
The penalties for leaving the scene of an accident in Massachusetts are severe and depend on the nature of the accident:
Additionally, convictions can lead to license suspension and increased insurance premiums.
With years of specialized experience, The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson has established itself as the go-to Boston criminal defense attorney in Massachusetts.
Experienced Criminal Lawyers Ready to Fight for You
Boston Office
55 Union Street, Suite 400 Boston, MA 02108
617-295-7500
Salem Office
15 Church St, Suite 105 Salem, MA 01970
978-607-0034
Office Hours
Mondays – Fridays
24/7 Support
Saturdays – Sundays
10:00am – 2:00pm
If you’re facing charges for leaving the scene of an accident, immediate action is crucial. Delaying can result in harsher penalties, including jail time, substantial fines, and long-term impacts on your driving record and insurance rates. Don’t let a momentary lapse in judgment define your future. Seek legal assistance now to protect your rights and navigate the complexities of the legal system.
It can be. If the accident results in death, leaving the scene is classified as a felony under Massachusetts law.
Stop immediately, provide your name, address, and vehicle registration number to the other party or a police officer, and, if required, file a Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report within five days.
Yes. If it’s determined that you should have known about the accident, you can still be charged.
Yes. Convictions for leaving the scene of an accident can lead to license suspension.
Experienced Criminal Lawyers Ready to Fight for You
Boston Office
55 Union Street, Suite 400 Boston, MA 02108
617-295-7500
Salem Office
15 Church St, Suite 105 Salem, MA 01970
978-607-0034
Office Hours
Mondays – Fridays
24/7 Support
Saturdays – Sundays
10:00am – 2:00pm
The Right Strategy to Win Your Criminal Case
Disclaimer: Although I am an attorney, I am not your attorney. Please do not rely on anything on our website as legal advice because any specific advice would depend on your situation. Any results posted on this page are not guarantees of outcomes in your case.
Our Locations
Boston Office
(Cheap parking! We validate parking at 136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109 (Haymarket, Parcel 7 parking garage), $3 for three hours.)
Salem Office
Quick Links
The Right Strategy to Win Your Criminal Case
Disclaimer: Although I am an attorney, I am not your attorney. Please do not rely on anything on our website as legal advice because any specific advice would depend on your situation. Any results posted on this page are not guarantees of outcomes in your case.
Our Locations
Boston Office
(Cheap parking! We validate parking at 136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02108 (Haymarket, Parcel 7 parking garage), $3 for three hours.)
Salem Office
Quick Links