What to Do If Your Child Is in a Car Accident in Massachusetts?
What to Do If Your Child Is in a Car Accident in Massachusetts
What to do if your child is in a car accident—that’s the question no parent ever wants to ask, but sooner or later, a lot of us find ourselves asking it. Whether they’re behind the wheel or riding along with friends, teens and young adults face a higher risk of crashes. And when that call comes in, your instincts take over fast, but legal decisions can’t be made on instinct alone.
We’ve helped hundreds of families through this exact scenario. So here’s a plain-English guide to what happens next, and how to protect your kid’s health, rights, and financial future after a crash in Massachusetts.
Start with Safety—and a Calm Voice
Before anything else, find out if your child is safe. Encourage them to call 911 if there’s been any injury or property damage. Remind them to stay at the scene, avoid admitting fault, and only share the basics with the other driver and police. It might be hard, but your calm voice can do a lot to steady them in those first shaky minutes.
If you’re able to get to the scene, bring your own phone to take photos, and don’t hesitate to ask for a copy of the police report number.
Massachusetts Has Special Rules for Teen Drivers
Here in Massachusetts, junior operators (under 18) have different rules and different risks. If your teen has a junior license and breaks curfew, has too many passengers, or is found at fault, the consequences can include fines, license suspension, or required driver’s ed retraining.
That’s why it’s important to talk to a Massachusetts personal injury lawyer early on—even if you’re not sure your child is “in trouble.” We can help protect them from unintended legal or financial consequences that might not show up until months later, when an insurance claim or lawsuit lands on your doorstep.
Who's Legally Responsible After a Teen Car Accident?
This is where things get tricky. Massachusetts is a no-fault state, which means Personal Injury Protection (PIP) usually pays out first for things like medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. But if injuries are serious, or PIP doesn't cover all the costs, you may need to file a claim against the at-fault driver.
Now, what if your child was behind the wheel? Well, if your teen is under 18, you may be on the hook, depending on the circumstances. Things like who owns the car, who pays for insurance, and who controls use of the vehicle can all factor into legal liability. We’ve seen these cases play out both ways, and it’s always better to get ahead of them.
What Insurance Companies Don’t Tell You
You may assume your insurance company will “take care of everything.” Unfortunately, that’s not always true. Adjusters may minimize your child's injuries, delay payment, or try to settle quickly for less than what the claim is worth. And if another party’s insurance is involved, they may even shift blame onto your teen, especially if they’re inexperienced or nervous during the investigation.
At Brady Law, we’ve seen how these early missteps affect families for years down the road. That’s why we step in early to manage all communication with insurance companies, review medical records, and make sure the facts are clearly and fairly presented.
Medical Bills, Long-Term Injuries, and Mental Health
Even if your child seems “okay” at first, you can’t assume they’re out of the woods. Some injuries, like concussions, internal trauma, or emotional distress, take days or weeks to surface. In Massachusetts, PIP covers up to $8,000 in medical expenses and lost wages, but serious injuries often exceed that cap quickly.
We always recommend that families keep a record of:
ER visits and follow-ups
Mental health counseling, if needed
Any school absences or activity limitations
Out-of-pocket expenses (gas to appointments, over-the-counter medication, etc.)
If a lawsuit becomes necessary, these records help show the full picture of how the crash affected your child and your whole family.
Real Life Example: When a Bump Becomes a Battle
A few years ago, we helped a local Walpole family whose daughter had been in what seemed like a “minor” accident in the high school parking lot. Another teen clipped her bumper while backing out, and nobody called the police. A week later, she started having neck pain and headaches. The family went to urgent care, but the bills piled up fast.
The other driver’s insurance company said it was just a “low-impact incident” and refused to pay more than $500. That’s when they called us. We gathered medical reports, statements from classmates, and even a video from the school security camera that showed the actual impact. Long story short, we got them a settlement that covered all her treatment, and the parents didn’t have to fight on their own.
Should You Call a Lawyer If Your Child Was in a Car Accident?
If you’re still unsure about calling an attorney, here’s what we tell people in your shoes: It doesn’t cost you anything to ask. We offer free consultations, and we’ll give you straight answers about whether you need legal help or just peace of mind.
At Brady Law, we’ve helped families across Massachusetts for over 35 years. We’ve been parents in your shoes. And we know how to protect your child’s rights while giving you space to focus on what matters: their recovery.
FAQs: What Parents Ask After a Teen Car Accident
Q - Can my child be sued if they caused the crash?
A - Yes, but insurance usually covers damages unless your teen was doing something reckless or illegal. Call us before you speak to anyone from the other driver’s insurance.
Q - Will this affect my insurance rates?
A - Possibly, especially if your child was at fault. But it’s worth checking if you have accident forgiveness or optional coverages that might reduce the impact.
Q - Do I need to report a minor accident to my insurance?
A - Yes. Massachusetts law requires reporting accidents that cause injury or more than $1,000 in damage.
Q - How long do I have to file a claim?
A - The statute of limitations in Massachusetts is generally 3 years for personal injury claims, but it’s best to start as early as possible to preserve evidence.
Q - What if my teen doesn’t have a license yet?
A - If they were a passenger or were driving without a license, the situation gets more complicated. We strongly recommend calling an attorney.
Massachusetts Parents: You Don’t Have to Handle This Alone
If you’re reading this because your child was in an accident, first, take a breath. They’re lucky to have a parent like you in their corner.
And when you’re ready for legal backup, we’re here. At Brady Law, we bring decades of experience, zero judgment, and a whole lot of compassion to every case we take. We don’t just protect your child’s case—we protect their future.
Reach out to us today for a free, honest consultation.
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Disclaimer: This blog article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for formal legal advice from Attorneys Jim and Steve Brady and Associates P.C. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized advice tailored to your needs.