Should I Call the Police After a Car Accident in Springfield, MA?

Short answer: Yes. Always call the police after a car accident in Springfield, Holyoke, or anywhere in Hampden County, even if the accident seems minor. Massachusetts law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. A police report protects your insurance claim, your legal rights, and your version of what happened.

Why Calling the Police Matters in Massachusetts

Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 26, drivers involved in a motor vehicle accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 are legally required to file a written report within five days. Having a police officer respond to the scene creates the foundation for that report and provides official, third-party documentation of what occurred.

Even if no one appears hurt and the damage looks minor, skipping the police call can cost you later. Here is why:

• Insurance companies rely on police reports. Without one, your claim becomes a "he said / she said" dispute that insurers use to delay or deny payment.
• Injuries often appear days later. Whiplash, concussions, and soft-tissue injuries common in Springfield-area accidents frequently do not manifest until 24-72 hours after the crash. Without a police report from the scene, connecting those injuries to the accident becomes much harder.
• "Minor" damage can hide expensive problems. A bumper that looks fine can mask frame damage costing thousands to repair.
• The other driver's story can change. Drivers who admit fault at the scene often recant once insurance is involved. A police report captures the initial account.

Who to Call in Springfield and Hampden County

The phone number to call depends on where your accident occurred.

Emergency (Injuries or Vehicle Blocking Traffic)

Always call 911. Dispatchers will send police, EMS, and fire services as needed. This applies anywhere in Massachusetts, including Springfield city streets, Holyoke city streets, Chicopee, West Springfield, Agawam, Longmeadow, Interstate 91, Interstate 291, Route 5, and Route 20.

Non-Emergency (Minor Accidents, No Injuries)

Springfield Police Department
Non-emergency: (413) 787-6300
Location: 130 Pearl Street, Springfield, MA 01105

Holyoke Police Department
Non-emergency: (413) 322-6900
Location: 138 Appleton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

Chicopee Police Department
Non-emergency: (413) 594-1730

West Springfield Police Department
Non-emergency: (413) 263-3210

Massachusetts State Police (for highway accidents on I-91, I-291, I-90, Route 5, or any state highway)
Non-emergency: (413) 750-2100 (Troop B, Northampton barracks)

If you are unsure which department covers your location, just call 911 and the dispatcher will route you to the right agency. You will not get in trouble for calling 911 on a non-emergency, dispatchers would rather help route your call than have you skip reporting entirely.

What Happens When the Police Arrive

When an officer responds to your accident scene in Springfield or anywhere in Western Massachusetts, expect the following:

1. They will check for injuries and call for medical assistance if needed.
2. They will secure the scene, directing traffic and making sure it is safe.
3. They will ask for your license, registration, and insurance. Have these ready.
4. They will take statements from each driver separately. Stick to the facts of what you observed. Do not apologize. Do not speculate.
5. They will speak with any witnesses.
6. They will document the scene, including vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, and weather.
7. They may issue citations if a traffic law was violated.
8. They will give you an incident number so you can request the report later.

In most Springfield-area accidents, the final written police report is available within 5-10 business days through the local police department's records division.

What If the Police Do Not Come to the Scene?

During busy periods, especially during snowstorms on I-91 or rush hour in downtown Springfield, police may not respond to minor accidents with no injuries. If that happens:

1. File a Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report (Form CRA) with the Massachusetts RMV within 5 days. This is legally required if damage exceeds $1,000 or anyone was injured.
2. Document everything yourself. Take extensive photos, write down names and phone numbers of everyone involved and any witnesses, and note the exact time and location (street names, nearest exit number, cross streets).
3. Go to the police station to file a report if you are able. Walk-in reports are accepted at Springfield PD and most local departments.

Massachusetts law requires you to file a crash report within five days of the accident if there is injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Failure to file can result in license suspension.

Common Situations Where People Skip Calling the Police (And Should Not)

"It was just a small fender bender."

Small accidents can involve hidden damage and delayed injuries. The other driver can also change their story later. Always call.

"The other driver offered to pay cash."

Never accept cash in lieu of reporting. Drivers who offer cash often have no license, no insurance, or outstanding warrants. Once you accept and leave, you have no recourse if the damage costs more than expected or if injuries appear.

"It happened on private property."

Accidents in parking lots, including the Holyoke Mall, Eastfield Mall, or any Springfield grocery store lot, are still reportable. Police may or may not come, but you should still request a report and document the scene.

"I do not want my insurance rates to go up."

Not reporting can cost you far more if injuries develop or if the other driver files a claim against you. Insurance companies view unreported accidents as red flags, not as cost-savers.

"I am worried about my immigration status."

Massachusetts law does NOT require police to ask about immigration status during a car accident response. You have the right to file an accident report regardless of your immigration status. If you are worried about this, an attorney can help you navigate the process safely. Pava Law offers consultations in Spanish.

When to Call a Lawyer After the Accident

Consider contacting a Springfield personal injury attorney if:

• You or a passenger was injured, even if it seems minor
• The other driver was uninsured or underinsured
• A truck, commercial vehicle, or rideshare was involved
• The insurance company is pressuring you for a recorded statement
• The police report contains errors or does not match what happened
• You are being asked to settle quickly before you know the full extent of your injuries
• You speak Spanish as your primary language and want help navigating the process

Get a Free Consultation from a Springfield Car Accident Lawyer

Attorney Daniel A. Pava has represented accident victims throughout Springfield, Holyoke, Chicopee, West Springfield, and all of Hampden County for over 40 years. Free consultations are available in English and Spanish.

Phone: (413) 781-8700
Email: daniel@pavalaw.com
Office: 1380 Main St, Suite 301, Springfield, MA 01103

Updated on: 04/19/2026