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Everyone hates motor vehicle accidents, they are costly, troublesome, and above all dangerous. However, there are several very simple tips that can help make an unpleasant situation, a little easier for everyone.
There is one major rule to always remember when in an accident, and that is safety is above all else. Nothing should ever be done at an accident if it could jeopardize anyone's safety. This includes drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other passing motorists. Below are some very simple pointers to remember if you are in an accident.
- Do not panic, do not argue, this will only make matters worse.
- Put your car in park, put your hazards on. Make sure you are not hurt. Make sure those in your vehicle are not hurt. If anyone is hurt, and it is safe to do so, remain where you are, and call for help. Do not try to move an injured person, unless staying in the vehicle will cause further injury, for example a car fire.
- If everyone is ok in your vehicle, check the other vehicle. Again, if anyone is hurt, do not try to move them, and call for help.
- If it is a minor accident, and you are positive that there are no injuries, move your vehicle off to the side of the road. Leaving your vehicles in the middle of the road is not only dangerous for you, but may cause other accidents.
- Regardless of the size of the accident, it is always wise to notify the police. Police officers will respond to the scene and can assist with the exchange of paperwork, and act as a calming influence on an otherwise difficult situation. Remember, 9-1-1 phone calls placed from cellular phones are routed to the State Police Operations Center. Please make sure you state clearly where you are, including the town, so that the call may be dispatched appropriately. Police officers on scene will advise you how to proceed, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
- You must file your own "Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report" if you're the operator of a vehicle involved in a crash where the damage to any one vehicle or property is over $1,000, or if there is an injury to any person, even if a police officer was on the scene. These forms are used to tell your side of the story, and are complete with full instructions.
These are standard forms, and are available at any police station throughout Massachusetts. Or, you can use the link below, and print out a copy of the form from the comfort of your home. Please be sure to read the instructions carefully, and remember to supply copies of your report to all the agencies listed in the instructions.
Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report (.pdf) 
Request For Copy of Crash Report (.pdf)
In 2001 and 2002, Officers Stephen Foley and David Smolinsky attended 6 weeks of specialized training in the field of collision reconstruction and investigation. During this training, these officers were taught how to apply the laws of physics, mathematical equations, the interpretation of physical evidence at the scene of a collision, and witness statements, to determine the events leading up to and after a collision. Skills such as measuring tire marks, and analyzing damage, can often help these professionals determine speed, direction, and even if a person's head lights were on at the time of the crash.
Due to the time consuming nature of these investigations, only those collision involving death(s), serious personal injury or collisions warranting serious criminal charges are reconstructed. These officers are also available to other members of the Walpole Police Department to assist with some of the more "routine" collisions that the department responds to.
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