What to Do After a Car Accident in Leicester, MA

A Step-by-Step Guide from Your Local Auto Experts

Car accidents are stressful. Whether it happened on Route 9, Pleasant Street, or one of Leicester’s back roads, the moments after a collision can feel overwhelming. Your heart is racing, you’re not sure if you’re hurt, and you have no idea what to do next.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do after an accident in Leicester and the surrounding Worcester County area. Follow these steps to protect yourself, your vehicle, and your insurance claim.

1. Check for Injuries and Get to Safety

Your safety comes first. Before worrying about your car, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.

If it’s safe to do so and your vehicle is drivable, move it out of traffic to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If your car won’t move or you’re on a busy road like Route 56 or Main Street, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on until help arrives.

2. Call the Police

In Massachusetts, you’re required to report any accident that results in injury or property damage over $1,000. Given the cost of modern auto repairs, that threshold is easily met in most collisions.

Call the Leicester Police Department or 911. A police report creates an official record of the accident, which is essential for insurance claims. The responding officer will document the scene, interview both parties, and provide you with a report number.

3. Exchange Information

While waiting for police, exchange the following information with the other driver:

• Full name and contact information
• Insurance company and policy number
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Vehicle make, model, and color

Stay calm and stick to the facts. Don’t admit fault or apologize, even if you think you may have caused the accident. Let the insurance companies and police determine responsibility.

4. Document the Scene

Your smartphone is your best tool here. Take photos of:

• Damage to all vehicles involved
• The overall accident scene from multiple angles
• Skid marks, debris, or road conditions
• Traffic signs or signals nearby
• The other driver’s license plate and insurance card

If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information. Their account of what happened can be valuable if there’s a dispute later.

5. Contact Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, ideally the same day. Provide them with the police report number, the other driver’s information, and your photos.

Massachusetts is a no-fault insurance state, which means your own insurance covers your medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. However, fault still matters for property damage claims and can affect your premiums.

6. Arrange Towing and Repairs

If your vehicle isn’t safe to drive, you’ll need to have it towed. This is where choosing the right shop matters.

Many drivers don’t realize they have the right to choose where their car is repaired. Insurance companies may suggest their “preferred” shops, but you’re not obligated to use them. Choose a shop you trust to do the work right.

At Deer Pond Auto in Leicester, we handle the entire process under one roof. Our 24/7 towing service can get your vehicle off the road quickly. From there, our body shop handles collision repairs while our mechanical team addresses any underlying damage. We work directly with all insurance companies and can arrange a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.

This one-stop approach means you’re not coordinating between a tow company, body shop, and mechanic. One phone call, one location, one point of contact.

7. Follow Up on Your Health

Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and even concussions can take hours or days to become apparent. If you feel any pain, stiffness, or discomfort in the days following your accident, see a doctor promptly.

Keep records of all medical visits related to the accident. This documentation is important if you need to file an injury claim later.

What NOT to Do After an Accident

A few common mistakes can hurt your insurance claim or create legal problems:

• Don’t leave the scene. Leaving before police arrive or without exchanging information is illegal and can result in hit-and-run charges.
• Don’t admit fault. Even a simple “I’m sorry” can be used against you. Stick to facts.
• Don’t post on social media. Insurance adjusters and attorneys routinely check social media. Anything you post about the accident can be used in your claim.
• Don’t delay repairs. Minor damage can become major problems if left unaddressed. What looks like a small dent might be hiding frame damage or mechanical issues.

We’re Here When You Need Us

Accidents happen. When they do, having a trusted local shop on your side makes the recovery process much less stressful.

Deer Pond Auto has served Leicester and Worcester County for years, providing honest diagnostics, quality repairs, and clear communication every step of the way. Whether you need emergency towing at 2 AM or a complete collision repair, we’re here to help.

Call us at (508) 892-9425 or stop by our shop at 1360 Main Street in Leicester. We accept all insurance and have rental cars available on site.