Video: Leaving the Scene of Personal Injury in Massachusetts | What You MUST Know
October 02, 2025
Transcript
Charged With Leaving the Scene of Personal Injury in Massachusetts? Here’s What to Know
Hi, I’m Attorney Tracy Paulsen with Rightful Legal, here in Massachusetts.
Today, I want to talk to you about a serious criminal charge: Leaving the Scene of Personal Injury.
What Is “Leaving the Scene of Personal Injury”?
Under Massachusetts law, if you’re involved in a car accident where someone is injured, you are legally required to take specific steps at the scene.
What Are Your Legal Obligations After an Accident?
If someone is injured in an accident, you must:
- Stop immediately at or near the scene
- Provide your name, address, and vehicle registration number to the injured person or the police
- Show your driver’s license if requested
- Render reasonable assistance—such as calling 911 or getting medical help
Failing to do any of these things can result in being charged with leaving the scene of personal injury, which is a criminal offense.
What Are the Penalties for Leaving the Scene?
This charge comes with serious consequences, including:
- Jail time
- Fines
- Suspension of your driver’s license
- A permanent criminal record
This type of conviction can follow you for life—affecting:
- Employment opportunities
- Housing applications
- College admissions
- Professional licenses
That’s why it’s absolutely critical to take the charge seriously.
Being Charged Is Not the Same as Being Guilty
Just because you’ve been charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty.
At Rightful Legal, we routinely defend clients against this charge—and in many cases, we’re able to challenge the evidence and prevent a conviction.
Possible Legal Defenses to This Charge
There are often valid defenses, such as:
- You didn’t know someone was injured
- You weren’t the driver
- The evidence is unreliable or insufficient
- The charge is accompanied by other allegations that don’t hold up under scrutiny
How Rightful Legal Can Help Protect You
At Rightful Legal, we:
- Carefully review the facts of your case
- Challenge weak or faulty evidence
- Work to protect your driver’s license, your criminal record, and your freedom
Our goal is to resolve your case in a way that avoids long-term consequences for you and your family.
Act Quickly—Time Is Not on Your Side
If you or a loved one has been charged with leaving the scene of personal injury, it’s critical that you act immediately.
📞 Call me directly at 617-821-5856
🌐 Or visit RightfulLegal.com to schedule a free, confidential consultation
You Have Rights—We’re Here to Defend Them
Don’t face this alone. You have legal rights, and at Rightful Legal, we’re here to defend them at every step.