Bill > H1620

This bill proposes to modify Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 24, which governs motor vehicle operators' responsibilities after a collision. Currently, the law requires drivers to stop and provide information after a collision, but the bill expands this requirement by adding language that includes situations where a driver has "reason to know" they collided with or caused injury to another vehicle, property, or person. Specifically, the bill adds provisions that extend legal obligations to scenarios where a driver might not have immediately realized they were involved in an accident, such as after a minor collision or incident where damage or injury may not be immediately apparent. The changes would potentially broaden the circumstances under which a driver could be held legally responsible for leaving the scene of an accident without providing the required information or assistance, thereby potentially improving accountability and response to traffic incidents. The bill appears designed to close potential loopholes in the existing law by capturing situations where a driver might claim they were unaware of causing damage or injury, even though reasonable awareness should have been present.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1620