The one thing your employer or landlord is hoping you never find out: "no-fault means that's the end of it" is a lie.

That's the myth that costs injured people real money in Massachusetts every winter.

Yes, Massachusetts is a no-fault state, which means your brother's own auto policy usually pays Personal Injury Protection (PIP) first. But PIP is not the full claim. It is limited, and it does not automatically block him from going after the at-fault driver.

Here's the reality. In Massachusetts, mandatory PIP usually covers up to $8,000 for medical bills and lost wages after a crash, including the first hit in a snowy Springfield collision on roads like Boston Road, Parker Street, or the Mass Pike ramps. That money goes fast if he missed shifts or needed imaging, PT, or an ER visit.

He may have a claim against the other driver if the crash caused either:

• more than $2,000 in reasonable medical bills, or
• a serious injury such as broken bones, permanent disfigurement, or major loss of hearing or sight

If he clears that threshold, he can pursue pain and suffering and other losses from the at-fault driver. And Massachusetts has no general cap on non-economic damages in most car injury cases.

Another insurance lie: "Black ice means nobody is at fault." Wrong. Drivers still have to slow down for conditions. On a two-lane road outside Springfield, crossing the center line, following too closely, or driving too fast for snow and reduced visibility can still make the other driver liable.

One more trap: Massachusetts uses modified comparative fault. If your brother is more than 50% at fault, he gets nothing from the other side. If he is 50% or less, recovery is reduced by his share of fault.

If police responded, get the crash report through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles records system and keep every bill, wage record, and photo from the scene.