Wrong-Way Driver Hurts One on Rte 3 in Chelmsford, MA

Chelmsford, MA (May 21, 2026) – A wrong-way driver left one person injured on the northbound side of the highway in Chelmsford on Wednesday, May 20. The crash happened around 4:20 p.m. during the evening commute.

According to a Massachusetts State Police spokesperson, the vehicle had been traveling south on Route 3 before it crossed over and struck multiple northbound cars. One person was taken to the hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

No names or ages were released in the initial report on the wreck. The accident backed up traffic for miles, and northbound drivers could only pass in the left lane while crews cleared the vehicles.

Authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the crash.

We wish the injured person a full and swift recovery.

What Are Your Options After a Highway Wreck in Chelmsford, MA?

If you are hurt in a highway crash in Chelmsford, you may have more than one option for seeking compensation. Massachusetts is a no-fault state, so your personal injury protection coverage pays up to $8,000 in medical bills and lost wages. When your expenses pass $2,000, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver.

Once you meet that threshold, the types of compensation available expand. You may be able to seek payment for pain and suffering, ongoing treatment, and lost income beyond what PIP covers. In a wrong-way crash, the driver who crossed the median is typically found at fault.

In Chelmsford, Route 3 connects with I-495, the Lowell Connector, and state routes like Route 110 and Route 4. Because so many highways meet in this part of Middlesex County, high-speed collisions are not uncommon. Knowing your options early can make a real difference in how a claim turns out.

After a wrong-way accident, seeing a doctor right away is one of the most valuable things you can do. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue damage may not show symptoms for days. A medical record that starts close to the date of the crash supports any claim you file later.

Because Massachusetts uses a modified comparative fault rule, you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault. Dashcam footage, witness statements, and the police report can all help establish the other driver’s responsibility.

Before you accept any settlement offer, it helps to know the full cost of your medical needs. Insurance companies sometimes push for quick agreements before follow-up visits or therapy are factored in. Make sure any offer accounts for everything you may need.

Massachusetts gives you three years from the date of a crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Starting the process early helps preserve evidence and keeps all of your options open. Knowing how PIP, the at-fault claim, and the lawsuit timeline work together can help you make informed decisions.

A consultation with a Massachusetts car accident lawyer can help you understand what options may be available after a highway crash. An attorney can review the details of your case and explain how the claims process works in Massachusetts.

Attorney Christopher Fiorentino of Fiorentino Legal, P.C. has been representing Massachusetts residents in personal injury cases for over a decade. If you have questions about a personal injury claim in Chelmsford, you can contact Chris at (617) 990-2568 for guidance and support.

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Fiorentino Legal, P.C. has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Fiorentino Legal, P.C. so we can promptly review and update the content.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Fiorentino Legal, P.C. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.