What To Do If an MBTA Vehicle Damages My Car In Boston, MA
Published in Car Accidents on February 21, 2025
Reading Time: 4 minutes
When you drive through Boston, you share the streets with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). Millions of people count on the T each year for cost-effective travel, but an accident with one of its buses or light rails can complicate your life in ways a normal fender-bender would not.
If your car was damaged in a crash involving the T, you might feel unsure about who to contact or how to pay for repairs. You may even wonder if you should file a claim on your own or if hiring a Boston bus accident lawyer to bring a lawsuit against the MBTA is your best move.
Learn all you need to know about MBTA vehicle damage claims so you can protect your rights and move forward with confidence.
Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene
Take photos or videos of the crash site to show road conditions, vehicle damage and any injuries you sustain. If other drivers or bystanders saw what happened, ask for their names and phone numbers so they can provide witness statements.
If the MBTA Transit Police respond, request the incident or case number for their report. Documenting these details at the scene can strengthen your claim and help expedite the process when you speak to your insurance company or consider taking legal action.
Notify Your Insurance Company
If an MBTA vehicle causes damage to your car, you should contact your insurance company immediately after the accident, even if you plan to seek reimbursement from the T. By notifying your insurer, you protect yourself if you need collision coverage or rental car reimbursement while your vehicle undergoes repairs.
Your insurance provider may also start its own investigation, which could simplify the process of determining fault and help if you eventually seek monetary damages from the MBTA.
Request a Copy of the MBTA Transit Police Report
If the MBTA Transit Police respond to your accident, contact them soon after and provide the date, time and location of the collision to request a copy of the report via mail. Include the following information:
- Date of the Accident: State the exact day and time the crash occurred.
- Location of the Accident: Include the specific street address or intersection where the incident took place.
- Operator’s Name: Add the name of the T driver if you have it.
- Incident Number: If you were given a unique case or incident number at the scene, include it in your request.
- Contact Information: Provide your name, mailing address, phone number and email address so they can send the report or reach you with questions.
- Payment: The search and service fee is $5, so include a check or money order – they don’t take care.
You’ll receive your report within 5-10 business days. It’s worth the wait because this official document can clarify what information the MBTA Transit Police recorded about the accident and who was responsible.
Get Repair Estimates
Visit an auto body shop or mechanic soon after the MBTA accident if your insurance company does not provide or arrange an appraisal. Getting a professional assessment of the damage clarifies whether your car is safe to drive, how much repairs might cost and whether certain damages merit a claim.
Contact the MBTA About the Incident
If an MBTA vehicle damages your car, notify the MBTA as soon as possible and file an initial notice of claim. Prompt notification helps ensure there is an official record of the collision and can be important later when you decide to file a claim later on.
Massachusetts typically allows you up to two years to let a government entity know you intend to seek damages. Missing that window could prevent you from recovering costs for vehicle repairs or personal items lost in the crash, so don’t wait too long to decide what to do.
File a Claim With the MBTA
If you do file a claim with the MBTA for damage to your vehicle, be ready to provide all the relevant information—accident reports, photos, witness statements, and repair estimates—to support your case. Keep in mind that the T has certain procedural rules and deadlines for filing claims, and there can sometimes be limits on how much they will pay out.
Remember, you may also seek compensation for personal belongings that were broken in the crash. Items like laptops, cell phones, or sporting equipment can be included in your request for damages as long as you provide receipts or other proof of their value and document their damage. The MBTA may dispute these costs if you can’t show that the items were in your car or how the crash destroyed them, so keeping thorough records is key.
Navigating the claim process against a public entity like the MBTA can be confusing and time-consuming. An experienced car accident attorney can help you gather all the necessary documentation, understand your options for recovering repair costs, and ensure that you meet every deadline required when filing a claim against the MBTA.
Don’t Post About the MBTA Accident on Social Media
Stay off social media if you’re in the claims process or considering filing a claim. Sharing statements, photos or videos of your accident on social media can give insurance adjusters or MBTA representatives material to argue against you. Even lighthearted posts might be used to challenge your account of events or the seriousness of your losses.
Contact a Boston Bus Accident Lawyer
Should you hire a bus accident lawyer if you were involved in a crash with the MBTA? You might consider filing a claim for minor repairs on your own, but the legal process is much more complicated if your car is totaled, you face serious injuries or there’s a dispute over who caused the crash.
At Sweeney Merrigan, we understand how stressful it can be to juggle car repairs, potential medical bills and complicated claim procedures all at once. Plus, accidents with the T can involve extra hoops due to the MBTA’s status as a government entity.
Our team offers free consultations to review your unique situation and guide you toward the best approach—whether that means seeking direct reimbursement from the MBTA, filing through your own insurance or pursuing a different compensation route altogether. When you work with our Boston bus accident lawyers, we handle the details on your behalf so you can focus on getting your car repaired and getting your life back to normal.