An MBTA bus sideswiped multiple parked cars in Boston’s South End on Tuesday night, causing damage after the bus’s rear maintenance panel unexpectedly flung open due to a faulty safety latch, officials reported. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. as the bus was en route to the T’s Albany Street garage, traveling down Malden Street.
According to the MBTA Transit Police, the bus driver was operating at a safe speed and staying within the marked lanes at the time of the accident. Despite the driver’s adherence to safe driving practices, the rear maintenance panel's safety latch failed, leading to the panel swinging open as the bus moved down Malden Street. The open panel struck several parked vehicles, resulting in damage to 10 cars.
Transit Police Superintendent Richard Sullivan confirmed in a statement that the damage to the vehicles ranged from cosmetic to minor.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. After the incident, the MBTA promptly removed the bus from service for a thorough inspection to determine the exact cause of the latch failure and to prevent similar incidents in the future. Transit Police officers have since notified the owners of the damaged vehicles and completed their initial investigation into the matter.
The owners of the 10 damaged vehicles may be entitled to compensation for the losses they incurred due to the accident. Depending on the severity of the damage, victims could seek compensation for repairs, diminished vehicle value, or even replacement if the damage is significant enough. In cases like this, property damage can affect a vehicle's resale value, and owners may be able to recover financial losses caused by these factors.
If a vehicle owner experiences any out-of-pocket expenses, such as rental car costs while their vehicle is being repaired, they could also pursue reimbursement for these expenses. Insurance claims can often cover some of the costs, but depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to pursue additional compensation from the responsible party—in this case, the MBTA or their insurance provider.
At Dane Shulman Law Attorneys, we understand how frustrating and stressful it can be when your vehicle is damaged through no fault of your own.
In situations like this, where the MBTA’s maintenance failure caused harm, our experienced attorneys are here to help you seek the compensation you deserve. We have extensive experience dealing with public transportation-related accidents and will guide you through the claims process, whether it involves insurance negotiations or taking legal action.
We will work closely with you to evaluate the extent of your vehicle’s damage, calculate the full costs of repairs or replacement, and ensure that all associated expenses—such as rental car fees or other losses—are factored into your claim. Our goal is to provide you with peace of mind and the confidence that your case is in capable hands.
If you’ve been affected by this incident or any similar accident involving public transportation, don’t hesitate to contact Dane Shulman Law Attorneys. Our team is ready to help you navigate your legal options and obtain the financial recovery you’re entitled to.
While no one was injured in this unfortunate incident, the owners of the damaged vehicles are left dealing with the financial and logistical burdens that come with repairs. With the help of Dane Shulman Law Attorneys, victims can rest assured that they have strong advocates fighting for fair compensation. If your car was involved in this accident, we encourage you to reach out and let us handle the complexities of your case.
Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Should you identify any inaccuracies, please notify Dane Shulman Attorneys for corrections. Posts will be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the actual scene of the accident.
Source: Boston News