New Bedford Lets Drivers File Pothole Damage Claims — Massachusetts Doesn’t

The City of New Bedford allows you to file a claim if you or your vehicle has suffered damage or injury as a result of a pothole on a city street. Don't whine to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, though, if your pothole experience occurs on a state-owned roadway. They don't want to hear about it.

I hit a pothole on Blackstone Boulevard in Providence, Rhode Island, a few years ago that rivaled the craters you might see in downtown Tehran these days. No joke, man, it was massive. It looked like the kind of cavity a bunker-buster might hollow out.

I blew two tires in that sinkhole.

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Though I fought valiantly, I couldn't convince Providence City Hall that it should pay for my damage.

Potholes are a big problem this time of year in parts of the country that experience winter weather. Between blowouts, alignments, and other issues, the repair shops are busy.

How to File a Pothole Damage Claim in New Bedford

"People can file a claim at the City Solicitor's Office (CSO)," New Bedford Public Information Officer Jonathan Darling said. It can be done through the CSO's website.

What Evidence You Need to Submit a Claim

There is a four-page application on the CSO website for filing a pothole damage claim. Be sure you take lots of pictures of the pothole and the damage it causes.

Why Massachusetts Rarely Pays for Pothole Damage

Massachusetts, however, views things differently.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, "We make every effort to take care of roadway issues, but it's not always possible to timely discover, clean up, or make repairs."

"There can be no recovery for property damage, only personal injury (limited to $4,000.00), in actions against the Commonwealth due to road defects," MassDOT said.

When Contractors May Be Responsible for Damage

If damage occurs in an "active construction zone," MassDOT will be happy to "forward your claim to the contractor of record."