Massachusetts Car Accident Laws
Last reviewed June 2026
Quick answer. Massachusetts is a no-fault state. You have 3 years to file a personal injury claim (M.G.L. c. 260 section 2A), and the state follows modified, 51% bar negligence (M.G.L. c. 231 section 85). Minimum liability coverage is 20/40/5.
Massachusetts Car Accident Quick Facts
| System | No-fault |
|---|---|
| Filing deadline | 3 years (M.G.L. c. 260 section 2A) |
| Fault rule | Modified, 51% bar (M.G.L. c. 231 section 85) |
| Threshold to sue | Tort threshold: medical bills over 2,000 dollars, or fracture, permanent disfigurement, substantial loss of sight or hearing, or death |
| Minimum liability | 20,000 / 40,000 / 5,000, plus 8,000 PIP and 20/40 uninsured motorist |
| Helmet law | Massachusetts has a universal helmet law (M. |
Fault and Insurance in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a no-fault state. Under M.G.L. c. 90 section 34M, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) pays the first 8,000 dollars of medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. You can step outside no-fault and sue the at-fault driver when medical expenses exceed 2,000 dollars or the injury involves a fracture, permanent disfigurement, substantial loss of sight or hearing, or death.
Minimum liability coverage is 20,000 / 40,000 / 5,000, plus 8,000 PIP and 20/40 uninsured motorist.
How Shared Fault Works in Massachusetts
Massachusetts applies modified comparative negligence with a 51 percent bar, meaning you recover only if you are 50 percent or less at fault, with your award reduced by your share, codified at M.G.L. c. 231 section 85. Insurers know these rules and often try to shift blame to cut what they pay, so understanding how fault is decided matters to the outcome.
The Filing Deadline in Massachusetts
Under M.G.L. c. 260 section 2A, you generally have 3 years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim in Massachusetts. Waiting risks both the deadline and the loss of evidence.
Motorcycle Helmet Law
Massachusetts has a universal helmet law (M.G.L. c. 90 section 7). Every operator and passenger must wear an approved helmet, regardless of age.
Local Context
Crashes happen across Massachusetts, from Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge to smaller towns and rural routes. Injury claims are typically handled through the Massachusetts Superior Court, and driver and crash records run through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
Talk to an Accident Attorney in Massachusetts
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Deadline to File a Car Accident Claim in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts allows 3 years from the date of the crash for most personal injury claims, under M.G.L. c. 260 section 2A. After that, the claim is usually barred.
Is Massachusetts a No-Fault or At-Fault State?
Massachusetts is a no-fault state. Under M.G.L. c. 90 section 34M, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) pays the first 8,000 dollars of medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. You can step outside no-fault and sue the at-fault driver when medical expenses exceed 2,000 dollars or the injury involves a fracture, permanent disfigurement, substantial loss of sight or hearing, or death.
How Does Fault Affect My Recovery in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts follows modified comparative negligence with a 51 percent bar, meaning you recover only if you are 50 percent or less at fault, with your award reduced by your share (M.G.L. c. 231 section 85).
What Is the Minimum Car Insurance in Massachusetts?
The minimum liability coverage in Massachusetts is 20,000 / 40,000 / 5,000, plus 8,000 PIP and 20/40 uninsured motorist.
Related Guides
- No-fault vs at-fault states
- Statute of limitations by state
- Serious injury and verbal thresholds
- Motorcycle accident laws by state
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