Personal Injuries
Caused by Bicycle Accidents
Choosing a Massachusetts Bicycle Accident Lawyer
The attorneys at Breakstone, White & Gluck, P.C., have
extensive experience handling personal injury claims and lawsuits on behalf of injured
bicyclists. People on bicycles have the right to use most roads in
Massachusetts, and may ride their bicycles on sidewalks except within
certain designated business districts. Bicyclists are expected to follow all
of the Massachusetts motor vehicle laws, as well as certain additional
statutes regarding bicycle operation (such as using reflectors, riding
single file, and giving hand signals).
Accidents involving collisions with
vehicles, attacks by dogs, and defective products all commonly occur. More
often than not, a collision with a motor vehicle is caused by the negligence
of the operator of the car or truck, who failed to keep a proper look-out,
who misjudged the bike’s speed, who turned improperly, who failed to
yield the right-of-way, or who failed to leave the proper amount of room for
the cyclist. These accidents can be very serious, resulting in bone
fractures, head injury, scarring and even wrongful death.
When a motorist collides with a bicycle,
Massachusetts law provides that there shall be up to $8,000 in personal
injury protection benefits (“no-fault” benefits) which can help pay for
medical bills and lost wages. These benefits are available even if the
driver was not negligent. Motor vehicle liability insurance from the
responsible operator, as well as the insurance on a car owned by the
bicyclist or a family member, are all sources of insurance to help pay for
personal injury claims, including
medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by the negligence
of the responsible operator.
We understand that it is important to
overcome juror bias towards bicyclists, as many jurors do not ride bicycles
themselves—or haven’t for many years. Breakstone, White & Gluck, P.C.,
is also a proud supporter of cycling programs in Massachusetts, and supports
the Northeast Bicycle Club, the
Charles River Wheelmen, and the
New England Mountain Bike Association.
Because the statute of limitations applies
to bicycle accident cases, victims have a limited time in which to file
their cases. If you feel you have a bicycle accident case, it is vital that
you act immediately to protect your rights. Please call us at 617-723-7676
(or toll free at 1-800-379-1244), use our contact form, or email us at
contactus@bwglaw.com. Get your
free legal consultation today with Breakstone, White & Gluck, P.C.
Our Case
Reports page describes many of the cases we have successfully handled on
behalf of our clients. If you feel you have a bike accident case, it is vital that you act immediately to protect
your rights. Please call us at 617-723-7676, or toll free at 1-800-379-1244,
or use our contact form.
Other Resources
MassBike, bicycling issues and
advocacy in Massachusetts.
