$725,000 for Cyclist Struck by Commercial Vehicle – Sustains Hip Fracture, Requires Replacement, and Suffers Permanent Impairments

Injuries: Comminuted acetabular fracture, pubic rami fractures, post-traumatic arthritis, total hip replacement, aggravated lumbar spine disease, permanent impairment

Amount of Settlement: $725,000

Overview

This bicycle accident case arose from a serious collision between a bicyclist and a commercial automobile.
The plaintiff, an experienced and safety-conscious cyclist, was lawfully operating his bicycle
through an intersection when he was struck by a left-turning vehicle that failed to yield the
right-of-way. The impact threw him to the ground, causing extensive injuries and leaving
his bicycle damaged beyond repair. Although the driver later attempted to hedge
responsibility by stating he was “not sure” if contact had occurred, the physical evidence
made it undeniable. After contested negotiations, the matter resolved at mediation for
$725,000.

Liability

Liability was clear from the outset. The driver, who was in the course of his employment,
approached an intersection controlled by a stop sign, but failed to yield to the plaintiff, who
had properly signaled and was completing a lawful turn. The plaintiff was visible, wearing
bright clothing, and equipped with safety devices including flashing front and rear lights.
Despite this, the driver entered the intersection, striking him. Massachusetts statutes
require motorists to yield to bicycles in intersections; the violation here was
straightforward.

Injuries and Medical Treatment

The collision resulted in severe orthopedic injuries. Imaging revealed a comminuted and
displaced acetabular fracture involving both anterior and posterior columns, along with
fractures of the pubic rami. The plaintiff underwent hospitalization, a prolonged period of
restricted weight-bearing, and extensive physical therapy. Despite initial conservative
management, he developed post-traumatic arthritis and ultimately required a complex total
hip replacement at a Boston hospital.

The trauma also aggravated pre-existing lumbar spine disease. This led to months of pain
management, regenerative injections, and discussions of possible future spinal surgery.
These complications expanded the scope of damages and left him with permanent
impairments.

Impact on Quality of Life

Before the incident, the plaintiff was a lifelong cyclist who regularly logged thousands of
miles annually, often competing in organized rides and races. Cycling was not just
recreation, but a central part of his lifestyle and personal health regimen. Since the crash, he
has been unable to return to that level of cycling or fitness. Pain, weakness, and altered
pelvic mechanics now limit his ability to ride even short distances, and even basic tasks like
climbing stairs or putting on shoes cause difficulty.

Beyond physical limitations, the accident has been a lifestyle-altering event. Activities once
central to his identity and well-being have been curtailed permanently. He continues to live
with pain, weakness, and uncertainty about future surgical needs.
Resolution

At mediation, after presentation of the medical evidence, expert opinions, and the clear
liability picture, the parties reached settlement at $725,000. The resolution reflects the
seriousness of the orthopedic injuries, the eventual hip replacement, the exacerbation of
spinal conditions, and the permanent impairment and loss of enjoyment of life suffered by
the plaintiff.