Who Is Liable in a Bicycle vs. Car Accident?
Published in Bicycle Accidents, Car Accidents on August 4, 2022
Reading Time: 3 minutes
If you were out for a ride on your bicycle when you were struck by a car, you may be left with severe, possibly life-threatening injuries. After being injured in a bicycle accident, you may be feeling helpless as you adjust to the reality of what has occurred and assess your potential losses. You have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries after a bicycle vs. car accident by filing a personal injury claim. However, it is vital that you understand who is liable in a bicycle vs. car accident in Massachusetts.
If you have been injured in a bicycle vs. car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses you have suffered. To schedule a free consultation, call 617-391-9001 or fill out our contact form to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer from Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers.
Liability in Bicycle Accidents in Massachusetts
When a car strikes a bicyclist, the individual who was riding the bicycle will likely suffer extensive injuries as a result. Unfortunately, these injuries can be life-altering and may even lead to death in extreme cases. While the person on the bicycle is typically the party that suffers the most extensive injuries and losses, it is important to note that they may still be found at least partially at-fault for the accident depending on the specific details of the case.
Bicycle Laws in Massachusetts
When riding a bicycle in Massachusetts, there are several laws in place to protect you and others while you are riding. If you have violated any of these laws, you may be found to be partially liable for the accident. These laws include:
- You must obey traffic signs and signals
- You must use hand signals to indicate your intent to make a turn or switch lanes while on the road
- You must use a headlight and taillight if riding when it is dark out
- You must wear a helmet if you are 16 years old or younger
- You have the right to ride in the street, but you must give pedestrians the right of way and not ride more than two cyclists abreast in a lane.
- If riding two cyclists in a lane, you must move to single-file if doing so allows for faster traffic to pass like cars
If you have breached any of these laws and this negligence is found to have caused the accident in any way, the amount in which you are compensated for your losses may be decreased based on the percentage you are found to have been negligent.
If you believe you were not liable for a bicycle vs. car accident in Massachusetts, speak with a personal injury lawyer who can help you file your claim and negotiate a fair settlement amount for your claim.
Get Help From a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
Your life may be forever changed after being injured in a bicycle accident. Regardless of if you are partially liable for the accident, Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers is dedicated to helping you fight for the compensation you deserve by helping you build a strong personal injury claim.
Our award-winning team of bicycle accident lawyers are led by our experienced co-managing partners, J. Tucker Merrigan and Peter M. Merrigan. Co-managing partner J. Tucker Merrigan has been leading the firm for more than ten years now. He has been recognized for his work helping clients in Massachusetts with honors like being named to the Top 40 Under 40 for National Trial Lawyers; 2020-2021 Lawyer.com Top Attorney Award, and 2023 Best Lawyers in America for Medical Malpractice. Peter M. Merrigan has been recognized for his dedication to helping the communities of Boston with the following awards: 2018 Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers; 2021 Massachusetts “Super Lawyer.”
Contact our Massachusetts law office today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer by filling out our contact form or calling 617-391-9001.