Key Takeaways About Boston Bicycle Accidents
- Liable Parties: In Boston, parties potentially liable for a bicycle accident include drivers, e-bike riders, other bicyclists, passengers in vehicles, manufacturers, pedestrians, and government entities.
- Accident Locations: High-risk areas for cyclists in Boston encompass specific streets like Andover and Boylston, neighborhoods including Dorchester and Roxbury, and intersections such as Massachusetts Avenue at Commonwealth Avenue.
- Seasonal Risks: Cycling in Boston presents seasonal hazards: autumn leaves and rain, winter ice, spring rains affecting road traction, and summer heat contributing to cyclist fatigue, each posing unique dangers.
- Legal Assistance: Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers provides specialized support for Boston cyclists injured in accidents, guiding clients through the claims process and advocating for their rights to compensation.
Were you or a loved one injured in a bicycle accident in Boston, MA? Did someone else cause the accident? An experienced Boston bicycle accident lawyer at Sweeney Merrigan Law, LLP can help you get the fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering that you deserve.
Since we were founded more than a decade ago, our attorneys have been driven in our fight to achieve justice for accident victims–and we’ve already recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation.
If you were hurt, you don’t have to take on the insurance company alone. Just contact our law firm in Boston, Massachusetts at (774)-214-2515 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal rights.
How Our Boston Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help After an Accident
The people responsible for your accident aren’t just going to hand over a check to cover your losses. When a negligent driver causes a crash, their insurance company will ultimately be responsible for paying the victims. The insurance company will usually do everything possible to undervalue–or even deny–your injury claim.
At Sweeney Merrigan Law, LLP, our Boston personal injury attorneys have over 100 years of experience between us. We didn’t get this far by backing down from a fight. On the contrary, we’re dedicated to do everything we can to get the maximum compensation for our injured clients.
It’s important to have a skilled attorney by your side because:
- Insurance companies know what your case is worth–and they’ll do everything they can to pay less
- The at-fault party might try to blame you for the accident, and you need someone to fight back to minimize your role
- It’s hard to know what your case is worth, but our lawyers will hire experts and specialists to support your case
- Negotiating with insurance companies can be stressful–having a lawyer by your side gives you a chance to focus on your recovery
Are you ready to learn more? Call an experienced bicycle accident attorney in Boston, MA to give yourself the best chance of recovering the full and fair compensation you deserve.
How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Boston?
Bicycling has become extremely popular in Boston. In recent years, the city has installed more than 60 miles of bike lanes. At four locations in Boston, the city of Boston counted an average of at least 1,000 cyclists per day in 2019 in the summer months.
They include:
- Massachusetts Avenue Bridge north of Back Street (3,873 bikes)
- Commonwealth Avenue west of Silber Way (1,309 bikes)
- Longwood Avenue east of Pilgrim Road (1,291 bikes)
- Seaport Boulevard west of Sleeper Street (1,132 bikes)
During the fall, the city counted at least 1,000 bikes per day at 17 locations.
Unfortunately, 21 bicyclists also lost their lives in fatal bicycle accidents over the past three years. Thousands more are involved in bike wrecks every year.
What is My Boston Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
Negligent parties are responsible for paying compensation for the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Some of those costs are easy to quantify.
For example, the value of your past medical bills is established by simply showing the amount you had to pay.
It’s more difficult to assign a dollar value to other types of damages. That’s why we work with experts who can offer evidence about your future costs and insight into your intangible losses, like pain and suffering.
Some factors that are important in putting a dollar value on your case include:
- The severity/permanence of the injury
- Whether you lost wages, income, and job opportunities
- How the injury impacted your day-to-day life
- The need for future care
- The emotional trauma of the accident and injury
Every personal injury case is different. Our bicycle accident attorneys take an aggressive approach in demanding compensation for your losses–and we know how to negotiate to get what’s fair.
Who Is Liable for a Boston Bicycle Accident?
After you have been harmed in a Boston bicycle accident, you may be left reeling in the aftermath of what has occurred. While your recovery should be paramount, it is also important you begin considering your legal options as soon as possible to ensure you are able to pursue justice within the constraints of the state’s statute of limitations for bicycle accidents. When you work with our team of Boston bicycle accident lawyers at Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers, we will help you through each step of the claims process. The first step we will take is to help you identify the liable party in your bicycle accident claim.
No two claims are the same. For that reason, it is imperative you work with experienced legal professionals like our Boston attorneys, who will launch a full investigation into the details of your case. Depending on the unique factors of your specific bicycle accident case, the following parties may be found liable for your injuries and losses:
- The driver of a motor vehicle like a car, truck, or motorcycle
- A person riding an e-bike or e-scooter
- Another bicyclist
- A passenger of a vehicle that caused the driver to swerve
- The bicycle manufacturer
- A pedestrian
- A government entity
Regardless of who is found liable in your Boston bicycle accident case, identifying this party or parties is a crucial step toward building a strong claim. To begin the process of filing your bicycle accident claim, contact our Boston lawyers as soon as possible to learn more about your legal options and how we can help.
Where Do Most Bicycle Accidents Occur in Boston?
While bicycle accidents can occur virtually anywhere, there are some parts of Boston that frequently see these types of personal injury accidents occur. While avoiding these locations may not prevent you from being injured in a bicycle accident, it could help reduce your risk if you avoid riding your bike in these areas.
Boston Streets
The areas where most bicycle accidents occur in Boston, Massachusetts, include the following streets:
- Andover Street
- Boylston Street
- Charles River Dam Road
- Cottage Street
- Cummins Highway
- Dartmouth Street
- Eliot Street
- Hale Street
- Hubbard Avenue
- Inman Street
- Massachusetts Avenue
- Nahanton Street
- Park Street
These streets should be avoided by cyclists to reduce their risk of being harmed in an accident.
Neighborhoods in Boston
There have also been frequent bicycle accidents in the following Boston neighborhoods:
- Boston Proper
- Brighton
- Dorchester
- East Boston
- Jamaica Plain
- Mattapan
- Roxbury
If possible, cyclists should consider not riding their bike in these neighborhoods to avoid a potential accident and injury.
Boston Intersections
Finally, the following intersections have been the location of many bicycle accidents in Boston and should be avoided by cyclists if possible:
- Columbus Avenue at Cedar Street
- Massachusetts Avenue at Albany Street
- Massachusetts Avenue at Beacon Street
- Massachusetts Avenue at Commonwealth Avenue
- Massachusetts Avenue at Newbury Street
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in any of these locations or in any other part of Boston, Massachusetts, you have the right to pursue justice by filing a personal injury claim. While the personal injury claims process may seem overwhelming and complex, you do not need to go through this process on your own. Our team of legal professionals has years of experience handling various personal injury cases, including those involving bicycle accidents, and can represent your rights and interests as we help you pursue the justice you are owed.
Common Seasonal Bicycling Risks in Boston
Being located in New England, Boston sees all four seasons each year. While the various seasons all have their certain charming characteristics, for cyclists, there are seasonal risks they should be aware of before going on a bike ride to avoid the risk of being injured in a bicycle accident.
Autumn Seasonal Bicycling Risks
While autumn may be one of the most beautiful seasons to ride a bike and take in the changing foliage, there are some risks associated with this season for those who choose to ride a bike. These risks include the following:
- Falling leaves can get caught in bike tires and chains, causing the bike to stop working properly and potentially cause an accident.
- Due to rain and wet leaves, the ground may be slippery, leading to difficulty braking when a cyclist wishes to stop their bike.
- It is common for there to be foggy days during the fall time. As a result, there may be limited visibility for cyclists and motorists who may not see them crossing a road or on a bike trail.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident during the fall time, you have the right to file a claim with the help of one of our trusted lawyers.
Summer Bicycling Risks
While one may think that there are not any seasonal risks associated with riding a bike in the summertime, that is unfortunately not true. From rainy days that lead to slippery roads and bike paths to hot days that can lead to cyclist fatigue, these risks can lead to bicycle accidents that may leave victims with serious injuries and losses.
Spring Cycling Risks
Similarly to summer, cyclists may be at risk of slippery conditions due to heavy rain. If there has been heavy rainfall, it is in your best interest to avoid riding your bike until the roads and bike paths have a chance to dry, allowing for better cycling conditions.
Winter Bicycle Risks
Winter is often considered one of the most dangerous times of year to ride a bike in Boston. Some of the risk factors that make bicyclists at great risk of an accident and injury include the following:
- Icy roads
- Black ice
- Wet roads
- Frozen temperatures
- Lack of visibility due to snowy conditions
If you were involved in a bicycle accident in the winter or any other season, our team of Boston attorneys can help you build a strong claim as you pursue fair compensation for the injuries and losses you have suffered. Do not wait to begin filing your claim; contact our Massachusetts personal injury law firm today to ensure you are able to have the stress-free and successful bicycle accident claim process you deserve.
What to Do After a Boston Bicycle Accident
In the aftermath of a bicycle accident, you may be left wondering what your next steps should be and whether you have the option to pursue legal action against the liable party who caused your injuries and losses. While you may be feeling stressed at the idea of beginning a legal process soon after suffering serious injuries from a bicycle accident, you do not have to go through the process on your own. When you retain the legal counsel for one of our Boston bicycle accident lawyers, we will guide you through every step of the Massachusetts personal injury claims process.
After you have been involved in a Boston bicycle accident, the following steps should be taken to ensure your overall well-being:
Contact Emergency Services
Even if you think another person may have already called them, it is crucial that you contact emergency services after a bicycle accident. Not only is this important for your safety and health following the incident, but calling law enforcement to the scene will also ensure there is an official record created for the accident. This accident report filed by the attending law enforcement officer will be a crucial piece of evidence in your bicycle accident claim.
Take Photos and Videos
If you are able, you should take photos and videos of the accident scene, any damaged property of yours, any visible injuries, and any other indicators that could be helpful in proving that the accident occurred the way you claim. You may also obtain video footage captured by security cameras on nearby buildings.
Get Witness Statements
If there were individuals who saw the bicycle accident occur, you should ask if they would provide you with their contact information and a brief statement of what they saw to include as evidence in your bicycle accident claim.
Seek Medical Care
Even if you do not immediately feel injured or feel your injuries are minor, it is crucial that you still seek medical care after a bicycle accident. Despite being important for your health, the medical bills, doctor’s notes, and other medical expenses will be important evidence to show that the bicycle accident directly caused your losses.
Contact a Boston Bicycle Accident Attorney
The personal injury claims process can be complex. Because of this it is imperative that you contact our team of experienced and trusted bicycle accident attorneys to assist you throughout the claims process. We will speak with expert witnesses if necessary, negotiate for the fair compensation you are owed, and provide the personalized representation necessary to ensure you are able to get the justice you deserve.
After you have suffered physical and emotional trauma from a Boston bicycle accident, it is understandable that you may be feeling helpless and overwhelmed as you now face financial hardship due to the costly expenses resulting from your injuries and losses. However, with the help of our skilled team of Boston attorneys, you can rest assured that you will be supported throughout the bicycle accident claims process. To learn more about how we can help you get the justice you are owed, contact our Boston bicycle accident legal team today.
Tips to Prevent a Boston Bicycle Accident
No matter how safe of a cyclist you may be, there is always a risk that an accident may occur if another negligent party is involved. However, despite there being some situations that are out of your control, there are some tips that can potentially prevent a bicycle accident and keep you as safe as possible.
Some tips to help you prevent a Boston bicycle accident include the following:
- Use hand signals when you plan to make a turn or switch lanes to alert others of your intentions and avoid being hit by a motorist
- Ride with the flow of traffic, never against it
- Never assume that drivers see you and do what you can to ensure you are as visible as possible. This may include wearing bright or reflective clothing, avoiding any blindspots for those driving cars or trucks, and even using lights on your bicycle or helmet when riding at night
- Look ahead for hazards such as potholes or slippery roadways
- Avoid distractions like listening to music or using your phone to ensure you are alert the entire time you are riding your bicycle
- Cross the street at intersections and designated crosswalks only
- Never ride if you have been drinking or using drugs
- Use designated bike lanes or paths whenever possible
- Be extra cautious in parking lots and when passing driveways
- Watch for cars that may be reversing
- Ride one person per seat
- Keep both hands on your handlebars, unless signaling a turn, at all times
- Keep your eyes on the road or path ahead of you
- Ride a bike that fits you and that is in good condition
- Wear safety equipment
- Carry items in a backpack, basket, or strapped to the back of the bike so you do not have to worry about any items falling or getting in the way of your riding
- Strap down loose pant legs and make sure that your shoelaces are tied
- Choose a safe route, minimizing time on roads with heavy traffic or high speed limits
- Learn and follow all rules of the roadways and bike paths
- Obey street signs, signals, and road markings
Unfortunately, even if you follow all of the above safety tips, you may still be injured in a bicycle accident in Boston, Massachusetts. If you do find yourself to be the victim of a bicycle accident, you have the right to seek compensation for the losses you may have suffered due to the at-fault party’s negligence. Our team of Boston bicycle accident lawyers will work hard to help you build a strong personal injury claim.
Do Bicyclists Have to Wear a Helmet in Boston?
In the state of Massachusetts, it is required by law that individuals under the age of 17 years old must wear a helmet whenever riding a bicycle. Regardless of this, it is highly recommended that even those who are 18 years of age or older still wear helmets when riding a bike.
Helmets not only protect cyclists’ heads in the event of a bicycle accident, but they can also be a useful tool for visibility due to new technology that makes this form of safety gear reflective or has a light that can be used by a cyclist riding at night. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, you have the right to file a bicycle accident even if you were not wearing a helmet. To get help collecting the key evidence necessary to prove the liability of the at-fault party who caused the incident that led to your physical and emotional trauma, contact one of our trusted bicycle accident lawyers in Boston, Massachusetts.
What Rights Do You Have as a Cyclist in Massachusetts?
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident and are unsure where the liability may lie, it is important you understand what the state of Massachusetts considers to be cyclists’s rights. These rights are as follows:
- Cyclists may ride on sidewalks outside business districts, unless local laws prohibit sidewalk riding
- Cyclists may use either hand to signal intended stops and turns
- Cyclists may pass cars on the right side
- If carrying children or other passengers inside an enclosed trailer, they do not need to wear helmets
- Cyclists may hold a bicycle race on any public road or street in Boston, if they do so in cooperation with a recognized bicycle organization and if with approval from the appropriate police department before the race is held
- Cyclists may establish special bike regulations for races by agreement between your bicycle organization and the police force
- Cyclists may have as many lights and reflectors on a bike as they deem fit
- Cyclists may ride a bicycle on any public road, street, or bikeway in Boston, except limited access or express state highways where signs specifically prohibiting bikes have been posted
Understanding your rights as a cyclist in Boston is crucial as you pursue justice for your injuries and losses by filing a personal injury claim with the help of the trusted lawyers at Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Bicycle Accident Victims?
Bike accident victims are entitled to reimbursement for their costs, or economic damages. They’re also entitled to non-economic damages to make up for the emotional toll of the accident.
Our Boston bike accident attorneys at Sweeney Merrigan Law, LLP will fight to recover full economic and non-economic damages if you were hurt in a crash.
That includes compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost future earning potential
- Physical therapy
- Rehab
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Damages for wrongful death
Your expenses can start to add up quickly if you were seriously hurt. You might not even be able to work to cover your daily living expenses. Give us a call today to learn more about how we’ll fight to get every dollar you deserve.
Can I Recover Damages If I’m Being Blamed for a Bicycle Accident in Massachusetts?
Often, accident cases aren’t clear victories for either side. That means the other party might try to blame you for causing the accident. However, you can still recover damages as long as you weren’t primarily responsible for the accident.
Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence law. Accident victims can recover compensation as long as they were less than 51% “at fault” for the accident. Your compensation award can be reduced to account for whatever share of the blame is allocated to you.
If the insurance company tries to blame you for getting hurt, it’s important to speak with an experienced Boston bicycle accident lawyer right away. These accusations can limit the amount of compensation you take home for your injuries–and they might prevent you from getting any money at all. At Sweeney Merrigan Law, LLP, we’re here to help you fight back.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accident injuries tend to be severe even if you were wearing a helmet. The bicycle itself just can’t offer the same safety protection as a motor vehicle.
Our attorneys represent all bicycle accident victims in Boston, including those who have sustained:
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Back injuries
- Bone and ligament injuries
- Organ damage
- Broken bones
- Burn injuries
- Amputation
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
You deserve to be fairly compensated for all of your injuries. You might be surprised at the cost of your medical care–even if you’re expected to make a full recovery. Our bicycle accident attorneys will fight to get the full amount you deserve.
What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents in Boston, Massachusetts?
Bicycling is so common in Boston that the city itself has taken steps to redesign the streets. In fact, Massachusetts state law now gives cyclists the right to nearly all public streets in Boston.
Still, bicycle accidents in Boston remain common. Some of the most common causes of bike accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Unsafe passing
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Illegal lane changes
- Illegal or unsafe turns
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Drunk driving
- Road hazards
If you were hurt, our Boston bicycle accident attorneys at Sweeney Merrigan Law, LLP know how to identify the cause.
We help with all types of bicycle accident cases, including those involving:
- “Dooring”, where a vehicle opens a door into the bicycle’s path
- Bicycle accidents involving city buses
- Accidents involving negligently designed intersections
- Accidents involving defective vehicle components, manholes, or other dangerous equipment
Give us a call today so that we can look into your crash and find out what caused your injuries.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Bicycle Accident in Massachusetts?
Most car accidents involving bicycles happen because a driver was careless. It’s not enough to simply say that’s the cause, however–you have to have proof that the responsible party was negligent.
In legal terms, this means proving the four key “elements” of negligence:
- The responsible party owed you a “duty of care”
- The person breached that duty by failing to exercise reasonable caution
- The breach caused your injuries
- You suffered damages
If you need help finding evidence to back your claim, help is just a phone call away. Call the Boston bicycle accident attorneys with Sweeney Merrigan Law, LLP to schedule a free case review today.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Bicycle Accident in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, you have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit is called the statute of limitations. There isn’t much wiggle room when it comes to the statute of limitations. Once three years have passed since the date of your bike accident, you lose the right to sue for compensation.
Contact A Boston Bicycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Were you or a loved one hurt in a bicycle accident? We know it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Boston, MA at Sweeney Merrigan Law, LLP can fight to recover the fair compensation you need to put the accident in the past.
Ready to learn more? Call our law offices and schedule your free consultation today.
Our Boston personal injury law firm also provides:
- Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Boston, MA
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