- Who Are Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group?
- How Can a Boston Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help You?
- Boston Bicycle Accident Statistics
- Boston Bicycle Laws
- Where Do Most Bike Accidents Occur in Boston?
- What to Do After a Boston Bicycle Accident?
- How Do You Prevent Bicycle Accidents?
- What Are the Primary Causes of Boston Bicycle Accidents?
- What Are the Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Boston?
- What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered After a Bike Accident in Boston?
- How Much Is Your Bike Accident Case Worth in Boston?
- Our Recent Case Settlements
- Who Is at Fault in a Boston Bicycle Accident?
- How to Prove Fault in a Boston Bicycle Accident?
- Statute of Limitations for a Bicycle Accident Claim in Massachusetts
- How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Boston Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
- Contact Our Boston Bicycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation Today!
- Get a FREE case evaluation today
Massachusetts is ranked the second most bicycle-friendly state in the USA in 2024. That is an impressive achievement. However, some large cities, like Boston, still pose serious threats to such a vulnerable road user category as bicyclists.
Being the sixth of the safest cities for cycling in the state, Boston has seen over 100 bicycle accidents in 2024. Although the odds may seem insignificant, it is always a good choice to learn all you can about your rights and obligations in case you get injured in a bike accident in Boston.
Who Are Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group?
Our law firm is not just a team of legal experts; we are also enthusiastic bicyclists. We navigate the webs of bicycle laws as skillfully as we do the city streets. Not only do we know all the ins and outs of the local law system, but we also have practical experience with all the faults and weak spots of city infrastructure.
Every bicycle accident lawyer on our team understands the challenges that injured riders face in the shape of piling bills, damaged health, and emotional distress. That is why we’ve made it our mission to make the streets of our city safer and your life easier. No matter the difficulty of your case, our legal representative will do their best to secure the maximum compensation you deserve!
How Can a Boston Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help You?
One of the most evident advantages of any legal advisor is their field expertise. However, many bicycle accident victims don’t realize that there’s more where it comes from. An experienced Boston bicycle accident attorney can help you with the following aspects of the claim:
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Correct evaluation
To make sure that you get rightful compensation for the damages you’ve suffered, you must calculate all your losses. Personal injury lawyers can do that for you, determining the strength of your case along the way.
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Evidence collection
Insurance companies always aim to issue as minimal settlement as possible, acting in their best interests. A skilled injury attorney knows how to be persuasive enough to recover maximum reimbursement by negotiating on your behalf.
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Insurance negotiations
Insurance companies always aim to issue as minimal settlement as possible, acting in their best interests. A skilled injury attorney knows how to be persuasive enough to recover maximum reimbursement by negotiating on your behalf.
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Court representation
Some accident cases are denied or rejected by the insurance company or the at-fault party, which is why you may have to take the claim to trial to recover your damages in full. A professional bicycle accident lawyer will help you file the lawsuit, defend your rights in court, and remain by your side throughout the ordeal.
Boston Bicycle Accident Statistics
Urban cycling in Boston has spiked over the past few years. According to recent stats, people have started to use bikes to move across the city 30% more than they used to in 2019. There are 35 bicycle trips per 1000 people daily in Boston, and 105 of these trips ended in bicycle crashes in 2024. So, the chance of getting hurt in a bike accident is still high.
Here’s an overview of fatal bicycle accidents in Boston in recent years:
| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
| Population | 692,600 | 691,531 | 654,776 | 650,706 |
| Total traffic fatalities | 20 | 18 | 32 | 24 |
| Pedalcyclist fatalities | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Percentage | 5% | 11.1% | 0.0% | 4.2% |
While no one is safe from getting injured in an accident, recent data shows that in 2024, some categories of cyclists have proved to be more vulnerable than the rest:
- Three bicyclists aged 25-35 years old got seriously injured in Boston this year.
- Male bike riders get injured twice as often as female cyclists in our city.
- The largest number of severe bicycle accidents happened in June and November.
Boston Bicycle Laws
Like in most states, in Massachusetts, bicyclists abide by the same regulations and have the same obligations as other vehicle drivers. However, there are a few laws you may want to pay special attention to so that if you become a bicycle accident victim, you don’t allow your rights to be violated or the blame shifted:
- Cyclists are permitted on all public streets except for limited-access highways.
- Riders under 16 must wear a helmet.
- Pedestrians have the right of way at all times.
- It is legal to ride a bicycle on sidewalks in Boston.
- Every bike must be equipped with front- and backlights, reflectors, and fully functioning brakes.
- You can’t park in the bike lane.
- Every Boston bicycle accident that results in personal injury or damages exceeding $100 must be reported to the police.
Keep in mind that every situation is different, and in some cases, there are exceptions to the rules. That is why it is always a good idea to contact a bike accident attorney after the incident and consult them on the ongoing situation and the steps to take.
Do You Have to Wear a Helmet in Boston?
The state law demands that every bike rider under 16 must wear a helmet. The rule does not apply to adult cyclists. However, a well-fitted helmet can be a true life-safer in case of a serious collision. The city of Boston is set on promoting bicyclist safety and offers free helmets for everyone cautious about their well-being.
It is worth mentioning that Massachusetts abides by a modified comparative fault system. This means that even if you are partially at fault in the accident, you can still recover a percentage of damages. However, if you don’t wear a helmet at the time of the crash, your liability percentage may increase, and your compensation may be reduced.
Where Do Most Bike Accidents Occur in Boston?
There isn’t an all-encompassing map of the places to avoid in the city to ride your bike safely. However, some locations have been reported as more dangerous than the rest, and you should be twice as attentive when crossing them.
For instance, according to this EMS Cyclist and Pedestrian Report, these are the top 5 neighborhoods with the most bike accidents in Boston:
- Dorchester
- Roxbury
- Brighton
- Jamaica Plain
- South Boston
Intersections belong to the category of the most dangerous locations for all road users. These five intersections are the most unfriendly to bikers in Boston:
- Columbus Avenue and Cedar Street
- Massachusetts Avenue and Beacon Street
- Massachusetts Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue
- Massachusetts Avenue and Newbury Street
- Massachusetts Avenue and Columbus Avenue
Boston is one of the cities in New England that experiences the beauty of all four seasons. However, each season comes with a set of driving drawbacks, especially concerning bicyclists. While keeping an open eye for potentially dangerous neighborhoods and intersections, every cyclist should consider that seasonal shifts contain hidden hazards as well.
For instance:
- During winter, even the most prepared bicyclist may not stand a chance against wet or slippery roads, let alone limited visibility caused by heavy snowfalls.
- In the spring, wet roads and heavy rains may add to the accident statistics.
- Surely, summers seem like the best season to ride a bike, but excessive heat provokes rider fatigue and may serve as one of the primary reasons for an accident.
- Fall, with all its fallen leaves, foggy mornings, and cold rainy days, also creates challenges for bikers in Boston. Even more bike-friendly areas can become difficult to navigate in such weather conditions.
What to Do After a Boston Bicycle Accident?
Even a minor bike accident can stir up a fair share of pressure and confusion. However, the more composed and methodical you remain, the easier it will be to seek compensation and build a solid case. There are a few steps you can take to ensure a plausible outcome for your case:
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Seek immediate medical attention
Every bicyclist should remember that their safety and health are the highest priority. That is why, no matter the seriousness of the accident, you should try to get away from the busy street and let a medical professional check you. Some injuries have a delayed effect, and only a certified expert can recognize them. Besides, medical records will serve as valuable proof when you decide to file your compensation claim.
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Report the incident
In Massachusetts, every accident that involves injuries or damages over $100 must be reported. When you call 911, the police and other authorities will be dispatched. They will document the scene and provide you with a police report — a critical piece of evidence necessary for a solid personal injury case.
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Collect available evidence
Take photos and videos of your injuries, damage to your bike, and other details that stand out to you. Look for witnesses to talk to, record their statements, and get their contact information. Some eyewitnesses may have recorded the accident or want to report their versions of events, which will later serve as unbiased proof of the other party’s negligence.
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Consult a reliable Boston bicycle accident lawyer
It is always a good idea to have a legal expert assess and evaluate your case, even if it seems minor and the losses look insignificant. Boston bicycle accident attorneys will point you in the right direction based on local laws, interact with the insurance company, and make sure that no detail remains unnoticed and under-compensated.
How Do You Prevent Bicycle Accidents?
Some bike accidents may be unavoidable since they depend on other road users, but some can be prevented. Here’s what you can do as a cyclist to decrease the chance of getting hurt in a bike crash:
- Follow the traffic rules. Don’t ignore signs and signals. Ride on the right side of the street and try to use bike lanes as much as possible.
- Make sure that the drivers can see you. Wear bright clothes and equip your vehicle with lights and reflectors.
- Always assume that the driver does not see you. Thus, try to make direct eye contact with the driver to ensure that it is safe to turn.
- Take your vehicle for regular check-ups to be sure that everything operates smoothly.
- Choose a vehicle that corresponds to your personal needs and suits your height and weight.
- Protect your body as much as possible. Wear a helmet, protective gloves, knee support, and cycling footwear.
- Try to plan your route in detail, if possible.
What Are the Primary Causes of Boston Bicycle Accidents?
While each Boston bicycle accident is different, common causes of bike accidents include:
- Failure to yield: When a driver neglects to abide by the right-of-the-way rule, they can cause a bicycle vs. car collision. Such accidents often happen at intersections and crosswalks.
- Distracted drivers: Distracted driving is yet another common reason why serious bicycle accidents happen. A momentary lapse of attention to look around, check the phone, or chat with the passenger may lead to severe consequences.
- Dooring accidents: A suddenly opened car door can send a bicyclist flying in a split second. The cyclist may sustain a serious injury from the strike itself, but the impact may also compromise their operation ability and send them right under the wheels of other vehicles.
- Road conditions: Missing bike lanes, road defects, debris, and uneven surfaces can compromise a cyclist’s riding capacity and lead to a serious accident.
- Weather conditions: Poor visibility, slippery surfaces, and other weather-inflicted inconveniences can also lead to a crash and bike injury.
- Aggressive driving: Road rage may not be common in the state, but exceptions happen. Aggressive drivers honking, gesturing, tailgating, and intimidating cyclists in any other way can initiate a crash.
What Are the Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Boston?
The scale of body exposure and lack of extensive protection on the bike — meaning that an average cyclist is a lot less protected than a car driver or passenger — usually leads to injuries of different severity or even wrongful death. Here are the most common of them:
- Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries cause 60% of bicyclists’ deaths. Besides, some head injuries have a delayed effect and can go unnoticed for some time, leading to serious cognitive issues and long-term disabilities.
- Fractures: Broken bones, especially collarbones, ribs, wrists, legs, and hips, can result in lasting mobility issues and chronic pain.
- Back injuries: Spinal cord injuries happen due to the lack of protection provided to the back. These traumas can be as catastrophic as head injuries since they may inflict such conditions as paralysis, loss of sensations in some parts of the body, and other severe consequences.
What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered After a Bike Accident in Boston?
Bike accident victims may be compensated for different types of losses, depending on the severity of the incident and its impact on the injured party’s life.
Economic Damages
These are all monetary losses inflicted on the injured cyclist after the bike accident and usually include:
- Medical expenses: Whether you have to stay at the hospital for a while or only visit an emergency room, these costs should be recovered. Don’t dispose of any medical bills, prescriptions, or other medical documents until your claim is satisfied.
- Lost wages: If you have to spend time off work, or your general professional capacity is compromised as a result of the incident, the at-fault party or their insurance company should reimburse the loss of income or loss of earning capacity in full.
- Property damage: The costs of repairs or replacement of the ruined belongings — whether it’s your bike, phone, gear, or anything of value — should also be included in your settlement.
Non-Economic Damages
These aren’t easily reflected in a precise monetary equivalent but should be compensated nonetheless. Non-economic aspects include physical pain and suffering, mental distress, disfigurement, loss of joy in life, and loss of consortium.
How Much Is Your Bike Accident Case Worth in Boston?
A few critical factors can determine the settlement amount that an injured cyclist can count for:
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The severity of injuries
One of the most obvious factors that will affect the finalized settlement is the extent of traumas you’ve sustained in a bike accident. The more severe the consequences, the costlier the medical treatment, and the more lasting the impact — the higher the compensation will be.
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Liability
If you have contributed to the accident in any way, it will be considered when the reimbursement is counted. The higher the percentage of fault, the less you will be able to recover. In some cases, when the cyclist is ruled as the initiator of the crash, they may be denied compensation.
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Insurance limits
The insurance coverage that the negligent party has, if any, is not always sufficient to cover serious losses that the injured victim undergoes. In cases like that, the best you can do would be to involve a professional bicycle accident lawyer so that they can advise on what to do.
Our bicycle accident lawyer is ready to help you assess the scale of your injuries, damages, and losses so that you can file for a rightful reimbursement.
Examples of Boston Bicycle Accident Settlements
An average settlement for bicycle accidents in Boston can vary between a few thousand and multiple million dollars, depending on the severity of the case. Recently, there have been a couple of actual bicycle accident cases around Boston, each bringing a different settlement to the table.
- Minor injuries: An incident involving a cyclist and a passenger vehicle occurred at the intersection between Plympton Street and Memorial Drive near Harvard University. The injured cyclist walked away from the scene of the accident on her own with some minor injuries. The driver was charged with crosswalk violations. A case like that can be settled for $1,000-$5,000 should the rider decide to file a claim.
- Serious injuries: A bicyclist was struck at the intersection of Academic Way and Western Avenue and was taken to the hospital with multiple fractures and internal organ damage. According to the witness report, the driver was speeding. A case like that may cost around $50,000 to $100,000 in compensation.
- Fatal injuries: A rider in their 60s was struck by a truck at the intersection of DeWolfe Street and Mount Auburn St. The victim was pronounced deceased in the hospital they were taken to. A wrongful death case like that with a single at-fault party can be settled for several millions in reimbursement.
Our Recent Case Settlements
Who Is at Fault in a Boston Bicycle Accident?
Finding the liable party in a bike accident is one of the critical steps toward rightful compensation. Motor vehicle drivers and the bicyclists themselves are often viewed as the sole responsible parties for an accident. However, sometimes there are other at-fault parties to consider:
- Bicycle manufacturers: If your brakes fail or any of the bicycle systems malfunction and result in an accident, you can hold the manufacturer liable for the damages sustained in the incident.
- Government entities: Each Boston bicycle accident that happens due to poor road conditions can be filed against the local authorities. If the local government fails to establish safe riding conditions and neglects proper maintenance, they can be held accountable for your losses.
- Pedestrians: Although a cyclist has to give the right of way to pedestrians, in some instances, they may jump in front of you unexpectedly and initiate the crash. Should that be the case, you can hold them responsible.
- Other cyclists: Other riders can sometimes serve as a primary reason for a bike accident. If the fellow bicyclist weaves, fails to abide by traffic rules, or commits any other violation, they will be deemed liable for the incident.
How to Prove Fault in a Boston Bicycle Accident?
To recover compensation for your damages, you need to prove that the at-fault party is truly responsible for your losses. Usually, the plaintiff’s attorney works to obtain valuable evidence that proves the other party’s negligence, such as:
- Police report: Police are usually the first responders at the scene. They document the bike accident scene, providing an unbiased record of what happened.
- Photos/videos: Photographic evidence of your injuries, damages, the accident scene, and the road conditions will serve as reliable proof of the other party’s liability.
- Witness statements: Eyewitnesses usually provide an unbiased version of events which can speak in favor of one party’s innocence and prove the other party’s negligence.
Statute of Limitations for a Bicycle Accident Claim in Massachusetts
To have your losses rightfully compensated, you must file the personal injury claim within a specific timeframe. In the state of Massachusetts, the deadline for a bike accident claim is three years from the date of the incident. Yet, there may be exceptions to the law depending on the circumstances of the crash.
If you want to be 100% sure that you remain within the right timeframe, consult a Boston bicycle accident attorney. Law firms like Bicycle Accident Lawyers Groups provide free case evaluations to help the victims determine where they are standing with their claims.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Boston Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Most accident victims falsely assume that hiring a trained legal advisor will cost them a fortune. Considering the financial toll of all the after-accident expenses, it seems like a heavy burden you can’t carry. However, most Massachusetts lawyers work on a contingency basis. The approach implies a no-win, no-fee principle. If the legal team fails to recover a fair settlement for the bike accident, they don’t get paid.
Usually, the contingency fee makes up one-third of the compensation that the injured party receives. The cost varies depending on the complexity of the case. We can discuss your options during a free consultation and case review so that you know what to expect.
Contact Our Boston Bicycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation Today!
A Boston bicycle accident can become a source of tremendous stress. Dealing with pilling bills, severe injuries, emotional distress, and other potential implications may put legal action into perspective.
Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group will act on your behalf, defending your best interests so that you can secure the maximum settlement that you deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have been injured in a bicycle accident — our team will fight for your rights no matter the difficulties!
Share the details of your situation with us so we can begin advocating on your behalf. We customize our approach to fit the unique needs of each client.
