In Boston, bike accidents can happen in a flash and change everything. When a two-ton car hits a cyclist who is not wearing a helmet, the injuries are often terrible, like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or worse.

The driver’s insurance company will act quickly to reduce its costs. Hence, you need a knowledgeable Boston bicycle accident lawyer who understands both Massachusetts bicycle law and how insurers try to avoid paying for cyclists’ injuries.

For decades, The Law Office of Burns Jain has helped cyclists in Boston and across Massachusetts who have been hit by cars, doored by careless drivers, or injured by poor road conditions.

Our bicycle accident attorneys in Boston, Massachusetts deal with the insurance companies, look into the crash, document your injuries, and build your case for the most money possible while you focus on getting better.

Injured in a bicycle accident in Boston? Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

How The Law Office of Burns Jain Helps With Your Bicycle Accident Claim in Boston, Massachusetts

The Law Office of Burns Jain represents injured cyclists throughout Boston and Massachusetts who have been hurt by negligent drivers, dangerous road conditions, or defective bicycle equipment. We handle everything from insurance negotiations to courtroom litigation while you focus on healing from your injuries.

Our Boston bicycle accident lawyers investigate crashes involving cars, trucks, rideshare vehicles, and municipal road hazards, applying the same thorough approach used in our car accident cases.

We work to identify all responsible parties and insurance coverage sources to maximize your compensation. From gathering evidence at the crash scene to negotiating with insurance adjusters, we protect your rights every step of the way.

We understand that bicycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries because cyclists have no protection against the weight and force of motor vehicles.

That’s why we fight aggressively to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the full compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Boston

Your actions immediately following a bicycle crash significantly impact both your health and your legal claim. Even if you feel fine, serious injuries like concussions or internal bleeding may not show symptoms right away, making immediate documentation and medical evaluation essential.

Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention

Always call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical assistance. Police will prepare an official accident report documenting key details, while medical records from your initial treatment create a crucial link between the crash and your injuries. This documentation becomes essential evidence if you later file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Document the Accident Scene

If physically able, use your phone to photograph the scene, vehicle damage, your bicycle, and any visible injuries. Collect the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and witness statements while the details are still fresh in your memory. Note the time, weather conditions, and traffic signals, as these relevant circumstances often contribute to proving liability.

Preserve Evidence and Avoid Early Settlement Offers

Keep your damaged bicycle, helmet, and clothing as evidence and avoid repairing them until your attorney advises it is safe. Insurance companies often use aggressive tactics by offering quick, lowball settlements that rarely reflect the actual value of your claim.

Do not accept money or sign documents without consulting a lawyer, as early offers can waive your right to full compensation.

Contact an Experienced Boston Bicycle Accident Attorney

Reach out to The Law Office of Burns Jain as soon as possible to protect your claim. Early legal intervention helps preserve disappearing evidence, such as security camera footage, and allows your legal team to handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf.

Who Pays Medical Bills After a Bicycle Accident in Massachusetts

Massachusetts operates under a “no-fault” insurance system that provides immediate medical coverage regardless of who caused the accident. Understanding how Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and health insurance work together is crucial for getting your medical bills paid.

Personal Injury Protection Coverage for Cyclists

PIP benefits under the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy typically pay initial medical expenses and partial wage replacement up to $8,000. If the driver is uninsured or flees, you may access these benefits through your own auto insurance policy, as PIP applies to cyclists just as it does to drivers.

Health Insurance as Secondary Coverage

Once PIP benefits are exhausted, your personal health insurance becomes the primary payer for ongoing treatment. Your health insurer may place a lien on your eventual settlement, but our attorneys negotiate with these companies to reduce liens and maximize the amount of money you keep.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Protection

If the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance, you may file a claim under your own Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage. We review every available insurance policy to identify all possible sources of compensation for your injuries and damages.

What Compensation Can You Claim After a Bicycle Accident

Massachusetts law allows you to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover tangible financial losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage to your bicycle and gear.

Non-Economic and Long-Term Damages

Non-economic damages compensate you for physical pain, emotional suffering, and reduced quality of life. This includes compensation for scarring, permanent disfigurement, and the long-term impact on your ability to enjoy daily activities. We work with experts to accurately calculate these damages to ensure your settlement reflects the full scope of your loss.

Who Is Liable for a Bicycle Accident in Massachusetts

Determining liability in a bicycle accident requires a thorough investigation of the crash circumstances. Multiple parties may share responsibility for your injuries, and identifying all potential defendants is crucial for maximizing your compensation.

Driver Negligence and Traffic Violations

Most bicycle accidents involve negligent drivers who fail to exercise reasonable care when interacting with cyclists. Common examples include drivers who speed, follow too closely, make unsafe lane changes, or violate right-of-way rules at intersections.

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 14 explicitly prohibits “dooring” – opening a car door into the path of an approaching cyclist. Violations of this law create a strong foundation for liability in dooring accident cases.

Distracted driving has become an increasingly common cause of bicycle accidents. Drivers who text, talk on phones, or engage in other distracting activities while driving can be held liable for crashes they cause.

Rideshare and Commercial Vehicle Crashes

Accidents involving Uber, Lyft, delivery drivers, or commercial vehicles present unique liability issues. These companies often carry substantial insurance coverage, but accessing that coverage requires understanding complex corporate insurance policies and employment relationships.

We have experience handling claims against rideshare companies and their drivers. These cases often involve multiple insurance policies and require aggressive advocacy to ensure companies don’t shift responsibility to individual drivers with minimal coverage.

Government Entity Liability for Road Defects

Cities, counties, and state agencies can be held liable when dangerous road conditions contribute to bicycle accidents. Examples include large potholes, unmarked construction zones, poorly designed intersections, or inadequate traffic signage.

Product Liability for Defective Bicycles

Sometimes bicycle accidents result from defective equipment rather than driver negligence. Brake failures, frame defects, or faulty components can cause crashes that result in serious injuries.

What Massachusetts Bicycle Laws Protect You

Massachusetts law treats bicycles as vehicles with the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles on public roads. These laws create important protections for cyclists and establish clear standards for driver behavior around bicycles.

Cyclists have the right to use public roads and bike lanes, and drivers must respect this right. Massachusetts law requires drivers to pass cyclists at a safe distance and prohibits forcing cyclists off the roadway.

Common Boston Bicycle Accident Causes We Handle

Urban cycling in Boston presents unique hazards due to heavy traffic, narrow streets, and aggressive drivers. Our firm has extensive experience with the types of accidents that commonly occur in the city.

Dooring accidents happen when drivers or passengers open car doors directly into a cyclist’s path. These crashes often occur in areas with heavy parking turnover, such as downtown business districts or near popular restaurants and shops.

Intersection accidents frequently involve drivers making right or left turns without properly checking for cyclists. These “hook” accidents can be particularly severe because cyclists often have no time to avoid collisions.

Common accident scenarios include:

• Distracted driving crashes: Drivers texting or talking on phones while operating vehicles.
• Aggressive passing incidents: Motorists who pass too closely or force cyclists off the road.
• Impaired driving accidents: Crashes caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Construction zone incidents: Accidents in areas with reduced visibility or altered traffic patterns.
• Delivery vehicle collisions: Crashes involving commercial drivers under pressure to make quick deliveries.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries We See

Cyclists have minimal protection in collisions with motor vehicles, often resulting in severe and life-changing injuries. Even low-speed crashes can cause significant trauma due to the size and weight difference between bicycles and cars.

Traumatic brain injuries:

Concussions, skull fractures, and brain bleeding requiring emergency surgery.

Spinal cord damage:

Injuries that can cause temporary or permanent paralysis.

Broken bones:

Fractures to arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis often require surgical repair.

Road rash and lacerations:

Severe skin injuries may require skin grafts and leave permanent scars.

Internal organ damage:

Injuries to the liver, spleen, or other organs can be life-threatening.

If you’ve suffered a Boston bicycle accident, contact The Law Office of Burns Jain for a free consultation to discuss your recovery options.

Where Bicycle Crashes Happen Most in Boston

Certain areas of Boston have higher rates of bicycle accidents due to traffic patterns, road design, or driver behavior. Understanding these high-risk locations helps us investigate accidents and identify potential contributing factors.

The intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Beacon Street has been identified as one of the most dangerous locations for cyclists in the city. Heavy traffic volumes and complex intersection geometry create multiple conflict points between vehicles and bicycles.

High-risk areas include:

• Commonwealth Avenue bike lanes: Despite dedicated cycling infrastructure, conflicts with turning vehicles remain common.
• Longwood Medical Area: Heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic during shift changes creates hazardous conditions.
• Cambridge Street near Mass General Hospital: Hospital traffic and emergency vehicles create unpredictable driving patterns.
• Downtown Financial District: Narrow streets and aggressive commuter traffic increase accident risk.

Our knowledge of Boston’s cycling infrastructure and accident patterns helps us build stronger cases by identifying design flaws, inadequate signage, or other contributing factors that may support your claim.

How We Build Strong Bicycle Accident Cases

A successful outcome requires thorough investigation and strategic advocacy. As your Boston bicycle accident lawyer, we provide the preparation and attention to detail necessary to hold negligent drivers accountable and maximize your recovery.

Scene Investigation and Evidence Preservation

We immediately document the crash scene, analyze road conditions, and review physical evidence. Our team works with reconstruction experts to analyze vehicle speeds and impact forces, and quickly secures security camera footage from nearby businesses before it is deleted.

Comprehensive Damage Assessment

We consult medical specialists to project future care costs and work with economists to quantify lost earning capacity. This assessment covers everything from lifetime medical needs to the full replacement cost of your bicycle and gear.

Strategic Insurance Company Negotiations

Insurance adjusters often use recorded statements to minimize claims. We handle all communications to protect your rights, leveraging our experience to identify lowball offers and negotiate aggressively for the full compensation you deserve.

Trial-Ready Advocacy

If an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our trial-ready approach forces insurers to take your bicycle accident claim seriously and often leads to better results for our clients.

Why Choose The Law Office of Burns Jain for Your Bicycle Accident Case

The Law Office of Burns Jain has been representing injured clients in Massachusetts for over 35 years through our comprehensive personal injury practice. Our experience with complex personal injury cases and our commitment to client advocacy make us the right choice for your bicycle accident claim.

We understand the unique challenges that bicycle accident cases present. These cases often involve severe injuries, complex insurance issues, and defendants who try to blame the cyclist for the accident. Our experience allows us to anticipate and overcome these challenges.

Our commitment to communication sets us apart from other firms. We keep you informed about your case’s progress and are always available to answer your questions. You’ll never wonder what’s happening with your case or feel abandoned by your legal team.

Boston Bicycle Accident Lawyer FAQs

Do I Need to Wear a Helmet While Cycling in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts law requires helmets only for cyclists under 16, but wearing one is always recommended for safety. Not wearing a helmet doesn’t prevent you from recovering compensation if a negligent driver injures you, because fault in Massachusetts accidents is determined by the driver’s careless actions, not by the driver’s choice of protective equipment.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Massachusetts?

You generally have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Massachusetts. However, claims against government entities have much shorter deadlines, so it’s essential to contact an attorney immediately.

What if the Driver Who Hit Me Was Uninsured?

If an uninsured driver caused your accident, you can recover compensation through your own Uninsured Motorist coverage. This coverage is included in most auto insurance policies and applies even when you are riding a bicycle.

Can I Sue if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?

Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault as long as you were less than 51% responsible.

What if the Accident Happened in a Bike Lane?

Accidents in designated bike lanes often strengthen your case because they demonstrate the driver violated your right-of-way. However, having a bike lane doesn’t automatically make the driver liable – we still need to prove they acted negligently.

Contact The Law Office of Burns Jain Today

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you after a serious Boston bicycle accident. The Law Office of Burns Jain has the experience and resources to fight for the full compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery.

We offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options. During this consultation, we’ll review the details of your accident, assess the strength of your case, and explain how we can help you pursue compensation.

Contact The Law Office of Burns Jain today for your free bicycle accident consultation. We’re here to help you navigate this difficult time and fight for the justice you deserve. Remember, you pay no fees unless we win your case.