Somerville Bike Accident

For cyclists in Somerville, Massachusetts, the city is the perfect place to commute in fresh air and avoid traffic jams and the MBTA. However, when bikers and drivers don’t pay attention to what’s happening on the road, bike accidents can happen.

If you’re a cyclist in Somerville, make sure to pay attention to these bicycle safety tips, and don’t forget to call the attorneys at The Law Office of Burns & Jain if an accident does happen.

Beware of the Door Zone

The door zone is the zone a bicyclist rides in that’s between lanes of traffic to the left, and parked cars to the right. While the door zone can be the safest place for a cyclist when traffic is heavy and bike lanes are not available and accident can easily happen if a driver or passenger on the side of the cyclist opens his or her car’s door. When a door opens, the cyclist can collide with the door, or try to swerve to avoid hitting the door. When the latter happens, it’s not uncommon for the cyclist to swerve directly into traffic, or to be caused to fall.

Always Wear a Helmet

Wearing a helmet is one of the key elements of bicycle safety. According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, wearing a helmet can save your life, and nearly two-thirds of bicycle fatalities involve a head injury. In addition to wearing a helmet yourself, make sure your children are always wearing their helmets, too.

Adhere to Traffic Laws

Bicyclists are bound by the same set of traffic laws that motorists are, according to Chapter 85, Section 11B of Massachusetts Law. Yielding to pedestrians, stopping at red lights and stop signs, and yielding the right of way when required are all musts for cyclists. Failing to follow traffic laws can increase your chances of an accident occurring. It can also lead to you being held responsible for a collision and having to pay damages, including property damages, to a vehicle owner!

Know Your Rights

As a cyclist, you need to know what rights you’re entitled to in the event that you are involved in an accident that causes injuries. If the accident was caused by the fault of another driver, then you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit for damages. Damages that may be awarded can include compensation for your medical expenses, your pain and suffering, the cost of damage to your bike or other physical property, and any lost wages or future lost wages. You have the right to file this claim for damages within three years of your accident’s occurrence; otherwise, your right to damages will likely expire.

Contact an Attorney

To help you file your claim for damages following an accident, you need a law firm you can trust – call Burns & Jain today.  Burns & Jain  has been representing victims of bicycle and motor vehicle accidents for over 30 years combined.  If you need legal help to get the money you deserve, call our offices now at 617-227-7423.