Boston Bicycle Accident Lawyer – Helping Bike Crash Victims Throughout Massachusetts
Cycling in Boston—from Back Bay and the Esplanade to Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, and East Boston—can be exhilarating, but a single moment of driver distraction or a careless “dooring” incident can lead to severe injuries or even fatal bicycle accidents. If you or a family member have been injured in a bicycle vs. motor vehicle accident anywhere in Suffolk, Middlesex, Norfolk, Bristol, or Essex County, you need an experienced Boston bicycle accident attorney to protect your legal rights and guide you through the legal process. At Gavagan Law, LLC, our professional bicycle accident attorneys leverage decades of experience to secure medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and fair compensation for your pain & suffering, non-economic damages, and wrongful death claims.
Do You Have a Bicycle Accident Case?
Under Massachusetts law, motor vehicle drivers and motorists must exercise due care around bicycle riders. When a negligent driver—speeding, texting, or failing to yield—strikes you, you can bring personal injury claims to recover:
- Medical care & future medical treatment costs (ER, physical therapy)
- Lost wages & loss of earning capacity
- Property damage to your bicycle and gear
- Pain & suffering & non-economic damages
- Wrongful death benefits for surviving loved ones
Bike accident cases often involve complex insurance claim negotiations, including PIP benefits and UM/UIM coverage through the at-fault driver’s insurance companies. Our legal team ensures you navigate these challenges for maximum recovery.
Massachusetts Bicycle Laws & Safety Guidelines
- Three-Foot Passing Law (M.G.L. c.89 §4A): Motor vehicles must give bicyclists at least three feet of clearance.
- ‘Dooring’ Prohibition (M.G.L. c.90 §14): No opening of car doors into a cyclist’s path.
- Bike Lane Rights (M.G.L. c.85 §11B): Cyclists may use the full travel lane when no bike lane is available.
- Traffic Laws & Vision Zero Boston: City of Boston’s initiative and state statutes aim to reduce bike crashes and pedestrian fatalities.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Massachusetts no-fault insurance covers up to $8,000 in medical costs post-crash.
- Massachusetts Bike Laws
Common Types of Bicycle vs. Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Bicycle Dooring Accidents: Car door openings causing collisions
- Intersection & Left-Hook Crashes: Unsafe turns across bike lanes
- Parking Lot Collisions: Vehicles reversing into cyclists
- Rideshare Vehicle Accidents: Uber/Lyft stops in designated lanes
- Nighttime & Poor Visibility Crash: Low light, rain, or fog
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
- Road Rash, Abrasions & Lacerations: Friction burns and cuts from sliding on pavement or debris.
- Bruises, Contusions & Burns: Impact injuries and risk of infections from heated asphalt surfaces.
- Strains, Sprains & Dislocations: Sprained wrists, ankles, and shoulder dislocations when cyclists put up their arms to brace a fall.
- Broken Bones & Fractures: Common collarbone, wrist, arm, and leg fractures resulting from high-speed impacts.
- Soft Tissue Damage: Torn ligaments, rotator cuff tears, and deep muscle injuries that may require surgery and physical therapy.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) & Concussions: Head injuries even when wearing helmets, often requiring extensive medical treatment.
- Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis: Catastrophic spinal injuries leading to long-term disability and rehabilitation.
- Internal Organ Injuries: Blunt trauma to organs such as the spleen or liver during collisions.
- Emotional Trauma & PTSD: Psychological effects following a severe crash, impacting mental health and daily life.
Boston Bike Lanes & High-Risk Corridors
- Commonwealth Avenue West: Frequent head injuries at left-hook intersections
- Massachusetts Avenue (Savin Hill & Fields Corner): Bike lane gaps near Ashmont
- South Boston Waterfront: Ride-share zones conflict with cyclists
- Melnea Cass Boulevard (Roxbury): Shared paths vs. motor vehicle traffic
- Dorchester Avenue (Lower Mills to Meetinghouse Hill): High incidence of dooring and curbside collisions
Tips to Prevent a Boston Bicycle Accident
- Use the Dutch Reach: Motorists should open car doors safely to avoid dooring accidents.
- Obey Traffic Signals & Red Lights: Prevent intersection crashes and fines.
- Stay in Marked Bike Lanes: Reduces conflicts with motor vehicles.
- Wear Reflective Gear: Enhances visibility in business districts and public roads.
- Maintain Your Bicycle: Regular brake checks and tire inspections.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Massachusetts
1. Call 911 & File a Police Report
A detailed police report is crucial evidence.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Record your injuries with medical records from the emergency room.
3. Photograph the Accident Scene
Capture bike lanes, skid marks, security cameras, and weather conditions.
4. Exchange Contact Information
Driver details and insurance information.
5. Collect Witness Statements
Strengthens your case.
6. Contact an Experienced Boston Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Use our contact form or phone call for a free consultation.
How We Help with Your Bicycle Accident Claim
At Gavagan Law, LLC, our dedicated legal team will:
- Maximize Your Insurance Claim: Navigate PIP, UM/UIM, and liability negotiations against insurance companies.
- Investigate Driver’s Negligence: Subpoena surveillance footage and gather crucial evidence.
- Calculate Full Damages: From medical costs to lost future income and punitive damages when warranted.
- Provide Trial-Ready Representation: Skilled trial lawyers ready for legal action on a contingency fee basis.
Statute of Limitations & Legal Options
Under Massachusetts statute of limitations, you have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Delay can bar your legal action, so contact our law firm immediately to protect your legal rights.
Why Choose Gavagan Law for Your Bike Crash Case?
- Over a decade of experience handling bike accident cases, from dooring accidents to collisions with commercial trucks.
- Proven Track Record: Millions recovered for bike accident victims across Suffolk, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Essex counties.
- No Fee Unless We Win: No upfront legal fees—we work on a contingency fee basis.
- Personal Attention: Direct access to your Boston bicycle accident attorney, not a call center.
Serving Bicycle Accident Victims Throughout Massachusetts
- Greater Boston & Nearby Neighborhoods: Boston (Downtown, Back Bay, South End, Dorchester, Roxbury), Cambridge, Somerville, Quincy, Brookline, Chelsea, Revere, Winthrop
- Metro West & Central: Framingham, Natick, Marlborough, Worcester, Westborough, Shrewsbury
- North Shore & Essex County: Salem, Lynn, Lawrence, Haverhill, Beverly
- South Shore & Plymouth County: Brockton, Plymouth, Hingham, Hanover, Cohasset
- Cape Cod & Islands & Other Communities: Barnstable, Hyannis, Falmouth, Mashpee, Nantucket, New Bedford, Fall River, Pittsfield, Springfield
Reach out to Gavagan Law for a free consultation
Don’t navigate this alone—call Gavagan Law, LLC at (617) 206-4747 or fill out our contact form today for a free consultation with a top Boston bicycle accident lawyer, and let us fight to maximize your recovery.