People in Brockton ride bicycles for exercise, recreation, and reliable, eco-friendly transportation. Cities across Massachusetts have been increasing the number of dedicated bike paths. Even so, bicyclists must usually share the roads with motor vehicles – and motorists must share the roads with cyclists.
Unfortunately, not all drivers in Brockton look out for bicyclists and share the road with them. All too often, a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle will result in catastrophic injuries for the bicyclist. In any bike-car collision, a cyclist’s body is fully exposed to the impact.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident that has been caused by the carelessness or recklessness of another motorist, contact The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan. Our firm has a solid track record of securing high-value results for our clients.
Our secret to success? Our Brockton bicycle accident law firm works hard every day to provide exceptional service and top-quality representation to injury victims. We always tailor our legal strategy to the specific circumstances of your case. We strive to obtain the very best outcome for our accident and injury clients.
If you have been injured in a bike accident, you may be struggling with the pain and stress of your injury. You may also be facing steep medical bills. Our bicycle accident lawyers in Brockton can help. Call us today to learn more about your legal rights and options. Talking with us is free.
How Our Brockton Bicycle Accident Attorneys Can Help You
After you have been injured in a bicycle accident by a negligent or reckless driver, the Brockton bicycle accident attorneys of The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan are here for you. We can help you and your family pursue compensation from those at fault for your accident and injuries by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation into your accident. We will review police accident reports, accident scene photos, witness statements, surveillance camera or dashcam footage, and the vehicle damage reports.
- Identifying at-fault parties and sources of compensation (such as insurance coverages). That includes PIP coverage under your own insurance policy.
- Filing claims for compensation with the motorist’s insurance companies. We will aggressively pursue a negotiated settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries and losses.
- Working with accident reconstruction, medical, vocational, and financial experts to help us prepare a strong, persuasive claim.
- Advocating your case in court and at trial if necessary.
At The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan, we won’t rest until we have secured the recovery you deserve.
Who Is at Fault in a Brockton Bicycle Accident?
Under Massachusetts law, everyone operating a vehicle is responsible for following traffic laws and operating the vehicle safely. If motorists do not follow those laws, they can be liable for the injuries or death sustained in a vehicle accident. For example, if a motorist hits a bicyclist because the driver is driving distractedly or speeding, the motorist is responsible for the accident.
Of course, bicycles are also vehicles. Bicyclists are responsible for obeying all traffic laws and carefully operating their vehicles. Massachusetts is a comparative negligence state. As a result, any legal award given for a bicycle accident can be reduced if the court determines that the bicyclist is partly responsible for the accident.
Bicycle accidents can be caused by factors other than a vehicle driver, of course. Poor roadway repair or unsafe road or bike path conditions, such as potholes, can cause a bicyclist to have an accident. In cases where a bike or road condition caused the accident, it may be possible to file a personal injury claim against the authority responsible for maintaining the area.
Bicycle accident survivors may collect damages from:
- Negligent automobile drivers
- Negligent vehicle manufacturers or servicers – Sometimes, even when an accident seems as though it is a driver’s fault, a manufacturing or service mistake may have caused the problem.
- The city, county, or state that is responsible for maintaining roadways – A bicycle accident does not have to involve an automobile at all. Road conditions can, and do, cause serious accidents every day.
- Negligent bike repair shops or mechanics – If your bike was negligently repaired, the bike repair shop or mechanic that created the issue may be liable for your injuries.
Can a Driver Who Caused a Bicycle Accident Claim They Aren’t Responsible?
The responsibility for any accident, including one involving a bicycle, can be disputed. Even a driver who ran a red light and caused a bicycle accident could try to say the fault lies with the bicyclist for some other reason.
That is why you need evidence that shows what occurred in an accident. If the police are called to the scene, the police report will describe what occurred, the vehicles involved in the accident, the weather conditions, and so on. Take pictures with your smartphone at the scene of the accident. Skid marks, the location of any damage to your bike and the other vehicle, and other physical markings can determine what occurred.
What Damages Can You Recover for a Bicycle Accident?
Massachusetts is a no-fault state for vehicle accidents. If you are in a bicycle accident that results in injuries requiring medical treatment, property damage or the loss of wages from your job, you can file a claim with your own insurance carrier.
Several exceptions exist, however, in which you can pursue a personal injury suit against the person or other party who caused by accident.
- If reasonable medical expenses to treat your injuries totaled more than $2,000, you can file a claim to receive compensation for medical bills related to the accident.
- If the accident resulted in permanent and serious disfigurement, fractured bone(s) or loss of hearing or sight, you can file a personal injury claim.
The best way to ensure that you get back on your feet following a bicycle accident is to focus on your recover. You should not be worrying about how you are going to pay your bills. If you retain The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan for help with your personal injury claim, we will fight to secure compensation for these damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Past, present and future medical bills
- Lost current and future wages
- Rehabilitation costs
- Home accommodations
- Loss of companionship
Your injuries may put you out of work for a significant period of time – or even permanently. At The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan, we can help you accurately calculate your costs. Many people underestimate their future needs and end up having to pay these bills out of pocket. We won’t let that happen.
We will work with you to create an estimate of the full value of your claim. We will then negotiate with the insurance company and attempt to secure compensation in that amount. If we cannot settle for a sufficient amount, we will take your case to trial.
You pay us nothing upfront. We do not get paid unless you win, and we only take cases that we think we can win.
What You Need to Know About Bike Accident Settlement Offers
Following your bike accident, the negligent driver’s insurance company will likely contact you with a settlement offer. The insurance company may know you missed work and are piling up large medical bills. Accordingly, the insurer will try to take advantage of your situation and ask you to accept a low initial settlement offer.
Insurance companies are in the business of making money. If you accept the initial offer, the insurance company has won. By settling quickly, you get access to fast cash to help you cover your immediate bills. But that is all you will get. Your settlement likely will not include enough funds to cover your future costs. You deserve better than simply covering your bills for now. You should seek compensation for all expenses caused by your accident.
Let us help you hold the negligent party accountable. We can help you avoid paying any costs out of your own pocket. You did not cause the accident, and you should not have to pay for it.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Brockton
Bicyclists are generally more aware of their surroundings than other drivers because they know the risks associated with riding a bike.
Common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- A driver not looking carefully when changing lanes
- A driver or passenger in a parked car opening one of the car’s doors without looking
- A driver sideswiping a bicycle while sharing a lane
- A driver crossing in front of a bicycle
- A driver rear-ending a bicycle
These common accidents usually result from the negligence of the car driver. Even if unintentional, the driver of the car acted in a way that put the bicyclist in danger of severe injuries. These injuries can forever alter a victim’s life.
Dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident is frustrating and stressful. It can also interfere with your recovery. Let The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan handle the legal details of your personal injury claim while you focus on a full and complete recovery.
Bicycle Accidents Cause Multiple Injuries
Injuries from a bicycle accident are usually severe. A bicycle does not provide as much protection as a car. Bicyclists’ bodies are fully exposed to the impact when involved in an accident. Bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries such as:
- Paralysis
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Death
The effect of injuries such as TBIs, spinal cord injuries, and complicated fractures can be long-lasting and may require significant medical attention. You will l probably miss time at work during your recovery, and you may quickly find yourself in a tough financial spot.