Bike Accidents

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Brockton Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Strong advocacy for bicycle accident victims in Massachusetts

Despite the many benefits of cycling, riding a bike comes with several risks. Many roads don’t have bicycle lanes. Crossing intersections can be dangerous. Cars and trucks often don’t see or don’t respect cyclists’ right to be on the road. At The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan, we have more than 30 years of experience fighting for personal injury victims. Our Brockton bicycle accident lawyers have the skills and resources to hold drivers and bicycle manufacturers accountable when they breach their duty of care. We’ve helped many accident victims like you obtain strong recoveries.

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Why choose us?

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Brockton, The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan can help. Here are some reasons to work with us:

  • Contingency fees: We represent clients on a contingency basis, which means you owe nothing unless we win your case.
  • Community focus: As a local family-owned firm, we understand the Brockton community, its laws, and roads.
  • Experienced advocates: With decades of experience, our attorneys know how to handle complex claims.
  • Compassionate representation: We know going through a personal injury claim is stressful. Our attorneys listen carefully to your concerns and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
  • Free consultation: If you have questions about your case, just ask us. We offer free case evaluations.

How often do bicycle accidents happen?

The State of Massachusetts reports that bicycle deaths accounted for two percent of all motor vehicle accident deaths from 2017 to 2021. Most of the deaths were male riders, and most riders who died were 35 and older. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2022 analysis also found a two percent fatality rate for bicycle riders in motor vehicle crashes. A majority of fatal bicycle accidents involve head injuries – making it clear that bicycle riders should wear helmets.

Why do bicycle accidents happen in Brockton?

At The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan, our lawyers have the skills and professional relationships to show the cause of your accident. Common reasons for bicycle accidents include:

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Driver distraction, which includes texting, cell phone use, eating, drinking, and looking at a GPS
  • Failing to look for bicycle riders who are on the road, crossing intersections, or using bicycle lanes
  • Backing into traffic without looking for children who are riding on the sidewalk
  • Violating the bicycle laws of Massachusetts
  • Violating the vehicle driving laws of Massachusetts, including laws regulating speeding and changing lanes
  • Failing to yield to bicyclists
  • Driving too fast for weather or traffic conditions
  • Opening a car door without looking for nearby bicycle riders

Another common cause of bicycle accidents in Brockton is the manufacture of defective bicycle parts.

What types of injuries do bicycle accidents cause in Brockton?

Our Brockton bicycle accident lawyers work with your physicians to show why a bicycle accident is the cause of your injuries, demonstrate the medical care you need and illustrate all the ways your injuries are making your life difficult. We represent bicycle accident victims who have serious injuries, including:

Who is responsible for a bicycle accident in Brockton?

Bicycle riders have the right to use some of Brockton’s roads, including bicycle lanes and shoulders. At The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan, we work with investigators, bicycle product safety experts, witnesses, and you to show who is responsible for your bicycle accident. The responsible people and businesses may include:

  • A driver of a car, truck, or any other vehicle
  • An employer of the driver
  • The owner of the vehicle if they are different than the driver, such as when parents give permission to a teenager to use their vehicle
  • A manufacturer of defective car or bicycle parts
  • A bicycle repair shop
  • The Massachusetts Department of Transportation or other governmental agencies and entities, including the city of Brockton

The liability insurance policy of the responsible party should pay for all your damages, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our Brockton bicycle accident lawyers can explain when and how you can use any PIP insurance and/or UM (uninsured) or UIM (underinsured) coverage.

We are also here to explain your right to file a claim if there is no collision – such as when a speeding driver causes you to fall while trying to get out of the way. Generally, you can still file a bicycle accident claim as long as another driver causes your bicycle accident, although these cases might be difficult to prove.

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What Massachusetts laws regulate bicycle riding?

There are a number of Massachusetts laws that govern bicycle riding, including those that govern bike paths, bikeways, electric bike use, and more. Laws also apply to drivers and their responsibilities when sharing the road with cyclists.

Bicycle riders

The primary bicycle law that riders should know is MGL c. 85, § 11B. This law regulates where and how cyclists can ride their bicycles. The law regulates what safety equipment the rider and bicycle must have, how to ride in traffic, and how to ride on sidewalks. A few of the key provisions are:

  • Bicycle riders have the right to use all public ways in Massachusetts “except limited access or express state highways where signs specifically prohibiting bicycles have been posted.”
  • Riders should not travel side-by-side with more than two cyclists on roads with one lane of traffic in a given direction.
  • Bicycle operators and passengers 16 years of age or younger who ride on a public way, bicycle path, or any other public right-of-way must wear a helmet. The helmet should be properly secured, fit, and meet the helmet standards established by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Other bicycle rules in Massachusetts include the following: Bicycle riders must

  • Obey all traffic laws of the state
  • Use hand signals when they plan to stop or turn unless doing so is dangerous
  • Give pedestrians the right-of-way
  • Use a white headlight and red taillight when riding before sunrise or after sunset

Drivers

MGL c. 90, § 14. This law provides that drivers who pass bicycle riders “shall pass at a safe distance of not less than 4 feet and at a reasonable and proper speed."

According to MassBike, some of the rules drivers must comply with include:

  • Checking for passing bicyclists before opening their door
  • Keeping a safe distance to the left of a bicyclist when passing
  • Not making abrupt right turns (“right hooking”) at intersections and driveways after passing a cyclist.
  • Yielding to oncoming bicyclists when making left turns
  • “Not using a hand-held mobile device while driving or while stopped in a travel lane (including bike lanes).”

Drivers cannot assert that a bicycle rider was to the right of traffic as a legal defense for causing a bicycle accident.

How much is my bicycle accident case worth in Brockton?

Our Brockton bicycle accident lawyers demand compensation for all your current damages and all the damages you will have for the rest of your life. Your damages include:

  • Your medical bills. These bills include ER care, hospitalizations, surgeries, doctor visits, rehabilitative care, psychological care, medications, and medical devices.
  • Lost income. This amount includes your lost wages, business income, benefits, and the money you lose if you have a permanent disability.
  • Pain and suffering. We demand compensation for every ache, moment of agony, worry, and mental anguish.
  • Other damages, including:
    • Scarring and disfigurement.
    • Loss of life’s pleasures.
    • Loss of bodily function.
    • Loss of consortium.
    • The damage to your bicycle.

We demand punitive damages if the conduct of the driver is unconscionable, such as when a drunk driver causes an accident.

If a close family member dies in a Brockton bicycle accident, we can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the family members.

When do I need to file my bicycle accident claim?

Generally, you must file your bicycle accident within three years of the date of the accident. There are much shorter time requirements when a government agency or municipality is a defendant.

We strongly recommend that you contact our Brockton bicycle accident lawyers as soon as possible.

Do you have a bicycle accident lawyer near me in Brockton, Massachusetts?

Yes, we are located at 555 Pleasant Street, Brockton, MA 02301. We can also conduct phone and video conversations and make alternative arrangements when necessary.

We’re prepared to answer all your questions and guide you through the claims process.

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Contact The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan today

We understand how anxious and upset you are. Our Brockton bicycle accident lawyers have 50 years of experience fighting for accident victims and families. We have an impressive record of settlements and verdicts in personal injury and wrongful death cases. Call us or contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers. We handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis.