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I’m grateful to Ryan Alekman and the team at Alekman Ditusa for their hard work on my case. They persevered through all the obstacles and fought to get me the most they could from the insurance companies through negotiations.

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Bike Accident Lawyer & Bicycle Crash Injury Attorney

Bike riding is an enjoyable pastime.  Unfortunately, what should be a fun and safe activity can be very dangerous when cyclists have to share the road with much larger and faster vehicles.  As a result, even a slow-speed accident can result in significant, debilitating injuries, despite a helmet and safety gear being worn.

Despite taking all reasonable precautions, countless cyclists are severely injured and die each year in crashes.  In many cases, there are multiple people and entities responsible, including vehicle drivers, motorcyclists, and municipalities.

Further, when the driver is on duty working for a company, organization, or even the government, such other entity may also be liable.  As an example, a crash caused by an Amazon delivery driver or US mail driver would likely subject Amazon or the USPS to liability.  If a town fails to maintain the streets in good condition and potholes were a factor in a crash, the town may also be liable.   

If you or a family member has been injured in a bicycle crash, or if a loved one has been killed in a crash, we would invite you to call us for a free consult.   

As long-time cycling accident lawyers, we are experienced in bicycle crash investigations, including determining all those who may be legally responsible for a crash.  As with other injury representation, we accept cases on a contingency fee basis, and advance all costs of litigation.  As a result, you will not need to pay for any legal fees or costs while your case is proceeding.   

How We Help

When a bicyclist is hit by a car, truck, motorcycle, or other type of vehicle, it may seem simple to determine the at-fault party; however, when insurance companies are involved, a seemingly straightforward case can quickly become challenging.

For instance, one of our clients was riding in the right lane of traffic, about to proceed through an intersection, when a car passed him on the left and made an immediate right turn at the intersection, causing a collision with the cyclist.  Our client suffered extensive injuries, including multiple broken bones.  After the crash, the insurance company attempted to argue that the bicyclist was at fault for not giving the car the right of way.  However, after a thorough investigation and vigorous negotiations by our bicycle injury lawyers, the insurer was forced to change its position, and our client received a full and fair settlement for his injuries.

If you were involved in a bike crash and an insurance company is wrongly claiming that it was your fault, we want to help.  Our experienced personal injury attorneys have decades of experience negotiating with insurance companies and can tenaciously fight to get you everything you deserve.  We are not afraid to take your case to trial if that is what it is required to get full compensation.  

What Are the Common Ways Bicyclists Are Injured?

Time and time again, we see cyclists who have been injured in the same ways.  Bike accidents commonly occur when drivers:

  • Make left turns into bike lanes, or make right hand turns without giving regard the cyclists that also in the right-hand lane
  • Open doors without checking for cyclists
  • Back out of parking spots, garages, or driveways
  • Make a left or right handturn onto a street at a “T-intersection”, without checking carefully to see if there are oncoming cyclists from the left-hand side
  • Merge into other lanes
  • Run red lights or accelerate through yellow lights
  • Fail to stop at stop signs
  • Drive drunk
  • Drive while distracted, especially while texting or using a cell phone.

When cyclists collide with much heavier cars, SUVs, and trucks, riders can experience permanent, life-altering injuries.  These severe conditions typically require extensive, lifelong medical care and rehabilitation, all of which come at a hefty price.  If you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, we want to hear your story and help in seeking the compensation you may need for treatment.  

What Types of Injuries Result from Bicycle Accidents?

Our experienced attorneys have seen a wide range of injuries caused by severe bicycle accidents.  No matter the type of impairment, our approach to personal injury litigation is always detailed, rigorous, and thorough.  The following are common types of injuries resulting from bicycle crashes:

  • Head Injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, skull fractures, brain bleeds, and brain swelling
  • Spinal Cord Injuries, including ruptured and herniated discs, displacements, severed spinal cords, and paralysis
  • Broken Bones, including compound fractures, broken ribs, crushing injuries, knee fractures, dislocations, ankle injuries, and other fractures
  • Soft Tissue Injuries, including sprains, dislocated knees, hips and shoulders, whiplash, and muscle tears
  • Road Rash and Abrasions, including potential disfiguring facial injuries, keloid scarring, and
  • Wrongful Death 

How Much Can I Get in a Bike Crash Settlement in Massachusetts?

Every bicycle accident injury is different, and what an individual can receive in a settlement will depend on the facts and circumstances of a case.  However, there are a few factors which can be evaluated to determine a possible settlement range:

  • If a dispute arises regarding who is at fault for a bike accident, insurance companies will typically try to offer less in a settlement.  As cycling attorneys, we always perform a thorough investigation (including interviewing witnesses and seeing if any video exists of the crash) and we often retain accident experts to prove the cases of our clients, which is critical for obtaining full compensation.
  • Severity of Injuries and Damages.In a bike crash, as well as in any other injury case caused by someone else, a victim is entitled to full compensation for all damages (including pain and suffering) that result.  As a result, the greater the financial, emotional, and personal losses, the larger a potential settlement or jury award may be.  Thus when an individual is injured, it is important to document all damages and losses, including pain and suffering, loss of income, loss of future earning potential, decreased quality of life and enjoyment, along with medical and care expenses.
  • Insurance Coverage Limits. Insurance coverage maximums often factor heavily into how much a victim can potentially collect.  Thus, we always work to identify all sources of recovery, including third-party assets and insurance, along with our client’s own motor vehicle insurance coverage, to ensure that we formulate the best recovery strategy.

It is important to note that it is in the best interest of insurance carriers to settle a claim for the lowest possible amount.  As such, adjusters will often use unethical tactics to coerce or trick innocent victims into taking less than they deserve.  Thus, before you consider settling your bike accident injury claim, you should consult with an experienced lawyer who can help you evaluate your claim.

It is also important to understand that it does not matter if you have the same insurance company as the person responsible for your collision.  In these cases, the adjuster for the other driver will work independently of any adjuster that you might have for your insurance, and the other adjuster will still be working hard to try to minimize the liability of the other driver.   

Can I Sue If My Bike Accident Was Caused Because of Bad Roads?

Yes. 

Further, insufficient or negligently repaired potholes, defective sealants, and the use of steel repair plates can all leave roadways uneven, contributing to many accidents.

When roadway defects cause a serious bike collision, it may be possible to seek compensation from municipalities.  However, Massachusetts has specific notice and procedural requirements that must be followed to bring a claim against a municipality.  For this reason, it is critical to retain an experienced bike accident attorney as soon as possible, so that proper and timely notice can be given.  

If poor road conditions caused your accident, we can bring a claim against the appropriate municipality.  If proper notice is not timely given, a cyclist may lose his or her chance to recover compensation from a municipality.    

My Loved One Died in a Bicycle Accident.  Can I Sue?

When the negligent, willful, wanton, or reckless actions of a driver lead to the death of an innocent victim, family members may be entitled to collect money damages for expenses and losses,1 such as:

  • Funeral and Burial Costs
  • Lost Income of the Deceased
  • Loss of Companionship
  • Loss of Reasonably Expected Net Income
  • Loss of Services, Protection, Care, and Assistance
  • Punitive Damages may be awarded if the defendant’s conduct is found to be willful, wanton, of constitute gross negligence.

The families who have lost a member due to a cycling crash caused by someone else deserve immediate access to the best available legal representation.  If you lost a loved one in a tragic bike accident, please contact our firm for a free case evaluation to learn your options.  The laws of Massachusetts concerning family member recovery in a wrongful death case are somewhat complex; we can explain how these laws will apply in your case, and we can help in seeking justice for your loved one and compensation for your losses.  

Learn How Our Experienced Bike Injury Attorneys Can Help You

Bike accident injuries can turn life upside down.  Further, fighting for compensation and making an insurance claim can be time consuming and add stress to an already difficult situation.

Once we take your case, you can stop worrying about dealing with insurance companies and focus on recovery.  We can take care of all paperwork, phone calls, and negotiations so that you can work on getting your life back on track.  We serve clients in Springfield, Northampton, Greenfield, and throughout Massachusetts.

How Can We Help?

Please call us at 413.781.0000 or fill out this form.

  • The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.