Bicycle Accidents
At the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III, our bicycle accident attorneys have been representing clients injured in accidents, including those that occur on two wheels, since 1994. We draw on a combined 146 years of legal experience to offer clients comprehensive, personalized legal representation services, with an emphasis on protecting the rights of those we represent, while seeking the maximum available legal recovery on their behalf.
Serious Bicycle Accidents are Common
Bicycles are becoming an increasingly popular mode of transportation, whether it's for commuting to work, getting some exercise, or cruising around the neighborhood. Unfortunately, the rise in cycling has been accompanied by increasing bicycle-related accidents. Upwards of half a million riders are treated for bicycling injuries in emergency rooms across the U.S. each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Bicycle riders don't enjoy the same type of physical protection as drivers and car passengers. That means that when an accident happens, cyclists are in danger of serious and sometimes life-threatening injury.
Legal Remedies for Bicycle Accidents
Even the safest cyclist who follows these and all of the other rules of the road may eventually find him or herself in an accident. A rider simply cannot predict and avoid all of the potentially dangerous situations created by others on the road or street. The good news is that a person injured in an accident caused by another has the legal right to seek remedies from the responsible parties, including monetary damages to cover medical bills, missed wages, physical damage and pain and suffering.
Negligence is the most common legal theory under which persons injured in bicycle accidents seek to hold responsible parties legally liable. The law generally requires other people on the road to act in a reasonable and safe manner toward other motorists, passengers, bicycle riders, and pedestrians. Those who do not may be held liable for the injuries caused by their negligence.
Why Choose The Law Offices of John C. Manoog III
At the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III, our attorneys are well versed in the intricacies of negligence law as well as the various other legal theories that arise in personal injury cases. We pride ourselves on keeping clients involved in the process by explaining case developments as well as their rights, interests, and options along the way. We are always available to clients and we promptly return phone calls and emails.Just as important, our lawyers understand how harrowing a bicycle or other serious accident can be -- the depth of the physical and emotional injuries that often arise from a crash can be very difficult to recover from. We are dedicated to helping our clients through this trying time in their lives by giving them the peace of mind that we are in their corner, fighting for the legal recovery they deserve.
But we don't just offer moral support: our firm has a proven track record of getting excellent results for clients. Among other victories, we have obtained a number six and seven figure settlements arising from a variety of accident cases.
With offices in Hyannis and Plymouth, our Massachusetts personal injury lawyers and criminal defense attorneys proudly represent clients throughout the state. We offer flexible evening and weekend hours, and will even come to you if you cannot make it to one of our offices.
Safe Biking Techniques
While bicycle accidents are often caused by the negligence of car drivers, pedestrians and even other cyclists, there are certain precautions that each rider can take in order to help keep themselves safe on the road. Here are some of the most important:
- Occupy a lane:
when riding in a city street or road, cyclists should make themselves clearly visible to car drivers by clearly occupying a lane, rather than hugging the curb or shoulder. Always use bike lanes when possible.
- Merge with care:
look both ways and make yourself visible.
- Signal turns:
drivers can better adapt when they know where you're going.
- Ride with care after dark:
use lights and reflectors.
- Keep your bike in good shape:
make sure tires are inflated and brakes are tight.
Common Bike Accident Injuries
The Law Offices of John C. Manoog III consists of bicycle crash lawyers who have been representing Cape Cod victims since 1994. We have more than 146 years of combined experience fighting for people hurt in accidents, and we have a solid track record of helping them get back on their feet. We understand the pain and stress that often comes with being involved in a collision. Our team is dedicated to maximizing the compensation to which you may be entitled.
Bicycle accidents are becoming more common occurrences, particularly as riding becomes a more popular form of commuting and transportation. The injuries incurred in these collisions can be serious and even fatal. They often include:
- Head and brain trauma
- Broken or fractured bones, such as clavicles or elbows
- Facial scarring
- Dislocated joints
- Paralysis
- Death
There are certain steps that cyclists can take to avoid accidents and limit the extent of harm, such as wearing a helmet, obeying traffic laws, and remaining alert at all times on the road. But careless car drivers, severe weather, and dangerous street conditions are hazards from which your own precautions can’t fully protect you. In the event of an accident, you have the legal right to pursue damages from those responsible for the crash.
File a Negligence Lawsuit to Seek Compensation
In the eyes of the law, cyclists are treated like pedestrians for accident purposes. Massachusetts operates under a “no fault” insurance rule. That means that, if you were hit by a motorist, the driver’s auto insurance will pay up to $2,000 in benefits for your injuries without requiring you to prove that the driver was to blame for the crash.
For anything above that amount, you may have to sue the motorist for negligence. In order to hold him or her liable, you must prove that he or she failed to operate the car in a reasonably safe manner and that this failure caused the collision. You also need to show that your injuries were directly caused by the defendant’s careless actions and that you incurred quantifiable damages as a consequence of them.
All Massachusetts drivers have the obligation to obey traffic rules and avoid unnecessary risks of foreseeable harm to others on the road. There are many ways that this duty may be violated, such as failing to yield at an intersection, running a red light, or texting while driving. However, showing that a driver acted carelessly is not enough to establish liability. You would have to prove that the accident would not have happened if the defendant had not been negligent, and that it was a reasonably foreseeable result of the careless conduct. Once you have proved the elements of your claim, you can potentially recover compensation from any driver held liable. This often includes money for medical bills, lost wages due to missed work, damage to your bike or the cost of a replacement, and potentially more subjective harm such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.
Massachusetts is a modified comparative negligence state. This means that you can recover damages from a driver as long as you show that you are no greater than 50 percent responsible for the collision. You usually cannot receive any compensation if you were greater than 50 percent at fault.
Legal Guidance for Injured Massachusetts Bicyclists
At the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III, we are experienced personal injury lawyers who have helped thousands of clients successfully pursue negligence and other claims over the years. We take a comprehensive and personalized approach to legal representation, making every effort to resolve matters without costly litigation and taking the time to both fully understand our clients’ needs and keep them apprised of their rights and options every step of the way. Among other victories, we’ve previously helped a cyclist injured in an accident obtain a six-figure settlement.
Contact us to see how we can help you. Our accident attorneys offer free consultations from our Massachusetts offices, which are conveniently located in Hyannis and Plymouth. We are also happy to travel to you if you can't make it to us. We don't charge a fee in many cases unless we are successful.