2021
2022
With cycling becoming an increasingly popular mode of transportation in Cambridge, MA, the risk of bicycle accidents has also risen. If you’ve been involved in a bike accident in Cambridge, you may be eligible to pursue financial compensation from the responsible parties.
Injuries sustained in bicycle accidents can significantly impact your life, from medical expenses to lost wages. If you or a loved one have been injured in such an accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. Reach out to our experienced Cambridge bicycle accident lawyer at Larson Law for a free consultation. Our team is ready to assist you in navigating your legal options and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today to get started.
HOW OUR CAMBRIDGE PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS CAN ASSIST YOUR BICYCLE ACCIDENT CASE
Bicycle accidents in Cambridge can lead to severe injuries, despite taking precautions like wearing a helmet. The impact of colliding with a vehicle or the pavement often results in significant harm, and if another party’s negligence caused your accident, you shouldn’t bear the financial burden alone.
At Larson Law, our experienced Cambridge personal injury attorneys are dedicated to supporting victims of bicycle accidents throughout the area. We understand that dealing with an injury can be overwhelming, especially when financial concerns are added to the mix. Our team is here to manage every facet of your claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Here’s how we can help:
- Clarify Your Legal Rights: We will guide you through the legal process, explaining your rights and what to expect.
- Provide Expert Advice: We offer counsel on how to handle interactions with insurance companies and other involved parties.
- Thorough Investigation: Our team will conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the accident and identify responsible parties.
- Protect Your Interests: We will stand up to insurance companies that may try to shift blame onto you.
- Assess and Maximize Compensation: We will identify all potential sources of compensation and work with experts to accurately value your claim.
- Pursue the Best Outcome: Our goal is to secure the best possible result for your case, whether through settlement or trial.
Every case is unique, and we tailor our approach to fit your specific needs and goals. While many cases are resolved successfully outside of court, we prepare each case meticulously to ensure we are ready for trial if necessary.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Cambridge, contact Larson Law today to discuss how our dedicated bicycle injury lawyer in Cambridge can help you achieve the compensation you deserve.
CAMBRIDGE’S GROWING BICYCLE CULTURE: STATISTICS AND IMPACT
Cambridge, MA, is home to around 110,000 residents and hosts over 126,000 workers in major institutions like Harvard and MIT. The city’s biking culture is vibrant, with 7-9% of residents using bicycles for commuting.
Cambridge boasts a high bike-to-household ratio, supported by 39 Hubway bike-share stations across the city, in partnership with companies like Google and local businesses. The bike infrastructure also benefits students, including those at Cambridge Rindge & Latin High School, which has about 1,900 students.
Recent data shows significant bike traffic, with over 76,000 cyclists recorded in Kendall Square during the summer of 2017. Cambridge’s commitment to cycling is further highlighted by its Gold Award from the League of American Bicyclists, reflecting its efforts to create a bike-friendly community.
HIGH-RISK AREAS FOR BICYCLE CRASH IN CAMBRIDGE, MA
Cambridge, MA, is known for its vibrant cycling community, but certain locations pose higher risks for bicycle accidents. According to a 2014 report by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), Cambridge is prominently featured on the list of top crash locations for cyclists in the state. Here’s an overview of the most frequent crash sites:
- Central Square: Covering Massachusetts Avenue from Memorial Drive to Bow Street, including key spots like Vassar Street and Cambridge City Hall, this area has seen 306 bike crashes, with one fatal and 185 resulting in injuries.
- Inman Square: The intersection of Hampshire and Cambridge Streets is notorious for accidents, including a fatal truck crash involving a cyclist in 2016. This area reported 263 crashes, with 162 resulting in injuries.
- Porter Square: Spanning from Everett Street to Rindge Avenue, this area is another hotspot for bike accidents in Cambridge.
- Harvard Square: This busy area, including Brattle Square and the vicinity of Harvard Yard, frequently experiences bike crashes due to heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
- Broadway: Covering intersections with Inman Street and Fayette Street, Broadway is a significant area for bike accidents in Cambridge.
- Cambridge Street: Including Berkshire Street and Carlos Medeiros Avenue, this area extends into Somerville and is known for its high rate of bike crashes.
- Union Square: Located in Somerville, this area, including Washington Street and Somerville Avenue, is a notable crash cluster outside Cambridge.
- Broadway Near Cambridge Rindge & Latin: The vicinity of Quincy Street, Cambridge Street, and Trowbridge Street, including the area around Cambridge Rindge & Latin High School, is another high-risk zone.
Understanding these high-risk areas can help cyclists navigate more safely and alert authorities to the need for improved safety measures. To learn more about your legal options consult our Cambridge bike accident claim lawyer, call us today for a free consultation.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF BICYCLE ACCIDENT IN CAMBRIDGE, MA
Bicyclists in Cambridge, MA, face various hazards on the road that can lead to accidents. Understanding the common types of bicycle accidents can help both cyclists and motorists take precautions to prevent them. Here are some prevalent types of bicycle accidents in Cambridge:
- Car Door Accidents: These occur when a driver opens their car door without checking for oncoming cyclists, leading to a collision. This type of accident is particularly common in areas with heavy street parking.
- Right Hook Collisions: This happens when a vehicle makes a right turn directly into a cyclist’s path, often due to a failure to check for cyclists in the blind spot or misjudgment of the cyclist’s speed.
- Left Cross Accidents: In this scenario, a motorist turning left at an intersection fails to see an oncoming cyclist, resulting in a collision. These accidents often occur at busy intersections where visibility is compromised.
- Rear-End Collisions: When a vehicle fails to maintain a safe distance and strikes a cyclist from behind, this type of accident can cause significant injury. It often happens when a driver is distracted or misjudges the cyclist’s speed.
- Intersection Collisions: Accidents at intersections can occur when either the cyclist or a vehicle runs a red light or stop sign. These accidents are frequently caused by miscommunication or visibility issues at intersections.
- Door Prize Accidents: Similar to car door accidents, these involve collisions with parked vehicles’ doors that suddenly open into the cyclist’s path.
- Road Hazard Accidents: These accidents happen when cyclists encounter obstacles like potholes, debris, or poorly maintained road surfaces, which can lead to loss of control and falls.
- Dooring: This type of accident involves a cyclist crashing into a car door that is abruptly opened while the cyclist is passing by.
By being aware of these common types of bicycle accidents, cyclists in Cambridge can take steps to enhance their safety, such as wearing helmets, using lights and reflectors, and remaining vigilant of their surroundings. Motorists can also contribute to safety by being attentive to cyclists and adhering to traffic rules. Speak with our bicycle accident injury lawyer in Cambridge to learn your legal options, call us today and schedule your free consultation.
UNDERSTANDING THE LAWS OF BICYCLE AND BIKE LANES IN CAMBRIDGE, MA
Cyclists in Cambridge, MA, need to be aware of the local and state regulations that govern their riding habits. Massachusetts bicycle law, specifically M.G.L. c.85 § 11B, outlines the rules for cyclists.
In Cambridge, cyclists have specific guidelines about where they can ride. While they are allowed on roads and road shoulders, certain areas have designated bike lanes and protected lanes. Motor vehicles must avoid using these bike lanes except for turning or accessing parking spaces.
Sidewalk cycling is restricted in several busy areas, including Central Square, Harvard Square, Inman Square, and Porter Square, as well as many stretches of Massachusetts Avenue. If you need to ride on the sidewalk in these zones, you must dismount and walk your bicycle.
The City of Cambridge has made strides in enhancing cyclist safety with the introduction of new separated bike lanes on Cambridge Street near Inman Square and Brattle Street, improving the riding experience for local cyclists.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAMBRIDGE BICYCLE ACCIDENT AND DAMAGES?
Bicycle accidents can have severe consequences for riders, often leading to significant injuries even with a helmet on. Common injuries from bike crashes include fractures, muscle strains, road rash, lacerations, and more serious conditions like head trauma, concussions, neck injuries, and back problems. The financial burden of treating these injuries can be substantial, exacerbated by lost wages and damage to personal property.
Pursuing a civil claim may offer crucial relief and help you recover from a bicycle accident. Such a claim can cover various expenses, including repairs to your bicycle, lost income, medical bills, and legal fees. It can also address intangible damages like physical pain and emotional distress, including conditions such as PTSD. Successfully navigating a personal injury claim can provide the compensation, justice, and closure needed to move forward after a serious bike accident in Cambridge.
PROVING NEGLIGENCE IN CAMBRIDGE BICYCLE ACCIDENT CASE?
To secure a successful outcome in a Cambridge bicycle accident case, it’s essential to demonstrate that the driver involved acted negligently. Establishing negligence is crucial for obtaining financial compensation for injuries and damages. There are several common scenarios where negligence can lead to a bike crash:
- Infringement of Bike Lane Rights: Drivers who encroach upon bike lanes and collide with cyclists are often at fault. Cyclists have the legal right-of-way in these designated lanes.
- Intersection Hazards: Intersections pose significant risks for cyclists due to limited visibility. Motorists sometimes fail to see cyclists when making turns, resulting in dangerous collisions.
- Blind Spot Issues: Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to accidents when drivers fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes. These unseen areas around a vehicle can lead to serious accidents if a driver is not cautious.
Any violation of traffic laws or failure to yield the right-of-way can form the basis of a strong claim for damages. Our compassionate and skilled Cambridge bicycle accident attorney can help assess whether you have a valid case for seeking compensation for your injuries. Call us today and schedule a free consultation to discuss your Cambridge bicycle accident case.
SEEK ADVICE TODAY WITH OUR CAMBRIDGE BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER
Collisions between bicycles and motor vehicles in Cambridge, MA, can result in severe injuries due to the size and speed disparities. Cyclists in Cambridge have a right to navigate roads safely, but this right is not always upheld by motorists.
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, it’s crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced attorney. Consulting with Cambridge Larson Law can provide you with valuable insights into your legal options and the potential outcomes of your case. Our Cambridge bicycle collision attorneys are dedicated to helping you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
