Bicycling is a great way to get around, particularly in cities. When a rider is looking for an efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, they should not have to worry about being struck and injured by another driver. At Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C., we are here to help if you need a Boston bicycle accident attorney. Our motor vehicle collision lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation into your case and work to secure the compensation you deserve.
Bicyclists Are At A High Risk Of Sustaining Injuries In A Collision
When discussing the risks that bicyclists face on a regular basis in and around Boston, we should look at the latest reporting year of statistics provided by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. They say that there were 1,280 total bicycle incidents reported for 2019. Out of those incidents, there were six fatalities and 952 injuries reported. When we look at those statistics, we can see that bicyclists have a high risk of sustaining serious injuries as a result of a collision with a vehicle.
Bicyclists do not have much protection from the force of a vehicle slamming into their bodies. Even when a cyclist is wearing a helmet, they are at a high risk of sustaining an injury. It is not uncommon for our Boston bike accident attorneys to help clients who have sustained the following in an incident:
Each of these injuries can lead to major medical expenses for victims, as well as other significant hidden accident costs. This can include lost income if a victim cannot work, home, and vehicle modifications to aid mobility, pain and suffering trauma, and more.
How Do Bicycle Accidents Happen In Boston?
Boston is a crowded place with plenty of traffic, but drivers must still obey all laws of the roadway. This includes giving bicyclists the space they deserve. In many cases, a bicyclist is severely injured because a driver ignores crosswalks, bicycle lanes, and cyclists in intersections. Drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs and those who are distracted pose major threats to bicyclists on the roadway.
Unfortunately, getting an insurance settlement for these cases can be difficult. Insurance companies are for-profit agencies that will do what they can to reduce any settlement they have to payout.
What Will An Attorney Do For A Bicycle Accident Case?
The aftermath of a bicycle accident can become incredibly confusing, particularly if you are dealing with moderate to severe injuries. A Boston bicycle accident lawyer is going to be your advocate in these situations. An attorney will have the resources necessary to:
- Obtain any evidence needed to prove liability in the case, including photo or video surveillance, statements from eyewitnesses, police reports, and more.
- Work with trusted medical professionals to ensure their client is properly cared for and to help calculate total expected costs.
- Negotiate with every party involved, including aggressive insurance carriers in an effort to obtain maximum compensation for the claim.
- Fully prepare to take the case to trial if that is what it takes to secure the compensation necessary.
How Much Does A Bicycle Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most people do not think of securing an attorney in the aftermath of a bicycle crash. This is not because an attorney will not be helpful, but because people think they will not be able to afford one. However, this may not be as much of a problem as you think.
At Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C., we are proud to take Boston bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that our clients pay no upfront or out-of-pocket costs for their case. We will only collect legal fees after we secured the compensation our clients are entitled to.
Will Not Wearing A Helmet Affect Your Case?
Any person over 16 years of age does not have to wear a helmet when they are riding a bicycle in Massachusetts, though it is highly recommended to do so. However, not wearing a helmet will not affect a bicycle accident victim’s ability to recover compensation if another person caused their accident. If the at-fault party tries to make the argument that you should be held liable for not wearing a helmet, we will strongly push back and work to hold them accountable.
How Long Do You Have To File A Bicycle Crash Case?
Each state is responsible for setting time limits for how long victims have to file lawsuits against those who caused their injuries. The personal injury statute of limitations in Massachusetts is three years from the date the injury occurred. This means that bicycle accident victims have a three-year window with which to file a lawsuit against an alleged negligent party in their case. Failing to file the lawsuit within this timeframe will result in them being unable to secure the compensation they deserve.
However, this timeframe does not apply to any insurance claim that will be filed in the case. Most insurance carriers require that the claim be made within a very short time after the accident occurs, often within a day or two. Failing to file an insurance claim promptly could result in the carrier denying or delaying the claim.
When seeking help to understand these deadlines, you can contact our Boston bike accident lawyers for a free consultation of your case so we can get this process started.
You Can Count On Our Boston Bicycle Accident Attorneys To Help You Through This
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a bike accident caused by another person’s negligent actions, contact an attorney today. At Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C., we are dedicated to helping clients secure the compensation they need, which can include:
- Coverage of your medical bills related to the bicycle crash
- Compensation for lost income if you are unable to work
- Mental anguish damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages against a negligent party
When you need a Boston bicycle accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or by calling 617-917-3917.
