Personal Injury
Boston Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Attorney
Our Massachusetts Personal Injury Lawyer Will Help You Get Compensation
Pedestrians and bicyclists have a right to the road. Unfortunately, drivers in our region are not always as good as they should be about watching out for the safety of others. As an experienced Massachusetts personal injury lawyer, I represent injured pedestrians and injured bicyclists. If you were hurt in a pedestrian collision or a bicycle accident, you deserve full financial compensation for your injury. Call my Boston law office today for a free, no obligation review and evaluation of your case.
What to Do After a Pedestrian/Bike Accident in Massachusetts
The aftermath of a pedestrian accident or a bicycle accident can be hectic, confusing, and chaotic. Sadly, some pedestrians and bicyclists inadvertently make mistakes that impair their ability to get full financial compensation for their injuries. Here are four steps to take after a pedestrian or bike accident in Massachusetts:
- See a Doctor: Your health and well-being always come first. Make sure you see a physician as soon as possible after an accident. This is important for injuries that are readily apparent, but also for delayed onset injuries, which may not show actual symptoms until days after the accident.
- Report the Collision: In Massachusetts, pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents must be reported to the police if there are any physical injuries. It is in your best interest to ensure that your crash is reported to state or local law enforcement.
- Document the Accident: To the best of your ability, you should try to document the accident—including getting the driver’s information, vehicle information, photographs of the crash, and witness contact information. The more evidence you have, the better position you will be in to bring a claim.
- Beware of Insurers: Insurance companies are not on your side. They are interested in doing what is best for their own bottom line. You should always deal with insurance company representatives through your Massachusetts personal injury attorney.
An Overview of Pedestrian/Bicycle Accident Laws in Massachusetts
Massachusetts lawmakers are putting an emphasis on pedestrian safety and bicycle safety. As part of the Commonwealth’s Traffic Safety Initiatives, authorities are working to make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Sadly, accidents remain a major issue. Approximately 90 pedestrians and bicyclists are killed and many hundreds more are seriously injured in motor vehicle collisions in Massachusetts each year. Here are three important things you should know about the pedestrian and bicycle accident laws in Massachusetts:
- Three-Year Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian and Bike Accidents: Massachusetts has a three-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents. If you were hurt in a crash, it is imperative that you initiate the claims process as soon as possible. Protect your rights by consulting with a Massachusetts pedestrian & bicyclist injury lawyer as soon as possible after a crash.
- Minor Accidents are No-Fault—But Serious Accidents are Fault-Based: In Massachusetts, minor and moderate motor vehicle collisions fall under a no-fault standard. If you sustained a minor injury, your bills may be paid by an insurer through a no-fault claim. However, if you sustained more than $2,000 in reasonable out-of-pocket medical expenses, you have the right to pursue a fault-based personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
- Massachusetts Uses Comparative Negligence Rules: Massachusetts is a comparative negligence jurisdiction. All parties, including pedestrians and bicyclists, have a legal duty to comply with the traffic regulations. Among other things, this means yielding the right-of-way to another party when required by law. If you are found partially at fault for your own pedestrian accident or bicycle accident, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault by up to 50%. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover. A Massachusetts personal injury lawyer will maximize your recovery by protecting you from an unfair finding of fault.
You Deserve Financial Compensation for Your Injuries
Following a serious pedestrian accident or bicycle accident in Massachusetts, you need money to pay your bills and support your family. Sadly, insurance companies make it hard for injured victims to get the full and fair financial support that they are rightfully owed under the law. As a top-rated Massachusetts pedestrian & bicycle accident lawyer, I know how to help victims maximize their settlement or verdict. You may be eligible to recover compensation for:
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Hospital bills and other costs;
- Rehabilitative care;
- Physical therapy;
- Lost wages;
- Future earnings impairment;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental distress;
- Permanent Scarring;
- Long-term disability; and
- Wrongful death of a close relative.
Call Our Massachusetts Pedestrian & Bicycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
At Michaud Law LLC, we fight tirelessly to protect the rights of injured victims. As an experienced personal injury lawyer, I have the professional skills and legal expertise to handle pedestrian accident claims and bicycle accident claims. If you were hurt in a pedestrian collision or bicycle collision, please do not hesitate to contact us for a free, no obligation initial consultation. From our Boston law office, we represent injured pedestrians and bicyclists throughout Massachusetts.