Common Bike Accident Injuries

Attorneys for Victims of Bicycle Crashes in Cape Cod

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 Residents

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. Call us at 888-262-6664 or contact us through our online form to schedule a free initial consultation. Nós Falamos Português.