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Boston Pedestrian & Bicycle Accident Lawyer

While Boston is making efforts to make the city safer for pedestrians and bicyclists, accidents happen. Unfortunately, these accidents, especially those between vehicles and pedestrians or bicyclists, can be devastating and leave victims with life-altering injuries. While a lawyer can’t undo the event or resulting injuries, they can help you pursue compensation from the at-fault party.

If you’ve been injured while walking or biking due to another’s negligence, our experienced Boston pedestrian and bicycle accident lawyers can help. At the Fogelman Law Firm, we’ve helped many Boston residents navigate the intricacies of their cases and can help you do the same.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents

Pedestrian and bicycle accidents can leave victims with injuries ranging from mild to severe, including:

Road rash
Burns and bruises
Strains and sprains
Dislocations
Lacerations
Broken bones
Soft tissue injuries
Crush injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Head and neck injuries
Traumatic brain injuries

Common Causes of Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents

Accidents involving pedestrians and bicycles can be the result of various causes, including:

Distracted driving
Pedestrian or bicyclist negligence
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Adverse weather
Poor road conditions
Poor visibility
Failure to abide by traffic signals
Failure to yield
Reckless driving
Failure to follow traffic laws

What Should I Do If I’ve Been Injured in a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident, follow these steps:

Report the accident: First and foremost, report the accident to the authorities. This way, you can get medical services on the scene if necessary to get the help you need.
Get medical care: Have a medical professional examine you, even if you don’t think your injuries are serious. Sometimes, underlying and delayed-onset injuries might go undetected without a medical evaluation, so it’s important to get checked out.
Document the scene: If you’re able and it is safe to do so, document the scene and gather evidence. Collect the contact and insurance information of the other involved parties, get contact information from eyewitnesses, and take photos and videos of the accident site.
Contact a lawyer: Reach out to a knowledgeable Boston pedestrian & bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you determine your legal options and what to do next.

Understanding Boston Pedestrian & Bicycle Accident Lawsuits

When pedestrians and bicyclists are injured due to another’s negligent actions, they may pursue legal action against the at-fault party. These lawsuits can be complex, requiring the expertise of a skilled Boston pedestrian and bicycle accident lawyer.

Determining Liability

Fault is a core component in a personal injury case. While determining who is at fault in a pedestrian or bicycle accident may seem simple, the laws and specifics surrounding these cases can make it complex.

Multiple parties can be held liable for the accident, including:

The driver
The pedestrian
The bicyclist
The manufacturer of the vehicle or bicycle

In some cases, multiple parties may be liable for the accident. For example, if a pedestrian fails to adhere to traffic regulations, such as using a crosswalk, the other side could argue comparative or contributory negligence, which can affect the claim’s outcome.

Statute of Limitations

Under Massachusetts law, individuals injured in pedestrian or bicycle accidents have three years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. This time frame is called the statute of limitations. If you don’t file your claim within this timeframe, you may forfeit your right to pursue legal action against the wrongdoer, so it’s important to act quickly. Your lawyer can help you file appropriate documentation within and remain aware of these time constraints.

Types of Compensation Available

Multiple types of compensation are available for pedestrian and bicycle accident cases. The first, called economic damages, covers financial losses related to your accident. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and property damages.

The second type, called non-economic damages, applies to non-monetary aspects of your accident, such as emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering. This type is more subjective but is often based on the value of the economic damages.

In rare cases, a third type of damages may be available. The courts award this type, called punitive damages, to punish the wrongdoer for their actions and deter them from doing it again. Massachusetts courts only award punitive damages in select cases involving gross negligence and/or willful, wanton, or reckless acts, and typically only in death cases. We can help you or your family determine whether your case may be eligible for these damages based on the circumstances of your accident.

How a Lawyer Can Help With Your Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident Case

Pedestrian and bicycle accidents in Boston can be complicated. Between convoluted laws and liability concerns, navigating these cases can be confusing. That’s where an experienced Boston pedestrian and bicycle accident lawyer comes in.

We’ll help you navigate the legal process, shouldering the brunt of it to ensure you can focus on healing. We will:

Meet with you to evaluate your situation and help you determine your legal options
Conduct a thorough investigation to gather pertinent evidence, such as dashcam footage, police reports, and witness testimonies
Advocate for your rights and best interests
Field and negotiate settlement offers from the at-fault party’s insurer
Offer sound legal guidance to help you make informed legal decisions, such as if you want to accept a settlement offer
Represent you in court if you don’t receive a fair settlement offer

Filing a lawsuit can seem intimidating and overwhelming, especially when you already have so much on your plate. Our team at the Fogelman Law Firm is here to simplify the process by handling the complexities of your case, ensuring you can prioritize your recovery. We are your advocates through every step.

Get Personalized Assistance From Our Skilled Pedestrian & Bicycle Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Our skilled Boston pedestrian and bicycle accident lawyers at the Fogelman Law Firm are here to help you hold the wrongdoers responsible for their actions and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (617) 559-1530 or complete our online contact form to start with a free consultation.