Massachusetts Bicycle Laws Every Cyclist Should Know
Cycling is increasingly popular across Massachusetts, from urban commuters in Boston to recreational riders on the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles remain a serious problem. Cyclists have the same legal rights as motor vehicle operators on Massachusetts roads, and drivers are required to pass cyclists at a safe distance of at least three feet.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Massachusetts
Most bicycle accidents with motor vehicles are caused by driver inattention or failure to yield. Common scenarios include dooring accidents (a driver opens a door into a cyclist’s path), right-hook crashes (a driver turns right across a cyclist’s path), left-turn collisions, rear-end crashes caused by distracted drivers, and failure to yield at intersections. Urban areas like Boston see particularly high rates of dooring incidents.
Proving Liability After a Massachusetts Bicycle Accident
The key question is whether the driver breached their duty to operate with reasonable care. Critical evidence includes the police crash report, witness statements, traffic or security camera footage, dashcam or bike camera footage, and expert accident reconstruction in serious cases. Massachusetts comparative negligence rules apply — if a cyclist is found partly at fault, their recovery is reduced proportionally but they can still recover if they were not more than 50% responsible.
What Compensation Can an Injured Cyclist Recover?
Because cyclists lack any protective barrier from vehicles, injuries are frequently severe. Injured cyclists in Massachusetts may recover compensation for medical expenses including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation; lost wages during recovery; loss of future earning capacity if injuries are permanent; pain and suffering; bicycle and equipment damage; and wrongful death damages for surviving families. Contact Larson Law for a free consultation about your bicycle accident case.