Cyclists Have Legal Rights on Massachusetts Roads
Many cyclists are unaware that Massachusetts law gives them the same rights and duties as motor vehicle operators on public roads. Understanding your legal rights as a cyclist — and what to do when those rights are violated by a negligent driver — can make a critical difference in your ability to recover compensation after an accident.
Key Massachusetts Bicycle Laws
Massachusetts cycling laws establish important protections for riders. Drivers must give cyclists at least 3 feet of clearance when passing. Dooring — opening a car door into a cyclist’s path — is illegal. Cyclists may use the full traffic lane where no bike lane exists. Helmets are required for riders under 16 and strongly recommended for all. Municipalities are responsible for maintaining safe road surfaces, and can be held liable for potholes and road defects that cause bicycle accidents.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Massachusetts
The most common causes of bicycle accidents in Massachusetts include driver inattention and distracted driving, failure to yield at intersections, dooring by parked vehicle occupants, drivers who fail to maintain the required 3-foot passing distance, drunk driving, running red lights or stop signs, and road defects including potholes and debris. When any of these factors causes your injury, the responsible party can be held legally liable.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
If you are involved in a bicycle accident in Massachusetts, take these steps immediately: call 911 and request police and medical response; seek medical care even if you feel okay; photograph the scene, the vehicle involved, and your injuries; get the driver’s insurance and contact information; gather witness names and phone numbers; preserve your bicycle and gear as evidence; and contact a Massachusetts bicycle accident attorney before speaking with any insurance company.
Massachusetts Comparative Negligence and Cyclists
Insurance companies frequently try to blame cyclists for accidents to reduce or eliminate their payout. Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule — you can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault. Your recovery is reduced proportionally by your fault percentage. An experienced bicycle accident attorney fights these attempts to shift blame and builds the strongest possible case for your full recovery.
Contact Larson Law for a Free Bicycle Accident Consultation
If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Massachusetts, call Larson Law at 508-888-8888. We handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis — no fee unless we win.