Woonsocket Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Rhode Island statewide, traffic safety data shows both progress and continued risk, especially for vulnerable road users like bicyclists. In the 2023 Rhode Island Highway Safety Plan, the state reported 70 roadway fatalities and 243 serious injuries in that year alone. While not all of those involve bicycles, Rhode Island’s Office on Highway Safety lists pedestrian and bicyclist safety among its core program areas, in other words, the state recognizes that non-motorized users remain a significant concern. Over the past decade, bicyclist fatalities in Rhode Island have historically remained low (often zero, one, or two in a given year), but even a single crash is too many. That said, fluctuations from year to year underscore how vulnerable bicycle riders can be when a motor vehicle crash occurs.

Locally, Woonsocket itself has seen heartbreaking examples of bicycle collisions that vividly underscore the danger faced by cyclists, even in smaller cities. In a tragic recent case, a 3-year-old boy riding a bicycle was struck and killed by a car on June 26, 2025, at the intersection of Mason Street and 10th Avenue. The driver reportedly cooperated with police, but the crash illustrates how even young and vulnerable cyclists face catastrophic risk on Woonsocket’s streets. Such local incidents remind us that behind every statistic is a person, and that swift legal support can matter immensely.

On the national level, the risk to bicyclists is also rising. According to the NHTSA’s Traffic Safety Facts: 2023 report, bicyclist fatalities have increased, contributing to a concerning trend in recent years. In fact, 2022 saw the highest annual number of bicyclist deaths since NHTSA began tracking them in 1975. Meanwhile, in 2021 alone, there were 966 pedalcyclist fatalities in the United States, a 1.9% increase over 2020, and over 41,000 cyclists injured in traffic crashes. These national patterns reflect the real and growing dangers cyclists face, and underline why strong advocacy is needed when a bicycle crash occurs.

Across Rhode Island, RIDOT’s Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment underscores a variety of systemic and behavioral factors that contribute to bicycle crashes. Some of the most common contributing causes include:

• Driver inattention and distracted driving — motorists failing to see or react to cyclists when changing lanes, turning, or at intersections.
• Failure to yield / unsafe turns — at intersections, driveways, or when making left or right turns without properly checking for bicycles.
• Speeding / aggressive driving — faster vehicle speeds reduce reaction time and increase the likelihood of more severe injuries.
• Impairment — drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to make misjudgments or miss a cyclist entirely.
• Poor visibility / low lighting / blind spots — at night or in low-light conditions, insufficient lighting or lack of reflective gear can make cyclists effectively invisible.
• Roadway design and infrastructure gaps — absence of protected bike lanes, narrow shoulders, dangerous intersections, and road geometry that doesn’t accommodate cyclists.

RIDOT’s analyses show that many bicycle-motor vehicle crashes cluster near intersections, off-angle turns, or in locations where the roadway redesign or safety countermeasures are lacking. Moreover, the state’s Planning & Bicycle Mobility documents acknowledge that bicycle safety must be integrated in resurfacing, corridor redesign, and the scoping stage of projects, particularly for corridors with past crash history.

When a bicycle and a motor vehicle collide, the cyclist almost always takes the brunt of the impact. Without the protection of a car’s frame, airbags, or restraints, even a low-speed crash can cause devastating injuries that require months or years of recovery. At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen how serious these cases can be — and we fight to make sure victims get the medical care and financial support they need to heal.

Head trauma is among the most serious consequences of a bicycle crash. Even when wearing a helmet, cyclists can suffer concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from the force of impact. These injuries may lead to lasting cognitive problems, memory loss, headaches, dizziness, or changes in personality. Severe TBIs can require long-term rehabilitation and can permanently affect a person’s ability to work or care for themselves.

Broken bones are extremely common in bicycle collisions. The collarbone, arms, wrists, and legs are especially vulnerable when a rider instinctively braces during a fall. Pelvic and rib fractures can occur when the body hits a vehicle or the ground. While some fractures heal with time, others may require surgery, metal implants, or physical therapy to restore mobility and strength.

The violent motion of a crash can damage the spine, leading to herniated discs, nerve injuries, or paralysis. Blunt-force trauma can also cause internal bleeding, punctured organs, or collapsed lungs — injuries that are not always obvious right away but can be life-threatening without prompt medical attention. These conditions often result in extended hospital stays, multiple surgeries, and long-term care.

Beyond broken bones and head trauma, cyclists frequently experience deep lacerations, road rash, torn ligaments, and muscle injuries. Some victims are left with permanent scarring, chronic pain, or reduced range of motion that interferes with daily life.

The physical harm is only part of the story. Many riders suffer post-traumatic stress, anxiety, or depression after a crash — especially if the collision involved serious injury or loss of life. These emotional effects can make it difficult to return to cycling or even drive again. Comprehensive compensation should address both the visible and invisible consequences of the crash.

After a bicycle accident in Rhode Island, knowing your legal options can make all the difference in protecting your rights and recovering the compensation you deserve. Even when liability seems clear, insurance companies often minimize payouts or deny valid claims. That’s why it’s important to understand how the process works — and how an experienced attorney can guide you through it.

If a motorist caused your crash, your first option is typically to file a claim against their auto insurance policy. This may include coverage for your medical bills, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering. Rhode Island follows a “fault” system for traffic accidents, which means the person responsible for the collision is also responsible for the losses they cause. However, insurers frequently dispute fault or the extent of your injuries, so having a lawyer handle communication and negotiations can ensure your claim is taken seriously.

When settlement negotiations fail or insurance coverage is insufficient, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. A civil claim allows you to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages — including medical expenses, future care needs, lost wages or earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. A lawsuit also enables your attorney to gather evidence through discovery and present your case before a judge or jury if necessary.

Rhode Island law limits the amount of time you have to file an injury claim after an accident. While the specific deadlines depend on the circumstances of your case, it’s always best to speak with a bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you contact Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, the sooner our team can secure evidence, protect your rights, and begin pursuing the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Recovering from a bicycle accident is difficult enough without having to battle insurance companies or navigate Rhode Island’s legal system on your own. At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, our mission is simple: to protect injured cyclists and secure the compensation they deserve. From the moment you contact us, our team takes immediate action to build your case and support your recovery every step of the way.

Your first call to our firm costs nothing — and it could make all the difference in your case. We start with a free consultation where we listen to your story, review available evidence, and outline your options. We’ll explain what to preserve right away — such as accident scene photos, damaged gear, medical records, and witness contact information. Our team moves quickly to obtain police crash reports, request nearby traffic or security camera footage, and secure any other evidence that can strengthen your claim before it disappears.

We don’t rely solely on what the police report says. Our firm works with professional accident reconstruction experts and investigators to determine exactly how your crash occurred and who should be held responsible. We review RIDOT crash data, local roadway conditions, and witness statements to identify all contributing factors — from driver negligence to poor roadway design. When necessary, we subpoena records, consult engineers, and gather medical documentation that paints a complete picture of your injuries and their long-term impact.

Getting proper medical care after a bicycle crash can be overwhelming. We help connect clients with trusted doctors, specialists, and rehabilitation providers who understand traumatic injuries. Our attorneys also work to negotiate medical liens, coordinate billing issues, and ensure your treatment continues uninterrupted while your case moves forward. You focus on healing — we handle the rest.

Insurance companies often minimize claims or pressure victims into accepting unfair settlements. Our experienced legal team handles all communication with the insurer, protecting you from tactics designed to reduce your compensation. We carefully document your medical treatment, pain, lost income, and ongoing care needs to present a full and accurate valuation of your damages. We won’t let the insurance company dictate your recovery — we’ll fight for every dollar you’re owed.

While many cases settle through negotiation, we’re always ready to go to court if that’s what it takes to achieve justice. Our trial attorneys are skilled litigators familiar with Rhode Island’s courts and the complexities of municipal and third-party claims. We prepare each case as if it will go before a jury, which often motivates insurers to settle for fair value before trial.

Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers has built a reputation throughout New England for obtaining strong results for injured clients. Over decades of practice, we’ve recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for accident victims — including cyclists injured by negligent drivers. While every case is unique, our history of success reflects our commitment to meticulous preparation, aggressive advocacy, and genuine care for our clients.

While you’re not required to hire an attorney after a bicycle accident, having legal representation can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts — even when liability seems clear. An experienced Woonsocket bicycle accident lawyer can gather evidence, calculate the full extent of your losses, and negotiate aggressively on your behalf. At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we handle all communication with insurers and opposing parties so you can focus on recovery, not paperwork.

The compensation available depends on the circumstances of your accident and the severity of your injuries. In most cases, victims can pursue damages for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage (such as your damaged bike or gear). If your injuries lead to long-term disability or reduced earning capacity, you may also be entitled to compensation for future medical care and lost income. Our attorneys work closely with medical and financial experts to ensure that every loss — current and future — is fully documented.

Yes, possibly. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own auto insurance policy may provide coverage through uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) protection. Even if you were on a bicycle, this coverage can often apply to your injuries and expenses, depending on your policy language. Our firm can review your insurance documents, identify all available coverage sources, and handle the claims process to make sure you’re not left paying for someone else’s negligence.

Rhode Island follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly responsible for the accident. Whether it’s 100% or 1%, the insurance company is responsible for their share of the harm they caused. .

The timeline for a bicycle accident case varies depending on the complexity of the crash, the severity of the injuries, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some claims resolve in a few months through negotiation, while others take a year or more if litigation is required. At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we move each case forward as efficiently as possible without sacrificing thoroughness. From the start, we’ll give you honest expectations about timing and keep you informed every step of the way.