Brockton Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycling is no longer just a recreational activity in Brockton; it’s a primary mode of transportation for commuters, students, and families drawn to the city’s growing network of paths and the convenience of leaving the car behind. Unfortunately, as more riders share the road, collisions involving motorists and cyclists have increased, particularly along busy arteries such as Belmont Street (Route 123), Main Street (Route 28), and Crescent Street. The physical, emotional, and financial fallout can be overwhelming when a crash happens. Our Brockton bicycle accident lawyers are dedicated to helping our injured clients secure the maximum compensation they need to rebuild their lives. We are cyclists, too.

Brockton personal injury

Massachusetts treats bicycles as vehicles, granting riders the same rights and responsibilities as motorists under M.G.L. c. 90, § 14 and M.G.L. c. 85, § 11 B. Understanding these rules is crucial for establishing liability in the event of a collision.

• Right to the public way. Riders are entitled to use any public road except limited-access highways where cycling is prohibited. Motorists must respect a cyclist’s right to occupy the travel lane when it is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side.
• Safe-passing requirement. As of April 2022, drivers must leave at least four feet of clearance when overtaking a bicycle, slowing to a reasonable speed, and only returning to the lane once it is safe.
• No “dooring”. Opening a vehicle door into the path of an oncoming cyclist is illegal and carries a civil fine. More importantly for injury claims, it is compelling evidence of negligence.
• Helmet rule for minors. Cyclists and passengers under 16 must wear an approved helmet. While adults are exempt, wearing a helmet can reduce comparative negligence arguments from insurers.
• Light and reflector requirements. From 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, bikes must have a white front light visible from 500 feet, a red rear light or reflector visible from 600 feet, and reflectors on pedals or ankles.
• Comparative negligence. Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence standard (G.L. c. 231, § 85). A rider can recover damages so long as they are not more than 50 percent at fault, but their percentage of fault reduces their award.

Although every crash is unique, our attorneys repeatedly see specific patterns on Brockton’s roads:

• Right-hook and left-turn collisions occur when drivers misjudge a bicyclist’s speed or forget to yield while turning.
• Dooring incidents occur in downtown corridors where vehicles park curbside and passengers exit without checking mirrors.
• Failure to yield at intersections, especially at unsignalized crossings near schools and bus stops.
• Distracted driving is caused by cellphone use, infotainment screens, or eating behind the wheel.
• Speeding and aggressive driving along Route 28 and other arterial roadways.
• Poorly maintained pavement—potholes, utility cuts, and debris that force riders into traffic.
• Low-visibility conditions, such as those at dawn, dusk, or during inclement weather, reduce driver reaction time.
• Defective bicycle components, such as a sudden fork failure or brake malfunction.

Unlike occupants of passenger vehicles, cyclists have little protection beyond a helmet and clothing. Even a seemingly minor collision can cause life-altering harm, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including concussions and diffuse axonal injury
• Spinal cord damage leading to paralysis or chronic pain
• Complex fractures requiring surgical repair and hardware implantation
• Severe road rash with infection risk and permanent scarring
• Internal organ injuries or hemorrhage
• Dental and facial fractures
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression

These injuries often demand lengthy rehabilitation, multiple surgeries, and long-term home modifications, expenses insurers rarely cover willingly without legal pressure.

Taking the right actions in the chaotic moments after a collision can dramatically strengthen your claim:

• Call 911 and insist on a police report even if the injuries seem minor. Adrenaline can mask symptoms.
• Seek medical attention promptly; urgent-care records link your injuries to the crash date.
• Document the scene with photos of vehicle positions, skid marks, damage, road conditions, and any obstruction of signage or bike lanes.
• Exchange information with the driver, including name, address, phone number, insurance company, and license plate number.
• Identify witnesses and obtain their contact details before they leave the scene.
• Preserve evidence such as your damaged bike, helmet, and torn clothing—do not repair or discard anything.
• Avoid recording statements with the driver’s insurer until you have legal counsel.
• Contact a bicycle accident attorney at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.

To recover damages, a plaintiff must establish that the defendant:

• Owed a duty of reasonable care (all drivers have this duty toward cyclists).
• Breached that duty through careless or unlawful conduct.
• Caused the accident and resulting injuries (causation).
• Produced actual damages, medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and/or property loss.

Our legal team uses a combination of:

• Crash-scene photographs and surveillance video
• Police reconstruction diagrams and witness statements
• Vehicle event data recorders (“black-box” evidence) showing speed and braking
• Cell-phone metadata proving distraction
• Expert testimony from human factors, medical, and forensic engineering specialists

Massachusetts’s 51 percent rule often drives insurers to shift blame to the rider. We counter with meticulous evidence, traffic code analysis, and, when necessary, accident reconstruction animations to illustrate the driver’s negligence to a jury.

A successful claim can encompass both economic and non-economic losses, including:

• Past and future medical expenses, emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, medication, assistive devices, and home health services
• Lost wages during recovery and diminished earning capacity if disabilities limit future employment
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of consortium for spouses or domestic partners
• Property damage to your bicycle, helmet, clothing, smartphone, and other personal items
• Wrongful-death damages, funeral costs, loss of financial support, and companionship, when a collision is fatal

In Massachusetts personal injury law, punitive damages are rare but may be available in wrongful-death actions involving gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Attempting to negotiate with an insurer alone can jeopardize your recovery. An experienced attorney can:

• Conduct a thorough investigation before vital evidence disappears.
• Coordinate medical evaluations to document injuries and future care needs thoroughly.
• Calculate comprehensive damages, including future economic loss and intangible harm.
• File claims against all responsible parties, drivers, municipalities (for roadway defects), and product manufacturers.
• Navigate the Massachusetts Tort Claims Act notice requirements for government defendants.
• Handle health-insurance and Medicare/Medicaid lien negotiations to maximize your net recovery.
• Prepare every case for trial, giving you leverage for a fair settlement.
• Work on a contingency-fee basis, you owe no attorney’s fee unless we win compensation for you.

Choosing the right firm can make all the difference between a token settlement and complete justice. Clients throughout Plymouth County turn to Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers because:

• Proven results: We have secured millions of dollars for injured cyclists and pedestrians across Massachusetts.
• Local Insight: Our attorneys are familiar with the Brockton District and Superior Courts, regional traffic flow studies, and common crash corridors.
• Extensive resources: We partner with accident reconstruction engineers, life care planners, and biomechanical experts to build compelling cases.
• Client-centered approach: You receive direct attorney access, timely updates, and compassionate guidance through every phase of litigation.
• No upfront costs: Case expenses and legal fees are advanced and only repaid from the settlement or verdict.
• Multilingual staff: We serve clients in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and Cape Verdean Creole.

• Brockton Police Department Traffic Division – file or obtain crash reports and inquire about local bicycle-safety programs.
• Old Colony Planning Council – regional studies on high-injury network streets and grant-funded safety improvements.
• MassDOT Crash Data Portal – a statewide database of reported collisions, useful for identifying dangerous intersections.
• Brockton Bike Re-Cyclery is a local shop offering repairs, fittings, and expert advice on safety gear.
• Good Samaritan Medical Center & Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital – Level III trauma centers providing emergency care for cycling injuries.

A bicycle accident can prolong your life, but you must not navigate the aftermath alone. The Brockton bicycle accident attorneys at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers combine deep legal knowledge with an unwavering commitment to injured cyclists’ rights. Our team will investigate the crash, build a persuasive claim, and fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on healing and getting back in the saddle.

Call 617-777-7777 or complete our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are available 24/7 and will travel to your home or hospital room if necessary. Let us use our experience, resources, and passion to help you. Justice for Brockton cyclists starts here.