When You Need a Massachusetts Bicycle Accident Lawyer

After a bicycle accident, you might not be sure if you need to talk to an attorney. Below is a quick guide on when consulting with a lawyer may be appropriate and how the legal team at Mazow | McCullough, PC can help.

Top 6 Reasons You Might Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Massachusetts

1. You Were Seriously Injured in a Bicycle Accident

If a crash left you with serious injuries, you may need an attorney who can help you explore financial recovery for things like medical bills and lost wages. Because bicyclists are more exposed than drivers and passengers inside cars, they may suffer more critical injuries when a wreck happens. A lawyer can evaluate the potential value of your claim and help you pursue compensation from any potentially liable parties.

2. Your Injuries Seemed Minor But Are Getting Worse Over Time

Sometimes, injuries that seem minor at the time of a bike crash start getting worse as time goes on. Not all injuries are obvious right away, and the adrenaline from an accident can do a lot to mask pain and make it feel like you weren’t hurt as severely as you were. Once the initial shock wears off, you may notice more pain, dizziness, headaches, and other symptoms of a significant injury.

A bicycle accident lawyer can help connect your symptoms and medical records to what happened in the accident to protect your claim from being diminished.

3. An Insurance Company Is Denying Your Claim

Insurance companies may not want to take responsibility or pay an accident claim. If you’ve had a claim outright denied, or an insurer is taking a long time to process your claim, you may need a lawyer that can help you communicate with them.

A denial doesn’t always mean that your case is over. An attorney can review the reason for the denial and provide evidence like injury photos and medical records to strengthen your case.

4. The Crash Involved Poor Road Conditions

In some cases, a bicycle accident is caused or made worse by a poor road condition like:

Potholes
Broken pavement
Unsafe construction zones
Inadequate lighting
Missing or damaged road signs
Defective traffic signals
Debris in the bike lane
A poorly designed roadway

These situations may be more complicated than a typical crash and may involve multiple potential at-fault parties. An attorney can review the facts and identify all possible entities that may be responsible for the accident that harmed you.

5. A Loved One Was Killed in a Bicycle Accident

If a loved one was killed in a bicycle accident, your family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death case. While no legal claim can make up for your loss, it may help your family hold the potential at-fault party responsible and get the financial support you need to cover expenses. A lawyer can investigate what happened and guide you through the legal process during an incredibly difficult time.

6. You’re Not Sure If You Have a Claim

Many people are unsure whether they have a bicycle accident claim, especially if there were no witnesses or the driver says the cyclist was at fault. You don’t have to have all the answers before you talk to an attorney.

A lawyer can review the evidence available in your case and help determine if negligence may have played a role or made your injuries worse. If someone else’s carelessness caused or contributed to the crash, you may have a claim even if this isn’t immediately clear after the accident.

How a Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help You

Meeting with a bike accident lawyer can help you learn more about your legal rights and what you need to do to file a claim. You can also discuss what compensation you may be eligible for and what steps are necessary to seek accountability for the injuries you sustained.

Contact Mazow | McCullough, PC Today

For decades, Mazow | McCullough, PC has provided compassionate legal support to victims of all types of accidents and their families. We’re here to guide you through the process of filing a claim. With our team in your corner, you have a strong advocate for your rights. Contact us today by calling (978) 744-8000 or toll-free at (855) 693-9084 to get started with a free, no-obligation consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the insurance company already offered me money?

It may not be in your best interests to accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company. This offer may be too low for the injuries you sustained and might not be enough to cover all the expenses you’ll incur as a result of the crash. A lawyer can negotiate with insurance providers on your behalf.

What if the driver who hit me left before police came?

A hit-and-run accident can sometimes be harder to investigate than a crash with a known driver. However, there may be key evidence that an attorney can help you get, like video footage from a nearby security camera or vehicle debris that can be used to identify the driver who fled.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet? Can I still file a claim?

Possibly. Not wearing a helmet does not automatically mean you caused the crash. However, the insurance company may try to use it against you, especially if you suffered a head injury. A lawyer can help respond to those arguments and focus the case on what caused the collision.