Bicycle Accidents FAQ

Here are the rules to go by when riding a bicycle:

• Obey all traffic laws and regulations of the Commonwealth.
• Use hand signals to let people know you are stopping or turning.
• Give pedestrians the right of way.
• Give pedestrians an audible signal before overtaking or passing them.
• If bicyclists are riding side-by-side, they must facilitate passing traffic. This means that each bicyclist must ride single file when faster traffic wants to pass, or stay in the right-most lane on a multi-lane road.
• Keep one hand on the handlebars at all times.
• If the bicyclist is 16 years old or younger, they must wear a helmet that meets U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements on any bicycle, anywhere, at all times. The helmet must fit their hand, and the chin strap must be fastened.
• Use a white headlight and red taillight or rear reflector if they are riding anytime from ½ hour after sunset until ½ hour before sunrise.
• At night, they must wear ankle reflectors if there are not reflectors on their pedals.
• Notify the police of any accident involving personal injury or property damage over $100.

Motorist and their passengers must check for passing bicyclists before opening their door.

The motorist must stay a safe distance to the left of bicyclists when passing. A motorist is prohibited from returning to the right until they safely clear the bicyclist.

The motorist must pass at a safe distance. If the lane is too narrow to pass safely, the motorist must use another lane to pass, or if that is unsafe, the motorist must wait until it is safe to pass.

Motorists are prohibited from making abrupt right turns at intersections and driveways after passing a bicyclist.

The motorist must yield to oncoming bicyclists when making left-hand turns.

Damages include, but are not limited to payment for pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and economic loss.

Generally, there is a three-year statute of limitations to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties, with limited exceptions. Which means, if you do not file a complaint in court against the proper party(ies), you will never be able to recover monies from them or their insurance company for your injuries. However, if the action is against the Commonwealth or a city and town, there are strict times-sensitive notice requirements that must be made long before the three-year statute of limitations. There are also many different notice and time requirements that may apply depending on the type of claim or the responsible party.

That is why it is critical to contact us immediately after a bicycle accident. Also, most of the time, we can resolve the claim with the responsible party(ies) insurance company long before the statute of limitations expires or the need to even file a lawsuit.

Yes, your automobile insurance policy carries coverage for bodily injury caused by an Uninsured automobile.

The U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued important safety reminders for all bicyclists, which include:

• All bicyclists should wear a properly-fitted helmet each time they ride. A helmet is the single most effective way to prevent any head injury from a bicycle crash.
• Bicyclists are considered motor vehicle operators and are required to follow the same rules of the road as other motor vehicle operators, including obeying traffic signals, signs and lane markings.
• Bicyclists should increase their visibility to motor vehicle drivers by wearing fluorescent or brightly-colored clothing during both day and night.
• To be noticed at night, a bicyclist should use a front light and a red reflector or flashing rear light, and retro-reflective tape, or markings on equipment and clothing.

At the Law Offices of Jason M. Ranallo, P.C., we work on a no-win, no-fee contingency basis. You pay no attorney fees or costs upfront — we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for your motorcycle accident injuries. This applies to all motorcycle crash cases we handle from our Dedham and Milford offices. Call 781-344-6200 or fill out our online form for a free case evaluation.

Yes. Under Massachusetts law, negligent drivers are fully responsible for injuries they cause to motorcycle riders. Attorney Jason M. Ranallo fights to hold at-fault drivers and their insurance companies accountable, even when the other driver claims “I didn’t see the motorcycle” or blames you for speeding. Call 781-344-6200 or submit our online form today.

You can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, and in some cases their employer or other liable parties. We thoroughly investigate every potential source of recovery to maximize your settlement or verdict. Call 781-344-6200 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.

Unlike car, pedestrian, or bicycle accidents, motorcycle riders in Massachusetts do not receive Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. Your health insurance typically covers initial medical bills, but we pursue full reimbursement plus additional compensation from the at-fault party for all out-of-pocket costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call 781-344-6200 or fill out our online form today.

You may be entitled to medical bills, lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, scarring/disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages. We fight for the full value of your claim under Massachusetts law. Call 781-344-6200 or fill out our online form to discuss your damages.

You generally have three years from the date of the accident. Claims against the Commonwealth or a city/town have much stricter, earlier notice requirements. Contact us immediately to protect your rights. Call 781-344-6200 or submit our online form right away.

Motorcycle riders do not qualify for PIP benefits in Massachusetts, and insurance companies often unfairly blame the rider or undervalue injuries because of bias against motorcyclists. Attorney Jason M. Ranallo understands these challenges and aggressively counters them. Call 781-344-6200 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.

This is one of the most common defenses. Attorney Ranallo knows how to overcome it with strong evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, skid marks, and accident reconstruction to prove the other driver’s negligence. Call 781-344-6200 or submit our online form today.

Yes. Massachusetts uses a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you are not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault). We work hard to minimize any blame placed on you. Call 781-344-6200 or fill out our online form for a free case review.

Motorcycle accidents frequently cause severe injuries including road rash, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and permanent scarring. We work with medical experts to fully document your injuries and future needs. Call 781-344-6200 or fill out our online form today.

es. Attorney Jason M. Ranallo has a proven track record of fighting insurance companies and securing fair settlements and verdicts for motorcycle accident victims throughout Dedham, Milford, Canton, Norwood, Quincy, Brockton, Framingham, and surrounding communities. Call 781-344-6200 or submit our online form today.

Yes. The Law Offices of Jason M. Ranallo, P.C. handles all motorcycle accident cases on a no-win, no-fee basis. With offices in Dedham and Milford, we make it risk-free for injured riders across Massachusetts to pursue justice. Call 781-344-6200 or fill out our contact form today.

Attorney Jason M. Ranallo maintains a perfect 5.0 Avvo rating and has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star. Clients throughout Dedham, Milford, and the surrounding towns praise his aggressive representation and results in motorcycle crash cases. Call 781-344-6200 or complete our online form for a free consultation.

Yes. Attorney Jason Ranallo offers free, no-obligation consultations with flexible scheduling - including evenings, weekends, home, and hospital visits - for motorcycle accident victims in Dedham, Milford, and all communities we serve. Call 781-344-6200 or fill out our contact form to get started today.

Attorney Jason M. Ranallo has extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies that often unfairly blame motorcycle riders. We know their tactics and fight aggressively for maximum compensation from our Dedham and Milford offices. Contact us at 781-344-6200 or online today.

Yes. Attorney Jason M. Ranallo is a highly regarded, top-rated motorcycle accident lawyer serving Dedham, Milford, and throughout Massachusetts. With years of experience and a proven record of results, he provides dedicated representation for injured riders. Call 781-344-6200 or submit our online contact form for a free case review.

The Law Offices of Jason M. Ranallo, P.C. has a convenient Dedham office at 858 Washington Street, Suite 103, and a Milford office by appointment - serving motorcycle accident victims throughout Dedham, Canton, Norwood, Quincy, Brockton, Framingham, and many more communities.