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ChatMassachusetts is home to some of the most beautiful cycling routes in the country, but as any local cyclist knows, sharing the road with motor vehicles carries significant risks. When a bicycle and a car collide, the cyclist almost always bears the brunt of the physical impact.
Fortunately, Massachusetts has some of the strongest legal protections for cyclists in the nation. At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we believe that every cyclist should understand their rights under the law to ensure they are protected after an accident.
Here is what you need to know about Massachusetts bicycle laws and your path to recovery.
The Massachusetts Bicycle Safety Act
In recent years, Massachusetts has updated its laws to provide more clarity on how drivers must interact with cyclists. One of the most significant protections is the requirement for “safe passing.”
Under state law, drivers are required to leave a safe distance when passing a bicycle. As of recent updates to the Vulnerable Road Users law, motorists must provide at least 4 feet of clearance when passing a cyclist. If a driver fails to provide this space and causes a collision, they may be held liable for their negligence.
Protection Against “Dooring”
One of the most common types of bicycle and car accidents occurs when a driver or passenger opens their car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist. This is known as “dooring.”
In Massachusetts, it is a civil violation to open a vehicle door into moving traffic (including bicycles) unless it is reasonably safe to do so. Furthermore, drivers can be cited if they leave a door open for longer than necessary to load or unload passengers. If you were injured because someone “doored” you, the law is heavily on your side.
Understanding “Modified” Comparative Negligence
Unlike Rhode Island, which follows a “pure” comparative negligence rule, Massachusetts follows a Modified Comparative Negligence standard.
This means that as a cyclist, you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, if a court finds you were 51% or more responsible (for example, by ignoring a red light or cycling against traffic), you may be barred from recovering any compensation. This makes the investigation phase of your case-including gathering witness statements and video footage-absolutely vital.
Insurance Coverage: The Role of PIP
One unique aspect of Massachusetts law is how medical bills are paid after a bicycle-car collision. Because Massachusetts is a “no-fault” insurance state, cyclists are often covered by Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
In most cases, the insurance policy of the motor vehicle involved in the crash is responsible for paying your initial medical bills and a portion of your lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. According to Mass.gov and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers, and insurance systems are designed to provide immediate relief for medical expenses following these incidents.
Common Driver Errors That Lead to Liability
While cyclists must follow the rules of the road, most collisions are caused by driver error. We frequently see cases involving:
- The “Right Hook”: A driver passes a cyclist and then immediately turns right across the cyclist’s path.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers failing to yield to cyclists at intersections or when pulling out of driveways.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers looking at phones instead of scanning for smaller “vulnerable road users” like bikes.
How Bottaro Injury Lawyers Protects Cyclists
Bicycle accident cases are often more complex than standard car-on-car collisions. Insurance adjusters may try to rely on outdated stereotypes about “reckless cyclists” to deny your claim.
It’s Good to Know Mike Bottaro – 24/7 Top-Rated Personal Injury Help
At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we care for people. Attorney Mike Bottaro and his award-winning legal team handle all types of personal injury cases throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. We can even help on cases in other states as well. We pride ourselves on our honesty, integrity, and results. Contact us 24/7 in any method you prefer for a fast, free, and confidential consultation about your case. Text or call us at 401-777-7777 or fill out our free and confidential online form. We are here to serve and help you!