Bicyclists have many rights and must follow many of the same rules as cars on the road. Even when bicycle riders take great care to respect these road rules, impatient, inattentive, intoxicated, and otherwise negligent drivers can pose a serious threat to the safety of bicyclists.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle, you have options. Trantolo & Trantolo’s Chicopee personal injury lawyers have been defending the rights of injury victims since 1938. We have the knowledge and resources to get the compensation you need for medical bills, lost income, and other damages from a bicycle collision. Our bicycle accident attorneys serving Chicopee, MA offer free consultations. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
Recovering Compensation After a Bicycle Crash in Chicopee
Bicycle accidents cause unique physical, emotional, and financial challenges you may not be equipped to manage. You don’t have to deal with these issues alone – Trantolo & Trantolo’s bicycle accident attorneys will guide you through the legal process to recover compensation, including:
- Medical costs: We aim to recover medical expenses related to your cycling accident, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation. We also include ancillary medical costs like assistive equipment, medication, and transportation to appointments.
- Lost income: Our attorneys will seek compensation for income you lost while recovering from your injuries, as well as future income loss due to disability or impairment.
- Property damage: Our team assesses the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle and other belongings damaged in the collision.
- Pain and suffering: We identify the non-tangible losses you suffered because of the accident and seek monetary compensation for them. Examples of these non-economic damages include physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment.
- Wrongful death: If you lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, our wrongful death lawyers can help you get justice and compensation to cover funeral costs, loss of income, medical expenses, and other related losses.
Our attorneys are comfortable in the courtroom and will not hesitate to pursue your claim before a judge or jury. We have successfully secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our personal injury clients. You can rest assured that we will not settle for less than you deserve.
How Massachusetts’ No-Fault System Affects Your Claim
Massachusetts is a no-fault state, which means that all motorists must carry personal injury protection (PIP). PIP insurance provides coverage for medical bills, lost income, and other expenses for the policy holder, regardless of fault. If you have PIP, you may use this policy to cover your losses, even if you were on your bicycle.
For serious accidents where damages exceed policy limits, you must file a claim with the at-fault party’s auto insurance or pursue a personal injury lawsuit. That’s where Trantolo & Trantolo can help.
What We Do
As soon as you hire us, we assign a dedicated team to your case. They handle all aspects of your claim, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers and filing legal paperwork.
When you hire us, you can expect:
- 24/7 availability
- Personalized attention
- Constant communication
We are committed to providing personalized care and steadfast support throughout your case. View our client testimonials to see how our relentless advocacy has helped many of our clients rebuild their lives.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Chicopee
If a motorist struck you while you were on your bike, seek medical attention right away and report the accident to the Chicopee Police Department by calling 911.
- Exchange information: Get the other driver’s name, address, registration information, and insurance information before you leave the scene, if your injuries permit.
- Document everything: Keep copies of all correspondence, receipts, medical records, and other documentation relating to your case.
- Listen to your doctor: Follow all instructions and attend follow-up appointments. This means going to all physical therapy sessions and using assistive devices as prescribed.
- Hire a lawyer: Contact a bicycle accident attorney serving Chicopee as soon as possible to start the legal process.
Hit-and-Run Bicycle Collisions
Some motorists flee the scene of an accident, even though it is illegal. If the authorities identify the driver, you can seek compensation through the at-fault party’s insurance policy. If not, our team can still help you recover medical costs, lost income, and other damages from your PIP, uninsured/underinsured, or health insurance coverage.
Let Our Bicycle Accident Team Help You After an Accident in Chicopee, MA
Contact Trantolo & Trantolo as soon as possible to begin the legal process. We offer free legal consultations and representation for a contingency fee, so you pay nothing up front for our help. Our firm only recovers attorneys’ fees and costs if we win a settlement or verdict in your favor.
FAQs for Our Bicycle Crash Lawyers
How Long After An Accident Can You File a Claim in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts law limits the time for filing a lawsuit to three years from the date of the accident. If you file too late, you could lose the chance for compensation. Acting quickly also allows our team to begin our investigation as soon as possible to help preserve evidence to support your right to compensation.
Who Pays for a Bicycle Accident Settlement in Chicopee, MA?
Insurance companies typically pay for bicycle accident claims in Massachusetts. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may seek compensation through your PIP coverage, uninsured or uninsured motorist coverage, or the other driver’s auto insurance policy. A personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to secure a fair settlement or award from stubborn insurers. Trantolo & Trantolo explores all available options to get a fair settlement value.
How Much Can I Get for a Chicopee Bicycle Accident Claim?
The amount of a Chicopee bicycle accident settlement or award depends on several factors, including:
- Injury severity
- Amount of damages
- Level of liability
- Insurance coverage and policy limits
Our attorneys provide a free case review to help you understand which conditions could affect your potential settlement.
What Should I Never Say to the Insurance Company After a Bike Collision?
Avoid the following mistakes after a bicycle accident:
- Downplaying your injuries
- Discussing previous health issues
- Admitting fault or pointing fingers
- Accepting a settlement right away
- Talking about your case on social media
You can avoid many of these pitfalls by contacting an attorney immediately after the accident. Trantolo & Trantolo can help you navigate insurance claims and prevent common errors that could diminish your claim value.
What if the Driver Blames Me for My Injuries?
It’s common for drivers — and their insurance companies — to shift blame onto the cyclist after a crash. But in Massachusetts, you can still recover compensation even if the driver claims you were partly at fault. The state follows a modified comparative negligence rule: as long as you are not more than 50% responsible, you can pursue damages. Your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.
When a driver points the finger at you, it’s usually a tactic to minimize their financial responsibility. Trantolo & Trantolo can step in to push back against inaccurate or unfair claims. We know how to challenge biased reports, counter false assumptions about cyclists, and hold drivers accountable for the harm they cause.
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