What Are the Steps to Take After a Burlington Bike Accident?
When a car hits a bicycle, the result is often devastating for the bicyclist. Unlike the occupants in a car, a person on a bicycle is defenseless in the path of a 4,000-pound car. In Burlington, when a car collides with a bicycle, the law provides that there will be up to $8,000 in personal injury benefits that can be used to pay for medical bills and lost wages. This is a no-fault benefit, meaning that the funds are available even if the driver was not found to be negligent in causing the accident.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Burlington, our personal injury attorneys at DiBella Law Offices, P.C., want to help. Please call our offices for a free consultation at (781) 262-3338.
As with any accident, the first concern should always be seeking medical help for anyone who is injured. Make sure that the injured person is in a safe area where he or she is not in danger of being hit or run over. Emergency medical personnel should examine any victims before they are moved if possible to avoid increasing the level of injury or other complications. Also, it is best not to remove a rider’s helmet. EMTs will remove the helmet as soon as they confirm there are no head or neck injuries.
As a rider, you may not be in the position to gather as much information as possible from witnesses, police, and the driver of the car that struck the rider, but if you can, take photos and talk to people at the scene.
In addition, it is helpful to obtain copies of the police report once it is completed. All of this information will assist you in recovering the cost of medical bills, property damage, and any other compensation that you might be eligible to receive.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
What Are Some Common Injuries to Bicycle Riders?
Head trauma is the most common injury suffered by a bike rider who has been struck by a car. Though the helmet is designed to minimize the impact to the head, significant force can still cause head injuries.
Riders often suffer:
- Skull fracture
- Concussion
- Brain contusion
- Intracranial hemorrhage
- Facial contusions, facial fractures, and dental fractures
- Broken bones
- Cuts and abrasions, such as road rash
- Damage to internal organs as a result of impact
- Severe bruising
Even if you appear to be uninjured after a collision with a vehicle or after being struck by a car door, medical personnel should examine you. The sudden rush of adrenaline (due to shock) can mask the pain associated with internal injuries. Left untreated, internal bleeding can result in irreversible damage or death.
What About a Rental Bike Accident?
Hubway is a bike rental service offering 1,800 bikes that can be rented at one of over 180 rental stations in the Burlington area. Taking a Hubway is a great way to traverse the city and get some exercise at the same time. But you must still obey all traffic laws and wear a helmet when using this service, or any other bike share or rental. Section 15 of the rental agreement from Hubway explains that all riders are required to wear helmets and details other safety information. In short, the agreement states that safety is the responsibility of the rider. The agreement also states that in the event of an accident, the rider is responsible for any damage to the rental bike.
If you were hit by a motorist on a rented bike, you shouldn’t be the one paying for the damages. Talk to our Burlington bicycle accident attorney about your legal options in this situation.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
Get Fair Compensation for Your Burlington Bicycle Accident Injuries
After a bike accident in Burlington, seeking compensation may not seem like the most important thing to focus on. Many riders experience pain and emotional trauma as a result of being hit by a car, and just want to put the bad experience behind them. But your medical bills and lost wages can add up very quickly… and they are hard to ignore.
If you or a loved one have been injured seek experienced legal representation to protect your legal rights and your future. Our Burlington bicycle accident attorneys at DiBella Law Offices, P.C., have nearly two decades of experience working to protect riders. We handle personal injury cases in Methuen, Burlington, Andover and Boston. A call to (781) 262-3338 is the first step toward understanding your rights and the compensation that is owed to you. Allow our team to handle your legal matters while you focus on healing and returning to your normal life.
Get in touch with us today to get a free consultation.
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