Worcester Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Worcester is the largest city in Worcester County and Central Massachusetts. Many residents and workers commute by car. But each year, more and more people travel by bike to avoid traffic and fit in some exercise.
As a cyclist, you have a responsibility to ride your bike safely and follow traffic laws. But there are times when drivers may neglect to do their part and their actions can cause you serious injuries. The risk increases as commercial trucks truck activity rises in Massachusetts.
At Breakstone, White & Gluck, our attorneys represent cyclists who have been injured in Worcester bicycle accidents. We understand the unique risks cyclists face on the roads, especially as the region grows.
Where Bike Accidents Happen in Worcester
As in any community, Worcester bicycle accidents can happen if a driver operates with negligence on a residential street. Drivers may travel faster than they should or attempt to check cell phones. Worcester, just off I-290 and other main routes, also sees many drivers who are unfamiliar with the area and are following GPS directions taking them the long way.
Bicycle accidents can also happen when you travel out to scenic bike trails or recreation areas, such as the Blackstone River Bikeway, which extends 26 miles from South Worcester to Providence, Rhode Island. Even if these areas are marked for bike use, drivers who approach in cars may not be watching for cyclists.
Bicycle accidents can also happen on commercial streets or near the colleges. Many cyclists have feared traveling through Kelley Square because there have been so many accidents. In 2015, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation confirmed these fears and reported that in the three previous years, Kelley Square had seen more motor vehicle crashes than any other intersection in the state of Massachusetts.
In 2019, the state of Massachusetts was working to redevelop the square. According to the Telegram & Gazette, the state's plan was to send traffic in one direction around a new roundabout design. Design plans had included a multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, along with a separated bike path along the north side of Harding Street.
Another component was shorter pedestrian crossings. Pedestrians had been traveling crossings spanning 90 to 115 feet. In the new design, crossings were reduced to a minimum of 26 feet or a maximum of 77 feet.
Cyclist Injuries in Worcester Truck Crashes
Drivers may look ahead. Unfortunately, research has found many do not look behind for cyclists. When a driver in a large truck fails to check and turns right, a cyclist can be hit and even dragged along the wheels. These are often called "right-hook" accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, large trucks strike cyclists from the right often, in 22 percent of all fatal bike crashes in 2016. Truck drivers can also cause injury when they fail to yield to cyclists while turning left at intersections.
After a Worcester Bicycle Crash
If you are a cyclist who has been injured in Worcester, first seek medical attention. Bicycle accidents can cause catastrophic injuries which require extensive recovery. Seek immediate treatment so you can understand what medical care you need.
Free Legal Consultation - Worcester, MA Bicycle Accident Lawyer
At Breakstone, White & Gluck, our Worcester bicycle accident attorneys are committed to helping cyclists recover from serious bicycle accidents. We understand that a bicycle accident can cause both physical and emotional injuries, along with deep stress about your financial future.
With decades of experience, Breakstone, White & Gluck represents cyclists who have been injured or killed by negligent driving across Massachusetts, including in Worcester, Auburn, Shrewsbury and throughout Central Massachusetts. We also represent cyclists who have been injured in northern Worcester County, including in Fitchburg and Leominster.
For a free legal consultation, contact our Worcester bike accident lawyers at 800-379-1244 or 617-723-7676. You can also use our contact form.