Cape Cod Injury Lawyer Blog
In the summer months, people take advantage of the warm weather by riding bikes instead of driving. But it is important for bicycle riders to follow the rules of the road as well as other safety measures. According to news reports, a Wellfleet teenager was riding his bicycle in a busy section of Route 6 when he was struck by a 76 year-old driver, also from Wellfleet. The cyclist was on his way to work and trying to cross the street when he was hit by a woman driving a Honda Accord. He was not wearing a helmet.
After police conducted an investigation by interviewing witnesses and recreating the accident scene, they determined that no criminal charges would be filed against the driver. The family of the 16 year-old victim, however, may be entitled to bring a wrongful death claim against the driver, if there is evidence of negligence. If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. It is critical to contact a local injury attorney with extensive experience handling such cases.
In this case, the teenager was not wearing a helmet and it is unclear what caused the accident. In many car accidents involving cyclists, the biker rider may be at fault. According to an article in the Cape Cod Today, Yarmouth police reported that there have been 17 bicycle versus car crashes since June 1 of this year. The police pointed out that many of these accidents are the fault of the cyclist and occur in high traffic areas. The police in Yarmouth have increased bike safety patrols in high traffic areas and will also be stopping cyclists and issuing citations for any rider who violates Massachusetts law.
Under Massachusetts’s law, all drivers have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care when operating a motor vehicle. In any car accident case, where a driver is believed to be negligent, the injured victim may be entitled to recover for resulting injuries and damages. It is critical to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable accident attorney who can help to protect your rights early on. Some of the items that could be included in the amount of your recovery are damage to property, medical bills, lost wages or reduced earning capacity, psychological counseling, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
An experienced accident attorney would know precisely how to approach your case to maximize your recovery. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, an injury attorney could handle any of the following matters: evaluate your injuries and ensure proper medical treatment; pursue compensation for lost wages; assist with arranging for a rental car; deal directly with the insurance companies; investigate the accident; obtain evidence including witness statements, photographs, and expert opinions; obtain and evaluate police and operator reports; evaluate medical records and seek reimbursement for your medical bills and any other expenses associated with the accident; determine any long term financial needs, future wage loss, or medical care; and negotiate your claim with a goal of achieving the best possible settlement.
John C. Manoog III is a local attorney with experience handling car accident cases for injured victims in Cape Cod. For a free initial consultation, call the office at 888-262-6664 or reach us by email. There is always someone available to talk to you about your case.
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