Were you hit while riding in Fall River, Massachusetts? You already know how the story usually gets told: the driver says they never saw you. A cyclist carries no steel, so an ordinary traffic mistake becomes a hospital stay.
You have the same right to the road as any driver, and the law is more on your side than most people realise. Call (401) 288-3888 for a free, confidential consultation. No fee unless we win.
How Michael F. Campopiano Can Help After a Bicycle Accident in Fall River
Bicycle claims turn on bias as much as on facts. The insurer’s first move is to suggest the rider was reckless, invisible, or “came out of nowhere.” We take that apart with evidence before it hardens into their settlement position.
Under M.G.L. c. 85, § 11B you have the right to use all public ways in the Commonwealth except limited-access highways where bicycles are posted as prohibited, and you are subject to the same traffic laws as any driver. Drivers may cross the centre line to pass you when it is safe to do so.
No. Massachusetts requires a helmet for riders 16 and younger under M.G.L. c. 85, § 11B½, and that section states a violation shall not be used as evidence of contributory negligence in any civil action. An adjuster who leans on your helmet is leaning on something the statute excludes.
Why Should I Hire a Fall River Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
After a bicycle crash in Fall River, the driver’s insurer is not on your side. Adjusters routinely assume the cyclist did something wrong, and they look for any fact that supports it.
We handle that conversation, secure the footage from nearby businesses and doorbell cameras before it is overwritten, and preserve the bicycle itself, which is physical evidence of the force involved.
What Types of Damages Are Available After a Fall River Bicycle Accident?
Under Massachusetts law you can pursue:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation, past, present, and future, including surgery and physical therapy.
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity, both time off now and what you lose if you cannot return to the same work.
- Pain and suffering, including the loss of something you did for health, transport, or joy.
- Property damage, covering your bicycle, helmet, and gear.
- Loss of consortium, where a serious injury changes life for your family.
Bicycle Accidents in Fall River: What the Law Actually Says
You are a vehicle, not an obstacle.
Under M.G.L. c. 85, § 11B you have the right to use all public ways in the Commonwealth except limited-access highways where bicycles are posted as prohibited, and you are subject to the same traffic laws as any driver. Drivers may cross the centre line to pass you when it is safe to do so.
Your helmet cannot be used against you.
No. Massachusetts requires a helmet for riders 16 and younger under M.G.L. c. 85, § 11B½, and that section states a violation shall not be used as evidence of contributory negligence in any civil action. An adjuster who leans on your helmet is leaning on something the statute excludes.
Fault is shared, not all-or-nothing.
Massachusetts uses modified comparative negligence under M.G.L. c. 231, § 85. You can recover only if you are not more than 50% at fault, and your award is reduced by your share. Above that line you recover nothing, which is why the fault fight matters so much.
Evidence disappears fastest in cycling cases.
Three years from the date of the crash under M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A. Act sooner: nearby camera footage is often overwritten within days, and claims against a public entity carry far shorter notice deadlines.
Common Bicycle Accident Types We Handle in Fall River
In Fall River we see cycling injuries concentrated around the Quequechan River Rail Trail, Plymouth Avenue, and the streets climbing from the waterfront. Fall River’s steep grades and older street grid leave cyclists with little margin.
- Right hook: A driver overtakes, then turns right across your path.
- Left cross: An oncoming driver turns left across you as you ride straight through.
- Dooring: A parked motorist opens a door into the travel lane without looking.
- Unsafe passing: Drivers who squeeze by inside the lane rather than moving over.
- Failure to yield: Rolling a stop sign or pulling out from a side street or driveway.
- Road surface hazards: Potholes, sunken drain grates, and broken pavement that put a rider down.
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- Throughout Rhode Island & Massachusetts, helping victims of personal injury get the care they deserve.
“When you choose us, you can be rest assured that you will receive personalized attention and a comprehensive legal strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. Our skilled lawyers will guide you through every step of the legal process, explaining your rights and options in clear, straightforward language.
We handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip and falls, Dog Bite, and more. No matter the complexity of your case, we have the expertise and resources to fight for the compensation you deserve.”
Frequently Asked Questions from Bicycle Accident Victims in Fall River
1. What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in Fall River?
Call 911 so police respond and a report is created, and get medical attention even if you feel able to ride away. Head injuries and internal injuries often present late. Photograph the scene, the vehicle, and your bicycle, and get contact details for any witness before they leave.
2. Does not wearing a helmet hurt my claim?
No. Massachusetts requires a helmet for riders 16 and younger under M.G.L. c. 85, § 11B½, and that section states a violation shall not be used as evidence of contributory negligence in any civil action. An adjuster who leans on your helmet is leaning on something the statute excludes.
3. What rights do I actually have on the road?
Under M.G.L. c. 85, § 11B you have the right to use all public ways in the Commonwealth except limited-access highways where bicycles are posted as prohibited, and you are subject to the same traffic laws as any driver. Drivers may cross the centre line to pass you when it is safe to do so.
4. Who will pay for my medical bills after the accident?
Rhode Island is an at-fault state, so the negligent driver’s insurance is typically responsible. Your own policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may also apply if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
5. What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy may apply. Our attorneys will investigate every available source of compensation to make sure you are not left without recovery.
6. How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Massachusetts?
Three years from the date of the crash under M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A. Act sooner: nearby camera footage is often overwritten within days, and claims against a public entity carry far shorter notice deadlines.
7. What happens if I was partly at fault for the crash?
Rhode Island’s pure comparative negligence law means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your award is simply reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
8. How can a Fall River bicycle accident lawyer help me?
We know Fall River roads, the Bristol County Superior Court, and how Massachusetts insurers handle cycling claims. We handle everything from securing camera footage through negotiation and litigation, and you pay no fee unless we win.
Contact Our Fall River Bicycle Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
Contact Our Fall River Bicycle Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
At MFC Law, we know how disorienting it is to be hit in Fall River while doing something as ordinary as riding to work. We handle the insurer and the investigation while you focus on recovering.
We proudly serve Fall River and communities across Massachusetts. Our team speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese, so every client feels understood and informed.
Schedule your free, confidential consultation today.
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Other Injury Cases We Handle in Fall River
Not the kind of case you were looking for? We handle the full range of personal injury claims in Fall River - same team, same free consultation, and no fee unless we win.
- Fall River Car Accident Lawyer
- Fall River Slip and Fall Lawyer
- Fall River Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Fall River Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer
- Fall River Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Fall River Dog Bite Lawyer
- Fall River Premises Liability Lawyer
- Fall River Product Liability Lawyer
- Fall River Personal Injury Lawyer