One of the most frequent and preventable causes of bicycle accidents in urban areas is “dooring.” This type of accident occurs when a driver or passenger in a parked vehicle opens their car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist without checking for approaching traffic. The sudden and unexpected obstruction leaves cyclists with little to no time to react, often resulting in a collision with the door or a dangerous swerve into traffic to avoid the impact. Both scenarios can lead to severe injuries, as cyclists are particularly vulnerable to the force of such accidents.

Why Dooring Accidents Happen?

Dooring accidents are often the result of negligence or a lack of awareness on the part of the driver or passenger. Common causes include:

• Failure to Check for Cyclists: Many drivers and passengers fail to look for approaching cyclists before opening their doors, especially in busy urban areas where bike traffic is common.
• Disregard for Bike Lanes: Even when parked adjacent to designated bike lanes, some individuals neglect to check for cyclists traveling within these lanes.
• Distracted Behavior: Drivers and passengers who are distracted by their phones, conversations, or other activities are less likely to notice an oncoming cyclist.
• Lack of Education: Many people are unaware of the dangers of dooring or the proper precautions to take when exiting a vehicle in areas with bike traffic.

The Impact of Dooring Accidents on Cyclists

The consequences of dooring accidents can be devastating for cyclists, who have little protection against the force of a collision. Common injuries resulting from dooring accidents include:

• Head Injuries: Cyclists may be thrown from their bikes, leading to concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or skull fractures.
• Broken Bones: The impact of colliding with a car door or falling to the ground can result in fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, or collarbone.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Torn ligaments, sprains, and severe bruising are common in dooring accidents.
• Road Rash: Sliding across the pavement after a collision can cause painful abrasions, infections, and permanent scarring.
• Spinal Injuries: The force of the impact can damage the spine, potentially leading to long-term mobility issues or paralysis.

In addition to physical injuries, dooring accidents can cause significant emotional trauma, leaving cyclists fearful of riding in urban areas or near parked vehicles.

Legal Protections for Cyclists

Massachusetts law recognizes the dangers of dooring and provides legal protections for cyclists. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 14, it is illegal for a driver or passenger to open a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist or other traffic unless it is safe to do so. Violating this law can result in fines and serves as evidence of negligence in personal injury claims.

At Harrington & Harrington, we leverage these legal protections to hold negligent drivers and passengers accountable for their actions. Our attorneys are experienced in gathering evidence, such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and police reports, to prove liability in dooring cases.

How We Help Victims of Dooring Accidents

If you’ve been injured in a dooring accident, our legal team is here to help you navigate the complexities of your case. We take the following steps to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve:

• Thorough Investigation: We collect all available evidence to establish fault, including photos of the accident scene, medical records, and testimony from witnesses.
• Proving Negligence: By demonstrating that the driver or passenger failed to exercise reasonable care, we build a strong case for liability.
• Calculating Damages: We work with medical professionals and financial experts to assess the full extent of your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts in dooring cases. We fight to ensure you receive a fair settlement that reflects the true cost of your injuries.
• Litigation Support: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and advocate aggressively on your behalf.

Preventing Dooring Accidents

While cyclists cannot control the actions of drivers and passengers, there are steps they can take to reduce the risk of dooring accidents:

• Ride Defensively: Maintain a safe distance from parked cars whenever possible, even if it means riding closer to traffic.
• Stay Alert: Watch for signs that a car door may open, such as brake lights, movement inside the vehicle, or a driver looking in the side mirror.
• Use Lights and Reflective Gear: Make yourself as visible as possible, especially when riding at night or in low-light conditions.
• Advocate for Infrastructure Improvements: Support the creation of protected bike lanes that provide a buffer between cyclists and parked cars.

Drivers and passengers also have a responsibility to prevent dooring accidents by adopting safe practices, such as using the “Dutch Reach” method. This technique involves opening the car door with the hand farthest from the door, forcing the individual to turn and look for oncoming cyclists before exiting the vehicle.

Why Choose Harrington & Harrington for Your Dooring Accident Case?

At Harrington & Harrington, we understand the unique challenges faced by cyclists in dooring accidents. With over 50 years of experience and a proven track record of success, we are committed to securing justice for injured cyclists. Our team provides compassionate, personalized representation and works tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dooring accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights. We are here to hold negligent drivers accountable and help you rebuild your life after a bicycle accident.

Intersection Collisions

Intersections are among the most hazardous locations for cyclists, as they are points where multiple road users—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians—converge. The complexity of navigating intersections, combined with the potential for driver negligence, creates a high risk of accidents. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable in these situations due to their smaller size and lack of protection, making it more difficult for drivers to see them and more likely for collisions to result in serious injuries.

Why Are Intersections So Dangerous for Cyclists?

Intersections pose unique challenges for cyclists, as they often require navigating through traffic patterns that are primarily designed for motor vehicles. Common factors that contribute to intersection collisions include:

• Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way: Drivers may fail to yield to cyclists who have the legal right-of-way, either due to ignorance of traffic laws or inattentiveness.
• Turning Accidents: Left-turn and right-turn accidents are particularly common. Drivers making left turns may misjudge the speed of an oncoming cyclist, while those making right turns may fail to check their blind spots or cut off a cyclist traveling straight through the intersection.
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Drivers who ignore traffic signals or stop signs put cyclists at significant risk, as they may enter the intersection unexpectedly.
• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted are less likely to notice cyclists in or approaching an intersection.
• Limited Visibility: Poor lighting, weather conditions, or obstructed views can make it difficult for drivers to see cyclists, especially at night or during inclement weather.
• Aggressive Driving: Impatient drivers may speed through intersections, make unsafe lane changes, or fail to give cyclists adequate space, increasing the likelihood of a collision.

Types of Intersection Collisions

Intersection collisions can occur in a variety of ways, each with its own set of risks and challenges. Common types of intersection accidents involving cyclists include:

• Left-Turn Collisions: These occur when a driver turning left fails to yield to a cyclist traveling straight through the intersection. The driver may not see the cyclist or may misjudge their speed and distance.
• Right-Hook Accidents: A right-hook accident happens when a driver turning right cuts off a cyclist traveling in the same direction, often in a bike lane or on the shoulder.
• T-Bone Collisions: These occur when a driver runs a red light or stop sign and strikes a cyclist crossing the intersection perpendicularly.
• Rear-End Collisions: Drivers who are distracted or following too closely may rear-end a cyclist stopped at an intersection or crossing the street.
• Crosswalk Accidents: Cyclists using crosswalks to navigate intersections may be struck by drivers who fail to check for non-motorized traffic.

The Impact of Intersection Collisions on Cyclists

Intersection collisions can have devastating consequences for cyclists, who are largely unprotected in the event of a crash. Common injuries resulting from these accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, cyclists are at risk of concussions and other head injuries in high-impact collisions.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Cyclists often suffer broken arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones, which may require surgery and long-term physical therapy.
• Internal Injuries: The force of a collision can cause internal bleeding and damage to vital organs, necessitating immediate medical attention.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Torn ligaments, sprains, and severe bruising are common in intersection accidents.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Severe lacerations and abrasions can leave permanent scars, particularly on visible areas like the face and hands.

In addition to physical injuries, intersection collisions can cause significant emotional trauma, leaving cyclists fearful of riding in traffic or navigating intersections in the future.

Legal Protections for Cyclists in Intersection Collisions

Massachusetts law provides strong protections for cyclists, recognizing their right to share the road and imposing a duty of care on drivers to avoid causing harm. Drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way, ignore traffic signals, or otherwise act negligently can be held liable for the injuries they cause.

At Harrington & Harrington, we are well-versed in the laws governing cyclist safety and intersection accidents. We work tirelessly to hold negligent drivers accountable and ensure that injured cyclists receive the compensation they deserve.

How We Help Victims of Intersection Collisions

If you’ve been injured in an intersection collision, our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process of seeking justice and compensation. Here’s how we can help:

• Thorough Investigation: We gather evidence such as accident reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and traffic signal data to establish fault and build a strong case.
• Proving Negligence: By demonstrating that the driver failed to exercise reasonable care—whether by running a red light, failing to yield, or driving distracted—we hold them accountable for their actions.
• Calculating Damages: We work with medical professionals and financial experts to assess the full extent of your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts in intersection collision cases. We fight to ensure you receive a fair settlement that reflects the true cost of your injuries.
• Litigation Support: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and advocate aggressively on your behalf.

Preventing Intersection Collisions

While cyclists cannot control the actions of drivers, there are steps they can take to reduce the risk of intersection collisions:

• Be Visible: Use lights, reflective gear, and bright clothing to make yourself more noticeable to drivers, especially at night or in low-light conditions.
• Follow Traffic Laws: Obey traffic signals, stop signs, and lane markings to ensure you are predictable to other road users.
• Ride Defensively: Assume that drivers may not see you and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary.
• Use Hand Signals: Clearly communicate your intentions to drivers by using hand signals when turning or changing lanes.
• Avoid Blind Spots: Stay out of drivers’ blind spots, particularly when approaching intersections or large vehicles.

Drivers also have a responsibility to prevent intersection collisions by staying alert, yielding the right-of-way, and exercising caution when turning or crossing intersections.

Bike Lane Accidents

Bike lanes are designed to provide cyclists with a dedicated and safe space to travel, separate from motor vehicle traffic. These lanes are intended to reduce the risk of accidents and create a more predictable flow of traffic for all road users. However, despite their purpose, bike lanes are often obstructed, ignored, or misused by drivers, leading to dangerous and sometimes life-threatening accidents for cyclists. When drivers fail to respect bike lanes, they put cyclists at significant risk of injury.

Common Causes of Bike Lane Accidents

Bike lane accidents occur for a variety of reasons, most of which stem from driver negligence or disregard for traffic laws. Some of the most common causes include:

• Drifting into Bike Lanes: Drivers may veer into bike lanes, either due to distracted driving, impaired driving, or a lack of awareness of their surroundings. This can result in sideswiping or colliding with cyclists traveling in the lane.
• Illegal Parking in Bike Lanes: Vehicles parked in bike lanes force cyclists to swerve into traffic to avoid the obstruction, increasing the risk of being struck by passing cars.
• Sudden Turns Without Checking for Cyclists: Drivers making right or left turns often fail to check for cyclists in bike lanes, cutting them off or colliding with them in the process.
• Opening Car Doors into Bike Lanes: Also known as “dooring,” this occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of a cyclist traveling in a bike lane, causing a collision or forcing the cyclist to swerve into traffic.
• Failure to Yield at Intersections: Drivers may fail to yield to cyclists in bike lanes when crossing intersections, merging, or entering driveways, leading to dangerous collisions.
• Obstructions in Bike Lanes: Construction equipment, debris, or other hazards left in bike lanes can force cyclists to leave the designated lane and enter traffic, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Aggressive Driving: Some drivers intentionally encroach on bike lanes, honk at cyclists, or engage in other forms of aggressive behavior, creating a hostile and unsafe environment.

The Impact of Bike Lane Accidents on Cyclists

Cyclists involved in bike lane accidents often suffer severe injuries due to their lack of physical protection. Common injuries include:

• Head Injuries: Even with a helmet, cyclists are at risk of concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries in high-impact collisions.
• Broken Bones: Collisions with vehicles or falls caused by obstructions in bike lanes can result in fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, or collarbone.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Torn ligaments, sprains, and severe bruising are common in bike lane accidents.
• Road Rash and Lacerations: Sliding across the pavement or colliding with sharp objects can cause painful abrasions, deep cuts, and permanent scarring.
• Internal Injuries: The force of a collision can cause internal bleeding and damage to vital organs, necessitating immediate medical attention.

In addition to physical injuries, bike lane accidents can have long-term emotional and financial consequences for cyclists, including post-traumatic stress, lost wages, and mounting medical bills.

Legal Protections for Cyclists in Bike Lanes

Cyclists have a legal right to use bike lanes without interference from motor vehicles. Massachusetts law requires drivers to respect bike lanes and exercise caution when driving near cyclists. Violations of these laws, such as drifting into bike lanes or parking illegally, can serve as evidence of negligence in personal injury claims.

At Harrington & Harrington, we are committed to protecting the rights of cyclists and holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling bike lane accident cases and are dedicated to securing justice for injured cyclists.

How We Help Victims of Bike Lane Accidents

If you’ve been injured in a bike lane accident, our legal team is here to help you navigate the complexities of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Here’s how we can assist:

• Thorough Investigation: We gather evidence such as accident reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and photos of the scene to establish fault and build a strong case.
• Proving Negligence: By demonstrating that the driver violated traffic laws or failed to exercise reasonable care, we hold them accountable for their actions.
• Calculating Damages: We work with medical professionals and financial experts to assess the full extent of your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts in bike lane accident cases. We fight to ensure you receive a fair settlement that reflects the true cost of your injuries.
• Litigation Support: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and advocate aggressively on your behalf.

Preventing Bike Lane Accidents

While cyclists cannot control the actions of drivers, there are steps they can take to reduce the risk of bike lane accidents:

• Stay Alert: Always be aware of your surroundings and watch for vehicles that may drift into the bike lane or make sudden turns.
• Use Lights and Reflective Gear: Make yourself as visible as possible, especially when riding at night or in low-light conditions.
• Follow Traffic Laws: Obey all traffic signals, stop signs, and lane markings to ensure you are predictable to other road users.
• Ride Defensively: Assume that drivers may not see you and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary.
• Avoid Obstructions: If you encounter a parked car or other obstruction in the bike lane, check for traffic before merging into the roadway to go around it.

Drivers also have a responsibility to prevent bike lane accidents by staying alert, respecting bike lanes, and exercising caution when driving near cyclists. Simple actions, such as checking mirrors before turning or opening a car door, can go a long way in ensuring the safety of cyclists.

Distracted Driver Accidents

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of bicycle accidents, posing a significant threat to cyclists who share the road with motor vehicles. When drivers divert their attention from the road—whether by texting, talking on the phone, adjusting in-car technologies, or engaging in other distractions—they are far less likely to notice cyclists. This lack of attention can result in devastating collisions, as cyclists are smaller, less visible, and more vulnerable than other road users.

Common Forms of Driver Distraction

Distracted driving can take many forms, all of which increase the risk of accidents involving cyclists. These include:

• Texting or Using a Smartphone: Sending or reading text messages, scrolling through social media, or using navigation apps diverts a driver’s eyes, hands, and attention away from the road.
• Talking on the Phone: Even hands-free phone conversations can impair a driver’s focus and reaction time, making it harder to notice cyclists.
• In-Car Technologies: Adjusting GPS systems, changing music, or interacting with touchscreens can cause drivers to lose focus on their surroundings.
• Eating or Drinking: Consuming food or beverages while driving takes a driver’s hands off the wheel and attention off the road.
• Passenger Distractions: Engaging in conversations or managing children or pets in the car can divert a driver’s focus.
• Daydreaming or “Zoning Out”: Mental distractions, such as thinking about work or personal issues, can impair a driver’s ability to react to cyclists and other road users.

The Impact of Distracted Driving on Cyclists

Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to distracted drivers because they are less visible and lack the physical protection that motor vehicles provide. Common scenarios in which distracted driving leads to bicycle accidents include:

• Rear-End Collisions: A distracted driver may fail to notice a cyclist stopped at a red light or crosswalk, resulting in a rear-end collision.
• Sideswipes: Drivers who drift out of their lane while distracted may sideswipe cyclists riding on the shoulder or in a bike lane.
• Failure to Yield: Distracted drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way to cyclists at intersections or crosswalks, leading to dangerous collisions.
• Turning Accidents: Drivers making left or right turns while distracted may not see cyclists traveling straight through the intersection, cutting them off or colliding with them.

How We Prove Liability in Distracted Driving Cases

At Harrington & Harrington, we understand the challenges of proving that a driver was distracted at the time of an accident. Our attorneys use a variety of investigative techniques to establish liability, including:

• Phone Records: We obtain the driver’s phone records to determine whether they were texting, calling, or using their phone at the time of the accident.
• Surveillance Footage: Traffic cameras, security cameras, and dashcams can provide visual evidence of the driver’s behavior leading up to the collision.
• Witness Statements: Eyewitnesses can testify about whether the driver appeared distracted or was using a phone at the time of the accident.
• Accident Reconstruction: We work with experts to reconstruct the accident and demonstrate how the driver’s distraction contributed to the collision.

Our goal is to hold distracted drivers accountable for their negligence and secure the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.

Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accidents

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident is a traumatic experience, especially for cyclists who are left injured and vulnerable on the road. When a driver flees the scene of an accident, it can feel like justice is out of reach. However, even if the at-fault driver is not immediately identified, you still have options for pursuing compensation and holding them accountable.

Challenges of Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents present unique challenges for injured cyclists, including:

• Identifying the Driver: Without the driver’s information, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible for the accident.
• Delayed Medical Attention: Cyclists may be left without immediate assistance, delaying medical treatment and increasing the severity of their injuries.
• Financial Uncertainty: Without the at-fault driver’s insurance information, victims may worry about how to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.

How We Help Hit-and-Run Victims

At Harrington & Harrington, we are committed to helping hit-and-run victims navigate these challenges and secure the compensation they deserve. Our attorneys take the following steps to assist you:

• Investigating the Accident: We work with law enforcement, review surveillance footage, and gather witness statements to identify the fleeing driver.
• Exploring Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If the driver cannot be located, we help you file a claim under your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which can provide compensation for your injuries and damages.
• Pursuing All Avenues of Compensation: In addition to UM coverage, we explore other potential sources of compensation, such as personal injury protection (PIP) benefits or claims against third parties who may have contributed to the accident.

Even in the absence of the at-fault driver, we fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the financial support you need to recover and move forward.

Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles

Sharing the road with large commercial vehicles, such as delivery trucks, buses, and vans, poses unique risks for cyclists. These vehicles are significantly larger and heavier than passenger cars, and their size and design create blind spots and limited maneuverability. When commercial vehicle drivers fail to exercise caution, the consequences for cyclists can be catastrophic.

Why Commercial Vehicles Are Dangerous for Cyclists

Commercial vehicles present several hazards to cyclists, including:

• Large Blind Spots: Drivers of trucks and buses often have limited visibility, making it difficult for them to see cyclists riding alongside or behind their vehicles.
• Wide Turns: Commercial vehicles require more space to make turns, increasing the risk of “right-hook” or “left-hook” accidents with cyclists.
• Limited Stopping Distance: Due to their size and weight, commercial vehicles take longer to stop, making it harder for drivers to avoid collisions with cyclists.
• Frequent Stops: Delivery trucks and buses often make frequent stops, creating unpredictable traffic patterns that can catch cyclists off guard.
• Driver Fatigue: Commercial drivers often work long hours, increasing the likelihood of fatigue-related accidents.

Common Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents Involving Cyclists

Accidents involving commercial vehicles and cyclists often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight disparity between the two. Common types of accidents include:

• Right-Hook Accidents: These occur when a commercial vehicle makes a right turn and cuts off a cyclist traveling straight through the intersection.
• Left-Hook Accidents: A left-hook accident happens when a commercial vehicle turns left across the path of an oncoming cyclist.
• Sideswipes: Cyclists riding alongside commercial vehicles may be sideswiped if the driver fails to check their blind spots before changing lanes.
• Rear-End Collisions: A distracted or fatigued commercial driver may rear-end a cyclist stopped at a red light or crosswalk.
• Dooring Accidents: Delivery drivers exiting their vehicles may open doors into the path of an oncoming cyclist, causing a collision.

Holding Commercial Drivers and Companies Accountable

At Harrington & Harrington, we understand the complexities of accidents involving commercial vehicles. These cases often involve multiple parties, including the driver, the company that owns the vehicle, and their insurance providers. Our attorneys take the following steps to hold all responsible parties accountable:

• Investigating the Accident: We gather evidence such as driver logs, maintenance records, and surveillance footage to determine the cause of the accident.
• Proving Negligence: Whether the accident was caused by driver error, inadequate training, or poor vehicle maintenance, we work to establish liability.
• Pursuing Maximum Compensation: We seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term care needs resulting from the accident.

Our goal is to ensure that negligent drivers and companies are held accountable for their actions and that you receive the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. At Harrington & Harrington, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured cyclists and holding negligent parties accountable. Whether you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, in a hit-and-run, or in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, our experienced attorneys are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.