Bicycle Accident Attorney in Boston
If you have been injured while riding your bicycle in Boston, you deserve full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. At Dolan Connly, P.C., our Boston bicycle accident lawyers combine veteran-led discipline with compassionate, one-on-one advocacy to pursue the justice you need.
Serving clients across Massachusetts - including Boston and Pembroke
Why Choose Dolan Connly, P.C. for Your Bicycle Accident Case?
Cyclists face some of the highest risks on Boston’s roads. According to the Boston Transportation Department, over 200 bicycle crashes occur citywide each year, often resulting in serious or life-altering injuries. Securing full compensation in these cases requires not only proving another party’s negligence but also navigating Massachusetts’ comparative negligence rules and dealing with aggressive insurance adjusters.
At Dolan Connly, P.C., we leverage:
- Veteran-Led Precision & Integrity. Founded by a former Marine Corps JAG attorney, our firm applies military discipline, meticulous case management, and unwavering ethics to every bicycle accident claim.
- Proven Success in Complex Liability. We have obtained numerous hundred-thousand-dollar recoveries for clients involved in vehicle open-door incidents, T-bone collisions, and SUV impacts—cases that demand a deep understanding of vehicular codes and cyclist rights.
- Personalized, Client-First Representation. From your initial call through resolution, you will work directly with a Boston bicycle accident lawyer who knows your case inside and out, answers your questions promptly, and customizes strategy to your unique circumstances.
- Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics. Having once defended insurers, we recognize and neutralize the delay tactics and low-ball offers they deploy, aggressively negotiating for full payments that cover both visible and hidden losses.
At Dolan Connly, P.C., we understand the devastating impact of a bicycle accident on your health, career, and quality of life. That is why we go beyond basic legal representation, building every case for trial and fighting for the full value of your losses, from medical bills to future income and pain and suffering.
You will not be passed off to a case manager or pressured into a quick settlement. Instead, you will work with a dedicated personal injury lawyer in Boston who treats your case with the urgency and respect it deserves.
Dolan Connly, P.C.’s Recent Accident Settlements
$1,006,330.03
Greg Connly of DOLAN CONNLY represented a client who was a former MBTA trolley operator and a member of the affiliated Union. She alleged in her lawsuit filed in Suffolk Superior Court that the Union had not advocated for her by failing to take her case to arbitration after she was wrongfully terminated by the MBTA. The client was a native of Haiti and alleged that this failure by the Union to advocate on her behalf, was based on her race and national origin. The client had been the subject of egregious discrimination from some members of the Union.
The trial began on October 29, 2018 in Suffolk Superior Court. The jury found in favor of the client and awarded her $490,500.00 in emotional distress damages. Prejudgment interest of $179,771.19 and statutory costs were added to the verdict bringing the total amount of the judgment to $670,556.19. The Judge then allowed an additional award of attorney’s fees in the amount of $150,000.00 plus $8,733.40 in costs. The total amount of the judgment and fees owed to the client after the Superior Court trial was $829,289.59. The Union then appealed the verdict to the Massachusetts Court of Appeals. Greg Connly represented the client during the entire appeal process. On August 4, 2020, a decision came down from the Massachusetts Appeals Court. The Appeals Court upheld the Superior Court judgment. Further, the Appeals Court awarded attorney’s fees in the Appeals Court case in the amount of $27,355.00. Post-judgment interest that accrued during the appeal was also added.
On November 24, 2020, the Union paid to the client the amount of $1,006,330.03.
This case that was handled by Attorney Greg Connly of DOLAN CONNLY went from one on the verge of dismissal, to one in which there was a recovery in excess of a million dollars. No settlement offer had ever been made by the Union prior to the Superior Court trial.
$4,426,180.35
Greg Connly of DOLAN CONNLY tried a case in September of 2018 in the Worcester Superior Court. The case alleged chiropractic malpractice. The plaintiff/client was an 81-year-old gentleman who had a manipulation to adjust his pelvis done by the defendant/chiropractor. The negligent performance of this manipulation resulted in the breaking of his prosthetic knee. The client reported that he heard an audible popping sound and felt immediate pain at the time of the adjustment. The prosthetic knee had to be surgically repaired fourteen days later. The chiropractor testified that he had no memory of the treatment and he testified that he did not perform the adjustment described by the client. Greg Connly and Barbara Connly of DOLAN CONNLY worked on the case for over seven years. During the trial, Greg Connly put together the facts and expert testimony supporting the client’s position into a coherent credible case for the jury.
On September 14, 2018, the Worcester Superior Court jury came back with a verdict in favor of the plaintiff/client. DOLAN CONNLY’S client was awarded $750,000.00 in past and future medical expenses and $3,000,000.00 in pain and suffering. Including interest, the total judgment was $4,426,180.35. No offer had ever been made by the defense to settle the case. The verdict was appealed by the defense attorney. The case resolved during the appeal process with the 88-year-old client receiving a significant financial settlement, above and beyond any other comparable Massachusetts settlement or verdict for such injuries. Click here to see the actual court docket.
$3,680,187.78
Greg Connly of DOLAN CONNLY tried a case in the Brockton Superior Court in November of 2011. The plaintiff/client was a forty-two-year-old chef working for a third-party food service company at the defendant’s corporate cafeteria. The plaintiff sustained an electric shock when a dishwasher, provided for his use by the defendant, malfunctioned when he pressed the off button on the control panel. The machine was leaking water that came in contact with a live electrical circuit behind the control panel. Greg Connly was able to prove at trial that the defendant corporation was responsible for maintenance of the dishwasher and that it was in a hazardous and unsafe condition. It was discovered that the dishwasher had various mechanical problems after its initial installation and employees of the defendant failed to properly maintain it. The plaintiff suffered a traumatic brain injury, major depression, panic disorder, cognitive impairment and post-traumatic stress disorder. Following the electric shock, the plaintiff who had received excellent work reviews over the years, struggled at his job due to the effects of the traumatic brain injury. He never regained his previous high-level functioning in his occupation and was forced to stop working altogether.
On November 29, 2011, the Brockton Superior Court jury came back with a verdict in favor of the plaintiff/client. DOLAN CONNLY’S client was awarded $2,500,000.00 in past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost earning capacity. Including interest in the amount of $1,180,187.78, the final award was $3,680,187.78. The last offer by the defendant corporation to settle the case before trial was $50,000.00. The verdict was appealed by the defense, but the judgement was paid in full after the trial transcripts were reviewed by appellate counsel. Click here to see the actual court docket.
$475,000.00
A client from Reading was injured when his vehicle was struck by another vehicle traveling in the wrong direction on a one-way street. Our client suffered a worsening of a pre-existing cervical disc protrusion that required surgical repair, as well as injuries to his lower back. He received an insurance claim settlement of $475,000.00. This amount represented the total motor vehicle insurance policy limit for the at-fault driver in the amount of $250,000.00, plus $225,000.00 from an umbrella insurance policy.
$750,000.00
A client from Windham, NH sustained a dog bite in the course of his employment as an electrician. The client was working on an electrical project outside a home when he was asked by the homeowner to enter the home to look at another project. The homeowner did not restrain his Weimaraner dog while our client was in the home, despite knowing the dog was not comfortable with unfamiliar people being present in the residence. When our client was in the process of walking from one room to another, the dog unexpectedly bit him in the back of his leg. The client tried to get the dog to unlock its grip on his leg and in the process, he twisted his back. In addition to the dog bite, the client sustained significant injuries to his low back, hip and groin, including radiating pain into his legs and feet. The client underwent treatment including fusion surgery to his back and hip surgery to repair a labral tear. We represented the client in litigation filed against the homeowner. This litigation was settled during mediation for $750,000.00.
What Damages Can You Claim in a Bicycle Accident Case in Boston?
Bicycle accidents can result in severe injuries with lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Under Massachusetts law, injured cyclists are entitled to seek comprehensive compensation for all losses caused by another party’s negligence. Accurately identifying and proving these damages is essential to securing a fair recovery and protecting your future.
- Medical Expenses: All past, current, and future costs, including emergency room care, surgeries, physical and occupational therapy, prescription medications, and durable medical equipment (crutches, braces, beds, etc.). Massachusetts courts treat these as “special damages” which are fully recoverable when another’s negligence causes the accident.
- Lost Wages & Diminished Earning Capacity: Compensation for income lost during your recovery, as well as any permanent decrease in your ability to earn a living. Vocational experts can project the financial impact of chronic pain or mobility restrictions on your career.
- Pain, Suffering & Emotional Distress: Non-economic damages for physical pain, mental anguish, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of daily activities. Massachusetts does not cap these damages in third-party negligence actions.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your bicycle, helmet, and any other personal property damaged in the crash. Liability may extend to parties responsible for roadway hazards (such as a contractor’s negligence).
- Permanent Disability & Disfigurement: Serious bicycle collisions can result in amputations, nerve damage, or lasting scars. Laws allow recovery for both economic and non-economic harms associated with permanent impairments.
- Loss of Consortium: Spouses and dependent children/minors may recover for lost companionship, support, and household services when a loved one suffers significant injuries.
- Wrongful Death: If a bicycle accident proves fatal, surviving family members can pursue funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional damages under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 229, § 2.
At Dolan Connly, P.C., we carefully assess and document every aspect of your claim to ensure no loss goes uncompensated. Our bicycle accident attorneys in Boston collaborate with medical and financial experts to build a thorough case that fully reflects your immediate and long-term needs. When facing the aftermath of a serious bicycle accident, you need skilled representation dedicated to maximizing your recovery and safeguarding your rights.
Types of Bicycle Accident Cases We Handle at Dolan Connly, P.C.
Bicycle accidents arise from a wide variety of scenarios, each presenting distinct legal challenges, ranging from driver negligence to dangerous roadway conditions and defective bicycle parts. Our bicycle accident lawyers in Boston investigate every possible source of liability, including:
- Open-Door & Crosswalk Crashes: Collisions caused by drivers opening car doors into the path of cyclists or drivers failing to yield to cyclists at crosswalks.
- Rear-End, T-Bone & Intersection Collisions: Incidents where motor vehicles strike cyclists from behind or at intersections, often due to driver distraction or failure to observe traffic signals.
- Right-Hook & Left-Cross Crashes: Situations where turning vehicles violate cyclists’ right of way, requiring detailed reconstruction and witness testimony.
- Road Hazard & Premises Liability: Accidents caused by potholes, debris, unmarked construction zones, or negligent municipal maintenance.
- Defective Equipment Claims: Injuries stemming from brake failures, faulty frames, or unsafe helmet designs, which may involve product liability lawsuits against manufacturers or distributors.
Whether you were commuting, exercising, or running errands, Dolan Connly, P.C. is prepared to handle all varieties of bicycle accident claims. We combine thorough on-site investigations with top-tier expert testimony to build airtight cases. If you have been injured while cycling in Boston, our attorneys will stand by your side and fight for every dollar you deserve.
What to Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident in Boston, MA
Following a bicycle accident in Boston, the decisions you make in the first hours can significantly impact your physical recovery and your ability to obtain fair compensation. Properly documenting the incident, seeking timely medical care, and protecting your legal rights are essential to building a strong case against negligent parties and insurance companies.
- Seek Emergency Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, internal injuries or concussions may not be immediately apparent. Calling 911 or going to an emergency department ensures proper diagnosis and official medical documentation.
- Report to Authorities & Insurance Carrier: Notify the police so they can create an accident report. Exchange contact information with the driver if possible. Then, inform your own insurer and request uninsured motorist coverage if the driver is unknown or uninsured.
- Document the Scene Thoroughly: Before any vehicles or equipment are moved, take clear photos and videos of your bicycle, any debris, roadway conditions, traffic signals, and your injuries. Visual evidence is crucial.
- Gather Witness Information: Obtain names and phone numbers of bystanders, other cyclists, or motorists who saw the crash. Written or recorded statements often prove decisive in reconstructing events.
- Preserve All Evidence: Keep your helmet, clothing, and bicycle in the condition they were in immediately after the collision. Do not repair or discard damaged equipment until an expert has inspected it.
- Avoid Early Statements to Insurers: Do not give oral, recorded, or written statements to insurance adjusters without legal advice, as they may use your words to minimize your claim.
Failing to take these critical steps can weaken your claim and limit your ability to recover damages for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our Boston-based attorneys provide experienced guidance from the outset, ensuring your rights are preserved and fighting aggressively to secure the full compensation you deserve.
How Will a Boston Bicycle Accident Attorney at Dolan Connly, P.C. Handle Your Case?
Cycling collisions often involve split-second dynamics, conflicting witness accounts, and aggressive insurer tactics—any misstep can cost you thousands. From the first call, our Boston bicycle accident lawyers at Dolan Connly, P.C. assume full responsibility for your claim, allowing you to concentrate on healing while we methodically build the strongest possible case for maximum recovery.
Comprehensive Investigation
Every detail matters when reconstructing a bicycle crash. We obtain the official police report, subpoena footage from traffic cameras and cell towers, and interview all witnesses. If warranted, we retain leading accident reconstructionists to calculate impact speeds and angles, and work with roadway-safety engineers to expose hazards such as obscured bike lanes or defective signage.
Skilled Insurance Advocacy
Insurance adjusters routinely downplay bicycle claims to protect profits. We handle all communications with your own UM/UIM carrier, the at-fault driver’s insurer, and any third-party carriers, insisting on strict compliance with Massachusetts law and pushing back on low-ball offers.
Expert Coordination
Bicycle injuries often extend far beyond immediate medical bills. We assemble a team of neurologists, orthopedic specialists, life-care planners, and vocational economists to document your current treatment needs, and forecast future rehabilitation and diminished earning capacity. Every expert report is woven into your claim to ensure no future cost goes unclaimed.
Trial-Ready Preparation
Even when settlement is probable, we prepare every case as though it will be heard by a jury. That means drafting persuasive legal pleadings, conducting depositions, preparing demonstrative exhibits, and organizing expert testimony binders. This level of preparation signals to insurers that only a fair, comprehensive resolution will avoid trial.
From intake through resolution, Dolan Connly, P.C. combines clear communication, relentless advocacy, and subject-matter expertise. You will never be left in the dark about your case’s progress, and you can trust that every facet of your bicycle accident is being championed with the precision and dedication you deserve.
Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Cases in Massachusetts
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 260, Section 2, injured cyclists have three years from the date of a bicycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this three-year deadline will bar any civil recovery, regardless of the strength of your case or the severity of your injuries.
In addition to the statutory deadline, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policies often impose shorter notice requirements—commonly 30 to 60 days after the crash—to preserve your right to UM/UIM benefits. Because critical evidence such as traffic-camera footage, damaged equipment, and witness recollections can disappear quickly, engaging a Boston bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible helps ensure all legal and contractual deadlines are satisfied and that your claim remains viable.
How Do You File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Boston, MA?
Pursuing a bicycle accident claim in Boston requires a deliberate legal roadmap. From assessing insurance options to preparing for trial, each step must be handled promptly and precisely to preserve your rights and maximize compensation. Below is an overview of the process our team at Dolan Connly, P.C. follows to guide you through every stage of your claim.
1. Initial Consultation & Case Strategy
Your first meeting with our Boston bicycle accident attorneys focuses on understanding the facts of your crash, reviewing medical documentation, and determining the most advantageous legal path. We will clarify whether to invoke your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or to pursue a third-party negligence lawsuit. Early identification of liable parties lets us tailor a strategy that aligns with your best interests.
2. Investigation & Evidence Development
We immediately obtain the official police report, 911 call recordings, and any available traffic-camera or surveillance footage. Our attorneys collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists to recreate the collision dynamics, including vehicle speeds, angles of impact, and roadway conditions. When municipal negligence is suspected (such as poorly maintained bike lanes), we subpoena city maintenance logs and Department of Transportation inspection records to establish liability. Simultaneously, we collect your full medical record and secure expert opinions on both your current needs and future care requirements.
3. Demand Preparation & Negotiation
Once the evidentiary foundation is set, we prepare a detailed demand package that itemizes your past and projected medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. We submit this demand to the appropriate insurance carriers and initiate earnest settlement discussions.
4. Filing the Complaint & Court Proceedings
If settlement negotiations fail to yield adequate compensation, we draft and file a formal Complaint. Our pleadings clearly articulate the legal theories (negligence, negligent entrustment, municipal liability) and the damages sought, establishing the framework for all subsequent discovery and pre-trial motions.
5. Discovery, Motions, & Mediation
During discovery, both sides exchange interrogatories, document requests, and deposition notices for witnesses and experts. We may file pre-trial motions, such as motions to compel disclosure of critical evidence or motions in limine to exclude prejudicial testimony, to shape the scope of your case. As required by some Massachusetts courts, we participate in mediation sessions, leveraging our detailed preparation to encourage insurers to settle on favorable terms.
6. Trial Preparation & Litigation
Should your case proceed to trial, we assemble comprehensive demonstrative exhibits, coordinate witness and expert testimony, and conduct mock examinations to prepare you for trial. In the courtroom, we present a compelling narrative rooted in indisputable evidence and expert analysis, advocating for the full measure of damages you have sustained.
From the moment you reach out to Dolan Connly, P.C., until the final resolution, we manage each legal step with precision and persistence. Our goal is to alleviate you of procedural burdens, allowing you to focus on healing with confidence that your case is in the hands of a trusted team of bicycle accident attorneys in Boston, committed to securing the justice and compensation you deserve.
Boston Personal Injury Client Testimonials
The legal council I received from Dolan Connly starting with the initial office visit to the settlement of my personal injury case was very helpful when I needed it most. They helped me navigate all the options and told me in plain English what to expect. I was a cooperative client and provided them with all the documentation they required and was patient allowing the legal process to unfold all of which they appreciated. Given the extent of damages I incurred from the accident I was pleased with the total compensation I received. Kathleen Allen has been our attorney for a few properties and we have sold and have been very happy and satisfied with her professional care in these transactions. There is a very easy way about her, as these things can be very stressful. She was always right there for any concerns or questions that we had. I would highly recommend her to my friends and family. I have closed on two houses with Dolan Connly in the past 10 years. In July 2022, I worked with Kathleen Allen on a closing and was extremely impressed with her professionalism, honestly, and attention to detail. She was the only party to notice a trust was expiring weeks before the planned closing date. Her keen eye resulted in the seller extending the trust and preventing a delay in the closing. -Sam Excellent service ! Barry McIsaac was prompt and effective in dealing my claim case. We need more attorneys like him to help hold big companies accountable. I’d recommend Barry and the Dolan Connly firm to anyone. I worked with Kathleen Allen to purchase my first home in Boston and she was incredible! The seller and I were not working with real estate agents, but Kathleen went above and beyond to make the closing process smooth. I was able to close on time due to her advocating and watching over me. I could not have bought this home without her help. I highly recommend anyone looking for a knowledgeable, quick, and advocating attorney to contact her to purchase a home.
Schedule a Consultation with a Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Boston, MA, you deserve a legal team that fights as fiercely as you do. At Dolan Connly, P.C., our Boston bicycle accident lawyers combine military discipline, deep legal expertise, and genuine compassion to secure the compensation you need to heal and move forward.
FAQ: Boston Bicycle Accident Lawyer
This FAQ section addresses some of the most common legal and practical questions cyclists have after a crash in Boston, helping you better understand your options and avoid costly mistakes. For guidance tailored to your specific situation, contact our Boston bicycle attorneys directly.
Do I have to wear a bicycle helmet in Boston, MA?
Under Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 85, §11B), anyone 16 years old or younger is legally required to wear a properly fastened bicycle helmet when riding on public roads, bike paths, or sidewalks. Although adults over 16 are not legally required to wear helmets, it is strongly recommended for safety and may impact your personal injury claim.
While failing to wear a helmet does not bar you from recovering damages, insurance companies may attempt to argue that your injuries were worsened by not wearing one. Wearing a helmet not only protects your health, but it also strengthens your legal position in the event of a crash.
What should I do if I was partially at fault for my bicycle accident in Boston?
Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages if you were found to be partially at fault at trial, as long as your share of the blame does not exceed 50%. However, the compensation awarded will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault at trial, the compensation awarded would be reduced by 30%.
Can I file a claim if the driver who hit me fled the scene?
Yes, if you are involved in a hit-and-run bicycle accident in Massachusetts, you can file a claim under your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. It is important to act promptly, as there are specific time limits for notifying your insurance company about the accident.
Are there special considerations if my bicycle accident involved a government entity?
Yes, if your accident involved a government entity, such as the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), different rules may apply. For instance, claims against the MBTA must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. It is crucial to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure compliance with these specific deadlines.
What if I were injured due to a defective bicycle or equipment?
If your injury was caused by a defective bicycle or equipment, you might have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor. Massachusetts law requires that such claims be filed within three years from the date of injury. Preserving the defective product and consulting with an attorney experienced in product liability is essential.
How does Massachusetts’ no-fault insurance system affect bicycle accident claims?
Massachusetts is a no-fault insurance state, which means that after a bicycle accident, the injured person’s motor vehicle personal injury protection (PIP) insurance can cover their medical expenses up to a certain amount, which varies depending on the person’s health insurance coverage.
Do you handle other types of personal injury cases besides bicycle accidents?
Yes. In addition to bicycle accidents, Dolan Connly, P.C. represents clients across a wide range of personal injury matters. Our firm handles cases involving car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian injuries, hit-and-run incidents, dog bites, medical malpractice, premises liability, and workers’ compensation claims.
We proudly serve clients throughout Massachusetts, including communities like Pembroke, Brockton, and greater Boston. No matter the nature of your injury, our attorneys are prepared to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
