Many bicyclists are aware of how dangerous sharing the road with automobiles can be. Bikers lack the speed of motorized vehicles, as well as the protection than an enclosed vehicle offers. Because bicyclists are less visible on the roads than automobiles, drivers often do not see cyclists and cause car-bike crashes. A fatal collision between a bicycle and an 18-wheeler in Cambridge Massachusetts shows how dangerous roads can be for cyclists in some parts of Massachusetts.

Fatal Car-Bike Accident

On December 27, 2011 a bicyclist was fatally injured in a collision with an 18-wheeler at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Vassar in Cambridge. The victim was later identified as a native of Myanmar and a 2010 MIT graduate. Authorities reported the accident occurred when the truck was making a right turn onto Massachusetts Avenue. The victim’s bicycle was stuck under the wheels of the truck after the accident, and he was pronounced dead when he arrived at the hospital.

Not So Bike-Friendly

Cambridge has a reputation for being a good place for bicycle riders, but that image may not be accurate. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation issued a report in 2011 showing Cambridge as leading the state in the number of bike-car crashes. From 2002 through 2009, there were over 400 bike-car crashes in Cambridge. Eight of the top 10 bike-car crash sites were in Cambridge, according to the MassDOT report.

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security reported that there were 10 fatal bike-car crashes and 81 bike-car crashes causing incapacitating injuries in 2008 alone statewide.

Consult an Attorney

While the law treats bicycles as vehicles – giving cyclists the right to share the road with cars – crash statistics show that bicycling can be very dangerous. If you have been injured in a bike-car crash, do not hesitate to consult an experienced car crash attorney who can help you recover just and proper compensation for your injuries.