Car Strikes Bicyclist at North St and Lynde St in Salem, MA

Salem, MA (September 18, 2026) – A 59-year-old man riding a bicycle was hurt on Thursday, September 17, when a car struck him at North Street and Lynde Street. 

Salem Police said the accident happened around 7:20 p.m. Emergency units arrived to find him with serious injuries.

He was taken to a hospital and later transferred to another in Boston, where he was listed in critical condition. Details about the driver were not included in the initial report on the crash.

The investigation remains open. 

We are thinking of the injured man and his family as he recovers.

What Legal Duties Do Drivers Owe Bicyclists in Salem, MA?

Massachusetts law treats bicycles as vehicles with a right to use most public roads, and drivers must operate with reasonable care around them, including leaving a safe distance when passing. 

When a driver falls short of that standard, and a rider is harmed as a result, the driver may be legally responsible for the harm. How that plays out depends on the facts of each claim.

Responsibility in these claims is generally measured by negligence: whether the driver owed a duty, failed to meet it, and caused the harm that followed. 

Common ways drivers fall short include turning across a bike's path, opening a door into a traveling rider, drifting into a bike lane, or looking at a phone instead of the road. Proof of what the driver actually did carries a great deal of weight in a collision like this.

Photos, medical records, witness names, and any camera footage can help show how a driver's duty was handled, and footage is often erased quickly.

A bicycle accident lawyer can help gather those materials, identify the driver's insurance, and explain how the three-year deadline that generally applies to Massachusetts injury claims fits into the timeline.

At Fiorentino Legal, P.C., we can review the facts, who owed what duty, and which insurance policies may be involved. We can review your case and help you see where your legal options stand.

You can reach Attorney Christopher Fioretino of Fiorentino Legal, P.C., at (617) 990-2568 to talk through your questions. 

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Fiorentino Legal, P.C. has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Fiorentino Legal, P.C. so we can promptly review and update the content.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Fiorentino Legal, P.C. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.