BICYCLE ACCIDENTS | BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYERS
Cycling is an activity enjoyed by many and it is a great alternative to driving, however this activity does not come without risk. Collisions between cyclists and motor vehicles often result in severe and, in some cases, life threatening injuries. While cyclists have equal right to share the road, like motorists, they have the responsibility to drive with caution, obey traffic laws and ensure the safety of others on the road with them. Despite both parties sharing an obligation to drive with care, accidents still occur.
Our Free, No Obligation Consultation allows the legal team at Bezaire & Associates to review your case and determine the compensation to which you are entitled. We guarantee that you pay us nothing unless or until you get paid!
WHY DO BICYCLE ACCIDENTS HAPPEN?
During your daily commute have you ever witnesses a negligent motorist driving into a bicyclist’s path or an impatient motorist attempting to pass a cyclist with oncoming traffic –these scenarios happen every day and are just two of the ways that bicycle and motorist collisions occur. Unqualified drivers, carelessness and negligence, driving under the influence, blind spots, failure to comply with safety regulations and failure to obey traffic laws are a few of the more serious risks for cyclists. Yet, there are other ways that motorists can injure cyclists even while they are not operating their vehicle; for instance, when a passenger, or the driver of a vehicle, opens their door without checking for oncoming traffic, harming a cyclist.
A BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER WILL ADVISE YOU HOW TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE FOLLOWING CLAIMS:
- PERSONAL INJURIES
- BICYCLE DAMAGE
- LOSS OF EARNINGS
- PROPERTY DAMAGE
- TRAVEL COSTS
PREVENTING INJURY:
Cyclists have an obligation to do their due diligence to protect themselves from serious injury. In addition to ensuring that they are visible to drivers, they also need safety equipment:
- Helmets – These are mandatory, in Ontario, for cyclists under the age of 18
- Lights – Required for driving between dusk and dawn
- Brakes
- A Bell or Horn – To alert other cyclists and pedestrians
- Reflectors
COMPENSATION
Cyclists who have been injured by a motorist may be entitled to compensation for injuries such as: skin lacerations, whiplash, broken bones, internal injuries, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, wage losses, death and much more. Cyclists can also recover compensatory damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, wrongful death, and other losses.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, treat your injuries immediately. If you can, take photos to document the weather, road conditions and the accident scene. Victims have up to two years to file a claim and receive compensation. However, if you are looking to start a claim against a municipality or file a product liability claim, different time limits exist. Contact Bezaire and Associates as soon as possible to ensure that you get all compensation to which you are entitled.
