Brampton Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Brampton, you may be entitled to compensation under Ontario law. A personal injury lawyer at Auger Hollingsworth Accident & Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the legal system and fight for the benefits and damages you deserve. Our experienced team of personal injury lawyers in Brampton is dedicated to helping cyclists recover financially and medically after serious accidents involving motor vehicles, potholes, construction zones, and other cycling-related hazards.
Types of Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Collisions
Collisions between bicycles and motor vehicles are a leading cause of serious cycling injuries in Brampton. These incidents often occur in areas with heavy traffic congestion, limited bike infrastructure, or poor driver awareness. Understanding the specific type of crash can help identify how the accident happened and who may be liable under Ontario cycling injury law.
The Right Hook
A common collision where a motor vehicle makes a right turn across a cyclist’s path without yielding. These crashes often happen at intersections or when a driver fails to check blind spots in bike lanes or sharrows.
The Left Cross
Occurs when an oncoming vehicle turns left across the path of a cyclist. These bike crashes are particularly dangerous at busy intersections or when visibility is low.
Dooring
Happens when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of a cyclist. This is common on city streets where bicycles share lanes with parked cars and is a frequent safety issue in traffic-congested zones.
Unsafe Passing
Drivers who pass too closely to cyclists may cause collisions due to road rage incidents or careless disregard for bike safety. Inadequate space can lead to sideswipes and loss of control.
Pulling Out from Driveways or Parking Lots
Cyclists are often overlooked by drivers exiting driveways or parking garages, especially on residential roads or in commercial areas.
Rear-End Collisions
This type of bike accident usually occurs when a driver is distracted or speeding. These impacts can be severe, especially for e-bike and e-scooter riders.
Common Injuries in Brampton Cycling Accidents
Cycling accidents in Brampton often result in serious injuries due to the limited protection a bicycle provides compared to a motor vehicle. When cyclists are struck by a car, fall due to unsafe road conditions, or are involved in crashes on bike lanes, the injuries can be life-altering. These injuries frequently require extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions – Even with proper helmet use, cyclists can suffer head trauma in high-impact collisions, especially from rear-end crashes or being thrown onto the pavement.
- Spinal cord injuries – Impact to the back or neck can cause permanent damage, including paralysis or chronic pain. These injuries often result from being struck by a vehicle or hitting streetcar tracks or potholes.
- Fractures and broken bones – Broken arms, wrists, ribs, or legs are common when a cyclist is hit by a vehicle or thrown over handlebars.
- Soft tissue injuries – Torn ligaments, muscle strains, and bruising often occur during falls caused by road hazards or unsafe passing.
- Psychological trauma – Victims may experience anxiety, depression, or PTSD after a violent bicycle collision, especially in cases involving road rage or aggressive drivers.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Brampton
If you are involved in a bike accident in Brampton, your actions immediately after the incident can affect your health and legal rights. Following these steps can help protect your ability to pursue compensation:
- Get medical attention – Call emergency services or visit a hospital, even if your injuries seem minor. Some symptoms may take hours or days to appear.
- Report the accident to police – Obtain a Motor Vehicle Accident Report, especially if a driver was involved in the collision.
- Document the scene – Take photographs of your injuries, your bicycle, the vehicle involved, and any road conditions like construction zones, potholes, or missing signage.
- Collect information – Gather the name, licence plate, and insurance details of the driver, and speak with any witnesses.
- Do not admit fault – Stick to the facts when speaking with the driver or police.
- Notify your insurer – If you have auto insurance or are covered under a family member’s policy, report the incident and apply for accident benefits.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer – A Brampton bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and guide you through the claims process.
What Compensation Can You Claim After a Bicycle Accident?
Cyclists injured in Brampton have access to various forms of compensation under Ontario’s legal framework. Your ability to claim depends on the severity of your injuries and who was at fault.
- Accident benefits: These include income replacement, medical expenses, and rehabilitation services under Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS).
- Tort claim: If a driver was at fault, you may file a lawsuit for pain and suffering, future care costs, and lost earnings.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: Medical devices, transportation, and other costs related to your injuries.
- Family Law Act claims: Family members may be eligible for compensation if your injuries have impacted their lives.
The Bicycle Accident Claims Process
Navigating the legal process after a cycling accident can be overwhelming. Working with a personal injury law firm ensures deadlines are met and your rights are protected throughout the case.
- Initial consultation – A lawyer will evaluate your case, explain your options, and determine whether accident benefits or a tort claim applies.
- Accident benefits application – You must notify your insurer within 7 days and submit a completed application package within 30 days.
- Evidence gathering – Includes collecting police reports, medical records, expert assessments, and witness statements.
- Insurance communication – Your lawyer handles correspondence with insurers to prevent low settlement offers or denials.
- Settlement negotiation or litigation – Most claims resolve through negotiation. If necessary, your case may proceed to mediation, arbitration, or trial to secure fair compensation.
Why Choose Us as Your Brampton Bicycle Accident Lawyers
We are advocates for cycling safety and legal justice in Ontario. Our approach is grounded in experience, compassion, and results.
Real Support Throughout the Process
We manage every part of your claim, from collecting evidence to dealing with insurers, so you can focus on recovery.
No Matter Where You Are in Ontario, We’re Here for You
Whether your accident occurred in Brampton or elsewhere, we represent injured cyclists across Ontario, including those using e-bikes and e-scooters.
Your Case Matters to Us, Not Just the Settlement
We listen, we respond, and we treat you like a person and not just a file. Our focus is on your rights, your recovery, and securing the compensation you need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I sue a driver after a bike accident in Brampton?
Yes. If the driver was negligent, you can pursue a tort claim for damages beyond standard accident benefits.
Is the driver always at fault when hitting a cyclist?
Not always. Liability depends on factors such as road conditions, traffic laws, and driver behaviour. However, drivers are often held responsible in interactions involving distracted driving or failure to yield.
What are my rights as a cyclist under Ontario law?
Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. You are entitled to use bike lanes, bicycle-designed lanes, and sharrows, and are protected under traffic laws. Ontario cycling law ensures access to safe infrastructure and compensation if injured due to someone else’s negligence.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Brampton Today
If you’ve been hurt in a cycling accident in Brampton, speak with a personal injury lawyer from Auger Hollingsworth today. Our team will review your case, help you understand your rights, and take action to secure compensation. We offer free consultations and don’t get paid unless you win.