Oshawa Bicycle Accident Lawyer
An Oshawa bicycle accident lawyer helps injured cyclists recover compensation after a collision with a motor vehicle or injuries due to unsafe road conditions. These cases often involve liability disputes and the need for strong advocacy under Ontario’s personal injury law. At Auger Hollingsworth Accident & Injury Lawyers, our experienced Oshawa personal injury lawyers help victims of bicycle collisions pursue justice and secure the compensation they deserve.
Types of Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Collisions
Cycling accidents involving motor vehicles are among the most serious collisions on Ontario roads. These incidents can occur on busy city streets, bike lanes, or residential areas. These incidents are often caused by distracted drivers, unsafe road conditions, or disregard for cyclists’ safety. Understanding how these crashes happen is essential for determining fault and liability to protect your rights under Ontario’s personal injury law.
The Right Hook
This happens when a driver overtakes a cyclist and turns right across their path. It’s common at intersections and in areas without protected bike lanes.
The Left Cross
A left cross occurs when a vehicle turns left in front of a cyclist travelling straight through an intersection, often due to distracted driving or failure to yield.
Dooring
This happens when a parked driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist’s path. It’s one of the most frequent causes of urban cycling accidents.
Unsafe Passing
Drivers who pass too closely can cause serious bike crashes. The law requires vehicles to leave at least one metre of space when overtaking bicycles.
Pulling Out from Driveways or Parking Lots
Collisions occur when drivers fail to check for cyclists before entering or exiting driveways, parking lots, or side streets.
Rear-End Collisions
When a motor vehicle follows too closely, especially in traffic congestion or low visibility, cyclists can be struck from behind, often leading to catastrophic injuries.
Common Injuries in Oshawa Cycling Accidents
Cyclists are highly vulnerable in collisions with motor vehicles. Even when wearing a bike helmet and protective gear, the human body is no match for the weight and speed of a car or truck. Victims of bike accidents often require medical treatment and lengthy rehabilitation.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Concussions
Despite protection offered by helmets, head impacts can lead to long-term cognitive challenges, headaches, and noise and light sensitivities.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A sudden impact can cause partial or complete paralysis, requiring extensive medical and rehabilitation support.
Broken Bones
Arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones are commonly fractured when cyclists are thrown from their bikes or pinned by motor vehicles.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Sprains, strains, and whiplash are frequent in collisions involving sudden stops or falls.
Psychological Trauma
Beyond physical harm, cyclists may develop anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or phobias after a serious bike accident.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Oshawa
Knowing what steps to take immediately after a bicycle collision can make a major difference in your recovery and the strength of your legal claim. The aftermath of a crash can be overwhelming, but following these steps can help preserve evidence and protect your rights.
- Call emergency services. Report the accident to police and request medical assistance. The police report will provide vital documentation for your case and identify witnesses or traffic violations.
- Document the scene. Take photographs or videos of the vehicles involved, the roadway, potholes, construction zones, or other hazards. Visual evidence can be critical in proving liability.
- Exchange information. Obtain the driver’s name, licence number, insurance details, and vehicle plate. If the driver flees the scene, note the vehicle’s description and direction of travel for police.
- Collect witness details. Independent witnesses can strengthen your case by confirming how the collision occurred.
- Seek medical care immediately. Even if you feel fine, injuries such as concussions or soft tissue damage may develop hours after the accident, and it is best to seek medical treatment early to prevent complications.
- Notify your insurance provider. Cyclists injured in motor-vehicle-bicycle accidents are eligible for accident benefits under Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS).
- Contact an experienced accident lawyer. Legal guidance ensures your rights are protected from the start, helps navigate an insurance claim, and maximizes the compensation you may be entitled to.
Prompt action not only protects your health but also strengthens your legal position. Working with Auger Hollingsworth Accident & Injury Lawyers ensures that evidence is preserved, insurers are held accountable, and your recovery — both physical and financial — remains the priority.
What Compensation Can You Claim After a Bicycle Accident?
Cyclists injured in an accident may face lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Whether caused by a negligent driver, poor road maintenance, or construction hazards, victims have the right to seek compensation for their losses. An experienced accident lawyer ensures every eligible category of damages is properly claimed and supported.
You may be entitled to:
- Medical and Rehabilitation Costs – Coverage for hospital care, surgery, physiotherapy, counselling, and ongoing rehabilitation, including assistive devices or home modifications.
- Loss of Income – Compensation for missed work and loss of competitive advantage due to reduced employability.
- Pain and Suffering – Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of daily life.
- Housekeeping and Attendant Care – Support for home maintenance and personal assistance when injuries limit your ability to care for yourself and complete household chores.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses – Reimbursement for travel, medication, assistive devices and damaged property such as your bicycle or helmet.
- Future Care Costs – Compensation for long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation needs.
Cyclists may qualify for Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS) under Ontario’s no-fault insurance system. These benefits cover medical care and income replacement regardless of fault. Victims can also file a civil lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover additional compensation.
The Bicycle Accident Claims Process
Filing a claim after a bicycle collision involves multiple steps and strict deadlines. Having experienced legal guidance ensures your claim is properly managed and supported with evidence.
- Consultation and Case Review – We assess your accident, injuries, and insurance coverage, explaining your rights and available compensation options.
- Evidence Collection – Our team secures police reports, ambulance reports, motor vehicle accident reports, witness statements, and photos of road conditions, vehicles, and damage to establish fault.
- Medical Documentation – We work with doctors and experts to record the full impact of your injuries for both accident benefits and litigation.
- Accident Benefits Application – We handle all SABS paperwork to secure timely coverage for treatment and income replacement.
- Negotiation with Insurers – Our lawyers communicate directly with insurance companies to secure fair compensation.
- Litigation if Required – If insurers refuse to settle fairly, we are prepared and skilled to advocate for your case in court to achieve maximum recovery.
With Auger Hollingsworth Accident & Injury Lawyers, cyclists receive dedicated legal support at every stage of the claims process — from the first call to the final resolution — ensuring their rights are protected and their recovery remains the priority.
Why Choose Us as Your Oshawa Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Support Throughout the Process
Our legal team guides you through every step — from insurance paperwork to litigation — ensuring clear communication and strong advocacy.
No Matter Where You Are in Ontario, We’re Here for You
We represent cyclists across Oshawa and throughout Ontario, including Toronto, Durham Region, and surrounding communities.
Your Case Matters to Us—Not Just the Settlement
We focus on helping you access the medical care, rehabilitation, and compensation needed to rebuild your life after a cycling accident.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I sue a driver after a bike accident in Oshawa?
Yes. If the driver’s negligence caused the collision, you can file a personal injury claim for compensation in addition to your statutory accident benefits.
Is the driver always at fault when hitting a cyclist?
Not always, but under Ontario law, the driver must prove they were not negligent. The presumption of fault generally protects cyclists in motor-vehicle-bicycle accidents.
What are my rights as a cyclist under Ontario law?
Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other road users. They are entitled to safe passage on bike paths, sharrows, and bicycle-designed lanes — and to compensation under personal injury law when those rights are violated.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Oshawa Today
If you were injured in a bike crash involving a motor vehicle, unsafe road conditions, or negligent drivers, you have rights under Ontario personal injury law. Speak with an injury lawyer at Auger Hollingsworth Accident & Injury Lawyers to start your claim today.
