Ottawa Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Bicycling is a great way to get around while also enjoying the benefits of exercise and being outdoors, which is why every day thousands of Canadians use bicycles. However, when bikers share the road with others, it can be very dangerous and unfortunately, pedestrian accidents and car accidents can occur. Being involved in a bicycle accident is traumatic and can also cause serious injuries and expensive medical bills.
If you or a loved one was the victim of a bike accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in Ottawa today. When you are injured because of the negligence of another person or driver, you have the right to file a claim and be compensated for your injuries, missed time from work, and pain and suffering.
Practice Areas
Major Causes of Bike Accidents in Ottawa
There are all sorts of ways bike accidents can occur and they are not always someone’s fault or the result of negligence. However, when there is an accident because of a negligent or reckless driver, bikers have the right to file a personal injury claim in Ottawa.
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Ottawa include:
- Distracted driving. This is one of the leading causes of all car accidents..
- The right hook. This sort of accident refers to when a driver has a bicyclist on their right and makes a right-hand turn without looking, cutting off the cyclist and causing a collision.
- Left turns. When a car makes a left-hand turn and cuts off a cyclist who is travelling in the opposite direction.
- Car doors. When drivers open their car doors suddenly and without looking, bikers can be struck with the door and suffer a serious accident.
While cycling accidents can happen anywhere, most tend to occur in urban areas where there are more cars on the road. Unfortunately, drivers in Canada don’t always lookout for cyclists, and sadly, this causes many accidents as well.
Common Bike Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents can happen for several reasons, so it’s important to stay safe and always wear a helmet when you’re on your bike. Injuries from cycling accidents can range from minor bumps and bruises to paralysis and even death. Some of the most common cycling accidents in Ottawa include:
- Whiplash.
- Joint pain in elbows, knees, hips, etc.
- Head injuries such as concussions closed head injury and traumatic brain injury.
- Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries.
- Concussions.
- Road rash.
- Broken bones and bruises.
- Knee and leg injuries.
- Arm injuries such as dislocations and fractures.
- Internal injuries.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
- Clavicle breaks.
- Amputation.
Unlike drivers in passenger cars, bikers have nothing (besides a helmet) between them and the road. That’s why when an accident occurs between a cyclist and a motor vehicle, the cyclist is especially vulnerable. Bike accidents can be just as devastating as car accidents, which is why working with an attorney after a crash can help you move forward and adjust to your life again.
When to contact a bike accident lawyer in Ottawa?
If you or a loved one were injured in a bicycle accident, then you should talk to an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Even if it was a minor crash, working with a lawyer will ensure that the case goes smoothly and you get the maximum amount of compensation possible. Working with a lawyer will also help you by:
- Increasing your chances of winning your claim.
- Negotiating with insurance companies.
- Representing you in court.
- Having in-depth knowledge of damages and potential compensation.
- Identifying areas of damage and injury that you may not even realize you can be compensated for.
- Avoiding potential financial loss in court.
- Having contingency agreements, so you don’t pay them until you have a settlement or judgement.
Working with a bike accident lawyer is your way of hedging your bet, to ensure that court goes smoothly. Set up your free consultation to find out how our experienced personal injury attorneys can support you after your accident.
Free Consultation after a Bike Accident in Ottawa
The aftermath of a bicycle accident can be scary. There could be injuries, damage to your bike, insurance forms and claims, and other overwhelming things to manage. That’s why you need to work with experienced bicycle accident attorneys to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Our personal injury attorneys Brenda Hollingsworth and Richard Auger have represented clients throughout Ontario since 2004 and helped hundreds file their claims.
No matter how badly you were hurt, or how much your life was upended, likely, the insurance companies involved will try to pay as little in compensation as possible. That’s why working with a lawyer is so important, to ensure you get all the compensation you deserve to get your life back on track after an accident.
Contact Auger Hollingsworth as soon as possible after a vehicle accident to book your free consultation. We’ll meet with you wherever you’re comfortable, whether that’s in our office, in your own home, or in the hospital where you’re recovering.We put your needs first, and you won’t pay anything unless and until you get a settlement or judgement.
What to do after a bike accident in Ottawa
The first thing to do after a car accident is to take a deep breath and make sure you’re not seriously injured. If you are, seek immediate medical attention. If not, then you can move on and start being practical. You need to protect yourself, as well as any injury claim you may make.
After a bike accident, you should:
- Wait for the police to arrive.
- Never negotiate with the motorist.
- Get driver information.
- If there are witnesses, get their contact information.
- Document what happened – take pictures of all damage and injuries.
- Seek medical attention to document injuries.
- Don’t negotiate with insurance comp
- anies.
- Work with a lawyer.
There are lots of things to consider and many ways to misstep when it comes to documenting, preserving, and presenting evidence. Working with a bicycle accident lawyer will help you ensure that court goes well, and you get the settlement or judgement you deserve.
Compensation for bike accidents
No matter who was at fault for the accidents, there are certain benefits you are entitled to. These are referred to as Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS, ABS, or no-fault). These benefits include:
- Attendant care
- Clothing replacement
- Income replacement benefits
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Visitor expenses
However, if the accident was the fault of the driver and you can prove it, then you have the right to file a negligence claim. In a damages claim (aka tort claim), damages can be recovered for the following:
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Housekeeping expenses
- Excess medical compensation
After an accident, deciding how to proceed and file a claim can be confusing and stressful. That’s why it’s so important you have a personal injury attorney on your team in Ottawa who can defend your rights and negotiate the best settlement on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bicycle Accidents |
Who is liable for a bicycle crash?Determining who was at fault in a bicycle accident is important for establishing liability and winning your personal injury claim. If the driver of a motor vehicle engaged in any of the following behaviour, they can be liable for the accident:
It’s important to know that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your settlement award will be reduced to reflect the percentage of fault. If you are found to be primarily at fault for the accident, you may not be entitled to any compensation at all. Also, after a bicycle accident, it is common for the insurance company of the at-fault driver to claim “contributory negligence.” This means that there was some negligence on the part of the cyclist—a tactic that is often used to avoid financial liability for the insurance company. However, having a qualified cycling accident attorney in Ottawa on your team can help you negotiate a fair settlement for your injuries or take the case to court if need be. |
When do I need a bike accident lawyer?It’s best to get a lawyer immediately after an accident, particularly if you sustained an injury or your bike was damaged in the crash. Your bike accident attorney will help you catalogue your injuries, as well as consider current and future medical costs, and know how best to negotiate with insurance companies to get the compensation you deserve. You can work on your own and represent yourself in court, as well as file your own insurance claims. But working with an expert means a higher chance of success, as well as more compensation from your settlement and judgement. And don’t forget, you don’t have to pay anything unless you get a settlement or judgement. |
Who can be held responsible after a bike accident?Typically, motorists are the at-fault party after a bicycle crash. But other parties may be involved or responsible, too. Such as bystanders, dangerous road conditions, other cyclists, etc. Sometimes property owners, or the government may also be partially responsible, if it was road or premises conditions that caused the crash that injured you. Speaking to a lawyer will help you figure out who the real at-fault party is after an accident, and then you can take next steps together to file your case. |
What are the most common causes of bike accidents?There are many different possible accident causes. It can be from a car or other vehicle, of course, or perhaps dangerous road conditions. There are also non-car related crashes, such as mechanical failures, clothing caught in the bike mechanism, animal attacks, poor road conditions, riding with no hands, not paying attention, and the like. The most common types of bike accidents include:
No matter what type of bike accident you were in, a lawyer can help you evaluate your case and file your claim. Speak to our experienced lawyers today to learn how we can help, call: +1 (613) 233-4529 |
What is the Ontario Insurance Act?Under the Ontario Insurance Act, cyclists who were injured in an accident with a motor vehicle are provided with certain accident benefits, including medical treatment and rehabilitative care, funeral and death benefits care, and income loss replacement. Suffering an injury on a bicycle can be painful and stressful, but with the right personal injury attorney on your team, you can get the most out of your Ontario accident benefits claims. |
What Our Clients Say:
“No one ever wants to get in an accident but accidents do happen. I was involved in a bike accident in May 2016. I had heard of personal injury lawyers but never had to use one. It became quite clear after my accident that neither my auto insurance or the person who hit me auto insurance care one bit about me or my well being. I decided I needed get help. From the first meeting I had with Sophia I could tell here were some people who had my back. The process is long so be patient. The healing process is long too at least mine was. If you have the misfortune of being in an accident where you suffer personal injury I would tell you all the people at this firm do care and show it. Personal thanks to Jenny and Dawn who both went above and beyond to answer my numerous questions.I would recommend Auger Hollingsworth to anyone.”
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Contact our Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Ottawa today
Auger Hollingsworth accident and injury lawyers have years of experience helping clients in Ottawa recover fair compensation for their injuries and pain and suffering. Our clients are our number one priority, and we fight hard to make sure they get what they deserve. For a free consultation with one of our qualified cycling accident attorneys, contact us today at +1 (613) 233-4529 or online.
More information about bicycle accidents
For more information, visit one of our blog posts:
- 10 Bicycle Laws You Need to Know!
- Common types of bicycle collisions and how to avoid them
- 4 Key Skills for Bike Safety
- As a cyclist, how am I compensated for my bicycle loss in a motor vehicle-cyclist accident?
- Ottawa cyclists ride for safer road conditions, fewer bicycle-vehicle collisions
- Traumatic Brain Injury After a Bicycle Accident
- Coroner Releases Report on Ontario Bicycle Accident Deaths
- Fatal Bicycle Accidents in Ontario
- Spinning Out of Control: The Ontario Bicycle Accident Handbook
- Does Your Ontario Car Insurance Protect You in a Bike Accident?
