Ottawa Bicycle Accidents Lawyers

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 bike accidents in Ottawa include:

• Distracted driving. This is one of the leading causes of all car accidents. Whether a driver is texting, talking on the phone, eating, or simply not paying attention to the road, just a split second of not paying attention can cause a dangerous accident.
• 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.
• Bad roads. When roads are not properly maintained they can be very dangerous for cyclists. Bikers should always be on the lookout for potholes and debris in the road that could cause an accident.
• 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.

The most 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:

• Head injuries such as concussions closed head injury and traumatic brain injury.
• Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries.
• Road rash.
• Broken bones and bruises.
• Knee and leg injuries.
• Arm injuries such as dislocations and fractures.
• 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. 

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:

• Opening a door directly into a cyclist’s path.
• Turning or changing lanes without using their turn signal.
• Ignoring a cyclist’s right of way or turning into an intersection without looking out for cyclists.

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.