Scarborough Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Scarborough bicycle accident lawyers help injured cyclists pursue fair compensation after being harmed in a collision involving a motor vehicle. Whether the crash occurred on bike paths, bicycle-designed lanes, city streets, or near streetcar tracks, injured individuals are often entitled to accident benefits or the right to sue a negligent driver. Auger Hollingsworth Accident & Injury Lawyers is a Scarborough personal injury law firm that provides skilled legal representation to cyclists injured in Scarborough and across Ontario.

Types of Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Collisions

Bicycle collisions with motor vehicles often occur due to visibility issues, driver negligence, poor road design, or lack of dedicated cycling infrastructure. Understanding how these incidents happen can help determine fault, support legal claims, and highlight recurring safety issues on Scarborough roads. These types of collisions are especially common in high-traffic areas, at intersections, and where bike lanes or sharrows are poorly marked or obstructed. Common types of motor-vehicle-bicycle collisions include:

The Right Hook
A common cause of cyclist accidents, this occurs when a driver overtakes a cyclist and turns right across their path, cutting them off. It often happens at intersections or driveways and is more likely when drivers fail to shoulder check before turning.

The Left Cross
This type of bike crash happens when an oncoming vehicle makes a left turn and strikes a cyclist travelling straight through an intersection. Misjudged speeds, low visibility, and distracted driving are frequent causes.

Dooring
When a parked driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist’s path without checking, the cyclist can crash into the door or swerve into active traffic. Dooring is especially common in dense urban areas without separated bike paths or where on-street parking is adjacent to bike lanes.

Unsafe Passing
Motor vehicles that pass bicycles too closely, often in violation of Ontario’s one-metre rule, put cyclists at risk of being sideswiped. These incidents can happen on narrow city streets, in traffic congestion, or when drivers are impatient or aggressive.

Pulling Out from Driveways or Parking Lots
Drivers entering traffic from private property, laneways, or parking garages may fail to see a cyclist approaching on a bike path or sidewalk. These crashes are often caused by poor sightlines or failure to yield.

Rear-End Collisions
A driver who is distracted, speeding, or following too closely may collide with the back of a cyclist. Rear-end collisions are particularly dangerous during low-light conditions, winter cycling, or when e-bikes and e-scooters are involved due to differing travel speeds.

Common Injuries in Scarborough Cycling Accidents

Cyclists involved in collisions with motor vehicles, obstacles like potholes, or hazards such as construction zones can suffer a wide range of injuries. Due to the lack of physical protection, the impact of these accidents often results in serious and sometimes permanent damage. Early medical attention is essential for accurate diagnosis, proper treatment, and to support any future legal claims. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions – Caused by impact to the head, even with a helmet. Can lead to memory loss, cognitive issues, and long-term neurological effects.
• Spinal cord injuries – These can cause partial or complete paralysis and often require extensive rehabilitation.
• Fractures and broken bones – Arms, wrists, ribs, and legs are frequently broken during falls or direct impact with vehicles or pavement.
• Soft tissue injuries – These include torn ligaments, whiplash, and muscle damage that may cause lasting pain or mobility issues.
• Psychological trauma – Post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety are common after violent crashes or interactions with aggressive drivers.