Toronto Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Whether for fitness, fun or as a form of transportation, bicycle riding in the Toronto area is on the increase. In fact, according to a report by the CBC, over the last year, “The demand was so high most shops are still in short supply and don’t have enough inventory to keep up with an even greater demand this year.”
While the increase in bike use may be great news for the environment and for physical wellness, it also means that there are more accidents – many of which result in injuries that include everything from broken bones, sprains, and strains to catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, and in the worst of all cases, fatal injuries. In fact, according to the Toronto Police Service, while there was a 14 percent decrease in collisions from 2019 to 2020, there were more cyclist deaths.
As more bicyclists share the road with motor vehicles, there is greater potential for contact between bike riders and passenger cars or even larger vehicles, such as trucks or busses. Even the safest rider can find themselves in trouble when a truck pulls out without signalling a turn or poor road conditions wreak havoc.
Do you have a right to compensation if you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing? You absolutely do, but there are important timelines that must be met:
- You must inform the insurance company within 7 days of the accident (yours, and/or that of the at-fault party).
- After receiving your application, you have 30 days to file for accident benefits
- You have 120 days to file a notice of intent to sue to the at-fault party
- You have up to 2 years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party for pain, suffering, lost wages, and other compensable expenses
Failure to meet these timelines may mean that you forfeit your right to justice and financial recovery for the injuries you suffered. As dedicated and experienced Toronto bicycle accident lawyers, we do more than help you file accurate and complete claims on time: We work to make sure you get the full and fair compensation you are entitled to.
Practice Areas
Common bike accidents in and around Toronto
Perhaps this statistic from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) should come as no surprise: Of all bicycle rider accident fatalities, 73 percent involve collision with a motor vehicle. While collisions between motor vehicles and bike riders may be the most serious, they’re not the only types of bike accidents that can cause injuries. Causes of accidents between bikes and cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles can include:
- “Dooring” accidents: This happens when a car door opens in the path of a bike. Often, the bike rider doesn’t have enough time to get out of the way and either crashes into the door or goes over the top of their handlebars.
- Drunk or drugged drivers: Bicyclists may be even more vulnerable than vehicle drivers when it comes to being struck by a drunk driver. Not only do they have far less protection, but they are also less likely to be seen by an intoxicated driver.
- Distracted drivers: Overall, deaths from collisions in Ontario caused by distracted driving have doubled since 2000. While this includes all types of collisions, bike riders may be especially at risk of being hit by motorists who are texting or are otherwise distracted while operating a vehicle.
- Drivers breaking traffic laws: Motorists failing to heed stop signs, running red lights, speeding, passing on a shoulder or driving in a bike lane, or similar illegal traffic maneuvers create dangerous situations for bike riders.
Other Bike Accident Injuries
Other causes of bike-rider injuries that are not related to accidents with motor vehicles include:
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, badly maintained roadways, exposed grates, and other conditions that may be attributable to negligence are common causes of bike accidents.
- Accidents involving other cyclists or pedestrians: Determining who was the at-fault party is critical to determining if you may be eligible for compensation.
- Accidents caused by animals: Pet owners are responsible for keeping control of their animals, and not allowing them to wander out onto streets or chase bikes.
Getting compensation for bicycle accident injuries
When your accident was caused by the carelessness or negligence of another, you have the right to seek compensation for the harm inflicted upon you, whether the at-fault party was wholly or partially responsible. A “damages” claim (also known as a tort claim) is a lawsuit filed to get monetary compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income (beyond what is payable under Statutory Accident Benefits)
- Housekeeping and yard maintenance costs
- Excess medical expenses
What are Accident Benefits?
Even if you file a negligence lawsuit (tort claim), you must first file for Statutory Accident Benefits (SBA). In vehicle-bicycle accidents, the claim is filed against the motor vehicle driver’s Accident Benefits insurance. These no-fault benefits are available to you if you were hit by a motorist, and include compensation for medical, income, caregiver, and other expenses. SBAs are available to you whether you choose to file a tort claim or not. Typically, accident benefits include:
- $50,000 for medical and rehabilitation
- $400 a week for income replacement (a $185 a week benefit may be available for non-earners)
- $3,000 a month (to a maximum of $36,000) for attendant care
In this second part of a 3-part interview personal injury lawyer Brenda Hollingsworth describes what steps to take after an Ontario motor vehicle accident.
Get a FREE assessment from us here https://ahinjurylaw.com/
Are you looking for expert advice after an accident? The smartest step you can take after any accident is to connect with a personal injury lawyer for a FREE consultation.
In Ontario, Canada, Personal injury lawyers Brenda Hollingsworth and Richard Auger with their team of experienced lawyers offer FREE, no-pressure, advice about your rights and entitlements when you have been hurt.
For more information on whether you have a claim for car accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, any other road accidents, accidents at work, slips and falls, etc, go to https://ahinjurylaw.com/
The interview also discusses what information you should collect at the accident scene before you leave. Get the other driver’s name, address and driver’s license. Wait for the police if they have been called.
It is also important to get medical attention as quickly as possible. It is easier to prove your injury was caused by the accident if you see a medical doctor as soon as possible after the accident.
Having all your documents helps win your case
By gathering the necessary documents, you help us help you win your case and maximize compensation to which you may be entitled. Documents you will need include:
- Police report(s)
- Medical records from doctors and hospitals
- Your health card, driver’s license, and SIN
- Information from the motorist who hit you, including the driver’s license, make/model of car, their insurance info, etc.
- Your automobile insurance, if applicable
- Accident scene photos
- Photos of damage to personal property
- Names and contact info from witnesses
What Our Clients Say:
“Very Pleasant Service, had my first Injury situation and went straight to these guys! They know exactly what there doing and share there experience as your case moves on, if you have never had an injury and looking to fight then I high reccomend these guys especially if you have no clue what to do, they will help you 👌”
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Contact our Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Toronto today
If you have been injured in a bike accident in the Toronto area, contact an Auger Hollingworth lawyer immediately. Getting you full and fair compensation for your injuries is our number one priority. We are committed to giving you sound and honest advice, prompt response to your questions and concerns, and aggressive representation when needed. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us online or call us at +1 (613) 233-4529.
