Bicycle Accidents

Riding a bicycle can be an invigorating form of exercise, an environmentally-friendly alternative to driving a car, a practical method for commuting around town, and an enjoyable recreational activity. Throughout the provinces, in big cities and small towns alike, cycling is a popular method of transportation. 

As enjoyable as the activity may be, cycling is not without its risks. People who ride bicycles should take proper safety precautions, some of which are required by law. For example, in accordance with the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, all bicycles must have working lights, reflectors, and reflector tape, as well as a bell or horn to alert oncoming vehicles or pedestrians to their presence. Bicycles are subject to the same rules of the road as motor vehicles, and cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers.

Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road-users. Whereas the drivers of passenger vehicles can rely on their car’s built-in safety features to protect them in the event of a crash, bicycle riders are completely vulnerable to the elements. Although the use of helmets could greatly reduce the risk of injury or death, cyclists over the age of 18 are not legally required to wear them. That means, in the event of a collision with a motor vehicle, a cyclist might be completely exposed to the dangers of the road. 

Nearly three quarters of the country’s fatal bicycle accidents involve a collision with a motor vehicle. When negligent drivers fail to obey the rules of the road and inadvertently strike an unsuspecting cyclist, their wrongful actions could have life-altering consequences for the injured accident victim. Bicycle accidents can result in a number of injuries ranging from moderate to catastrophic.

Coping with the injuries sustained in bicycle accidents can be a difficult and expensive process. Often, because of the severity of their injuries, bicycle accident victims find themselves unable to carry out the duties of their jobs. When this happens, all because of a driver’s negligence, an injured cyclist may no longer be able to support themselves or their families. Their physical abilities, emotional wellness, and financial security could be compromised forever, simply because a driver failed to obey the rules of the road. 

If you were injured by a negligent driver, you have likely already noticed how quickly expenses have begun to accumulate. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you might be entitled to compensation. Learn how our Ontario bicycle accident lawyers may be able to help you recover the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled by scheduling a free initial consultation with Preszler Injury Lawyers today. To get started, call 1-800-JUSTICE.

Safety Reminders for Bicycle Riders in Ontario

Bicycle accidents can happen in any season. While most people prefer riding their bikes during temperate, summer weather, many cyclists regularly commute by bike all year long. 

Ontarians who choose to ride their bicycles during the cold, snowy winter months face many hazards, including dangerous road conditions and low visibility. In addition to wearing bright clothing to make sure they are as highly visible as possible, winter riders may wish to perform seasonally appropriate maintenance on their bikes and follow other safety tips for winter cycling.

Regardless of the season, even though it is not necessarily legally mandatory, all cyclists should wear helmets. Not only might a helmet protect a bicycle accident victim against severe traumatic brain injuries in the event of a collision with a negligent driver, but if injured accident survivors choose to pursue legal action against the at-fault motorist, wearing a helmet might be beneficial for their claim. 

If you sustained injuries related to head trauma, in order to pursue a civil claim against the driver whose wrongful actions caused your collision, our bicycle accident lawyers serving Ontario must be able to prove that:

• The driver owed you a duty of care
• By engaging in negligent behaviour, the driver failed to fulfill their duty of care
• As a result of their negligence, you sustained injuries
• Because of your injuries, you incurred financial losses

However, if you are considered to be contributorily negligent, the amount of compensation to which you are entitled might be reduced. If you were not wearing a proper helmet when the collision occurred, you might be considered partially responsible for the injuries you sustained. In those cases, the damages you might be able to recover could be substantially less than the amount to which you would have been entitled had you been wearing a helmet. 

Pursuing Compensation for Ontario Bicycle Accident Injuries

As a result of driver negligence, bicycle riders are particularly susceptible to injuries on the province’s roads. A simple commute to work or visit to the store could turn into a disastrous situation from which an injured cyclist may never fully recover. 

Injured bicycle accident survivors often feel the impacts of their collisions in all aspects of their lives. Frequently, injured bicycle accident victims endure emotional challenges, severe mental health disorders, and financial distress.

No one should be forced to withstand the financial consequences of a negligent driver’s wrongful behaviour behind the wheel. If you were injured as the result of another driver’s negligence, our Ontario bicycle accident lawyers may be able to help you recover compensation for damages you have incurred as well as damages you will incur in the future. These damages often include:

• Medical expenses 
• Pain and suffering
• Ambulance bills 
• Medical equipment 
• Prescriptions 
• Mobility aids 
• Physiotherapy 
• Chiropractic sessions 
• Massage therapy 
• Strength-training exercise programs 
• Psychological counselling  
• Home modifications to accommodate acquired disabilities 
• Mileage expenses for trips to and from medical appointments 
• And possibly more 

Call Our Ontario Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today

To discuss your case with our bicycle accident lawyers serving all of Ontario, contact us today and schedule your free initial consultation. During this cost-free, no-obligation first meeting, you will have the opportunity to review the details of your case with our Ontario bicycle accident lawyers and learn about options for financial recovery that might be available to you. 

Our bicycle accident lawyers serving Ontario tailor our feedback to the conditions of each specific case. To receive personalized advice based on the unique details of your unique situation, call 1-800-JUSTICE today and take advantage of your free initial consultation with Preszler Injury Lawyers.