Ontario Bicycle Accident LawyersIn Ontario, accidents involving bicycles occur frequently, often as the result of drivers not paying attention to cyclists sharing the road. Some of the most common bicycle collisions occur in the following situations:
(1) a vehicle making a right turn across the cyclist’s lane of travel; (2) vehicle executing a left turn at an uncontrolled (or non-dedicated left turn) intersection; (3) dooring; and (4) a vehicle or cyclist passing on the right. Biking in Ontario is very popular. In urban settings, people often bike as a means of transportation. Biking is equally popular as a recreational activity, particularly along the scenic roads around the GTA. The lack of suitable bike paths and lanes, combined with inattentive drivers and traffic congestion, often leads to serious bicycle accidents. Each year many people in Ontario are killed or suffer personal injury from bicycle collisions. Even in a minor collision with a motor vehicle, bicycle riders generally suffer significant and serious injury. A bicycle rider has a great disadvantage because of the level of personal exposure. In many cases, motor vehicles hitting bicycle riders are negligent. Common personal injuries from Ontario bike accidents include: scratches, cuts, broken bones, catastrophic injuries, spinal cord injuries, brain damage and sometimes death. If you have been injured or tragically lost a family member in a Ontario bicycle accident, your recovery may depend on your decision to consult an experienced Ontario personal injury lawyer prepared to investigate the collision and pursue a fair settlement or trial verdict. To speak with an Ontario bike accident lawyer contact Iacobelli Law Firm. The consultation is free. |
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What To Do If You Are Hurt in a Bicycle Accident?
If you are involved in a bicycle accident in Ontario, it can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you've been injured. It's crucial to know the steps to take in the aftermath to protect your health and your legal rights. First and foremost, prioritize your safety and seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor at the moment, it’s essential to get checked by a doctor as some injuries, like concussions or internal trauma, may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time. If your injuries are serious, don’t hesitate to call 911 for emergency help.
Calling the police is also important, especially when the accident involves a motor vehicle or results in significant damage. The police can document the scene and prepare an accident report, which will be valuable for any insurance claims or legal actions later. Make sure to get the officer’s name and badge number, and ask how you can obtain a copy of the report once it’s available.
While still at the scene, if you're able, gather evidence. This includes taking photos of the scene, your damaged bicycle, the vehicle involved, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well. These details will be crucial in supporting your version of events if you file a claim for compensation.
After the accident, you should notify your insurance provider. Even though you were riding a bicycle, you may be entitled to accident benefits through your auto insurance or the driver’s insurance policy. Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits provide coverage for medical expenses, income replacement, and other costs associated with your injuries, regardless of who was at fault. If you don’t have auto insurance, you may still be able to access benefits through the at-fault driver’s insurance.
It's important to document everything related to the accident. Keep records of your injuries, all medical appointments, any treatments or medications, and the costs associated with them. This also includes tracking other expenses like lost wages from time off work and any repair or replacement costs for your bicycle and gear. These records will be essential if you decide to pursue compensation.
Speaking with a personal injury lawyer is highly recommended after a bicycle accident. Ontario’s accident benefits and personal injury laws can be complex, and a lawyer can help you understand your rights and navigate the process. At Iacobelli Law Firm, we have extensive experience representing cyclists who have been injured in accidents. We can guide you through your claim, advocate on your behalf, and help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Calling the police is also important, especially when the accident involves a motor vehicle or results in significant damage. The police can document the scene and prepare an accident report, which will be valuable for any insurance claims or legal actions later. Make sure to get the officer’s name and badge number, and ask how you can obtain a copy of the report once it’s available.
While still at the scene, if you're able, gather evidence. This includes taking photos of the scene, your damaged bicycle, the vehicle involved, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well. These details will be crucial in supporting your version of events if you file a claim for compensation.
After the accident, you should notify your insurance provider. Even though you were riding a bicycle, you may be entitled to accident benefits through your auto insurance or the driver’s insurance policy. Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits provide coverage for medical expenses, income replacement, and other costs associated with your injuries, regardless of who was at fault. If you don’t have auto insurance, you may still be able to access benefits through the at-fault driver’s insurance.
It's important to document everything related to the accident. Keep records of your injuries, all medical appointments, any treatments or medications, and the costs associated with them. This also includes tracking other expenses like lost wages from time off work and any repair or replacement costs for your bicycle and gear. These records will be essential if you decide to pursue compensation.
Speaking with a personal injury lawyer is highly recommended after a bicycle accident. Ontario’s accident benefits and personal injury laws can be complex, and a lawyer can help you understand your rights and navigate the process. At Iacobelli Law Firm, we have extensive experience representing cyclists who have been injured in accidents. We can guide you through your claim, advocate on your behalf, and help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
How Much Time Do I have to Commence a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Ontario?
In Ontario, there are time limits for filing personal injury claims and accessing insurance benefits. These deadlines can vary based on the details of your case, so it is important to act quickly to avoid missing any critical windows for action. Usually, the time limit to commence a claim against the at-fault driver is 2 years from the date of the accident. There are other time limits to access other insurance benefits, which are much shorter. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate these timelines and ensure that you meet all necessary legal requirements.
Can I Recover Lost Wages If I Am Unable to Work?
Yes. If you are unable to work after a Bicycle accident, you can recover for your lost wages. Ontario law allows bicycle riders that are injured due to a crash with a motor vehicle accident to claim for no-fault benefits, including income Replacement benefits. There are no income replacement benefits available for the first week that you are unable to work. There are also weekly caps on the amount payable for income replacement.
In addition to these no-fault accident benefits, you may also be entitled to bring a claim against the at-fault driver to access additional payments for past and future lost wages or loss or competitive advantage because of injuries from the bicycle accident.
In addition to these no-fault accident benefits, you may also be entitled to bring a claim against the at-fault driver to access additional payments for past and future lost wages or loss or competitive advantage because of injuries from the bicycle accident.
Who Will Take Care Of Me While I'm Recovering At Home?
Ontario no-fault accident benefits provides coverage for attendant care and medical rehabilitation services that you require after a bicycle accident. If you are severely injured, you may even need 24-hour attendant care. Ontario No-Fault accident benefits insurance policy will pay for these home care services as long as they are medically reasonable and necessary.
How Much Do Bicycle Accident Lawyers Charge?
A reputable Ontario bicycle accident lawyer usually will not charge anything up front in the form of fees or retainers. Bicycle accident lawyers at Iacobelli Law Firm work on a contingency basis. This means we don't charge you any fees unless we are succesful in recovering money for you after your bicycle accident. You will not have to worry about paying any fees until your case is resolved.
In addition, most bicycle accident lawyers charge for out-of-pocket expenses such as court filing fees, and the cost of expert reports and medical records. In most cases, however, the injured party will not have to pay for these expenses until their case is settled. Often, the insurance company will also pay for, or contribute to the costs, of these expenses.
Learn More with a Free Consultation.
In addition, most bicycle accident lawyers charge for out-of-pocket expenses such as court filing fees, and the cost of expert reports and medical records. In most cases, however, the injured party will not have to pay for these expenses until their case is settled. Often, the insurance company will also pay for, or contribute to the costs, of these expenses.
Learn More with a Free Consultation.
