Bicycle Hit and Run Accident in Markham Ontario

A woman was struck by a vehicle while riding her bicycle on 19th Avenue near Highway 48 in Markham, Ontario.  The vehicle that struck the woman failed to remain at the scene of the accident.  This Markham hit-and-run bicycle accident occurred on Wednesday, August 15, 2012, at approximately 7:30 am.

The cyclist, a 52-year-old woman from Toronto, was reported taken to hospital with serious injuries.  First and foremost, we would like to offer our support for the woman that was seriously injured as a result of this hit-and-run accident.  We hope that she makes a complete recovery from her injuries.

This Ontario hit-and-run bicycle accident, does raise many important questions with respect to legal rights for bicycle riders that are hit by a car in Ontario.  We recently posted a blog article titled: What Happens iI am Injured in a Bicycle Accident in Ontario.  Here, I will provide an overview of some of the legal rights that a person has if they are injured as a result of a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle in Ontario.

In Ontario, if you are injured in a bicycle accident involving a car or truck, you can receive Ontario no-fault auto accident benefits.  You can also advance a claim against the owner/driver of the vehicle that hit you in order to recover your losses and damages.  To learn more about Ontario no-fault benefits and tort claims, click here.

This Markham bicycle accident, also raises questions about an accident victim's rights when they are involved in a hit-and-run accident.  The obvious question is, how can I bring a claim against the other driver's insurance company when I don't know who hit me? 

Claims against unidentified vehicles and drivers, such as in a hit-and-run scenario, are allowed in Ontario.  These are complex cases with respect to insurance coverage and priority issues, and it is wise to get the advice of an experienced personal injury lawyer without delay.  For purposes of this post, I will briefly note that, even if the identity of the other vehicles and persons involved is never determined, the injured victim and her family may still have recourse.  There is usually compensation available through the injured persons own insurance, which provides coverage for unidentified vehicles following a hit and run car accident.  Ontario also has a fund, which may be available to compensate for injuries where no other insurance is available. 

With respect to this Markham, Ontario hit-and-run bicycle accident, we hope that someone will be able to identify the other vehicle involved.  The York Regional Police are seeking public assistance in identifying the driver or vehicle involved this hit-and-run collision in Markham. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fail to Remain Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7703, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com, or text your tip by sending TIPYORK and your message to CRIMES (274637).

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Ontario, call us for a free consultation with an Ontario bicycle accident lawyer.