Collisions are an unfortunate possibility when it comes to riding a bike.
And, unfortunately, our personal injury experts deal with the consequences of many bike accidents every year due to collisions with motorists. And since most cyclists only wear minimal protective gear (namely a helmet), they are just as prone to catastrophic injuries as individuals involved in motorcycle crashes.
Regardless of where they happen, bicycle accidents can occur due to numerous factors. So, it’s vital to learn the most common causes, as this can go a long way towards preventing both minor and severe injuries. Furthermore, it allows cyclists to prepare for the risks of hitting the road.
If you are thinking about pursuing compensation for your injuries and damages, get in touch with our best personal injury lawyers as soon as possible.
Here, we examine some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents, according to our personal injury experts, so you can be prepared and prevent fatal injuries.
To keep Ontario cyclists safe, consider the common causes of bike-related accidents.
1. Speeding
Personal injury law experts commonly deal with bicycle accidents caused by speeding. Driving over the speed limit makes braking harder and reduces the driver’s ability to make split-second decisions. While bicycles aren’t as fast as cars, cyclists should not ride as fast as they can either. Remember, although high-speed accidents can result in more severe injuries, those that occur at relatively low speeds can cause significant damage too.
2. Changing Lanes
Suddenly and carelessly changing lanes without paying attention to other drivers or vehicles can be extremely dangerous to bikes and cars alike. A large number of cycling accidents involve hazardously changing lanes when vehicles merge into bike lanes without checking to see if the route is clear. So, cyclists and motorists should stick to the lanes assigned to them while obeying stop signs and traffic lights when turning.
3. Impaired Driving
Cyclists and motorists who get high or drink before taking to the road pose a danger to themselves and other drivers. This is because drug and alcohol impairment can diminish a driver’s (and a cyclist’s) ability to make quick decisions to avoid fatal crashes.
4. Distracted Driving
This commonly occurs when drivers do not pay attention to their surroundings. This can include talking on the phone, texting, checking social media, or eating while driving. They can also be distracted by other passengers, loud music and their own thoughts. These activities increase the risks of a collision.
5. Failing to Yield
Failure to yield is yet another form of reckless and careless driving that can injure cyclists. From intersections and merging lanes to roundabouts, there are different locations where drivers are obligated to yield to oncoming traffic, including bicycles.
Have you or a loved one recently suffered a car-related bike accident? It’s in your best interests to contact the best personal injury lawyer you can to pursue a claim. They will seek justice on your behalf, including fair compensation.
That said, victims should be aware of the types of bicycle accident claims in Ontario to make an informed decision.
Victims of a bicycle accident are entitled to accident benefits from the insurance provider of the at-fault party. They are a standard component of auto insurance policies, which every driver in Ontario is legally obligated to have. This benefit is available to injured individuals, regardless of who is at fault. They cover everything from rehabilitation costs, income replacement and medical costs to attendant care for catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain damage and paralysis.
However, claiming them is not easy and does not always result in a successful outcome. Furthermore, many insurance companies will try to dispute, minimize or delay the claims process, which results in more pain and suffering for victims.
This is where the best personal injury lawyers can help. They know the intricacies and complications that may arise from these claims and will be prepared to handle them for a favourable outcome. Also, with a personal injury expert on your side, it will be easier for you to navigate the complicated accident claims process,
Was your accident benefit claim denied? Or did the at-fault party’s insurance provider refuse to pay fair compensation?
Regardless of which claims option you choose, cyclists can file a tort claim against the at-fault driver. It allows bicycle riders to seek the full amount of compensation they are entitled to under the law for the damages they have sustained. For individuals who may have been involved in an overwhelming accident, it can greatly ease the long-term financial, emotional and physical effects of the accident. Through a tort claim, victims can claim full compensation for their damages, including lost earnings and healthcare costs.
Regardless of how it happened, if you or someone you know has been injured in a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle, contact personal injury law experts. By knowing the common causes of bike accidents and the types of claims you can make, you will be better equipped to make the right decisions. The best personal injury lawyers will collect the information they require to evaluate the incident. They will also review your legal options, so you know what you can expect at every step of the process.