Bicycle Accidents Lawyer In Toronto

Differences between a Toronto Bicycle Accident and Motorcycle Accident

Cyclists and motorcycle riders are vulnerable on the roads and more likely to get seriously injured in a crash. Most rider accidents occur because of drivers who pass too closely or don’t check their blind spots before turning. Rider accidents also occur due to poor infrastructure and poor maintenance of roads. In bicycle accidents, victims often suffer broken bones, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and brain damage.

One of the biggest differences between motorcycle riders and cyclists is that bicycle riders are not required to possess a license before they can ride. This means that bicycle riders, when involved in an accident, may not have insurance coverage in place to fully compensate for their losses. However, if the bicycle is involved in a crash with a motor vehicle, there’s still the option of pursuing a claim through the no-fault accident benefits insurance that is held by the driver. That’s why bicycle riders don’t need their own insurance to pursue a claim.

For bicycle accidents that don’t involve another person, you may still pursue a claim for compensation. For instance, if the accident was caused by slippery or poor road conditions, poorly marked bicycle lanes, or exposed grates, it’s possible to bring a lawsuit against the person or municipality responsible for maintaining the area.

When a cyclist is injured after colliding with a car, motorcycle, or truck, the driver has the onus to prove that they did not cause the collision. In law, this is known as ‘Reverse Onus.’ Drivers are required to use reasonable care in order to prevent accidents from taking place even when they have the right of way. The reverse onus provision helps to protect pedestrians and cyclists from reckless drivers and motorcyclists.

Compensation Sources

Disability insurance: If you have a policy at your workplace or a private plan that has short- or long-term disability benefits, you can apply for these when a bicycle accident occurs. You will need to exhaust these disability insurance limits before pursuing your benefits from your car insurance.

No fault-accident benefits: In Ontario, you can also claim accident benefits regardless of who is to blame for the accident. The no-fault accident benefits can be paid from your motor vehicle driver’s insurance or your own auto insurance if you have one.

Negligence lawsuits: The other option is to sue the parties responsible for losses incurred in the bicycle accident. By filing a tort claim, you may receive compensation for:

• Medical, rehabilitation, and hospital costs

• Home modification expenses

• Hospital expenses, caregiver costs

• Loss of earnings/loss of earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Loss of enjoyment of life

• Future attendant costs

• Loss of shared family income

• Cost of housekeeping and caregiving

How much time do you have to file a claim?

There are strict time limits to make a compensation claim in Ontario. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that you file your claim as soon as possible to increase your chances of securing compensation and the financial support you need for your injuries. After the bicycle accident occurs, you are required to notify the insurance company within 7 days from the time of the crash or as soon as practical after the incident.

Once you report the incident, the insurance company will likely send you an application package that you’re given 30 days to complete and return. The insurance company will need reasonable information that is relevant to the accident before paying out the benefits. Do not give a written or recorded statement to the insurance company without the guidance of your lawyer.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, take the following actions as soon as possible to increase the chances of a successful claim for compensation:

• Seek medical assistance. This helps to know the extent of your injuries even if there are no visible signs of injuries. Report all your symptoms to your family doctor as well.

• Ensure you keep a receipt of all accident-related expenses.

• Record the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of everyone involved in the accident, from the driver to the pedestrians, if any.

• Don’t throw away any damaged item, such as your cycling gear or clothing. This could be used as evidence during the trial.

• Talk to a personal injury lawyer immediately to understand your rights and obligations.

• Report the accident to other relevant parties such as your car insurance company, employer or school, or any other insurer you may have.

Road Safety Requirement for Cyclists in Ontario

As a cyclist, you must observe the rules of the road in order to protect yourself and others from danger. Since you’re sharing the road with other users, i.e., cars, buses, trucks, and motorcycles, you are required to obey all traffic laws. For instance:

• You must stop at red traffic lights, stop signs, and pedestrian crossings.

• Travel in the right direction on one-way streets

• Use proper hand signals for turning and stopping.

• Do not ride on expressways or roads where bicycles are not permitted.

• Do not carry another passenger if the bicycle is meant for 1 person.

• Give way to pedestrians when riding on shared paths and through parks.

• Ride slowly when approaching other pedestrians and use your bell or horn to let them know you are coming.

Sharing the road with cars & motorcycles

When riding, cyclists are required to stay on the right side of the road to allow the fast-moving cars and trucks to pass on the left. To avoid dooring accidents, cyclists must ride at least one metre from parked cars. You must stay as close as possible to the right edge of the road. A passenger who opens the vehicle door without checking if the path is free can be fined for any injuries incurred. Bicycle lanes are for cyclists, and other motorists who drive or park in bicycle lanes could be fined.

Cyclists are not allowed to ride on:

• Controlled access highways

• On a pedestrian crossover (walk your bike to the other side)

• Across a road within a crosswalk at any intersection

What bicycle safety equipment is required by law?

• All cyclists under 18 must wear an approved helmet.
• For riders below the age of 16, the parent or guardian is responsible for making sure they wear a helmet.
• Even though helmets are not compulsory for adult cyclists (riders over 18 years), they can greatly help reduce the risk of permanent injury or death when a collision occurs.
• Get a good helmet that meets all the strict safety requirements.
• Ensure your helmet fits properly and wear it correctly at all times.
• Cyclists should also comply with light, reflector, and reflective material requirements or face a fine of $110.

Obeying bicycle traffic signals

In Ontario, bicycle traffic signals were installed in several streets at the intersections in order to help direct bike traffic, improve safety and reduce collisions with pedestrians and drivers.

Cyclists are required to obey these signals or face a fine of $85 and $120 in community safety zones.

In areas where both bicycle traffic signals and regular signals are present, riders must obey the bicycle signal.

If there are no bicycle traffic signals present, the cyclist must abide by the standard traffic rules.