Bicycle Accident Lawyer Toronto

Regardless of how safely you ride your bike, sharing the road with trucks, cars, and other vehicles is dangerous. Some drivers may be distracted or speeding. Furthermore, your bike lane may be obstructed by potholes, streetcar tracks, pedestrians, and other factors beyond your control. The reality is that Toronto cyclists get involved in accidents that may result in serious injuries. Some of the injuries sustained in these crashes may include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, broken bones, and more.

Personal injury cases involving such injuries are often complex. That’s why you need reliable legal representation. The legal team at Joshua Goldberg Law is knowledgeable and has the resources needed to investigate cycling accidents and gather evidence. This way, we can successfully prove fault and help you get the amount of compensation you legally deserve.

Most bike crashes happen for a reason. Road violence against pedestrians and cyclists has been on the rise, with many biking enthusiasts getting hit daily. Therefore, when you are hit on your bicycle by a distracted, careless, or drunk car driver, it’s in your best interest to have a team of skilled cycling lawyers ready to protect your rights and prove fault against the motor vehicle driver.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Some of the common causes of bicycle crashes include:

The Right Hook

This accident occurs when a driver makes a right turn across a cyclist’s path, often without signalling or noticing the cyclist. Cyclists, whether in bike lanes or sharing the road with cars, are caught off guard. This can lead to potentially severe accidents. In Ontario, right hooks are a common cause of bicycle-related injuries and fatalities.

The Left Hook

This bike crash is similar to the right hook but in the opposite direction. The left hook happens when a driver turns left and intersects the cyclist’s path. This often occurs at intersections when the cyclist has the right of way. Every driver must ensure their path is clear before making such turns to avoid these dangerous collisions.

Dooring

Dooring is common in busy urban areas. It happens when a parked car’s occupant opens their vehicle door without checking for oncoming cyclists. This can cause the cyclist to hit the door or swerve into traffic, leading to serious injuries. It is, therefore, important for all vehicle occupants to look before opening their doors.

Distracted Sideswipe

With the rise of smartphones and other personal devices, distracted driving has become a notable threat to cyclists. Drivers not paying full attention may drift into a bicycle lane or get too close to a cyclist. This can lead to a sideswipe collision. Such accidents underscore the importance of every driver giving cyclists enough space and attention when sharing roads.

Crossing into Bike path

Despite the increasing presence of bike lanes, paths, and shared lanes (sharrows), some drivers still encroach on these spaces, endangering cyclists. Respecting bike infrastructure is crucial for preventing accidents and promoting harmonious road sharing.

Failure to ensure on Meter of Space

Ontario law mandates that drivers must leave a one-meter gap when passing cyclists. Not adhering to this rule can lead to accidents, and the motor vehicle driver may be held liable. This emphasizes the need for drivers to be conscientious and respectful of cyclists’ space.

Unfavorable Road Conditions

Not all bicycle accidents involve another vehicle or should be blamed on other road users. Poor road maintenance, such as potholes, grates, or debris, can cause a cyclist to lose control, fall and suffer injuries. This often happens when the city fails to keep the roads safe for cyclists and all other users.

Suppose Toronto City authorities neglect roads or fail to take the necessary steps to keep the roads safe. If a cyclist falls and gets injured due to poor road conditions, the city may be held liable for all the damages associated with the accident. An experienced biking lawyer knows what to look for to establish liability in such cases.

Building a strong claim following a bicycle accident is essential for securing the compensation and support you deserve. However, it can be challenging to do this alone. In addition to your treatment and healing, you will need to investigate the incident and gather evidence. You will also need a copy of the police accident report and witness statements and to effectively preserve evidence. Certainly, you can’t do this from your hospital bed.

That’s why it’s crucial to work with a skilled and knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer. The complexities of personal injury law, combined with the nuances of bicycle accidents, make professional legal assistance indispensable. A biking lawyer will navigate the complex legal landscape while protecting your rights and interests. Furthermore, you will have time to focus on your treatment and healing.

Types of Bike Accident Claims

Here are the two types of bike accident claims:

Claim Accident Benefits

According to Ontario’s personal injury law, victims of a cycling accident may be entitled to no-fault accident benefits from the at-fault party’s insurance company. This financial assistance covers your lost wages, future employment income, all medical expenses associated with injury treatment, and more. If a cyclist was injured in an accident involving cars or other motor vehicles, they may be eligible for accident benefits.

Generally, accident benefits provide income replacement benefits, medical and rehabilitation benefits, and attendant care benefits. There may be increased accident benefits coverage for catastrophic injuries like paralysis and traumatic brain injuries. That means having your serious injury defined correctly, whether catastrophic or non-catastrophic, can affect the amount of benefits you are likely to get.

Keep in mind the at-fault driver’s insurance company may try to deny or minimize your personal injury claim. That’s why you must have one of our experienced bike accident lawyers to fight for your right to maximum compensation.

Tort Claim

Suppose your accident benefits are insufficient or the at-fault driver’s insurance company denied your claim. In that case, a tort claim becomes an important option. This legal avenue allows you to pursue comprehensive damages against the at-fault party. It’s not just about immediate losses. A tort claim addresses long-term repercussions on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

Remember, you will need to prove fault and present credible evidence that justifies your claim value. The personal injury lawyers at Joshua Goldberg Law have successfully handled bicycle accident cases for injured cyclists. We know what it takes to get fair compensation for our clients.

Seeking legal guidance from an experienced biking lawyer is crucial for navigating the aftermath of an unfortunate cycling crash. When you are reeling from a bicycle accident, dealing with legal complexities and insurance companies can be overwhelming. Here’s why someone knowledgeable in bicycle accident law is crucial.

Understanding Local Bicycle Laws

Bicycle laws vary by location, and understanding these regulations is crucial for your case. An experienced lawyer knows these laws deeply. Thus, the lawyer is better positioned to ensure your rights are upheld, and the other party’s violations are identified. For instance, if a motor vehicle driver is reckless, a skilled lawyer can prove negligence and increase your chance of getting fair compensation.

Indeed, bicycle accident lawyers bring a wealth of experience to your case. Their specialized knowledge in handling similar cases means they can apply nuanced legal strategies tailored to your specific situation. In fact, they can help you take legal action against the defendant’s car insurance successfully.

Evidence Collection

Credible evidence is the backbone of your claim. Severe injuries are likely to occur when cyclists are involved in a crash, whether they are wearing helmets or not. However, you need sufficient evidence to prove that you suffered pain as a result of the collision.

An experienced lawyer will efficiently gather crucial evidence, such as police reports, photos, videos, witness testimonies, and medical records. Their timely and thorough approach ensures no vital detail is overlooked, strengthening your case.

Skillful Negotiations

Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting. A skilled bicycle accident lawyer knows how to navigate these negotiations, ensuring your claim is not undervalued or overlooked. They aim to secure a settlement that truly reflects the extent of your damages and losses.

If negotiations don’t yield a reasonable settlement, your lawyer is ready to take your case to trial. Their experience in the courtroom means they can effectively present your case. Indeed, we fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.

An experienced and skilled accident lawyer is more than just a legal advocate. They are a crucial ally in your recovery journey. Their competence, dedication, and strategic approach empower you to navigate the legal process with confidence. Therefore, you can focus on your recovery while they tirelessly work to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation and discuss your bicycle accident case with a professional.