BICYCLE ACCIDENT

Bicycle Accident

With the widespread use of mobile technologies and in-car infotainment systems, motor vehicle drivers are becoming more and more distracted. Distractions caused while operating a motor vehicle can result in a major accident with another vehicle, a pedestrian or a cyclist.

Due to the nature of bicycle accidents where a large heavy object collides with a cyclist, the injuries sustained can be devastating. Despite the latest advancements in safety equipment such as better helmets, lights that alert motorists of the cyclists’ presence in the dark as well as special clothing, the inherent lack of protection offered by bicycles typically results in serious injuries for the unfortunate cyclist.

Close to 9 out of 10 times, the accident occurs due to the negligence of the driver and not the cyclist. Recent reports indicate that the vehicle driver was found to be at fault in 93% of the cases where the right of way could be determined.

Bicycle accidents can be caused by a variety of reasons such as a result of an impact with a car door where a motorist was not paying attention or the door was opened for a longer period of time than is reasonable to load and unload passengers. Crossing into the path of a cyclist such as passing on the left without a clear view is a direct violation of the Sections 159 and 160 of the Motor Vehicle Act and the resulting injuries are caused by the driver’s negligence. Other situations such as crosswalk collisions, failure to obey traffic signals, distracted driving and others, contribute to the countless bicycle accidents occurring in the province of British Columbia

If the vehicle that collides with a cyclist leaves the scene of the accident, ICBC has special Hit-and-Run coverage that would be applicable in these situations. These types of accidents must be reported to the authorities immediately so that certain investigative steps can be taken right away in order to prevent from your claim becoming statute-barred. Additionally, your homeowner’s insurance policy may but not in all cases, have a clause which would allow coverage in the event of a bicycle accidents.

When the pain and stress of the injuries sustained in the accident are compounded by the complicated, confusing and intimidating process of filing a personal injury claim in British Columbia, people tend to get overwhelmed which further delays their access to much needed medical treatment and rehabilitation.

The difference between knowing and not knowing your rights can mean having immediate access to treatment or being buried under confusing paperwork thus delaying your recovery and return to your pre-accident activities. An experienced personal injury lawyer can successfully navigate the system and represent you against the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBIC) in order to investigate the facts, get to the truth and ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.

One of the key components of a successful personal injury case is the evidence – so it is important to gather and preserve as much information as possible. The following steps must be taken as soon as possible after receiving medical attention:

1. Get the insurance information as well as the contact information of the parties involved as well as any potential witnesses.
2. Contact the police and file a report, make sure to receive at least 2 copies for your records.
3. Take photographs of the accident area, your injuries, and anything else that you feel may be relevant to your case such as the conditions of the tires of the vehicle that hit you, the road conditions of the accident location, etc.

At Barapp Law firm our client’s come first, where you don’t pay unless we win your case and you receive compensation. If you or a loved one were involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer as early as possible as it is never too early to know what your rights are. Contact us today for a consultation and speak to local lawyer who assess your case for free, there are no obligations.