The roadways in Toronto can be particularly hazardous for cyclists and collisions between motor vehicles and bicycles often result in catastrophic injuries or death. The fact is that while bikes are afforded the same rights as cars by law, those rights are often disregarded by drivers creating unsafe conditions for cyclists. Unfortunately cyclists aren’t seen as a priority on the roads and are even viewed as nuisance by impatient drivers. In other cases cyclists are going unnoticed by drivers- resulting in 43% of cyclist’s deaths involving motor vehicles were hit from behind.
In addition to vehicles on the road, cyclists are more susceptible to accidents involving road hazards such as uneven edges, potholes, negligently installed or missing manhole covers and sewer grates, paving issues, inadequately marked construction lanes, or speed bumps.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Toronto the team at Schiffmann Law is ready to take your case. Call for a free and confidential consultation.
If you are involved in a bicycle accident these are the steps a lawyer in Toronto will advise you take:
Seek Medical Attention if Needed
Assess whether your injuries require medical attention and call 911 if immediate medical attention and treatment is required. If not, see a doctor as soon as possible to check for any hidden injuries.
Call the Police
It is important that you call the local Police to report the accident. They will advise whether you should wait at the scene for their arrival, or report to an accident Collision Reporting Centre.
Exchange Information
Exchange drivers license, car insurance, and vehicle information with the driver. Even if you are on a bike, you may claim Accident Benefits through your car insurance policy. If you do not have your own car insurance then you will claim benefits from the insurance company who insured the driver of the car that hit you.
Document What Happened
If you are able, take pictures of the scene, record the names and contact information of any witnesses and jot down notes about anything that may be relevant like weather conditions, or any road hazards.
Contact Your Insurance Company Within 7 Days
You have seven (7) days from the accident to contact your own car insurance company to make a claim. Do not delay, contact them as soon as you are able.
Bicycle accident claims can be complicated and time consuming. You have two (2) years from the date of the accident to file a claim, but the sooner you contact a lawyer in Toronto with experience handling bicycle accidents the better.
Many people mistakenly believe that the insurance company will compensate them for the cost of medical care and lost time from work. Unfortunately, this is not the case and the insurance companies do not always act in your best interest. You need a lawyer who will fight and make both the insurance company and the person who caused the accident give you the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to.
When you are injured in a bicycle accident you are entitled to damages to compensate you for your injuries and losses. There are various types of damages which are intended to compensate you for different types of losses. Damages fall in two general categories; Economic Damages and Non-economic Damages.
Economic Damages
These are financial losses you have suffered and/or expenses you have incurred as a direct result of your bicycle accident. These include, loss of income, lost wages, medical expenses, and the cost of housekeeping services, or home care.
Non-Economic Damages
These are damages that compensate you for things like your pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of life expectancy, and loss of amenities. These are all evaluated on a case by case basis and you need the skill and experience of a law firm in Toronto that will fight for you to get the maximum amount in damages for your bike accident.
We understand that there is no amount of money that will return you to the life you had before the bicycle accident. However, we will fight to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible.
The future is uncertain when you have been in a bicycle accident in Toronto. The Accident Benefits available through insurance companies is often inadequate and make it impossible to make ends meet. The system in not fair and is stacked against the injured person and their family. The Team at Schiffmann Law is dedicated to shifting the balance. We know that you have been through a traumatic experience and we will do all we can to help you return to the life you knew before this tragedy struck.
Give us a call at 416-780-1600 or 855-780-1600 for a free, no obligation consultation. We will give you an honest evaluation of the merits of your case, and if we decide to work together… you will be charged no fees upfront. In fact, we will fully fund your case and you will not be charged a dime until we win.
1315 Lawrence Avenue East, #104
Toronto, Ontario M3A 3R3
Speaking with our Schiffmann Personal Injury Lawyers will not cost you anything. If you retain us, we never ask for money upfront.
We will travel to your home or hospital, at your convenience and request
We are available to discuss your case anytime. Give us a call at (416) 780-1600
Meeting and/or discussing your case with our lawyer is completely free.
“Being injured in an accident can have far reaching and traumatic effects on every aspect of your life. Dealing with Insurance Companies can be complicated and confusing. Call us and speak to us for free. We can help. ”
We’re here to help. Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers today by filling out the form below, or call us at (416) 780-1600
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