Bicycle accidents often lead to devastating injuries, as cyclists have no protective barriers around them. This means direct impacts become much more severe and life-altering. If a negligent driver struck you or you got injured because of unsafe road conditions, an Ontario bicycle accident lawyer at Valero Law Group is here to help you through this.
The firm’s attorneys have seen these situations many times and can provide dedicated support, along with aggressive representation, to protect your rights and pursue the maximum recovery you deserve. Call today for a free consultation with a personal injury attorney.
What Are Some Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Bicycle accidents occur when motorists fail to recognize cyclists’ rights to share the road. Drivers often make dangerous left turns across bike lanes without checking for oncoming cyclists or open car doors into traffic without looking for approaching riders. These incidents are referred to as dooring and can cause serious injuries when cyclists have no time to react or swerve safely.
Distracted driving has become a leading factor in bicycle collisions throughout the city. Motorists distracted by adjusting navigation devices or by engaging with passengers, for example, fail to notice cyclists until it is too late.
Right-hook accidents happen when drivers turn right while a cyclist is traveling straight through an intersection, cutting off the rider’s path. Unsafe passing maneuvers, where drivers squeeze past cyclists without providing adequate clearance, force riders off the road or into parked cars.
Poor road conditions may also contribute to bicycle accidents. Municipal governments and property owners have responsibilities to maintain safe roadways, and a lawyer for bike accidents in Ontario can hold them accountable when negligent maintenance leads to injuries.
Understanding an Individual’s Rights Under State Law
The state recognizes cyclists’ rights to use public roadways and provides strong legal protections for riders. The state’s three-foot passing law requires motorists to provide at least three feet of clearance when passing bicycles, and drivers must yield to cyclists in bike lanes and at intersections. When motorists violate these duties and cause accidents, injured cyclists have the right to pursue compensation for their damages.
The state follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning an individual can recover damages even if they share some responsibility for the accident. An individual’s compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault, but they are not barred from recovery entirely. This system ensures that negligent drivers pay their fair share of damages regardless of minor contributory factors.
Victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering, along with long-term disability. State law also allows recovery for future medical needs and diminished earning capacity when injuries result in permanent impairment, which a lawyer can help assess for a bike crash case in Ontario.
How An Attorney at Valero Injury Law Can Help
An attorney who has experience with Ontario bike crashes can thoroughly investigate a collision to establish liability and build a strong case for maximum compensation. They can gather police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction analysis to prove how the crash occurred and who bears responsibility.
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by claiming cyclists were at fault or exaggerating comparative negligence. A lawyer can negotiate aggressively with insurers to counter these tactics and secure fair settlements. When insurance companies refuse reasonable offers, a lawyer is prepared to take cases to trial to fight for the compensation a client deserves. Our attorneys handle all legal complexities so that our clients can focus on their recovery, ensuring their rights are protected throughout the process.
Contact a Lawyer for Help With an Ontario Bicycle Accident
You may be entitled to compensation if injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Even so, you must prove negligence and face insurers who may reject or delay valid claims.
An Ontario bicycle accident lawyer from Valero Law Group has years of experience representing injured victims and their families. You can count on our legal team to fight for your rights after a crash. Call today to schedule an initial consultation.