Bicycle Accident Frequently Asked Questions

If you or someone you know has sustained a serious injury while bike riding, it is important that you learn your rights and responsibilities right away so that you can ensure you are given a fair settlement. Below are some frequently asked questions that bicycle accident lawyers in Toronto typically get asked by their clients.

1. If I’m struck by a vehicle while riding my bicycle, can I sue the driver who hit me?

Yes, you can still sue the driver or open up a lawsuit even if you’re partially at fault for the accident.

2. My child was injured while riding their bike. What are our rights?

Persons under the age of 18, including young children, are not subject to the same bike riding laws as adults in Ontario. Children must wear helmets at all times while riding a bike and it is the responsibility of their parents or guardians to take all proper measures to ensure their safety. That being said, it is also the responsibility of drivers to always be vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially in neighbourhoods with a lot of children. If your child is struck by a vehicle and severely injured while riding their bike, you have the right to take legal action against the motorist.

3. I rode over a pothole and was thrown off of my bike, resulting in a significant head injury. Do I have a strong case against the property owner or city?

Absolutely. If you were injured while riding your bike on private or public property due to lack of proper maintenance of the property, then you have the right to take legal action against the culprit.

4. Can I file a claim for my bicycle?

Yes, you can file an accident insurance claim if you are injured while riding your bike. You have three options. You can:

  • File a claim with your own insurance company
  • File a claim with the other motorist’s insurance company
  • File a claim with the provincial Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund.

5. What kind of evidence do I need to support my bicycle claim?

As with any accident claim, pictures and receipts are your allies. Take as many pictures of the untouched scene, your clothes, yourself, your bike, and the vehicle as you can and from different angles. If you can provide receipts for your clothes, the bike, and any bicycle accessories that may have been destroyed as a result of the accident, those could also help your case a great deal.

6. How will my bicycle claim be funded?

There are numerous insurance and legal options to help fund your case. We would be happy to review these with you during your consultation.

7. How long does a bicycle claim usually take?

As with any accident claim, there is no standard timeline to settle a bicycle injury case because there are too many mitigating factors involved such as the extent of injuries sustained by you and the other party, recovery time, medical needs, etc.

8. How long should I wait before contacting an attorney?

You should contact a bicycle accident lawyer as quickly as humanly possible. The faster you do so, the faster they can start working on your case.

9. Should I accept the insurance company’s offer?

It is better to secure legal representation before speaking to your insurance company. Your lawyer can speak with them directly and negotiate any settlement agreements on your behalf to ensure that you are getting the best possible deal for your specific case.

10. Do you handle cases in my city?

Yes, we handle a variety of personal injury cases in Toronto and the GTA.

11. Will I be able to speak with a lawyer if I call?

Yes.

12. How can I contact you?

You can contact the distinguished bicycle accident lawyers at Taverniti | Vashishth LLP by calling us at (905) 264-8686 or toll-free at 1-800-529-7032.

Areas We Serve

    • Niagara Falls
    • Brampton
    • Mississauga
    • Toronto
    • Etobicoke
    • Vaughan
    • Ottawa
    • Windsor
    • Sudbury

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