What happens when a bicycle ride turns into an accident?
Bicycling is a great way to stay healthy, commute sustainably and enjoy the outdoors but when an accident happens, the consequences can be severe. Due to the lack of protection these accidents can result in severe injuries including bodily fractures, head injuries, spinal cord damage and death. Under the laws of Ontario, you can obtain compensation for your injuries through mandatory accident benefits and through a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Many injured cyclists don’t realize that they can claim mandatory accident benefits from their auto insurance company even if they weren’t operating their own car at the time of the accident. Depending on the policy you purchased, you could be entitled to income replacement benefits, medical benefits, rehabilitation benefits, attendant care benefits, and other expenses. If you didn’t have auto insurance at the time of your accident, you can make a claim to the auto insurance company of the at fault driver. If none of the individuals involved in the accident have auto insurance, you can make a claim to the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims fund administered by the provincial government.
You can also sue at-fault driver for your accident for damages for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, income loss, housekeeping expenses and your future care cost.
Seeking the advice of an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately after you bicycle accident to ensure evidence if protected and any deadlines and limitation periods are met.
