Getting Help After a Bicycle Accident

Riding a bicycle is great summer fun, a solid form of exercise, and a means of easy transportation, but it can be dangerous, too. But, what to do after a cycling accident? Learn how to get help after a bicycle accident in our expert guide.

Bike accidents are an unfortunate reality in Ontario, especially as the weather warms and more people head outside to enjoy the summer to its fullest. In 2023 alone, cycling accident deaths rose by 300% in Toronto, making it a safety concern that should be top of mind for everyone.

Bicycles leave you vulnerable on the road – no matter how safely you cycle, motorists don’t always respect bikers or drive mindfully around them.

If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Ontario, the injuries, property damage, emotional distress, and legal outcome can be completely overwhelming. Read our guide to learn what to do if you’re involved in a bike accident and how to recover physically, emotionally, financially, and legally.

Your Legal Rights After a Bike Accident

In Ontario, cyclists are considered “vulnerable road users,” so they have extra legal protections, and drivers have a duty to operate with heightened care around them.

In the case of a bike accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have a right to compensation for out-of-pocket expenses, medical care, lost wages, bike repairs, and pain and suffering.

Post-Accident Recovery: Getting Help After a Bike Accident

A bicycle accident can cause severe injury and stress, but it’s crucial to keep a clear mind and take a few essential steps to set yourself up for a seamless recovery later.

After a bicycle accident, you should:

• Get to safety ASAP. If you’re in a bike accident, you may still be in the middle of a busy street. Move your bike and yourself safely to the sidewalk to prevent any further accidents.
• Call 911. If you or another party are injured after a bike accident, call 911 immediately to get an ambulance on the scene quickly. If you feel okay and are physically able to get yourself to the hospital or clinic, it’s essential to get checked out because some injuries won’t show themselves for 24-48 hours after the accident.
• Exchange information with drivers and witnesses. For insurance and legal matters, you should exchange contact information with any drivers and witnesses in the area and get the driver’s insurance information, too.
• File a police report. You need to file a report of the accident so the police can create an official record within 24 hours of the accident. Often, the police are already on the scene, but you’ll need to call them if they aren’t.
• Document the accident scene. Take pictures of the road, street signs, bike damage, and visible injuries to gather reliable evidence to support your version of events.
• Contact a personal injury bike lawyer. A personal injury attorney specializing in bike accidents can advise you on the next best steps, physical recovery, and legal rights moving forward.

Getting Help After a Bicycle Accident

You may be severely injured and need help documenting the accident scene. Even if you can deal with the immediate aftermath and chaos yourself, getting legal assistance from a bicycle accident lawyer makes sense because drivers and insurance companies are motivated to deny your version of events to avoid compensation payouts.

What to do if I have a bike accident?

Since cyclists aren’t usually covered in accidents by their own insurance companies, it becomes a difficult battle to receive the compensation you deserve.

• Personal injury lawyers will personally review your accident case, gather evidence, review police reports, and analyze any relevant post-accident medical records to identify the liable party and determine the accident’s cause.
• Bike crash lawyers will negotiate with insurance companies so they don’t try to undervalue or underpay for your rightful compensation.
• Your bike crash attorney reviews and walks you through your insurance policy and the at-fault party’s insurance policy to determine your coverage and rights.
• If a settlement can’t be reached through negotiations, a lawyer will guide you through filing and fighting a personal injury lawsuit.

How long does it take to recover from a bike accident?

If you’ve sprained a joint or broken bones, recovery time tends to be a few weeks to a few months. If you have a traumatic brain injury or more complex injuries, you may deal with health impacts for a lifetime. The recovery time depends on the severity of the injury and the treatment you secure, which is why a cycling accident attorney can help.

Bringing An Extra Set of Eyes on Your Next Ride

Because it’s challenging to prove reckless driving in a bike accident, installing a camera on your bicycle can significantly help. Video is unbiased and trustworthy proof that is more accurate than any witness, and it’s commonly used in Canadian legal cases on bike accidents.

The Morris Law Group—Bike Accident Lawyer Near Me

Bike accidents can be chaotic, but the recovery process is much smoother with the right help and a lawyer for bicycle accidents on your side.

At the Morris Law Group, our Brantford biking lawyers are ready to help you through your accident recovery and get your life back to normal. We’re here as your health and legal advocates to help you navigate the complicated insurance and legal systems for the best outcomes possible. Request a free consultation or call us at 905-526-8080 to learn more.