Cycling is as popular as ever. It’s a great way to stay fit and it’s an important green initiative to combat climate change. Unfortunately, it can also be dangerous. Seventy-four Canadians die in cycling accidents yearly according to “Statistics Canada”, and many more are injured.
Some of the injuries frequently sustained by cyclists include road rash, broken bones, and serious head or spinal cord injuries. All of these can affect your quality of life and even your ability to earn an income.
If you’re a cyclist who's been injured, hiring a personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve and the benefits you need to focus on your recovery. Personal injury lawyers understand what you’re going through and can guide you through the process of holding a negligent driver financially accountable.
How injuries happen
There’s a paradox in cycling accidents in that they happen less frequently in areas with a lot of cyclists. That’s because drivers who often practice sharing the road do a better job of being aware of cyclists. A large percentage of accidents could be prevented if all drivers were more attentive.
Cyclists are often injured when a motorist turns or enters an intersection without checking if it’s safe to do so. They also tend to pass cyclists too closely, without leaving the recommended one metre of clearance. Opening the doors of a parked vehicle to a cyclist who is unable to stop quickly is another common occurrence.
Collisions between cyclists and motorists are dangerous. They’re responsible for nearly three-quarters of fatal cycling events, and often it’s because of a driver’s negligence.
You’re entitled to compensation
If you’ve been in a collision that was caused by a negligent driver, you’re entitled to sue. You may also be able to make an accident claim to your own or the driver’s insurance company.
Your entitlement will depend on the severity of your injury and the impact it has on your life, but having a personal injury lawyer on your team can ensure that you get adequate compensation in order to move on with your life.
What to do if you’ve been injured
Your safety and well-being are always your first priority. If you’re able to, there are a few other things you can do to strengthen your case:
Keep detailed notes about your accident. This can help your lawyer get the best possible outcome for you. Jot down details from the scene, like when and where the accident happened and specifics about injuries and damages.Exchange information with the driver, including contact information, licence and policy numbers, and the vehicle type and plate. If there are any witnesses, it’s also helpful to get their names and phone numbers.Contact a personal injury lawyer Edmonton as soon as possible. Injuries sustained in a cycling accident can impact your ability to work and carry on normal responsibilities. You may be entitled to compensation for lost income and to cover your medical expenses. Pain and suffering, mobility issues, and even disrupted sleep or mental anguish may be all factor into your right to compensation.Who’s at fault?
Determining fault in collisions between motorists and cyclists isn’t simple. Often, it’s shared between parties. Having a personal injury lawyer represent you will ensure that your rights are protected even if you’re found to be partially responsible for the collision.
As a cyclist, there are a number of measures you can take to help prevent accidents. Always follow traffic regulations and make sure that your bike has reflectors and lights, particularly if you’re riding at night. Like all drivers, cyclists should avoid distracted driving and speeding. It’s also important that you don’t ride while impaired.
Wearing reflective gear and an approved helmet can keep you safe. About a third of cyclists involved in a fatal collision aren’t wearing a helmet. Given the prevalence of head injuries in cycling incidents, a helmet should be considered an essential piece of equipment.
Even if you haven’t taken all of these precautions, the motorist may still be fully or partially at fault in a collision. If you believe the motorist is negligent, make sure you fight for the compensation you deserve by having a personal injury lawyer represent you.
You aren’t alone
There’s a lot of focus on improving infrastructure for cyclists. Making it easier to share roadways and increasing awareness in drivers makes it safer for everyone.
However, accidents will continue to happen and if you’re a cyclist who’s been in a serious collision and has sustained injuries, you deserve to be compensated. A personal injury lawyer understands what you’re going through and can help you seek a fair outcome. You don’t have to go through it alone.
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