WE ARE YOUR
BICYCLE INJURY LAWYERS IN VANCOUVER
YOU HAVE RIGHTS AS A
CYCLIST
IN VANCOUVER
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Don't let devastating injuries from a motor vehicle accident ruin your life!
Cycling is a sign of a forward-thinking city, and as more cities adopt this extremely sustainable and healthy mode of transportation, it is unfortunate that cyclists still have little protection when riding along city streets due to lack of education, stigma, and careless drivers. Getting hit by a car on your bicycle will often result in severe injuries including traumatic head injuries, broken bones, facial fractures, soft-tissue damage, and internal organ damage which will result in disabilities and can ruin the quality of life for the victim. For this reason, anyone involved in a bicycle accident should make sure their rights are protected a call a lawyer right away.
If the bicycle accident was not your fault, you could be entitled compensation. At Neumann & Associates Law Corporation, we will ensure that your settlement will cover the total costs of your injuries, loss from income, rehabilitation, and any other costs related to your injury.
What to do when you have been in a bicycle accident:
Exchange contact information with the other driver. Take lots of pictures of the accident scene and injuries. Don’t forget to get the contact information from witnesses.
Call 911 or have someone accompany you to the nearest hospital.
It is very important to call your lawyers before contacting ICBC.
VANCOUVER
Bicycle Accident Compensation Claims
Due to lack of education and simply plain ignorant drivers, many motor vehicle drivers fail to adhere to basic laws and common sense, and drive cautiously around cyclists. A cyclist could be somebody’s father, mother, son, daughter, friend, etc., and they may have chosen to ride their bike as a mode of transportation for various reasons such as economical factors, wellness, or just pure enjoyment. Whatever it is, cyclists have rights and should not be discriminated against.
In some instances, motor vehicle drivers cause serious bicycle accidents due to impaired driving, distracted driving while texting or talking on a cellphone, and/or careless driving. When a driver fails to use reasonable care and hits you while you are riding your bicycle, you have the right to file a claim with ICBC, but it is important you call your lawyers first.
Here at Neumann & Associates Law Corporation, we will facilitate contact between you and ICBC, help you gather evidence and proof that the accident was the driver’s fault, in order to help you claim all your damages.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Most of the time, bicycle accidents are not at the fault of the cyclist. Here are common causes of bicycle accidents:
- Getting hit at an intersection by a motor vehicle
- Getting hit by a vehicle turning right
- Getting hit at a round-about by a driver failing to check if it was clear
- When distracted drivers drift into a bike lane
- Getting doored by a parked vehicle when the driver failed to check before opening his door
- Collision at a crosswalk
- Failure of a motor vehicle operator to obey traffic laws
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Failure to signal lane changes
- Improper or illegal turns
- Impaired driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failing to stop at a stop sign
- Following too closely
- Improper vehicle maintenance
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Back and spine injury
- Multiple fractures
- Damage to teeth
- Loss of limbs
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Scarring
- Soft tissue damage
- Road rash and other burns
Claiming your Bicycle Accident
If it was a driver’s negligence that has caused your bicycle accident and it wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to file a tort claim for compensation that may include lost wages and diminished future earning ability, pain and suffering, and of course, past and future medical expenses. In order to qualify, you must prove that you are not at fault. Here are some tips to ride your bike safely so you don’t end up in a bicycle accident:
- Always ride your bike with a helmet that meets safety standards
- Use hand signals
- Never ride two-abreast on busy roads
- Always shoulder-check before making sudden movements
- Be extra visible and wear reflective gear and ensure you have working lights, even during the day time
- Use caution around parked cars
- Ride at least a meter away from parked cars to avoid getting doored
- Always assume the driver can’t see you!
In order to respect cyclists’ rights and safely share the road with them, the B.C. government encourages vehicle drivers to:
Give ample space to cyclists.
When passing a cyclist, the driver should change lanes, if possible, or leave at least one meter between the vehicle and the cyclist. Also, drivers should always leave a safe following distance in order to avoid rear-end collisions.
Pay attention to arrows.
If a driver sees a symbol that shows two chevrons above a bicycle, it means that cyclists and drivers must share the entire lane.
Use caution when opening a door.
Many “dooring” accidents occur when vehicle drivers park and open their doors in the path of an oncoming cyclist. Drivers should check before they open their doors and wait for approaching cyclists to pass.
Respect bike lanes and bike boxes.
Bike lanes and boxes are spaces reserved for cyclists. They are designed to prevent collisions. Drivers must pay attention to these areas and stay out of them. If a driver must cross a bike lane, the driver should yield to any cyclists that are using the lane.
Use signals and check mirrors and blind spots before turning.
If a driver intends to turn (or change lanes), the driver must use a signal to give cyclists a proper warning and must check for any approaching cyclists.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
It can get complicated finding the right lawyer. At Neumann & Associates Law Corporation, we strive to keep the process simple and customer oriented. We offer free initial consultations to get a brief summary of your case. Fill out the form on the right or give us a call at: