Bicycle accidents may occur more often than you think. But just like any other auto accident, you may be entitled to insurance coverage for your injuries and other damages. Continue reading to learn whether your bicycle accident will be covered by insurance and how an experienced Toronto auto accident lawyer at Merricks Law Group, P.A., can help you receive the financial compensation you require to heal.
What are the different types of bicycle accidents?
Bicycle accidents are reported to occur in more ways than one in Toronto. Examples of such read as follows:
- An accident between a bicycle and a vehicle.
- An accident between a bicycle and a pedestrian.
- An accident between two cyclists.
- An accident between a bicycle and a stationary object.
Will my bicycle accident be covered by insurance?
And with the different ways in which bicycle accidents may occur, whether you will receive insurance coverage will vary. Examples of such read as follows:
- Bicycle-vehicle accident: since Ontario does not have a no-fault system in place for automobile accidents, you will likely have to deal with your own insurance provider directly to seek coverage.
- Bicycle-pedestrian accident: if a pedestrian is negligent (i.e., fails to obey traffic signals, walks in the bike lane, etc) and causes your accident, then the personal liability coverage on their homeowners or renters insurance may cover your injuries and property damages.
- Bicycle-bicycle accident: if another cyclist is negligent and causes your accident, then their homeowners or renters insurance may cover your injuries and property damages.
- Bicycle-stationary object accident: if you collide with a tree, pole, or otherwise a stationary object, then you will likely have to deal with your own health insurance to seek coverage. However, if you believe that another party’s negligence was involved (i.e., a car parked in an illegal spot), then you may be able to file a claim against their insurance policy.
What should I do to receive insurance coverage after my bicycle accident?
There is a certain procedure that you should follow after your bicycle accident to ensure that you have enough evidence for your insurance claim. This is especially the case if you are also looking into filing a personal injury claim. Without further ado, this procedure reads as follows:
- Alert the authorities: the police will dispatch an ambulance and conduct an official accident report, which you should obtain a copy of.
- Document the scene: take photos and videos of your injuries, damages, and hazards that contributed to your accident.
- Gather contact information: ask the other party for their name, number, insurance company/policy number, etc. Ask for the contact information of witnesses, as well, so that they may offer testimonies later on.
- Attend medical treatment: get treated at the scene and at follow-up appointments, where you should obtain copies of medical documentation and bills.
- Employ a skilled Ontario personal injury lawyer: we can help you collect additional evidence for your insurance and/or personal injury claim, such as surveillance camera footage.
