Given the fact that bicyclists must share the residential roads with other motorists, accidents due occur. Such accidents can lead to serious injuries and damages. If you were involved in a bicycle accident, continue reading to learn how an experienced Toronto auto accident lawyer at Merricks Law Group, P.A. can fight on your behalf to receive financial compensation via a personal injury claim.
Why might a bicycle accident occur in Toronto?
As insinuated above, a bicycle accident may occur due to the negligence of a motorist on the shared road. Common signs of motorist negligence are as follows:
- Failure to yield, or otherwise ignoring traffic signs and lights.
- Failure to check the motor vehicle’s blind spots.
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Driving while fatigued.
- Distracted driving, such as texting, smoking, eating, navigating directions while driving, etc.
- Reckless driving, such as speeding, unsafe lane changes, etc.
What happens following a bicycle accident in Toronto?
If you believe that a motorist failed to comply with the rules and regulations of the road and that this ultimately led to your bicycle accident, injuries, and/or damages, then you may have a substantial personal injury claim on your hands. When filing your claim, you must produce evidence that points to the motorist’s negligence. To do so, you must follow the below steps immediately after your accident:
- Alert the authorities: the police will bring medical attention to the scene and conduct an official police report. You should obtain a copy of this report afterward.
- Capture the scene: take photos and videos of the scene, including your injuries, damages, and any hazards that may have contributed to your accident.
- Collect contact information: ask for the motorist’s name, number, email address, insurance company, insurance policy number, etc. You should also collect the contact information of any present witnesses that may be able to provide witness testimony afterward.
- Seek medical treatment: get treated at the scene and at follow-up appointments, even if you do not feel immediate symptoms. You should obtain copies of medical documentation afterward, which should include the date, time, and severity of your injuries.
- Hire a lawyer: contact a skilled Ontario personal injury lawyer who will help you collect any additional evidence to satisfy your burden of proof, such as surveillance camera footage.
What is the statute of limitations for a bicycle accident claim in Toronto?
In Toronto, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim, such as that for a bicycle accident, is generally two years from the date of your accident. If you fail to bring attention to your claim within this period of time, you may risk being permanently barred from suing. Thus, it is best to kickstart this legal process as soon as possible.
Contact Our Experienced Toronto Personal Injury Firm
If you have been injured in an accident due to no fault of your own, contact a Toronto Personal Injury Lawyer at Merricks Law Group today.
