Bedford Bicycle Accident Lawyers Fight for the Rights of Those Injured

Bedford, Nova Scotia – the ultimate destination for cycling enthusiasts! With breathtaking sea views, majestic mountains, and lush forests, Bedford offers a thrilling and picturesque environment to discover on two wheels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual rider, the beauty of Bedford will bring a smile to your face and leave you with lasting, fond memories.

But let’s face it – cycling comes with its own set of risks. Accidents can happen, and when they do, you need the best legal representation to protect your rights. That’s where Jeff Mitchell, our Principal Lawyer, comes in. He’s a Bedford native, with extensive experience and a proven track record of securing fair compensation for cyclists who have been wronged on our roads.

Together with his team of bicycle accident injury lawyers, Jeff will fight for your rights to secure fair compensation so you can focus on recovery, and getting back out on the roads.

Most times, the Bedford cyclist is not at fault.

At NOVA Injury Law, we find there are three risk areas common to most of our bicycle accident cases:

Reckless road use by motorists and pedestrians (usually anger based).
General lack of care and attention by fellow road users (unintentional, but still negligent).
Poor condition of paths, trails, and bike lanes.

Jeff Mitchell, our Principal Lawyer is a keen bicyclist and bicycle accident injury law professional. Together with his team of local bicycle accident lawyers, he has won many cases for cyclists across Nova Scotia. He knows the ins and outs of getting fair and just compensation for cyclists who have been wronged on our roads.

What Road Rules Apply to Me While Cycling?

According to the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists when riding on the road. When everyone properly follows the same set of rules and pays attention to their surroundings, the chance of a collision is greatly reduced.

Cyclists should always be clearly visible and predictable in their behavior. Ride on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic. Use as much of the lane as you need to be safe from roadside hazards. And remember, cyclists should always use hand signals to indicate a turn or a stop.

Drivers must watch for cyclists and adequately make room for them. Cyclists need to ride at least 1 meter away from parked cars to avoid being hit by a car door that suddenly opens. Cyclists also need to avoid potholes and debris and pass double-parked cars. Cyclists may occupy as much of the lane as their safety requires.

In Bedford, Nova Scotia, it’s illegal to ride a bicycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and bicycles must be equipped with front and rear lights when riding at night.

While it’s impossible to eliminate all risks associated with cycling, there are several measures cyclists can take to reduce the chances of an accident. Some safety tips we recommend include:

Always wear a helmet.
Use hand signals when turning.
Wear bright or reflective clothing to increase visibility.
Use lights on your bike if riding at night or in low light conditions.
Be aware of your surroundings and stay focused on the road.
Be cautious around parked cars and car doors.
Follow all traffic laws and signals.
Look out for potholes and debris and avoid double-parked cars.

For more information we recommend reading the Nova Scotia Bicycle Safety Booklet.

How do I seek compensation if I am injured in a Bedford cycling accident?

Call NOVA Injury Law immediately. Jeff and his experienced team of lawyers will work closely with medical experts to build you an air-tight case right away.

Our dedicated team will take the time to gather, interpret, and present all medical evidence relevant to your case. We use the facts surrounding the accident, eyewitness accounts, photographs, medical assessments and reports and interviews – as well as years of experience – to craft a strategy unique to your case.

At the same time, we go the extra step by organizing medical and rehabilitative care to aid in your recovery.

After our initial work is complete, we start negotiating with the insurance company to obtain a fair settlement that covers your expenses and losses resulting from the accident. Sometimes, if we can’t reach a settlement we may need to take your claim to court and fight for your rights to obtain fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Rest assured though, we do absolutely everything for you. From making the hard phone calls to filling out the paperwork, we take the burden off your shoulders as we work to get you the rightful amount of compensation for your injuries.

How does NOVA Injury Law strengthen your compensation claim?

We consider all the ways your injury has affected you and those around you. Factors we consider include:

The nature and severity of your injury.
Who was at fault in the bicycle accident.
What treatment have you received and will need in the future.
The impact that injury has on your ability to work.
The impact the injury has on your daily activities such as housework or hobbies.
The mental and emotional impact of your injury.
The ways friends and family support you recovery from your injury.

After considering these factors, we begin to calculate damages. This is simply the amount required to put you back in the position you would have been, had the injury not occurred.

An injury of any kind can affect your life in all sorts of ways, beyond just the pain and discomfort from the injury itself.

Physical symptoms associated with bicycle accident injuries can range in severity and impact from something as small as a cut or scrape to broken bones to a serious traumatic brain injury (TBI) or even death. Even if a cyclist has worn a helmet, they can still sustain a serious brain injury if they strike their head against the ground or a stationary object. Psychological and emotional injuries could include anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a change in overall personality, or increased fear of cycling around other vehicles.

If the victim has suffered a serious injury, the effects of this may also be felt by their families or caregivers. People with severe bodily injuries or brain injuries may need additional assistance planning their day or completing day-to-day tasks, and this may affect their ability to continue working, placing potential financial strain on the family. It is recommended that you do not accept a settlement without consulting NOVA Injury Law first.

Regardless of how serious your injury appears, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Luckily Bedford is surrounded by a range of quality medical centres and hospitals, like Cobequid Community Health Centre and Bedford Hospital. This should be your first point of call and NOVA Injury Law should be your next.

What if I’ve Been Hit by an Uninsured Driver as a Cyclist in Bedford?

The thought of being involved in an accident with an uninsured driver or being the victim of a hit-and-run accident is a fear that many people have. In these cases, you may not know what kind of compensation you’re entitled to. In these situations, the cyclist’s own car insurance provider is required to step in with the benefits that the rider would have been able to receive from the negligent driver’s insurance, had it been accessible.

If you find yourself in this kind of predicament and have been injured by an uninsured or absent driver, it’s understandable to be unsure of how to go about securing benefits from your insurance company. Fortunately, we can help. Our team of experienced lawyers can guide you through the process of making a claim to make sure that you receive the compensation you are due.

What happens if no one is insured?

Even if you and the other driver doesn’t have insurance, there’s still hope for compensation. You can make a claim to Facility Association, which exists to ensure that nobody is left without compensation. However, there are specific factors to consider when making a claim to this particular insurance provider, and it’s best to speak with one of our bicycle accident lawyers to find out more.

At NOVA Injury Law, we understand how overwhelming and confusing the process of making a claim can be, particularly when it comes to dealing with insurance companies. That’s why we work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive fair compensation. With our team of experienced lawyers and medical professionals, we will help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and get the compensation you deserve. So, if you’ve been injured in a cycling accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for support.

What sets NOVA Injury Law above the rest, and why is it right for me?

We know how to build solid bicycle injury compensation claims from the ground up.

Aside from our genuine enthusiasm for cycling and our deep knowledge and experience in bicycle injury compensation claims, we are the ONLY bicycle injury lawyers in Atlantic Canada with a doctor on our team.

Dr. Laura Mitchell is a practicing emergency room physician with special training in occupational medicine. This means two things:

We have ready-made access to a doctor to provide advice on your injuries from the moment your Free Case Review starts.
Depending on your injuries, Dr Mitchell can organize fast advice from a specialist. So if you have a fracture or a torn muscle or ligament, we would consult with an orthopedic surgeon or if you believe your eye-sight has been affected following a bad fall, we would seek priority advice from an ophthalmologist. Likewise, we can organize prioritized access to other occupational therapists who not only help our client’s recover from injury, but help us develop accurate forecasts of future recovery and rehabilitation needs.

This is why we are considered to be one of the premier law firms in Atlantic Canada. From the moment you talk with us about your needs, you have immediate access to medical support and advice. It also gives our lawyers the greenlight to build medically-backed watertight compensation claims in a way no other personal injury law firm can. Better yet, we operate on a no-win, no-fee basis. That means you get all of this for free, until we win your case and you receive a maximized compensation payout.

Our lawyers are a part of the community in Bedford, and our founder, Jeff Mitchell is proudly Nova Scotian born and raised. He grew up in the neighborhood, and works closely with professionals, community groups and volunteers all over the city to build your case and get you the support you need.

We understand the devastating impact of serious injury to those affected and their loved ones, and the flow on effect this can have to all aspects of one’s life. Know that you are not alone and our team is dedicated to making sure you receive the treatment you need and compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been the victim of a Bicycle Accident, Motorcycle Accident or Car Accident, contact NOVA Injury Law, so we can help you to recover today, and get your life back on track tomorrow.

Reach out to us for a free case review, no-obligation consultation, and contingency fee agreement available for many types of claims.

For more information or to set up an initial consultation for a bicycle accident claim in Bedford, you can reach us by calling 1-800-262-8104. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to support you through the aftermath of an accident. Ready to get started now? Contact Jeff Mitchell at jeff@novainjurylaw.com to get answers today.