Charlottetown Bicycle Accident Lawyers Fighting for the Rights of Cyclists

As avid cyclists and veteran bicycle accident lawyers, we know riding a bike is not just a fun way to get outside and be active. While it is a great low-impact activity, cycling is not without dangers. Some people find that the roads are not friendly to cyclists, whether that means careless drivers and pedestrians or poorly maintained roads. And much like motorcyclists, the lack of protection offered to a cyclist by their vehicles can bring them into direct contact with the road and other vehicles during an accident, greatly increasing the cyclist’s risk for serious injuries or death.

Accidents happen. Local cyclist Jeff Mitchell of NOVA Injury Law is the bicycle accident lawyer who is uniquely equipped to help cyclists get fair compensation. Jeff and Dr. Laura Mitchell, Chief Medical Consultant, build air-tight cases from day 1. Our law firm helps victims of accidents and injuries resulting from collisions with cars or pedestrians, doors, and poor or faulty infrastructure such as potholes. As an experienced bicycle accident injury lawyer, Jeff Mitchell helps injured cyclists obtain the bicycle accident compensation they deserve in a quick and efficient manner. Contact NOVA Injury Law today for a free case review at 1-800-262-8104.

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 fully 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. Bicyclists need to ride at least 1 meter away from parked cars to avoid being hit if a door suddenly opens.

What Factors Could Affect My Bicycle Accident Claim?

As with any injury case, the final settlement amount is tied to the nature and severity of the injuries and the impact on the victim’s life, along with several other factors related to the nature of the accident itself.

In some cases, the at-fault driver may argue that the cyclist shares the blame for their own injuries if the cyclist failed to take reasonable steps to look out for their own safety. If the cyclist is found to have contributed to the accident, the court can reduce the damages awarded. Some questions the driver’s lawyer will try to answer are:

• Were you wearing a helmet? Would it have made any difference in preventing your injury?
• Were you “distracted riding” or wearing earbuds while riding so that you couldn’t hear traffic horns?
• Did you break the law while riding? For example, blow through a stop sign or red light?
• Were you adequately visible to drivers?

If you have been injured on a bicycle, it’s important to talk to a bicycle accident lawyer right away. If you are contacted by the other party’s lawyer, it is recommended that you refrain from speaking with them without legal representation present. If you have already retained the legal services of a bicycle accident lawyer, you may tell the other party that they may speak with your lawyer if they have questions.

What Do I Do if I’m in a Bicycle Accident?

If you’re involved in an accident on your bike, try to stay calm and gather as much information as you can from the driver who hit you and any witnesses. If you are seriously injured, don’t worry about this step. The priority is always to attend to your injuries. Always seek immediate medical attention if you feel you have been injured during an accident.

• If an ambulance takes you to the hospital, focus on your recovery while you’re there.
• If your injuries are not serious enough to go to the hospital, don’t offer an apology to the driver, and don’t discuss who was “at fault.” Any statements made like this could affect your claim.
• If you’ve got your phone, take a photo of the driver’s license plate, the car, the damage to your bike, the accident scene, and your injuries.
• Don’t leave the scene until the police arrive. Get the accident report number.

Remember to get legal advice before you talk to your insurance company. Most personal injury law firms offer a free consultation. You should take advantage of that.

What if I’ve Been Hit by an Uninsured Driver?

This scenario is one that many people worry about and is an example of an accident where people may not know what sort of compensation they would be able to access. In the event of a collision with an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run, a 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 (were it accessible).

But, even without any insurance, a cyclist can make a claim to Nova Scotia’s Facility Association. It exists to make sure nobody is left without compensation. While the Facility Association is a valuable safety net, there are some specific factors to consider when making a claim to this particular insurance provider. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer will be able to help you navigate applying for coverage via the Facility Association for your personal injury claim.

Is NOVA Injury Law the Right Fit for Me?

We understand how devastating it can be for you or a loved one to suffer a serious injury. Traumatic brain injuries and other severe injuries are serious conditions that can dramatically impact one’s ability to move, speak, work, and perform daily tasks without assistance. This can be devastating, both for the brain injury victim and their loved ones.

If you or one of your loved ones has been the victim of an accident while cycling, contact the veteran bicycle injury lawyers of NOVA Injury Law today. For more information or to set up an initial consultation, you can reach us by calling 1-800-262-8104.