Personal Injury Bike Accident Lawyer

Karl von Drais invented a steerable, two-wheel gadget in 1817 that became over time the bicycle we all know and love today. For over 200 years, young and old alike have enjoyed feeling the wind in their hair as they cycle. Unfortunately, though, there are also some bumps along the way with bicycling. Bicycle accidents are common, so it’s best to be prepared.

Whether you’re an avid cycler or only enjoy the occasional ride through your neighbourhood, it’s essential to know what to do when you hit a bump in the road, literally or figuratively. If you’ve ever wondered about how to go about finding a personal injury bike accident lawyer, we’ve got you covered.

Read on to learn why and when you might need a lawyer for cycling accidents and how to choose a great one.

Bicycle Accidents Are a Real Danger on Alberta’s Roadways

According to Canadian Vital Statistics, an average of 74 cyclists died annually over ten years in Canada. Luckily, though, death rates seem to be dropping: there were 2.5 deaths per 1,000,000 in 2006, compared to 1.3 in 2017. This is good news for cyclists, although the rate of accidents is still concerning. An estimated 7500 cyclists are seriously injured in Canada every year. Most often, these accidents are caused by cyclist or driver inattention.

Common causes of accidents include cars turning into cyclists’ paths or failing to see riders when turning or changing lanes. Junctions are also common locations for accidents. Sometimes, a driver will open a car door into a cyclist’s path and cause an injury. Bad roads, reckless driving, and road rash can also be hazardous.

Wearing a helmet and being alert can go a long way towards keeping you safe on the roads. If you are hurt while cycling, you will need the help of an experienced lawyer for bike accidents that knows Canada’s laws. Rest assured that you can get compensation when your ride doesn’t go as planned.

Typical Injuries Handled by Alberta Bicycle Accident Lawyers

There are two main categories of cases that a personal injury bicycle accident lawyer handles: physical injuries and emotional trauma. It’s usually easy to see physical hurt, whereas emotional wounds may take longer to identify. It’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible after a fall or collision to monitor your injuries.

Physical injuries might include facial injuries, bone fractures, or ruptured discs. More severe injuries are related to long term disability, spine injuries, head trauma, neurological damage, and wrongful death. A lawyer for bicycle accidents can help you get what you need if you or a loved one suffers from any of these after an accident.

Emotional injuries might not be immediately visible, but their long-term effects can be terrible. If you experience nightmares, anxiety, memory loss, confusion, depression, impairments of motor function, or other cognitive difficulties after a fall, see a doctor immediately. PTSD can be a sign of these invisible injuries. A personal injury cycling accident lawyer can help you fight this kind of case, too.

Personal Injury Lawsuits for Bicycle Accidents

These suits are filed on behalf of cyclists who are injured through no fault of their own. Collisions can be especially devastating to bicyclists’ unprotected bodies. Take all precautions possible when cycling and know that you have access to legal recourse if an accident does occur because of someone else’s error.

How to Choose a Good Lawyer

There are certain traits to look out for in a lawyer. You want someone to fight for you and be on your side. A good lawyer for cycling accidents should:

• Be understanding, honest, and reputable
• Have a proven track record of success with similar cases
• Do everything in their power to win your suit

When you’re involved in a bike accident, do not hesitate to get help from an experienced Diamond & Diamond personal injury lawyer.

Proving Fault in Alberta Bicycle Accidents

Negligence lawsuits are one of the most common suits filed by lawyers for cycling accidents. If a car strikes you unintentionally and the driver was negligent, you are entitled to receive compensation for your injuries. Usually, if you can show that the driver took unreasonable risks or failed to take precautions to avoid a collision, you have a strong case.

If you are partly at fault, for example, not observing traffic signs or wearing a helmet, the court might reduce the payable damages. That is why it is vital to take sufficient precautions for your safety while cycling. If you’re not sure if it was your fault or not, a lawyer can advise you depending on the circumstances.

Consult A Cycling Accident Lawyer With A Record of Success

It’s advisable to contact your lawyer as soon as possible after a collision. If a driver caused an accident due to negligence, criminal activity, or intentionally dangerous actions, you should be able to secure compensation for damages through a personal injury claim.

If your suit is successful, you can get compensation for medical expenses, repayment of lost income while recovering, property damage, and physical pain and emotional suffering. A great lawyer will use expert witnesses to strengthen your case so that the jury understands the scope of your losses. That helps maximize your compensation to get what you deserve.

Diamond & Diamond has a record of success and can assist in any personal injury cases.

PRO TIP:

“Always wear your helmet.”