According to a report1 published by Metro Vancouver, drivers are at fault in 93 percent of collisions between bicycles and motor vehicles. When bicyclists are struck by vehicles, the injuries that victims sustain can be extensive and have the potential to leave them with significant long-term medical complications. In some cases, victims may even develop disabilities that may prevent them from working or living independently. For this reason, anyone that has been hurt in a bicycle accident should make sure their rights are protected by retaining a qualified personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
What kinds of negligence can cause Vancouver bicycle accidents?
Under BC law,2 individuals who are injured by the negligence of another person can usually obtain compensation for the losses they have sustained as a result of the accident. Generally speaking, negligence occurs when a person fails to use the degree of care that would ordinarily be exercised by a reasonable person in the same or similar circumstances. Some examples of the kinds of driver negligence that often leads to bicycle accidents include the following:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Following too closely
- Improper vehicle maintenance
- Failure to signal turns
- Failure to signal lane changes
- Improper or illegal turns
- Driving while excessively fatigued
- Impaired driving
What should bicycle accident victims do immediately after an accident?
While a bicycle accident can leave victims shaken and confused, it is important for people who are injured in these kinds of incidents to take steps to ensure that they protect their right to recover. Some of the steps that bicycle accident victims should take immediately after an accident include the following:
- Call 911
- If possible, collect information, such as the driver’s name and contact information from anyone who may have witnessed the accident
- Undergo a thorough medical evaluation
- Call a lawyer
Contact a Vancouver bicycle accident lawyer today to retain legal representation
Individuals who are injured in bicycle accidents are often able to obtain significant compensation for their medical expense, lost income, physical and emotional pain and suffering, loss of future earning potential, and other associated losses. To schedule a consultation with one of our Vancouver bicycle accident lawyers, call McLarty Wolf today at 604-688-9542 or send us an email through our online contact form.
References:
1 http://www.metronews.ca/news/vancouver/2015/05/12/vancouver-drivers-at-fault-in-93-of-collisions-with-bicycles-city-report.html
2 http://www.bclaws.ca/
