If You Are Struck by a Motor Vehicle while on Your Bicycle, a Personal Injury Lawyer in Ottawa Is Here for You
Riding your bicycle is not a risk-free endeavour. Every time you get on the road, you face the possibility of accident. Your own vigilance comes into play here-always wearing a helmet (and if you’re not, you should; it could save your life), and being mindful of pedestrians, cars, and other bikes. Unfortunately, motor vehicles are not always as mindful of you as you are of them. If you should find yourself colliding with a motorist, here’s what you should do, according to an Ottawa personal injury lawyer.
Check for Immediate Injuries
Some injuries are not immediately obvious. Others, like fractured bones or lacerations, are very obvious. If your life and safety require immediate medical attention, call an ambulance first. If you seem uninjured, you can delay-but not by long. You are high on adrenaline right now and not registering pain as you normally would.
Collect as Much Information as Possible
Not everyone does the honourable thing, and sometimes a motorist who has struck you will flee the scene (in this case, call the police and report the hit and run immediately with as many details as you can recall). If the driver has stopped, record their driver’s licence number, their name and phone number, and their insurance information. Gather contact details for witnesses if possible. If you haven’t yet, seek medical attention now.
File a Claim
If you were injured in the collision, file the necessary insurance claims as soon as you can. Do you have automotive insurance? If so, you’re very lucky-in Ontario, you can claim no-fault benefits through your insurance provider, even if you were on a bicycle and not in your car. If you don’t have insurance, you may claim benefits from the insurer of the party that hit you.
You also have the option of contacting a personal injury lawyer in Ottawa to file a suit against the at-fault party. You may claim damages for pain and suffering, loss of income, future cost of care, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Fatal Accidents
If the worst should happen, and a member of your family has died as the result of being struck by a motor vehicle while riding their bicycle, your family may also file a claim. Typical claims include funeral expenses, loss of shared family income, and loss of guidance, care, and companionship.
If you or a member of your family has suffered a loss following such an accident, and you encounter unexpected complications in the process of filing claims, contact an Ottawa personal injury lawyer immediately. They can offer you guidance and expertise to help ensure that you get the best possible outcome.