Due to their relative lack of protection from the dangers of the road, cyclists are among the most vulnerable road-users. Along with pedestrians, cyclists are among the road-users most likely to be injured as the result of a collision with a motor vehicle, or to lose their lives because of a driver’s negligence.
Across Alberta, hospitalizations resulting from bicycle accidents have seen a year-over-year increase of a shocking 48%. This province-wide spike in cycling injuries should be a major cause for concern.
Injured bicycle accident survivors should be entitled to Section B benefits, which are intended to offset certain injury-related costs incurred by the survivors of all motor vehicle collisions. If the driver of the vehicle in question was uninsured or if they fled the scene of the collision, the injured cyclist may be able to access coverage through the province’s Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program (MVAC). However, depending on the severity of the injuries they have sustained, the insurance coverage available to an injured bicycle accident survivor may not be enough to cover their total injury-related losses.
When a driver strikes a cyclist, there is an automatic presumption of negligence on the part of the motorist. However, negligent drivers and their insurance providers often try proving that the injured cyclist was contributorily negligent, meaning that their own actions contributed to the circumstances that caused the accident. If they can successfully prove this, the compensation available to the injured cyclist could be drastically reduced.
This is one of the reasons why it is imperative to contact our Grande Prairie bicycle accident lawyers as soon as possible. Our bicycle accident lawyers serving Grande Prairie are familiar with the unfair tactics often used by insurers to reduce the settlement amounts they are required to pay injured cyclists. By working with our Grande Prairie bicycle accident lawyers, you may be able to recover the maximum amount of compensation to which you should be entitled.
In the immediate aftermath of a bicycle accident, it can be difficult to know what to do, or where to turn for assistance. But after being struck by a negligent driver while riding a bicycle, every second can be crucial.
By seeking immediate medical attention after a collision with a motor vehicle – even if it does not feel like serious injuries have been sustained in the bicycle accident – cyclists may be able to avoid unnecessary complications on their road to physical recovery. Similarly, by seeking legal advice as soon as possible, injured survivors of bicycle accidents in Grande Prairie could have a better chance of securing the financial compensation they rightfully deserve.
Our bicycle accident lawyers serving Grande Prairie work on a contingency-fee basis. That means you do not pay unless we win. To take advantage of your free initial consultation and learn more about how our Grande Prairie bicycle accident lawyers may be able to help you, contact us today.
Since 1959, Preszler Injury Lawyers has been helping Canadians pursue meaningful compensation from insurance providers.
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