Ottawa Bicycle Accident Lawyer
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Cycling is a popular way to get around and stay active. While it benefits health and the environment, road riding comes with risks. Cyclists must follow the same rules as drivers, yet remain vulnerable on the road. If an accident happens, knowing your rights matters. At Bergeron Clifford, we help cyclists navigate these situations with care and expertise.
Circumstances Surrounding Bike Accidents in Ottawa
In Ottawa, cyclists have access to more than 980 km of bike lanes, sidewalks, and paved shoulders to enjoy their rides. However, cyclists still face dangers on the road. Drivers may fail to check blind spots, park illegally in bike lanes, crowd a cyclist’s space, or follow too closely, which can lead to an accident. While staying alert helps, accidents still happen.
Bike Accident Statistics
A national poll of drivers was conducted in September 2020 by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation and found a staggering 152% increase in cyclists across Ottawa, compared to pre-pandemic levels. Also in this report, the Government of Ontario noted that cyclists accounted for 4.8% of fatal collisions and 1.9% of reportable collisions.
In 2024, Ottawa police shared that 123 collisions in the city involved cyclists.
Bicycling Laws in Ottawa
Cyclists in Ottawa must follow the same road rules as vehicles to maintain road safety. This involves:
- Passing others only when it’s safe
- Staying on the right lane
- Warning others when passing with hand signals, a bell, or your voice
- Biking at a safe speed. Recommended speed limit is 20km/hour.
Types of Bicycle Accidents
Various studies show that collisions with vehicles account for upwards of 60% of accidents. In these cases, common incidents include:
Dooring
When a driver opens their car door without checking for cyclists, cyclists may hit the door and be thrown from their bikes. Cyclists often sustain serious injuries in these accidents due to their limited reaction time.
Hooking
Right-hook and left-hook crashes happen when a driver crosses a cyclist’s path, cutting them off unexpectedly. These sudden turns leave cyclists little time to react, often leading to collisions.
Failure-to-Yield
Intersection accidents often happen in one of two ways:
- A cyclist may not see a stop sign or red light and ride into traffic.
- A driver fails to yield, sometimes due to distraction, and hits a cyclist who has the right of way.
Potential Catastrophic Injuries
When a cyclist is hit by a vehicle, the consequences are often severe. With only a helmet for protection, riders face a high risk of serious injury, far beyond typical injuries in car accidents.
Common bicycle crash injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries, even with a helmet
- Severe road rash
- Spinal cord damage
A Bicycle Accident Case Explained
What to Do When You’re Involved in a Bicycling Accident
If you’ve been hit while cycling, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel okay, it is better to be checked by a doctor to verify any injuries. Once you are able, we recommend gathering information related to the accident:
- Take photos of the accident scene
- Get contact information from witnesses
- Note details about what happened
Circumstances Following Bike Accidents in Ottawa
After a serious cycling accident, your recovery may involve multiple steps. Following medical advice is crucial, but the ripple effects of your injuries can quickly impact your daily life.
- Extended hospital stays for proper monitoring
- Surgeries or rehabilitation to help you heal
- Challenges returning to work or daily life
Medical bills and lost income add stress to an already difficult time in your life. At Bergeron Clifford, we can’t turn back the clock, but we can help you receive the fair compensation you deserve.
Hiring a Seasoned Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Ottawa
At Bergeron Clifford, we believe cycling should be a chance to enjoy the open road, not a detour into danger. Too often, young and active riders have their paths abruptly altered by careless drivers. When that happens, our team is here to help you find your footing again and hold negligent parties accountable.
We will:
- Protect your rights as a cyclist
- Investigate thoroughly
- Handle insurance challenges
- Connect you with trusted professionals for medical evaluations and care
Facing the aftermath of a cycling accident can feel like being thrown off course without a map. While insurance companies and law enforcement may overlook cyclists, we won’t. At Bergeron Clifford, we stand firmly in your corner—working to chart a clear path forward by building a strong case that reflects the true impact of the crash on your life. We’re here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident , our team at Bergeron Clifford is ready to help you through this difficult time and fight for your rights. We offer compassionate and skilled legal services to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve.
Time is of the essence when it comes to pursuing a personal injury claim following a bicycle accident. That’s why we are committed to providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your case. For more information on our services, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
If an accident occurred between cyclists and motor vehicles, the cyclist is seen as a vulnerable road user and not at fault. The car’s driver is at fault by default unless proven otherwise, as outlined in the Ontario Highway Traffic Act.
Cyclists have to follow the same laws as motor vehicles. Which includes the following, as outlined by the City of Ottawa:
- Follow all road rules
- Keep headlights on at night
- Yield to pedestrians
- Give additional room for buses or trucks
- Ride in a straight line and in the right lane
As outlined in the Limitations Act, you have two years from the accident date to file a claim for a bicycle accident.
- Photos and Videos: Take pictures and videos of the incident, bike, injuries, and anything relevant in the surrounding area.
- Bike Damage: If you’re bike has any damage, including scratches, scuffs, marks or more significant damage, take pictures and store the bike in a safe place.
- Medical Records: If you require medical attention due to the accident, providing medical records for the injuries can help build your case. These can show the severity of the injuries and prove they are caused by the accident.
- Witnesses: Eyewitnesses who were at the scene of the accident can provide a statement to build your case further.
Yes, various insurance policies can cover bicycle accidents in Ottawa. Although there is no dedicated bicycle insurance, whether or not you are at fault, you can claim the accident insurance benefit on your own or with the driver’s auto insurance.
Sources
- “Bike Safety Statistics.” n.d. CAA National. https://www.caa.ca/driving-safely/cycling/bike-statistics/.
- Rice, Sarah, Mary Alexis Iaccarino, Saurabha Bhatnagar, Greg Robidoux, Ross Zafonte, and Dana H. Kotler. 2020. “Reporting of Concussion-like Symptoms after Cycling Crashes: A Survey of Competitive and Recreational Cyclists.” Journal of Athletic Training 55 (1): 11–16. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-91-19.
- Eng, Svend Filip, Ingar Næss, Hege Linnerud, Pål Rønning, Tor Brommeland, Magnus Evjensvold, Terje Sundstrøm, et al. 2022. “Bicycle-Related Cervical Spine Injuries.” North American Spine Society Journal (NASSJ) 10 (June): 100119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xnsj.2022.100119.
Related Links
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Brain Injury and Concussions
- Amputation
- Broken Bones & Orthopedic Injury
- Chronic Pain, Headaches and Chronic Fatigue
- Injuries to Children
- https://www.bergeronclifford.com/depression-and-post-traumatic-stress-disorder/
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries
- Wrongful Death
- Other Injuries and Claims
- Insurance Denials
