It is important to protect yourself when riding a bike in Ontario. It seems that more people are riding bikes than ever before, especially during the warmer months. Even as it gets colder, many people still ride their bikes to work and only the brave few will ride one during winter with snow, ice and freezing conditions.
While these conditions are perfect for accidents to happen, they can happen even when the weather is good. This is why bike riders have to wear helmets and perhaps other forms of protection to stay safe and maintain their bikes to make sure it is in good order. However, if you are hurt in an accident, do you know what to do? Let’s look at some of the things you need to know, should this happen to you.
1. Insurance
If a cyclist is involved in an accident, they have several options in the event that they got hurt and need legal assistance for compensation. Cyclists can also be covered by insurance in the event of an accident with a car. A cyclist may receive compensation for any damages or insurance benefits through the insurance of the driver of the car. They could also receive it through their own car insurance if they have one, or they could receive it from their spouse’s car insurance. If they are dependent on someone, then they could get insurance from that person. Benefits and compensation may also be obtained from the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund.
2. Contact Emergency Services
Assuming you are not unconscious and are able to use the phone, you should call emergency services immediately. The sooner they arrive the better. You also need to get yourself to the hospital even though you may appear to be fine. Many people have made this mistake. You can actually feel fine in that moment, but the next day, you may feel something isn’t quite right.
3. Getting Information
Assuming it isn’t a hit and run and the driver is on the scene, you should exchange information with him or her. You need to get their full name, their phone number, their license plate number and their insurance information. Again, this is assuming that you can do this. If your injuries are severe and prevent you from doing so, you need to get someone to do it for you, as it is really important. This will help you when you want to start a personal injury claim and need an accident lawyer’s help.
4. Photo Evidence
If you are able to do so, start taking photos of the scene. Photographic evidence can be very powerful. Get photos of the car, your bike, any visible injuries you have, the road and also if you notice any skid marks, take photos of this as well. Make a note of the weather conditions.
5. Police Report
Report the accident to the police and let them know exactly what happened. The police will also make a report of this incident.
You should also contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can. They can advise you on certain things immediately, such as not discussing anything with anyone, not posting on social media and other things that could be mistakes you may commit unknowingly which could ruin your case. With the help of a personal injury lawyer, you can get compensation for the accident and also for any ongoing expenses or wage loss as a result of the accident.