With over 150 reported collisions involving bicycles in Edmonton in 2021, it is clear that cyclists must be on their guard when riding on the road. Almost 70% of bicycle collisions resulting in injury or fatality were due to an error by another driver, and while a bicycle accident may not have a high chance of fatality, even soft tissue injuries can have lasting effects. These are all critical reasons cyclists need to be careful when riding a bicycle on the road. But what happens if you get into a cycling accident? The following post will describe any cyclist’s next steps to take following a bicycle accident.
Your Next Steps
You’ve been involved in a bicycle collision! That can be an emotional event for all parties, but particularly for more exposed vehicle drivers—in this case, cyclists. Alberta classifies bicycles as vehicles, so victims of collisions must heed the same rules as a regular MVA but with added caution. This is why it is a little more complicated to know your next steps for a bicycle accident.
Step 1. Assess Physical Damage
Before you move, stay still and assess the damage you have sustained to your body. After a bicycle accident, you will feel a lot of adrenaline and might not immediately notice specific injuries. If you think there is a possibility of a head or spinal injury, do not move.
If you or anyone else has been injured, you or someone else should call 911. Make sure to remove yourself from the road and out of danger’s way if you can. Once the ambulance arrives, allow the medical professionals to examine you. If their recommended course of action is to go to an Edmonton hospital, go along with them.
Then, if property damage is more than $1,000, you must report the accident to the police. Should there not be any damage above $1,000, still proceed to step 2.
Step 2. Share Information
Collect the name, insurance, license and registration of any other drivers involved. Each driver is required to stay at the scene until this information is exchanged. Never sign anything, as it may include your admittance to a fault.
If you can, take photos of the accident and any damage to vehicles, bicycles, or property. Record where in Edmonton the bicycle accident took place, noting the time and direction of travel of all parties. Ask any available witnesses if they are willing to provide a statement to the police. The more witnesses you can provide, the better.
Step 3. Write A Report
When you have the time, write down everything you can remember about the bicycle accident. Also, keeping a diary of your injuries, property damage, and the healing process can be beneficial to your case. Make a note of all relevant appointments, including doctor’s visits, physiotherapy and chiropractic adjustments, and include conversations surrounding the bicycle accident.
Write these notes concisely and objectively, as they could be used in litigation. Do not include personal feelings, comments or details of your personal life, as this writing could be read in court.
Step 4. Contact an Edmonton Lawyer
Contacting a lawyer should be your next step before you contact your insurance. Edmonton lawyers at James H. Brown and Associates are ready to talk with you about your case, and we can lead you through the steps you need to take. Let us handle the tricky legal system to get you the compensation you deserve while you focus on the road to recovery.
Am I Liable?
According to Edmonton law, bicycles are considered vehicles and must follow the rules of the road like any other vehicle. If you are guilty of any of the following, you may be liable:
- Not wearing the proper safety equipment
- Distracted driving (looking at your phone, listening to music, etc.)
- Not obeying traffic laws
The law is complicated at the best of times, so rely on an experienced lawyer to navigate it on your behalf.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Edmonton, Alberta
James H. Brown and Associates has over 250 years of combined experience dealing with personal injury law. We have helped thousands of people with their motor vehicle accident cases to attain the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
