Introduction:

With the release of the vaccine, the new year seems more promising and eventful than the previous year. Many companies have successfully released the vaccine to fight and end the pandemic that has ruptured the socioeconomic fabric. I, Priashna Singh, head of Singh Barristers, am here to inform all the cyclists about their claiming rights in case of an accident. Because of the increased awareness of global warming and health benefits offered by cycles, it has become a famous way of transportation in recent years. Cycling daily is good for the user’s health. The cycle is widely used for exercise and fitness improvement rather than for transportation. 

This mode of transport has received widespread recognition, and many countries have installed pathways for cycles alone. Despite governments’ measures to provide safe lanes and parking spaces for bicycles, cyclists are still prone to collisions. The lockdown has seen an increased accident rate among pedestrians and cyclists. Despite the reduction in motor vehicle traffic, pedestrian and cycle accidents have shot up significantly. Cycles usually do not have insurance. I want to let all the cyclists know that they can claim property loss if involved in an unforeseen accident. Cyclists do not need to carry a license, unlike motor vehicle drivers. 

Cycle with motor vehicle accidents:

A cycle accident victim will sustain more personal injuries and property loss than the opposite running motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is equipped with guards and appropriate equipment to protect the driver. But cyclists are exposed completely and are more prone to personal injuries if met with an accident. I want my fellow citizens to know that they can file a claim with their auto insurance company in the case of a motor accident. According to the no-fault benefits system, a cyclist can file a claim if he doesn’t have motor insurance on the insurance company of the other vehicle involved. I urge all victims to receive medical assistance in case of a major injury. In that case, you don’t need to worry about jotting down the accident details. Our lawyers will get it from the police. The auto claim covers the property losses, medical expenses, income loss due to your inability to go to work, and your care needs.

There are a few important factors to note before leaving the accident site, which include the following. First of all, you need to jot down the license plate number involved in the accident. This helps us, the lawyers, to track down the vehicle easily while filing a claim. The next step would be getting the driver’s license number and the motor vehicle’s name. In case you have any witnesses present at the scene, getting their statement would be a great help in settling your claim. In my experience, most people tend to avoid providing a witness statement. It is advised to get complete details of the vehicle, vehicle driver, and owner in such cases. When a witness comes forward to give a statement, do not inquire into their details first. Always get the statement first and then politely ask for their name and other details. These details will help us to file and settle your claim easily. 

Home insurance or dependent insurance policies can be used by cyclists who have been victims of hit and run. Under these policies, the cyclist will be granted property losses if filing a claim under either of the above insurance policies. You can claim up to $200,000, including all the losses and claims.

Cycle accidents involving pedestrians:

Cycling accidents involving fellow cyclists or pedestrians do not come under auto or motor vehicle accidents and cannot be claimed under the above insurance policies. However, in my experience, most of these accidents are claimed under home insurance or dependent insurance, which covers property loss. You should always learn and practice cycling before taking to the streets. Obeying the rules and sticking to the lane allotted for cycling can reduce the risk of accidents. I think providing hand signals is also essential for a cyclist’s safe journey. In my experience, these accidents will be covered under the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule.

So, I urge all cycle accident victims to file a claim to recover their accident losses. Since the pandemic is not yet over, I suggest all my fellow citizens follow the Canadian government’s protocols and regulations. In my opinion, all cyclists should get in touch with their motor insurance and other insurance companies to know the range of claims that they can file in case of an accident. We are well-versed in the types of claims applicable to a cycling accident, but it’s always advisable to know them from your insurance company beforehand. Always record the essentials from the accident site, despite having cycling insurance. We can file a claim against the motor vehicle owner’s insurance company.

We are Singh Barristers, and we operate and provide law consultancy services to people in and around the Brampton region. We are experienced in settling personal injury claims regarding motor vehicle accidents. We have experienced professionals who can guide you to the best possible claim settlement. For any kinds of claim settlements, please feel free to contact our barristers. We take all the government-implemented precautionary measures to give our clients the safest and best possible experience. Our loss estimation is accurate and always up-to-date. We try to settle your claims in the best possible times. Our barristers are fearless and have faced many insurance giants before, ensuring you a comfortable and safe settlement of your claim. Due to this prevailing pandemic situation, the processing of personal injury claims may get delayed. The other cases, such as criminal and family cases, take priority once the courts reopen. Personal Injury claims may be delayed, but don’t get disheartened. Our barristers will do their best to follow up on your claim to receive a faster settlement. Get in touch with any of our lawyers to get a settlement of your injury claim. I urge all my fellow citizens who cycle to embrace this knowledge and file an injury claim when needed.