In the bustling avenues of Edmonton, bike riding is thrilling yet increasingly risky due to a surge in accidents. This article offers a guiding light to cyclists, emphasizing the crucial, often overlooked, post-accident procedures, given the escalating bike collisions in the city.
Understanding these steps is essential, acting as a shield during an accident’s legal and medical aftermath. With the rise of bike accidents in Edmonton, this guide will empower cyclists with the necessary knowledge to navigate post-accident scenarios.
Bike Accident Data in Edmonton
CBC News highlights that in 2021, nearly 70% of the 140 cyclists involved in dangerous or fatal collisions followed the rules and had the right of way when drivers struck them, as per the City of Edmonton’s findings.
Locations and Times of Frequent Accidents
In 2017, Allstate Canada conducted a Safe Driving Study, examining collision frequencies across 93 Canadian cities. The study found Halifax having the highest collision frequency of 7.9 per 100 automobiles. Among the provinces studied, Nova Scotia showed the highest collision frequency, at 6.1%.
Cyclist Fatality Trends in Canada reports that over 90% of bikes in nighttime fatalities lack adequate lighting, quadrupling the risk of fatal accidents. Ontario data reveals that 20% to 30% of fatalities occur at dusk or in the dark.
Moreover, the Canadian Automobile Association and Statistics Canada inform that roughly 7,500 cyclists encounter serious injuries each year in Canada. Many of these accidents and incidents predominantly occur during the afternoon rush hour.
Prevalent Causes of Bike Accidents
| # | Cause | Explanation | Risk to Cyclists |
| 1 | Distracted Driving | Lack of driver attention due to various distractions. | High |
| 2 | Speeding | Exceeding speed limits, reducing reaction times. | High |
| 3 | Poor Road Conditions | Hazardous roads due to potholes, debris, or lack of proper signage. | Medium |
| 4 | Impaired Driving | Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. | High |
| 5 | Inclement Weather | Reduced visibility and traction due to weather conditions. | Medium |
| 6 | Inadequate Infrastructure | Lack of bike lanes or poorly designed intersections. | Medium |
| 7 | Dooring | Car doors opened without checking for cyclists. | Medium |
| 8 | Running Red Lights/Stop Signs | Disobeying traffic signals. | High |
| 9 | Unlit or Poorly Lit Cyclists | Low visibility of cyclists in low-light conditions. | Medium |
| 10 | Lack of Cycling Experience | Unsafe maneuvers or loss of control by inexperienced cyclists. | Low to Medium |
Importance of Safety and Awareness
Adherence to safety measures like wearing helmets and reflective clothing, using lights, and following traffic rules ensures that cyclists are visible and protected on the road. For drivers, obeying speed limits, staying alert, and giving cyclists adequate space can prevent collisions.
Awareness among Cyclists and Drivers
Cyclists:
- Understanding traffic rules: Know and follow all applicable traffic laws and signals.
- Vigilance: Stay alert to surroundings, especially near intersections and parked cars.
- Visibility: Wear bright, reflective clothing and use lights to be seen, especially at night.
- Defensive riding: Assume that drivers can’t see you and be prepared to avoid accidents.
- Proper signalling: Use hand signals to indicate turns and stops to other road users.
Drivers:
- Respect for cyclists’ rights: Recognize and respect cyclists’ right to use the road.
- Vigilance: Constantly scan the environment, check blind spots, and watch for cyclists.
- Safe passing: Give cyclists adequate space when passing and avoid cutting them off.
- Sobriety: Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or impairing medications.
- Speed management: Adhere to speed limits and adjust speed according to road conditions.
Following Traffic Rules on Reducing Accidents
| # | Traffic Rule | Impact on Cyclists | Impact on Drivers |
| 1 | Obeying Speed Limits | Reduces severity of injuries in collisions | Decreases likelihood and severity of collisions |
| 2 | Using Signals | Informs drivers of intentions, reducing surprise maneuvers | Clear communication of intentions to other road users |
| 4 | Staying in Designated Lanes | Decreases chances of collisions | Reduces unexpected encounters with cyclists |
| 5 | Avoiding Distractions | Increases awareness of surroundings | Decreases chances of overlooked cyclists and other hazards |
| 6 | Stopping at Traffic Signals | Avoids collisions at intersections | Prevents intersection accidents with cyclists and vehicles |
Post-Accident Procedures
Experiencing an accident can be a harrowing ordeal; taking immediate steps to safeguard yourself and prepare for potential legal issues is important. Following these essential procedures will help you navigate the aftermath of an accident effectively:
| # | Step | Action |
| 1 | Prioritize Safety | Move to a safe area away from traffic to prevent further injury or damage. |
| 2 | Seek Medical Attention | Even if injuries are not apparent, it’s urgent to get checked for any hidden injuries or shock. |
| 3 | Report the Accident | Notify the police to file an accident report, even for minor incidents. |
Documentation and Information Exchange
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Exchange Information with Involved Parties:
Obtain names, addresses, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details from all involved parties and witnesses.
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Document the Scene:
Take photographs of the accident scene, including the vehicles, any damage, and the surrounding area. Note down the time, date, location, weather conditions, and any other relevant details of the accident.
Legal Steps for a Post-Accident
Consulting a lawyer is essential after an accident as it helps in understanding legal rights and obligations, navigating insurance claims, and ensuring that any compensation claims are properly evaluated and pursued.
A lawyer can provide legal advice, represent you in any legal proceedings, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to secure fair compensation for damages and injuries.
How a Lawyer Can Assist in the Aftermath of an Accident
| # | Assistance | Explanation |
| 1 | Legal Advice | Provide guidance on legal rights, obligations, and applicable laws. |
| 2 | Insurance Negotiation | Negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation. |
| 3 | Representation in Court | Represent your interests in any legal proceedings related to the accident. |
| 4 | Settlement Negotiation | Assist in reaching a fair settlement with the involved parties. |
| 5 | Documentation and Evidence Gathering | Collect and organize necessary documents and evidence to support the case. |
Legal Rights and Compensation
When filing a case for vehicular accidents, it is important to be well-informed about your legal rights and the potential compensation available to you. Failing to consider these critical aspects can render your efforts futile.
Below enlists the rights of a cyclist, the compensation you deserve, and the role of a personal injury lawyer concerning these matters:
Rights of Cyclists Involved in an Accident
- Right to Safety: Expect a safe environment on the roads and are entitled to protection under traffic laws.
- Right to Report: Report an accident to law enforcement and have an official record of the incident.
- Right to Seek Medical Attention: Receive immediate medical care for injuries sustained during an accident.
- Right to Legal Representation: Seek legal counsel to represent their interests, help navigate the legal system, and pursue compensation claims.
- Right to Compensation: Pursue compensation for damages, injuries, and losses incurred due to the accident.
Types of Compensation Available
| # | Type of Compensation | Description |
| 1 | Medical Expenses | Covers costs related to medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. |
| 2 | Lost Wages | Compensates for lost income due to the inability to work post-accident. |
| 3 | Property Damage | Covers the repair or replacement costs of damaged property, such as the bicycle. |
| 4 | Pain and Suffering | Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress experienced. |
| 5 | Loss of Enjoyment of Life | Compensates the diminished ability to enjoy life due to sustained injuries. |
| 6 | Legal Fees | Covers the legal costs incurred in pursuing a compensation claim. |
Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer in Securing Compensation
- Legal Counsel and Representation: Providing legal advice and representing the client’s interests in legal proceedings.
- Evidence Collection: Gathering necessary evidence and documentation to support the compensation claim.
- Negotiation: Negotiating with insurance companies and other involved parties to secure fair compensation.
- Claim Filing: Assisting in the preparation and filing of compensation claims to ensure they are accurate and complete.
- Advocacy: Advocating for the client’s rights and interests to secure the best possible outcome.
Settle your Case and Claim With a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bike accidents often result from factors like distracted driving, speeding, and lack of awareness among drivers and cyclists. It’s important to act promptly during the post-accident by ensuring safety, getting medical help, and reporting the incident.
Being legally informed and having the right representation ensures that individuals can navigate through the post-accident phase more efficiently. If you want the right compensation and protection for a bike accident in Edmonton, do not hesitate to contact Sidhu Personal Injury Lawyers Edmonton.
Get the process done with ease as we help you in these stressful incidents. Give us a call today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I contact a bicycle accident attorney?
You should contact a bicycle accident attorney immediately after a bicycle accident once you’ve received any necessary medical attention and reported the incident to the police.
Early contact is necessary for the following reasons:
- Preserving evidence
- Obtaining proper legal advice and medical documentation
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Ensuring compliance with legal timeframes for filing a lawsuit.
- Allowing you to focus on recovery with the assurance that a professional is handling the legal aspects of your case.
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet during the accident?
If you weren’t wearing a helmet during the accident, it could impact your claim due to laws surrounding comparative or contributory negligence.
Implications:
- Reduced Compensation: You can still receive compensation, but it could be reduced if not wearing a helmet is considered to contribute to your injuries.
- Impact on Legal Claims: Some jurisdictions do not classify not donning a helmet as contributory negligence, which can impact the viability of legal claims made against the party at fault.
- Insurance Adjustments: Insurance companies could offer a lower settlement amount, citing increased risk due to the absence of a helmet.
What You Can Do:
- Consult with a bicycle accident attorney immediately to understand how not wearing a helmet could affect your case and what legal strategies can be employed to mitigate any negative impact.
- Even if you weren’t wearing a helmet, you still have the right to seek compensation for damages and injuries, especially if the other party was at fault.
