Post by: / August 2, 2022

What you need to know about cycling accidents in Ontario

As more Canadians spend time on their bikes this summer, many new cyclists may be wondering: Is biking in Toronto safe? While the percentage of cyclists in the city has steadily increased over the past 20 years, so has the number of Toronto cycling accidents.

Bike-related emergency room visits reportedly rose by 35 per cent across Ontario between 2020 and 2021 — all while the percentage of ER visits for drivers, car passengers and pedestrians fell by greater margins.

What are the most common causes of cycling accidents?

Despite most Canadian cities implementing emergency bike lanes, many cyclists experience injuries in biking due to the negligence of drivers on the road. According to the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), 73 per cent of all fatal cyclist collisions in Canada involve cycling collisions with cars.

Road safety rules are neglected in approximately 1 in 3 fatal cycling accidents, including:

  • Not stopping at a red light or obeying a stop sign

  • Unsafe lane changes or change of direction

  • Speeding

  • Distracted driving

  • Opening the door of a parked vehicle in the path of a cyclist

Who is the most impacted?

Nearly six male cyclist fatalities were recorded for every female cyclist fatality from 2006 to 2017. Statistics Canada also reports:

  • Men are nearly twice as likely to use their bike for commuting to work than women.

  • The number of fatal biking accidents without helmets is higher among men than women.

Additionally, a 2014 Canadian Community Health survey reports that leisure cyclists are more likely to be younger, male, higher income and identify as white.

How do personal injury lawyers help a biker injured in an accident?

Cyclists are one of the most vulnerable groups on the road. If you have been involved in a cycling accident today, you may benefit from consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Singer Katz helps you navigate the accident claim process from start to finish.

When a car is involved in an accident, the injured cyclist may not know how to report an accident in Ontario. In these situations, cyclists are entitled to make an Accident Benefits or No-Fault insurance claim to their own insurer or to the insurer of the vehicle that was involved in the collision. Cyclists may also be able to make a claim against an at-fault party, such as another cyclist, driver or municipal authority.

The cycling accident claim process can be stressful and complicated, which is why our personal injury lawyers are available to help victims file their Ontario cycling insurance claim.

Singer Katz has the resources and experience to build your case.

An experienced personal injury law firm has the necessary resources to conduct a thorough investigation of your case and calculate the damages you are entitled to. We will compile information from the pieces of evidence, police reports and witnesses of the cycling accident in order to help you build a strong case.

Singer Katz will get you the compensation you need to recover.

If you sustained major injuries in a cycling accident, a personal injury lawyer can help you seek damages from a negligent driver for the financial and emotional impact. Cycling injuries can also cause a number of serious complications, such as traumatic brain injuries, orthopedic injuries and, tragically, wrongful death.

At Singer Katz LLP, we understand that the bicycle accident claim process can be stressful, but we are here for cycling accident victims and fight for your rightful compensation.

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