Kelowna Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Drivers have a responsibility to other road-users. In accordance with the British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act, drivers have a legal obligation to exercise caution behind the wheel, to obey traffic laws, and share the road. If a driver neglects to uphold the duty of care they are legally required to provide other road-users, the consequences can be devastating.
As the result of a driver’s negligence, cyclists in Kelowna can be killed. Cyclists have nothing but wearable safety gear to protect them in the event of a crash. As such, if they are struck by even slow-moving motor vehicles, the bicycle accident could have a fatal outcome.
Those who are fortunate enough to survive near-fatal bicycle accidents in Kelowna often sustain many types of injuries, ranging in severity from moderate to catastrophic. Recovering from serious injuries or overhauling one’s entire lifestyle to accommodate newly acquired physical disabilities can be a grueling, painful, emotional, and expensive process.
In May 2021, ICBC introduced a new “enhanced care” model of insurance coverage. Under this new plan, anyone who is injured in a collision with a motor vehicle should be able to file an ICBC claim and receive no-fault accident benefits. Even negligent drivers whose wrongful actions led to an injury-causing collision could be eligible for accident benefits.
But when ICBC introduced this new system, they also took away injured accident survivors’ rights to pursue compensation through legal means. Even if someone else’s negligence caused them to sustain life-changing injuries, the people injured in bicycle accidents after May 1, 2021 have no legal recourse to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver. Furthermore, if ICBC chooses to deny their benefits claim or offers an unfairly low settlement amount, there are now limited options available for them to appeal the decision.
ICBC is a Crown corporation and is owned by the provincial government. If you are displeased and concerned with the new “enhanced care” insurance model, contact your MLA.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident before May 1, 2021, you might be entitled to pursue compensation by filing a civil claim against the at-fault driver whose misconduct on the road caused your collision. Our Kelowna bicycle accident lawyers may be able to help you recover the maximum amount of damages to which you might be owed. To learn more about your compensatory options, contact our bicycle accident lawyers serving Kelowna by calling 1-800-JUSTICE.
Book Your Free Initial Consultation Today
Our Kelowna bicycle accident lawyers offer all prospective clients a free initial consultation. Even if you were injured in a collision that occurred after May 1, 2021, consulting with our bicycle accident lawyers serving Kelowna could be beneficial to you.
During a cost-free, no-obligation first meeting with our Kelowna bicycle accident lawyers, you will have the opportunity to ask important questions, and receive specific, personalized legal feedback tailored to the circumstances of your individual case.
Being injured in an unexpected collision can be overwhelming. Our bicycle accident lawyers serving Kelowna believe that no one should be forced to navigate the confusing, complicated claims process on their own. We are committed to providing crucial legal assistance and advice to injured members of the local community.
To book your free initial consultation, contact us today and learn how our Kelowna bicycle accident lawyers may be able to assist you.