Port Coquitlam Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Many bicycle accidents occur at crosswalks and intersections. Distracted, inebriated, reckless, careless, inattentive, or otherwise reckless motor vehicle operators can run through stop signs and traffic lights, or make a turn too quickly without looking. When they do so, they could strike vulnerable road-users, like cyclists.
But bicycle accidents in Port Coquitlam can happen in a number of locations. Cyclists can be injured on residential streets, rural roads and trails, in parking lots, and even on sidewalks. When negligent drivers disregard the safety of other community members or fail to think about the potentially deadly consequences of their actions, innocent bike riders can lose their lives or sustain many types of injuries.
In accordance with the province’s Motor Vehicle Act, drivers in British Columbia are required to fulfill a duty of care to other road-users. That means they must exercise reasonable caution behind the wheel. By doing so, they could help prevent the risk of injurious or fatal accidents. If a driver engages in unsafe behaviour on the road and their misconduct leads to a collision in which someone else is injured, they might be considered negligent. Common examples of negligence that often leads to serious bicycle accidents in Port Coquitlam include:
- Drunk driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- Speeding
- Texting while driving
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Ignoring traffic signs and/or signals
- Improperly changing lanes
- And more
If someone else’s negligence led to an injury-causing crash before May 1, 2021, they might be liable for damages incurred by the injured parties. That means, if you were struck by a negligent driver before May 1, 2021 and sustained compensable injuries as a result, you may be eligible to work with our Port Coquitlam bicycle accident lawyers to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our bicycle accident lawyers serving Port Coquitlam may be able to help you pursue a civil claim against the negligent driver in order to recover damages.
On May 1, 2021, ICBC’s new “enhanced care” model of automotive insurance coverage took effect. If you were injured in a bicycle accident after these changes were implemented, you should be able to receive no-fault accident benefits from the provincially-owned insurance provider. Unfortunately, ICBC has taken away accident victims’ rights to pursue legal action against the at-fault driver whose negligence caused them to be injured. ICBC has also imposed limitations on the ways in which denied claimants or the recipients of unfairly low settlement amounts can appeal the company’s decisions. To voice your concerns about this new “enhanced care” model imposed on policyholders and injured accident victims throughout the province, contact your MLA.
Our Port Coquitlam bicycle accident lawyers appreciate how difficult it can be to begin the process of healing after a serious collision. To discuss your case and learn how we might be able to provide you with assistance, contact us online or call 1-800-JUSTICE to schedule a free initial consultation with our bicycle accident lawyers serving Port Coquitlam.
Call 1-800-JUSTICE for Your Free Initial Consultation
By working with our Port Coquitlam bicycle accident lawyers, community members who were injured in collisions that took place before May 1, 2021 may be able to pursue legal action to get the compensation they are rightfully owed. But consider taking advantage of your free initial consultation with our bicycle accident lawyers serving Port Coquitlam, no matter when your crash occurred.
Our Port Coquitlam bicycle accident lawyers are standing by to answer your questions and provide you with personalized legal advice. To get started, call 1-800-JUSTICE today.