Practice Areas

Bicycle Accidents

Cars and trucks don’t always recognize bicyclists’ presence and this can cause serious accidents. Drivers on the road should stay alert, check mirrors often, and be on the lookout for motorcyclists, pedestrians and bicyclists. There is no competition between a bicycle and a motor vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds.

Common Injuries

Negligent drivers are a common factor in bicycle accidents. When a driver makes a turn, pulls out of a driveway or alley, or opens a car door without being attentive, they are putting bicyclists in danger of suffering a wide array of injuries.

Non-fatal injuries commonly associated with bicycle accidents include spinal injuries, neck injuries, concussions, broken bones, and even paralysis. Injuries sustained to bicyclists may even be fatal because of the lack of protection that a bicycle provides. Drivers must be held accountable for the injuries that they cause, and our lawyers at Martin G. Schulz & Associates are here to ensure that they are.

Canadian Statistics

Two studies of cyclists in Toronto and Ottawa found that cyclists riding on sidewalks were 4 to 8 times more likely to suffer an injury than cyclists on the road. Other shocking statistics include:

FACT: Statistics from 2007, report that 65 cyclists died on Canadian roads.

FACT: Around 7,500 cyclists suffer serious injuries every year.

FACT: It’s estimated that as many as 70,000 others are treated in hospital emergency rooms for cycling-related injuries.

FACT: In Canada, 56% of cyclist fatalities and 85% of serious cycling injuries occur in cities.

Other Risk Factors

If you thought getting off the road is the key to avoiding injury, you might want to think again. Where you cycle is only one factor to consider. Other factors can also contribute to the likelihood of a bicycle accident.

Time of day: 17% of deaths and 23% of injuries occur as a result of accidents during the afternoon rush hour. 30% of cyclist fatalities occur at night or in artificial light situations.

Location: You’re more likely to be killed or injured at an intersection or at locations with traffic signals or other traffic control signs.

Rural areas: 44% of cyclist fatalities that occurred in rural areas were on roads with posted speed limits of 80 km/h or higher.

Age: Cyclists under the age of 24 have substantially higher death and injury rates than the rest of the population.

The Legal Process

If you file a bicycle accident claim, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries. Our attorneys will investigate all aspects of your accident to find out who is at fault. Our investigators will take photos, speak to witnesses, and perform other actions to learn all the facts surrounding your accident. Even if the actions of the cyclist contributed to the accident, an injured victim may still be able to claim compensation.

If your family is dealing with an injury or the loss of a loved one following a bicycle accident, talk to an experienced lawyer about filing a wrongful death claim. The exceptional legal representation and advice that you will receive from the personal injury lawyers at Martin G. Schulz & Associates will make the legal process easy and timely.

Our lawyers will fight to get your family fair compensation for medical expenses, lost-income and other accident-related costs.