Ontario bicyclists may want to take certain actions like making a claim if they are injured in a wreck with a motorist.

On behalf of Joseph Caprara of CBLAW posted in Bicycle Accidents on Friday, December 18, 2015.

Ontario bicyclists may want to take certain actions if they are injured in a wreck with a motorist.

Cyclists who collide with vehicles can make a claim for any damages to their bikes against the driver’s insurance policy. In order to do that, they must get a valid name and number of the driver’s insurance company and policy, as well as the pertinent information from the driver. In cases of hit and run, make an attempt to get the driver’s license plate number for the police to locate them.

Cyclists injured in collisions with hit-and-run drivers also might be eligible to file claims with the Motor Vehicle Accident Claim Fund. In order to properly document the accident and injuries, they should ride in an ambulance or take themselves immediately to a hospital’s emergency department to substantiate their claims.

If a cyclist is hurt in a collision with an automobile, Toronto police respond to the scene no matter how minor the damage. This applies to vehicle/pedestrian accidents as well.

Sometimes, bicyclists involved in accidents can make a no-fault insurance claim under their own policies when they are injured. Even if a cyclist doesn’t have car insurance, he or she could have coverage under a spouse or parent’s policy. When that isn’t feasible, they can choose to make a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company. With no-fault insurance, bicyclists are not able to sue the drivers unless the injuries they suffer exceed a specific threshold.

Not all injuries are immediately apparent after a car/bicycle collision. Our bodies can go into deadly shock after a wreck, and head and internal injuries can sometimes be fatal.

When collisions are especially serious and cause permanent disabilities, it might be time to consider a lawsuit against the driver.

Source: I Bike T.O., “How to claim insurance,” accessed Dec. 18, 2015