Calgary Bicycle Accident Lawyers

During Alberta’s warmer months thousands of cyclists enjoy the beauty and breathtaking scenery of Calgary’s roads and trails. And in the winter, many hardy Calgarian cyclists don’t let the cold, ice, and snow stop them from getting in a good ride. Many people across Alberta enjoy biking as a source of daily physical activity, whether that be commuting to work or for recreation. As cyclists become increasingly integrated with high volume traffic, drivers and riders must be extra vigilant and exercise caution while sharing the road.

A bicycle is no match to a car or truck in size or speed, and cyclists carry a greater risk of critical injury or loss of life in accidents involving bicycles and motor vehicles. According to Canadian Vital Statistics, collisions with a motor vehicle made up 73% of fatal cycling accidents, most of which took place during evening rush hour [1,2]. Whether a bicycle accident is the result of a speeding driver, distracted or careless driving, dooring (colliding with an open car door), poor visibility or road conditions, we will investigate thoroughly and determine where the negligence lies. If you were involved in a bicycle accident involving another person who is fully or even partially responsible for the accident, you may be eligible for certain accident benefits and compensation. We believe in balancing the power by getting on the side of injury victims against insurance companies who will try to persuade you to settle for less than you are entitled to receive. Knowing and understanding your rights could make all the difference. At Litco Law, we work tirelessly to ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable and your settlement is fair and what you deserve.

Bicycle Accidents & Section B Benefits​

Like pedestrians, cyclists are generally more vulnerable on the road and injuries involving a motor vehicle are often more severe and can cause serious injuries or even death. If a cyclist survives an accident, the physical and psychological injuries are often life-changing. If your quality of life has been negatively impacted in any way following a bicycle accident, you may be eligible for certain benefits to help with your medical treatment and recovery. Common injuries that result from a car hitting a cyclist include:

• Facial injuries;


• Cuts and bruises;


• Broken bones;


• Concussions and head injuries;


• Traumatic brain injuries;


• Spinal cord injuries;


• Neck injuries;


• Internal injuries;


• Psychological injuries;


• Orthopaedic injuries;


• Amputations; or


• Death.

If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident while riding a bicycle, the most important thing is your health; it is important to get a medical assessment right away, even if you think you have only sustained scrapes and bruises, and follow the advice of your doctor and other treatment providers.

In Alberta, all motor vehicle insurance policies offer “no-fault” accident benefits called Section B benefits for any person who is hit and injured by a motor vehicle while biking. Regardless of who was at fault, you are entitled to have a portion of your medical treatments paid for through Section B benefits, provided the driver of the car had valid Alberta driver’s insurance. If the driver was uninsured, no need to worry – you may still be able to get Section B coverage; call or email us for help and more information. You can download Section B forms here. The sooner you access Section B benefits, the sooner you can get back on the path to better health. If you need any help accessing the necessary paperwork, filling out forms, or if you have questions about Section B benefits, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

What is my settlement worth?​

Rule #1. Do NOT sign any documents or accept a settlement offer from an insurance company before speaking to an experienced Bicycle Accident lawyer.

Rule #2: Do NOT accept a settlement for your claim before you what the long-term effects of your injuries might be on your life and health.

Be on guard for insurance companies asking you to sign waivers or documents stating that you will not hold another party liable for your injuries. Insurance companies are known for being quick to offer settlements to bicycle injury victims in the hope of resolving the claim quickly and paying the lowest possible amount. These offers from insurers often come quickly following an accident, usually before you have had a chance to hire a lawyer and learn the full amount you are entitled to. In the first weeks following an accident, you are also less likely to be aware of the full extent of your injuries and any long-term effects from the accident. While some injuries are visible right away, sometimes the full impact of an accident is not felt for months. And that is something many victims are not aware of in the early days or weeks following an accident. It is important to consult a Personal Injury lawyer to understand the compensation you are entitled to receive based on the unique details of your case. The value of your claim depends on several factors including how severe your injuries are and how they impact your ability to work, daily life, and various other factors. Our Calgary Accident lawyers will utilize their knowledge and resources to acquire the maximum compensation for your claim. Even better, it won’t cost you a thing to hire us because we don’t get paid until you get paid.

In Alberta, you typically have up to two years from the date of an accident to make a claim – if you pass that deadline, your right to make a claim is lost forever. That isn’t to say that you should put off your claim because of the two-year grace period. It’s important not to wait as there may be other important deadlines or circumstances that may affect this deadline or your claim. If you have questions about the limitation window for your claim, call or email us for a free consultation with one of our Bicycle Accident lawyers today.