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.