Bicycle Accidents

Bicycles are an excellent way to build fitness exercise to your everyday routine and also reducing your carbon foot print. In the Greater Toronto Area, it is normal to see cyclists who us their bicycle a their regular mode of transportation.

Statistics Canada says an average of 60 fatalities occur every year in bicycle accidents from 2010 to 2014. Serious injuries sustained from bicycle accidents are around 7500 every year according to CAA.  In the Greater Toronto Area alone – there have been an increasing number of bicycle accidents.

Most bicycle accidents happen at intersections or a location where there are traffic signals or other traffic control signs with head injuries being the most common form of injuries sustained in bicycle accidents. 34% of fatalities from bicycle accident were attributed to a cyclist being struck by a vehicle in the dark. 19% of fatalities were associated with a cyclist being struck by a heavy truck.

Human error is blamed as the number one cause of bicycle accidents.  Dooring incidents are another cause for bicycle accidents. This happens when a car door suddenly opens and the cyclist moves onto the path of an oncoming car or hit the door that was opened. Trying to avoid potholes or a congested sidewalk may also contribute to bicycle accidents. Children make up18% of fatalities in bicycle accidents. The causes for the accident with children are generally child playing, riding too fast or losing control. Experts say we can learn many things from these statistics to keep us and our loved one’s safe.

Most bicycle accidents and injuries occur during the afternoon rush hour according to CAA. This same report also says one out of three cyclist deaths occur at night or where there’s artificial lighting or poor lighting.

The common types of injuries sustained during a bicycle accident are:

• Limb injuries where injuries to arms tend to be higher than legs. Higher rate of serious injuries are associated with limbs.
• Most fatalities occur from head injuries specifically skull fractures. Other types of head injuries are brain injury, minor concussion cuts and bruises.

At SBMB Law – our personal injury lawyers are well versed with bicycle accident claims. We have a track record of success in settling bicycle accident claims and are happy to give you a free consultation to discuss your claim.  Contact us today at 905.884.9242 for a free consultation and one of our bicycle accident lawyer will be pleased to speak with you.