Cyclist Accidents
When you’re a cyclists you are often required to share the road with much larger and faster vehicles, this makes you the cyclists vulnerable to injury and loss when involved in an accident with a motor vehicle. It is obvious that a bike rider involved in a collision with a motor vehicle can suffer serious injuries, even when properly wearing a helmet and safety equipment that is required by law.
Cyclist accidents causing injuries as a result of a careless motorist are entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses.
Motor Vehicle drivers are required to take certain precautions when sharing the road with cyclists.
The drivers must always be on the look out for cyclists and be ready to adjust their driving when a rider is present, including slowing down when driving beside a cyclist if failing to do so could be dangerous. Drivers who park on the street are also required to check for cyclists before opening the door to their vehicles.
Pursuant to British Columbia’s Motor Vehicle Act, the cyclist has statutory rights and duties the same as someone operating a motor vehicle.
There are also special responsibilities particular to cyclists under the Motor Vehicle Act that pertains to proper safety equipment and rules of the road. An example of this would be:
- bicycles are not allowed to be ridden on sidewalks.’
- Cyclists must ride as near as possible to the right side of the road.
- Cyclists must also dismount at cross-walks unless specifically permitted.
- It is also the law in British Columbia that cyclists must wear safety helmets.
By following these rules, cyclists can guard against accidents and protect their claim for compensation against any reduction for contributory negligence if injured in a collision with a motor vehicle.
