Busy Vancouver roads can be a hazard for bicyclists (even with all the new bike lanes). If you have been injured while cycling in an accident involving a motor vehicle, and the accident is not your fault, you are entitled to financial compensation for your losses and certain “no fault” benefits under cycling collision British Columbia law.
We’ve listed a few steps designed to help cyclists hit by cars or involved in traffic accidents to prepare for ICBC bicycle accident claims.
Collect basic information
It’s important to collect necessary information about the accident. Be sure to collect names, addresses, and license plate numbers of vehicles involved in the accident. Take a photo of the driver’s license and registration if they give you permission. If the accident is serious and/or if the other party is uncooperative, call the police and emergency services.
Take photographs
Take photos of the vehicles involved and the surrounding areas. If your bicycle is damaged, make sure to photograph it while at the scene. Take pictures of the aftermath of the accident.
Contact the police
Calling the police is important in a variety of accidents, including those in which the other involved parties are uncooperative, where liability may be unclear, or where laws may have been broken. The police will attend, interview witnesses including you, and prepare a police report. They may also issue infraction tickets if they believe laws have been broken.
Visit your doctor
Visit the walk-in clinic or book an appointment with your family doctor after the accident. Be clear and honest about your symptoms and the extent of your injuries. If the doctor is not aware about all your symptoms, he or she may not be able to give you the proper treatment and the clinical records may not accurately reflect what you are feeling.
If you start a lawsuit, medical records from your doctor visits will be relevant in the case. The other party’s insurance company may try to argue that a lack of medical notations is evidence that you were not injured in the accident. This is where obtaining medical treatment and having accurate health records will make a difference in your case.
Contact an attorney
This is one of the most important steps. Although everyone has the right to represent themselves in court, only a personal injury lawyer with experience representing cyclists may fully understand the nuances of winning these cases. These lawyers will have all the required skills and tools in their arsenal to help win a claim and obtain the compensation which their clients deserve.
Report the Cycling Collision Accident to ICBC
You should report the accident to ICBC and obtain an accident claim number. You may do so directly via the dial a claim number, or through your lawyer.
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