As a pedestrian, you not only have to keep your guard up for motor vehicle drivers but also for bicyclists. This is especially true in bustling areas such as the city of Toronto. And while a collision with a bicycle may be less forceful than that of a vehicle, it may leave you with serious injuries and damages nonetheless. So if this is your case, please read on to discover your legal rights as a pedestrian struck by a bicycle and how a seasoned Toronto pedestrian accident lawyer at Merricks Law Group, P.A. can work to ensure that justice reigns supreme.
How might I get hit by a bicycle due to no fault of my own?
Hypothetically speaking, as a pedestrian, you may have been simply minding your own while walking on a sidewalk or remaining cautious while crossing a street when, out of seemingly nowhere, you are struck by a bicycle. If you truly did not see this coming, the odds are that this collision was beyond your reasonable control and thereby due to no fault of your own. Without further ado, below are hypothetical examples of how a negligent bicyclist may have hit you:
- A negligent bicyclist may have run a red light or stop sign when it was your turn to cross an intersection.
- A negligent bicyclist may have been cycling on a pedestrian sidewalk rather than in a designated bike lane.
- A negligent bicyclist may have been riding a poorly maintained bike that hindered their ability to brake on time for you.
- A negligent bicyclist may have been distracted or intoxicated, so their vision and reaction times in relation to you were significantly diminished.
- A negligent bicyclist may not have lights or reflectors on their bicycle for nighttime riding and you cannot see them when crossing an intersection.
What are my legal rights as a pedestrian struck by a bicycle?
If any of the aforementioned scenarios resonate with your pedestrian accident, you may hold the right to pursue legal action against the negligent bicyclist. This is so you may attempt to financially recover from the injuries and damages you incurred in its aftermath; whether you experienced hefty medical bills, emotional pain and suffering, or otherwise.
To exercise your legal right effectively, you must file your pedestrian accident claim within the Province of Ontario’s statute of limitations. For civil claims like yours, this deadline is typically set for two years from the date of your accident event. A failure to submit your claim before this date may translate into a failure to achieve justice and hold the negligent bicyclist accountable.
To better understand your legal rights in the matter at hand, please seek the advisement of a sound and competent Toronto auto accident lawyer. Please feel confident in knowing that our team at Merricks Law Group, P.A. has significant experience in handling legal cases just like yours. So call us today.
