WHAT ARE THE RIGHTS OF AN INJURED CYCLIST IN BRITISH COLUMBIA?

As a cyclist, your rights are important. If you’re in an accident, you can make a claim, regardless of the cause.

What rights does an injured cyclist have?

Whenever you’re hit by a car or truck, you have the right to make a claim. The collision itself may have caused you serious and significant injuries; you may not be able to work, and it could affect your home and social life.

Insurance in British Columbia can be complicated, but it’s important to know that you are entitled to compensation if you’re hit by a car. You’re able to sue the driver of the vehicle and make a claim for no-fault benefits. The level of your injury will affect how many benefits you can claim and the extent to which you can sue.

Can you be compensated if you caused the accident?

If you were at fault for the accident, you can still obtain no-fault benefits. If you don’t have insurance on your bicycle, you can obtain this compensation through the insurance provider for the car or truck that was involved in the collision, even if that person was not at fault for the crash.

What happens if the accident was a hit-and-run collision?

In a hit-and-run collision, you can still make a claim for benefits. The provincial government will handle your claim, so you must send a claim to the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund.

If you are able to obtain compensation through a traditional route, the insurance company should send you information on applying for compensation within 30 days of your accident.

Source: Cycle Toronto, “Cycling and the Law: Know your Rights!,” accessed May 25, 2016