Calgary Cyclist Accident Lawyers

Cycling has experienced a rapid growth in popularity in recent years. While many municipalities provide designated bike lanes and other safety features, sharing the road with vehicles, especially in metropolitan cities like Calgary, still leaves cyclists vulnerable to accidents and injuries because of careless drivers.

When a driver fails to pay attention, turns without checking blind spots, or misjudges the speed of a cyclist, the consequences can be severe. Collisions may occur at intersections, in bike lanes, on downtown streets, or along routes that mix vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Riders who are struck are often left to face serious injuries and lengthy recovery periods.

Our Calgary cyclist accident lawyers at Watson Goepel Alberta represent cyclists who have been injured due to the negligence of others. Whether your situation involved a car accident, pedestrian accident, or e-scooter incident, our dedicated personal injury team in Calgary can help.

To schedule your consultation today, call (403) 984-1302 or contact us online.

Understanding Bicycle Accident Claims In Alberta

When a cyclist is struck by a vehicle, the legal issues often mirror those that arise in other motor vehicle collisions. There are questions about who had the right of way, which traffic laws apply, whether either party was distracted or speeding, and how the impact occurred.

Cyclists are generally expected to follow the same rules of the road as drivers under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, and are treated as vehicles when they are on the road. At the same time, motorists owe a duty to keep a proper lookout for cyclists, especially in areas where bicycle traffic is common.

Bicycle accident claims may end up involving the driver’s insurer, the cyclist’s own auto or homeowner’s insurance, and, in some cases, other sources of coverage such as policies connected to employment or commercial activities.

Fault is sometimes disputed in bicycle accident cases, particularly where visibility was poor, the collision happened quickly, or accounts of the incident differ. A careful review of the police report, witness statements, photographs, and any available video footage is often required to determine liability.

Understanding how Alberta’s insurance and injury compensation rules apply to a cyclist accident can be challenging. Getting legal advice from an experienced Calgary bicycle accident lawyer will help clarify what types of benefits may be available, how liability is likely to be assessed, and what evidence will be needed to prove the claim.

Common Causes Of Bicycle Accidents In Calgary

Cyclist accidents in Calgary occur in many ways for a variety of reasons, from busy downtown streets to residential neighbourhoods and multi-use pathways. Whether you were struck by a car, intercepted by a motorcycle in Calgary, or you have collided with a pedestrian, you may sustain serious injuries.

Some of the most frequent cases our legal team at Watson Goepel LLP handles involve:

• Drivers failing to check mirrors or blind spots before turning or changing lanes, especially across marked bike lanes
• Motorists opening doors into the path of an approaching cyclist, sometimes referred to as “dooring”
• Distracted driving involving phones, in-vehicle screens, or other passengers
• Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs, including prescription or over-the-counter medication that affects alertness
• Poor road conditions, like potholes, debris, missing signage, or sudden surface changes near the edge of the roadway

Conflicts can also arise where cyclists and e-scooter riders in Calgary share narrow pathways or where vehicle traffic, parked cars, and bike lanes intersect. The design of the road or pathway, the timing of traffic lights, and the presence or absence of signage can all play a role in how and why an accident occurs.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Cyclists in Calgary are particularly vulnerable in a collision because there is very little to protect them from direct impact with a vehicle or the road surface. Even at relatively low speeds, a fall from a bicycle can result in significant harm. Injuries that we often see in Calgary cycling claims include:

• Brain and head injuries
• Broken bones and other orthopedic injuries
• Chronic myofascial pain syndrome
• Chronic pain
• Cuts and lacerations
• Fibromyalgia
• Loss of limbs
• Neck and Back injuries
• Nerve damage
• Psychological conditions: Anxiety, Depression, PTSD
• Soft tissue injuries to ligaments and tendons
• Spinal cord injury, paraplegia and quadriplegia
• Whiplash
• And more

Some riders are able to return to work and normal activities relatively quickly, while others experience long-term pain, reduced mobility, or an inability to return to their previous occupation. A thorough medical assessment and clear documentation of symptoms over time play a crucial role in evaluating the full impact of the injury.

Legal Rights And Obligations Of Cyclists In Alberta

Cyclists in the city are subject to many different rules set out in Alberta legislation and Calgary’s municipal bylaws. These rules address how and where bicycles may be ridden, what equipment is required, and how cyclists should interact with vehicles and pedestrians. For example, bicycles must be equipped with at least one working brake and, when ridden after dark, proper front and rear lights and a rear reflector. Many municipalities also require a bell or horn.

Helmet use is mandatory for riders under 18, and strongly encouraged for adults. Wearing a helmet, using lights and reflective gear, and riding predictably in traffic can improve safety. Courts may consider these factors when assessing responsibility for a collision, but a cyclist who was not perfectly compliant with every rule may still have a valid claim if a driver’s negligence played a significant role in the crash.

Because cycling rules might differ between municipalities and can change over time, it is wise to review current local bylaws and provincial regulations. A lawyer with experience in cyclist accident claims can help interpret how these rules affect liability and compensation in a specific case.

What To Do After A Cycling Accident In Calgary

The decisions you make immediately after a cycling accident can make your recovery process smoother and may provide important support for any future claim you file. If you are injured, you should:

1. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, whether through emergency services, an urgent care centre, or your family doctor. A medical professional can identify injuries that may not be obvious at the scene, such as concussions, internal injuries, or complex soft tissue damage.
2. Exchange information with the driver or party who injured you, including their name, contact details, driver’s licence number, licence plate, and insurance information.
3. Obtain the file number or incident report details if the police attend the accident scene. Witnesses can be critical, so ask bystanders who saw the collision for their names and phone numbers as well.
4. Take photographs of the accident scene, damage to the bicycle and vehicle, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. These will provide helpful context to investigators, insurers, and the court. It is generally best not to repair or discard your bicycle, helmet, or any damaged clothing before speaking to a lawyer, as these items could be used as evidence at a later date.
5. Keep organized records of medical appointments, expenses, and time away from work as they accumulate. Maintaining notes about your symptoms, activity limits, and changes in mood or sleep can also help physicians and experts understand how the injury has affected your daily life.

Compensation Available for Victims In Calgary Bicycle Accident Claims

Cyclists injured in collisions may be entitled to fair compensation that reflects both their immediate and long-term losses. This often includes the cost of medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices, as well as reimbursement for income lost due to the inability to work. Where injuries have a lasting effect on your ability to work, there may be claims for reduced earning capacity or loss of future income.

Damages for pain and suffering recognize the physical discomfort, psychological impact, and loss of enjoyment of life that may result from your injuries. These are subject to limits and regulations that apply in Alberta.

Out-of-pocket expenses such as medication, transportation to appointments, and home support can also be part of a claim. In more serious cases, future care costs for long-term treatment, attendant care, or modifications to housing and vehicles become central issues.

Calculating damages in each case depends on its own evidence. Detailed medical records, employment information, and expert assessments are often needed to properly quantify losses and support negotiation or litigation.

How Our Calgary Cyclist Accident Lawyers Support Injured Riders

Managing a cycling accident claim while trying to recover from serious injuries can be exhausting. Our Calgary cyclist accident lawyers at Watson Goepel LLP will examine the circumstances of the collision, review police reports and witness statements, and, where necessary, work with accident reconstruction experts to understand how the crash occurred.

Our legal team can also gather medical documentation, communicate with treatment providers, and arrange independent assessments to obtain a clear picture of your prognosis and long-term limitations.

On the insurance side, our bicycle accident lawyers handle communications with adjusters, respond to requests for information, and negotiate on your behalf. This helps reduce the risk of statements being misinterpreted or important issues being overlooked. If a fair settlement is not possible, our team will prepare and advance your claim in court.

Where a cycling accident involves another related incident, such as a pedestrian collision or slip and fall, our multi-disciplinary team at Watson Goepel can coordinate the different aspects of your case to ensure they are handled in a strategic way.

Contact Our Calgary Cyclist Accident Lawyers

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Calgary or elsewhere in Alberta, you do not have to face the process alone. An initial consultation allows you to ask questions, review the circumstances of the collision, and receive guidance tailored to your situation.

To speak with a Calgary cycling accident lawyer, call (403) 984-1302 or reach out through the contact page.

With the right legal support, it becomes easier to focus on your recovery and plan for the road ahead.