Hamilton Bicycle Accident Lawyer

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Hamilton Bicycle Accident Lawyer Matt Lalande Has Been Serving Cyclists in Ontario Since 2003.

Free Consultations Provincewide. Call 905-333-8888 or Send us a Message Today.

Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact our Hamilton personal injury lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency basis—no fees unless we win your case.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

When a negligent driver causes a bicycle accident, the consequences can devastate victims and their families. As Hamilton bicycle accident lawyers, we’ve seen these preventable tragedies too many times—distracted drivers checking their phones, motorists who simply fail to look. The results can be catastrophic: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and even death.

Since 2003, we’ve dedicated our practice to representing cyclists injured by careless drivers—whether they were behind the wheel of a car, truck, taxi, van, or commercial vehicle. Our clients include children, adults, and seniors, each facing unique challenges as they recover from their injuries.

Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers understand the overwhelming burden a serious bicycle accident creates. Medical bills pile up. Pain and trauma take their toll. Work becomes impossible. When children suffer these injuries, the impact cuts even deeper—their developing bodies may need specialized care for years to come.

We fight to secure the compensation you need to move forward: coverage for medical expenses, ongoing treatment and therapy, lost income and diminished earning capacity, and the emotional trauma you’ve endured. Our goal is simple—get you the resources to rebuild your life.

Our firm has recovered tens of millions of dollars for bicycle accident victims throughout Hamilton, the surrounding region, and across Ontario. We bring this experience to every case we handle.

If a bicycle accident has injured you or someone in your family, our bicycle accident lawyers are here to help. Call our office at 905-333-8888 or send us a confidential email through our website. We’re committed to fighting for the justice you deserve during this difficult time.

Hire a Bicycle Accident near me

For most people, hiring a bicycle accident lawyer is a very unfamiliar task. With little to no experience in this area, it can be challenging to know where to start and how to find the right lawyer amidst all the marketing noise. To help guide you through this process, we’ve compiled a list of suggestions for finding and hiring a bicycle accident lawyer for your case.

  1. Seek referrals: Begin by asking friends, family members, or colleagues if they have any recommendations for bicycle accident lawyers. If you know someone who has been through a similar situation, they may be able to provide valuable insights and referrals based on their personal experience.
  2. Check Google reviews: Search for bicycle accident lawyers in your area on Google and read through their reviews. Pay attention to the overall rating, the number of reviews, and the content of the reviews themselves. Be cautious of reviews that seem overly positive or negative, as they may be fake. Look for reviews that provide specific details about the client’s experience and the lawyer’s performance.
  3. Look for specialization in complex personal injury law: When searching for a bicycle accident lawyer, consider whether they specialize in complex personal injury law and have experience handling cases that have resulted in serious injuries. Bicycle accident cases involving catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or amputations, require a high level of expertise and resources. An attorney who specializes in this area will be better equipped to navigate the intricacies of your case and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
  4. Examine their track record: Investigate the success rate of potential bicycle accident lawyers by reviewing their past case results. A lawyer with a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for their clients, whether through settlements or court verdicts, can give you confidence in their ability to fight for the compensation you deserve.
  5. Contact local bar associations: Reach out to your local bar association for referrals to bicycle accident lawyers in your area. Many bar associations, like the Hamilton Bar Association, offers lawyer referral services that can connect you with lawyers who specialize in personal injury law and have experience handling bicycle accident cases.
  6. Consult with a few lawyers: Once you have a list of potential bicycle accident lawyers, schedule consultations with at least three attorneys. Most reputable lawyers offer free initial consultations, giving you the opportunity to discuss your case, ask questions, and assess their suitability. Compare their experience, approach, communication skills, and overall demeanor to determine which lawyer is the right fit for you.
  7. Trust your instincts: After meeting with several bicycle accident lawyers, trust your instincts and choose the attorney with whom you feel most comfortable. A strong lawyer-client relationship built on trust, open communication, and mutual respect is essential for the success of your case.

By following these steps and carefully evaluating your options, you can find a bicycle accident lawyer who has the experience, expertise, and dedication necessary to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

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Can I get a Free Consultation with a Hamilton Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

When you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Hamilton, concerns about legal fees can add to an already stressful situation. Fortunately, most bicycle accident lawyers in Hamilton, including Lalande Personal Injury Lawyers, understand this burden and offer free initial consultations to help injured victims explore their legal options without any financial risk. During this complimentary meeting, you can discuss the details of your accident with us, share information about your injuries, and receive professional legal advice about whether you have a valid claim—all without paying anything upfront or making any commitments.

How Much does a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Cost?

Most bicycle accident lawyers, including our firm, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs or legal fees—we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you.

Under a contingency fee arrangement, your lawyer’s fee comes as a percentage of the settlement or court award we secure on your behalf. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing for our legal services.

This approach offers several important benefits when you’re recovering from a bicycle accident:

No Financial Barriers to Justice

You can pursue your claim immediately without worrying about how to afford a lawyer while facing mounting medical bills and lost income. This means you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities of your case.

We Share Your Risk

Because we only get paid when you do, we’re fully invested in achieving the best possible outcome for your case. Your success is our success, which motivates us to fight tirelessly on your behalf.

No Hourly Billing Surprises

You’ll know from the start what percentage of any recovery goes toward legal fees—no unexpected invoices or mounting hourly charges. This transparency allows you to plan ahead and understand exactly what to expect throughout the legal process.

Access to Experienced Representation

Contingency fees level the playing field, giving you access to skilled legal counsel regardless of your current financial situation. Even if you’re facing financial hardship after your accident, you can still retain a qualified lawyer to protect your rights.

During your free initial consultation, we’ll explain our fee structure clearly and answer any questions you have about costs. We believe that financial concerns should never prevent accident victims from pursuing the compensation they deserve.

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, contact us today at 905-333-8888 or fill in a confidential contact form to discuss your case at no cost and with no obligation.

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How do Most Bicycle Accidents Happen in Hamilton, Ontario?

Most bicycle accidents in Hamilton occur when drivers fail to share the road safely with cyclists. According to a Hamilton Bicycle Collision Report, there were 128 bicycle collisions in 2022, down from 139 the previous year,averaging one bicycle-motor vehicle collision every three days. While this represents a positive trend, these accidents continue to cause serious injuries and, tragically, fatalities.

Understanding how these accidents happen can help illustrate the negligence that leads to preventable crashes:

Intersection Collisions

Intersections are the most common location for accidents in Hamilton, with about 55% of all collisions occurring at these locations. Drivers frequently turn without checking for cyclists, fail to yield the right of way, or make improper turns when cyclists have the right to proceed. Many of these crashes happen at signalized intersections where drivers simply don’t see cyclists in adjacent lanes or bike boxes.

“Dooring” Accidents

One of the most dangerous scenarios occurs when drivers or passengers open their car doors into bike lanes without looking. These sudden door openings give cyclists virtually no time to react, often causing them to collide with the door or swerve into traffic to avoid it. These accidents are particularly common along Hamilton’s downtown streets where parallel parking is adjacent to bike lanes.

Right Hook and Left Cross Collisions

Right hook accidents happen when a vehicle passes a cyclist and then immediately turns right, cutting across the cyclist’s path. Left cross collisions occur when a driver turning left fails to yield to an oncoming cyclist. Both scenarios demonstrate a fundamental failure by drivers to recognize cyclists as legitimate road users with the right of way.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving was a factor in approximately 20% of all injury and fatal crashes in Hamilton. When drivers text, use mobile devices, adjust their GPS, eat, or engage in other distracting activities, they often fail to see cyclists until it’s too late. This is especially dangerous on Hamilton’s hillside roads and winding streets where visibility can already be compromised.

Failure to Maintain Safe Passing Distance

Ontario law requires motorists to provide at least one meter (about three feet) of clearance when passing a cyclist. Many drivers violate this rule, passing too closely and creating dangerous situations. On narrow roads or during high-traffic periods, impatient drivers may squeeze past cyclists without adequate space, sometimes forcing them off the road or into parked cars.

Mid-Block Incidents

While intersections see the most collisions overall, over 60% of fatal accidents in Hamilton occurred mid-block between intersections. These often involve high-speed impacts where drivers simply aren’t watching for cyclists, are following too closely, or are driving aggressively.

Poor Visibility Conditions

Most cycling injuries and deaths occur between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.—during rush hour and as it gets dark. During dawn, dusk, or nighttime hours, drivers may have more difficulty seeing cyclists, especially if the cyclist’s lights or reflective gear are inadequate. However, drivers still have a legal obligation to exercise caution and watch for vulnerable road users regardless of lighting conditions.

Impaired Driving

Impaired driving was a factor in 4% of fatal and injury collisions in Hamilton. When drivers operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their ability to perceive and react to cyclists is severely compromised, often with catastrophic results.

Speed-Related Crashes

Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of injuries when a collision occurs. Speeding drivers have less time to notice cyclists and less ability to stop or maneuver to avoid them.

While Hamilton’s bicycle fatality rate is approximately 1.1% lower than Ontario’s average—with only one fatal crash in 2022—and the city has been recognized for its cycling infrastructure improvements, these statistics offer little comfort to the victims and families affected by preventable bicycle accidents. Every collision represents a failure by a motorist to exercise proper care and caution around vulnerable cyclists.

If you’ve been injured in any of these scenarios, our Hamilton bicycle accident lawyers can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Bicycle Accidents can cause Life-Changing Injuries

Being hurt in a bike accident can lead to major psychological, physical, and financial life changes. Our Hamilton bicycle accident lawyers have extensive experience representing victims hurt in cycling accidents.

Since 2003, our Hamilton bicycle accident injury lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for cyclists who have suffered serious injuries, from broken bones to catastrophic injuries.

It’s common for injuries from a bicycle accident to be quite serious. Because they have a smaller profile and are unprotected, cyclists can be critically hurt if hit by any type of vehicle. Even if a car or truck is moving slowly and barely collides with a bicycle, the impact can still cause severe and/or catastrophic injuries to the bicyclist. Common bicycle accident injuries include:

Serious Fractures

Cyclists struck by vehicles often suffer devastating fractures to the body’s major joints—especially the hip, knee, and ankle. These are weight-bearing joints, meaning any break in these areas can permanently affect mobility and stability. The force of impact can crush the joint surfaces or shatter the surrounding bone, sometimes requiring emergency surgery to reconstruct the joint with metal plates, screws, or prosthetic components.

When fractures extend into the joint itself, the cartilage that cushions movement can be destroyed. This damage frequently leads to post-traumatic arthritis, chronic inflammation, and grinding pain that worsens over time. Even after surgery, patients may experience stiffness, swelling, and loss of range of motion that limit walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods. In severe cases, repeated surgeries or joint replacement become necessary.

The long-term effects can be catastrophic. Persistent pain and deformity may leave victims reliant on mobility aids or unable to resume their previous work or lifestyle. Weight-bearing joint injuries often mark the difference between a full recovery and a permanent, life-altering disability.

Serious Knee Injuries

Severe knee injuries from bike crashes can involve catastrophic damage requiring extensive surgical intervention. Complex fractures of the patella, tibial plateau, or distal femur may necessitate open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery, where surgeons use plates, screws, or wires to reconstruct the shattered bone. Complete ACL tears, often accompanied by meniscus damage and MCL or PCL ruptures—known as multi-ligament injuries—typically require reconstructive surgery using grafts from the patient’s own tissue or donor material.

The rehabilitation process following these injuries is grueling and can span 9-12 months or longer. Physical therapy progresses through carefully staged phases: initially focusing on reducing swelling and regaining basic range of motion, then gradually rebuilding strength, stability, and proprioception. For younger, active patients, the goal is returning to pre-injury activity levels, though this isn’t always achievable.

In cases of severe articular damage, post-traumatic arthritis may develop years later, particularly with tibial plateau fractures that disrupt the joint surface. When conservative treatments fail and chronic pain becomes debilitating, total knee replacement (arthroplasty) may become necessary—sometimes decades after the initial injury, sometimes sooner in cases of catastrophic joint damage. For cyclists in their 40s-60s, this can mean facing major surgery and a 3-6 month recovery involving substantial lifestyle modifications and permanent activity restrictions.

Pelvic or Hip Fractures

Pelvic and hip fractures are among the most severe injuries a cyclist can sustain in a collision with a vehicle. The immense force of impact can crush the pelvis or drive the femoral head into the hip socket, shattering the joint’s delicate structure. These injuries often require emergency surgery, prolonged hospitalization, and extensive rehabilitation. In many cases, internal fixation with screws, plates, or even total hip replacement is necessary to restore basic stability.

Because the pelvis supports nearly all body movement and houses critical blood vessels and organs, fractures in this region can be life-threatening. Damage to nearby arteries can cause internal bleeding, while nerve injuries may result in chronic pain, weakness, or loss of bladder and bowel control. Pelvic instability can also lead to long-term gait abnormalities and reduced ability to bear weight.

Hip fractures carry a particularly grim prognosis for recovery. The joint’s blood supply is often disrupted, leading to avascular necrosis—death of the bone tissue within the femoral head. This condition causes the joint to collapse, resulting in severe pain and permanent loss of motion. Many victims require multiple surgeries and face early-onset arthritis, stiffness, and mobility limitations that persist for life. For cyclists, a hip or pelvic fracture can mark the end of physical independence and the beginning of a prolonged struggle with pain, reduced function, and loss of quality of life.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Bicycle accidents can cause acute spinal cord injuries when the cyclist experiences a severe impact, such as a collision with a vehicle or a hard fall onto the ground. The force of the impact can lead to compression, dislocation, or fracture of the vertebrae, which in turn can damage the spinal cord.

Depending on the location and severity of the injury, spinal cord damage may result in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and other long-term neurological impairments.

These life-altering consequences underscore the importance of prioritizing safety measures and awareness for both cyclists and motorists to prevent such devastating accidents. Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating and life-changing injuries one can sustain. You’ll need access to significant funding for long-term care, rehabilitation, lost wages, etc. Our Hamilton bicycle accident lawyers have the experience and expertise to help you secure such compensation.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Bicycle helmets can reduce the risk of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) when riders suffer a head injury. However, if the rider is injured in a high-impact collision with another moving vehicle, a head injury can still happen. Serious head trauma and brain injuries resulting from bicycle accidents can have life-altering consequences for the victims and their loved ones.

The force of impact in a collision with a moving vehicle can be so significant that even a properly fitted helmet may not prevent all head injuries. The higher the speed of the car and the greater the force of the impact, the more likely it is that a cyclist will suffer a serious head injury despite wearing a helmet. This is why drivers must be alert and cautious when sharing the road with cyclists, as their actions can have devastating consequences.

The severity of such injuries can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), potentially leading to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. In some cases, victims may require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and support to adapt to their new circumstances. The impacts of a head trauma or brain injury can extend far beyond the physical, as they often lead to emotional distress and financial strain for both the victim and their family.

Victims may experience difficulties with memory, concentration, and communication, which can affect their ability to work, study, or maintain relationships. The emotional toll can be significant, with many individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and changes in personality.

Furthermore, the financial burden of medical expenses, lost wages, and the potential need for long-term care can be overwhelming for families, adding to the stress and challenges they face in the aftermath of a serious bicycle accident.

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What is my Case Worth? Compensation after a Serious Bicycle Accident

A serious cycling accident can leave bicycle victims facing months or years of physical, emotional, and financial recovery. Under Ontario law, cyclists injured by negligent drivers are entitled to claim compensation for both no-fault accident benefits and civil damages through a tort claim. Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers can help ensure that every recoverable loss—past, present, and future—is properly identified, quantified, and advanced so that no category of compensation is overlooked.

Accident Benefits (SABS)

Even if fault is disputed, cyclists injured in a motor vehicle collision qualify for benefits under Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS). These benefits provide immediate financial support and include:

  • Income Replacement Benefits: Up to 70% of pre-accident income (to a weekly maximum), replacing wages while you are unable to work.
  • Non-Earner Benefits: Compensation if you were not working but are now substantially unable to carry on normal life.
  • Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits: Coverage for treatment, therapy, and assistive devices, with higher limits available for catastrophic injuries.
  • Attendant Care Benefits: Funding for personal care services and assistance with daily activities.

Our Hamilton lawyers can assist in coordinating all of these benefits, ensure medical evidence supports each claim, and appeal denials that underpay or reject legitimate entitlements.

Tort Compensation: Suing the At-Fault Driver

Beyond no-fault benefits, cyclists can pursue a tort claim against the at-fault driver to recover broader damages—particularly for lost income and diminished earning potential. Income loss claims are often the most significant component of serious injury litigation. The following categories are typically compensable:

  • Wages Lost During Recovery: Compensation for the actual employment income you missed from the date of injury to the date of settlement or trial. This includes salary, hourly wages, and commissions. Documentary proof such as T4s, pay records, or employer confirmation is required.
  • Self-Employment Income Loss: Many cyclists are self-employed or operate small businesses. In these cases, losses are calculated based on pre-accident income averages, reduced productivity, lost contracts, or decreased business value directly linked to injury-related incapacity.
  • Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your prior occupation—or limit your hours, duties, or reliability—you may claim for loss of future earning capacity. Expert vocational and actuarial evidence establishes what you likely would have earned “but for” the accident versus your projected post-injury capacity.
  • Loss of Employment Benefits and Pension Contributions: Employment-related benefits such as health coverage, bonuses, RRSP matching, or pension accruals are recoverable if they are interrupted or lost as a direct consequence of the accident.
  • Reduced Career Advancement Opportunities: If your injuries restrict promotions, training, or the ability to accept higher-paying or physically demanding roles, this loss of advancement potential forms a separate head of damages. Courts recognize that permanent limitations can stall career trajectories even when partial work capacity remains.
  • Retraining and Re-employment Costs: Where medical professionals or vocational experts recommend retraining or education to transition into a new occupation, those damages are recoverable. They are treated as part of the broader future income-loss assessment and supported through rehabilitation planning.

In addition to financial and income-related losses, injured cyclists are entitled to claim compensation for the human consequences of an injury that cannot be measured in exact dollars and cents. These damages recognize physical pain and suffering, psychological distress, permanent disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of amenities or independence.

Non-pecuniary damages are not awarded for every injury. Under Ontario’s Insurance Act, a claimant must first meet the statutory threshold by proving a permanent and serious impairment of an important physical, mental, or psychological function. If the injury meets this threshold, the court or insurer may award damages for the intangible harm that diminishes quality of life. This, of course, is something we can assist in explaining.

Courts noirmally assess these damages by comparing your case to other cases and medical evidence rather than fixed formulas. Compensation is guided by a cap on pain and suffering, which was established by the Supreme Court of Canada in the a very old trilogy of cases called Andrews trilogy (Andrews v. Grand & Toy Alberta Ltd., Thornton v. Board of School Trustees of School District No. 57, Teno v. Arnold). This cap, adjusted annually for inflation, is approximately $450,000 in 2025. To be clear, nearly all awards fall well below that ceiling and depend on the nature and permanence of the injuries.

Common sub-categories considered by Ontario courts include:

  • Physical Pain and Discomfort: Chronic pain, headaches, nerve damage, or musculoskeletal limitations that interfere with daily function.
  • Psychological and Emotional Suffering: Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and loss of confidence or motivation following the accident.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in recreational, social, or family activities that previously brought fulfillment.
  • Loss of Independence: Reliance on others for personal care, transportation, or household activities.
  • Scarring and Disfigurement: Physical changes that alter appearance or self-image, particularly significant in facial or visible injuries.
  • Loss of Identity or Sense of Self: The disruption of personal and professional roles central to one’s self-worth.

To quantify non-pecuniary damages, courts compare the claimant’s evidence with prior case law involving similar injuries, age, and long-term consequences. Judges and insurers rely heavily on medical reports, psychological evaluations, and lay-witness testimony from family or colleagues describing changes in mood, capability, or personality.

While no amount of money can restore pre-accident life, properly documented non-pecuniary damages ensure that the civil award reflects the full human cost of a serious bike crash. Our Hamilton Bicycle Accident Lawyers build this evidence early—through medical specialists, psychological experts, and witness statements—to support a valuation consistent with established Canadian law

Serious Bicycle Accidents Involving Kids: How Our Lawyers Can Help

Kids often get hit by cars for various reasons, including their limited cognitive and motor skills and their more diminutive stature, making them less visible to motorists. Children’s underdeveloped judgment and decision-making abilities can lead to impulsive actions, such as darting into the street without looking for oncoming traffic.

Additionally, their limited peripheral vision and inability to accurately perceive speed and distance may cause them to misjudge the time and space required to cross streets safely. Furthermore, children may be unaware of traffic rules and safe cycling practices, making them more vulnerable to accidents.

When kids are hit by cars, they often suffer very serious injuries. In our experience as Hamilton bicycle accident lawyers, many bicycle-related pediatric injuries that we see involve the head, face, and extremities.

Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), skull fractures, and concussions, are among the most severe and potentially life-altering consequences of bicycle accidents. These injuries occur when the child’s head comes into direct contact with the ground (even with a helmet), a vehicle, or other hard objects during a collision.

The severity of these injuries can be exacerbated by the fact that children’s skulls are not yet fully developed, making them more susceptible to damage. Facial injuries, such as fractures, lacerations, and dental trauma, are also common in bicycle accidents. These can result from direct impact with the ground, vehicles, or other obstacles during a crash. The nature of these injuries can lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and long-term functional issues.

Due to their shorter stature, injuries to the extremities, including serious fractures, are prevalent as well. These injuries typically occur when children attempt to break their fall with their arms or legs or when they become entangled with the bicycle during an accident.

While not as life-threatening as head injuries, they can still cause significant pain, disability, and long-term complications—particularly if the child has surgery. Children’s bones contain growth plates, areas of developing cartilage responsible for bone growth.

When a child experiences an injury that affects these growth plates, there may be long-term complications and the possible disruption of the child’s future growth potential. The severity of injuries in bicycle accidents is based on many factors, including children’s vulnerability due to their smaller size, underdeveloped motor skills, and lack of experience navigating traffic situations.

As a parent, it is heartbreaking to see your child suffer from injuries sustained in a bicycle accident. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be immense, and it is crucial to take the necessary steps to ensure your child’s well-being and future.

Seeking the guidance of experienced Hamilton bicycle accident lawyers, such as those at Lalande Personal Injury Lawyers, can make a significant difference in the outcome of your child’s case.

At Lalande Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges and complexities involved in pediatric bicycle accident cases. Our compassionate and knowledgeable team will work closely with you and your family to assess the full extent of your child’s injuries, including the potential for long-term complications and future medical needs.

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Matt Lalande and his team was recommended to me after I was injured in a serious head on collision. Throughout the entire process, I felt supported and as though they truly had my best interest at heart. It was easy to communicate and get the answers I needed to any questions I had throughout the process.

If you or a Loved one has been Hurt in a Bicycle Accident, our Hamilton Lawyers can help.

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Our dedicated team understands the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you’re facing after a bicycle accident, and we’re committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case. Don’t wait to get the legal support you need – Ontario’s limitation periods mean time is of the essence in protecting your rights.

With decades of experience representing injured cyclists throughout Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area, we have the knowledge and resources to take on insurance companies and negligent parties on your behalf. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery and getting your life back on track.

For a free consultation with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Hamilton, call Lalande Personal Injury Law at 905–333-8888 or fill out a free Consultation Form today. We will be happy to schedule a no-obligation consultation with you and your family to advise you of your legal rights and options.

Article FAQ

If I’ve been in a bicycle accident, do I need a bicycle accident lawyer?

If you have suffered a serious injury or multiple injuries, then yes, absolutely. It’s important that you contact a bicycle accident lawyer whose experience will be able to recover compensation for your pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of housekeeping capacity, cost of your care and medical bills, and compensation for your family members.

If my loved one was killed in a bicycle accident, what should I do?

Firstly, the unexpected and sudden loss of a loved one and a bicycle accident is brutally devastating. It’s important that you contact a Hamilton bicycle accident lawyer who has expertise in wrongful death cases. Our bicycle accident lawyers will be able to recover out-of-pocket expenses and funeral costs immediately for you and your family to ease the financial burden. Then, we will obtain the compensation that you and your family deserve, including the lost wages of your loved one, dependent support, compensation for survivors and other economic and non-economic losses to help you and your family recover as best you are able.

What are common bicycle accident injuries?

The most common bicycle accident injury, by far, is brain trauma. Falls are a real hazard for bicyclists, and you can reduce the potential for a traumatic brain injury if you wear a helmet. Other very common bicycle accident injuries are tibial plateau fractures, knee fractures, ankle fractures, spinal fractures, and hip fractures. Also, many bicycle accident victims often suffer lacerations, scarring and disfigurement.

How long should I wait before contacting a bicycle accident lawyer?

You should contact a Hamilton bicycle accident lawyer immediately. It is important to start the investigation early – but it’s also more important to hire a lawyer to help get insurance proceedings in place. The insurance scheme in Ontario is extremely complicated. It’s important that you hire a bicycle accident lawyer who has experience in representing bicycle accident victims so they can ensure that your discharge from the hospital or rehabilitation facility is properly funded, your home is ready for your arrival, and the proper occupational therapists are in place, who will remain with you until the end of your case and longer. It’s absolutely crucial for many reasons that you hire a bicycle accident lawyer very early on in your case.

If I’ve been hurt on a bicycle, what compensation am I entitled to?

Compensation that you may be entitled to is dependent on the losses you have suffered. For example, if you have suffered very serious orthopedic injuries or head trauma that prevents you from working, then your compensation would include past and future lost wages until your estimated statistical date of death. You can also claim damages for things like pain and suffering, loss of amenities, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of the ability to take care of your home, damages for health-care expenses not covered by OHIP, damages for your family members whose relationship with you has been damaged because of your serious injuries.

Are bicycle accident consultations free?

Talking with our Hamilton bicycle accident lawyers is always free. We never ask clients for money upfront under any circumstances.

How do bicycle accident lawyers charge fees?

Our bicycle accident lawyers charge what are called contingency fees. These fees are charged only based on a percentage of the recovery – you don’t pay anything unless we win.

How much can I sue for pain and suffering?

In Ontario, there are caps that are unfortunately placed on pain and suffering awards. A person who is injured can be awarded a current maximum of approximately $450,000.00.

What are the most common bicycle accident injuries?

When a cyclist is hit by a car or truck, the most common injuries are fractures to the lower extremities, especially the knees, femur and pelvis areas. Brain trauma is almost always a factor in bicycle accidents.

What is the most common cause of bicycle accidents?

One of the most common and dangerous accidents for bicyclists is being hit by a driver making a left turn. Drivers turning right while looking left are also a very common cause of bicycle accidents in Ontario.

What is a dooring bicycle accident?

Dooring accidents happen when someone in a car opens his or her door into the pathway of an approaching bicycle. The bicyclist, in most cases, is flung over the door and can suffer very serious injuries.

What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in Hamilton?

Contact emergency services first, then document the scene with photos, gather witness information, and seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor. Contact a Hamilton bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and start the investigation while evidence is fresh.

How much compensation can I get for a bicycle accident in Ontario?

Compensation varies based on your injuries and losses. In Ontario, pain and suffering awards are capped at approximately $399,000 (as of 2025). You may also recover compensation for past and future lost wages, medical expenses, loss of housekeeping capacity, and care costs. Cases have settled for hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars depending on severity.

Do bicycle accident lawyers charge upfront fees?

Reputable bicycle accident lawyers in Hamilton work on contingency fees, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only pay legal fees if your case is won. Consultations are typically free with no obligation.

What are the most common injuries from bicycle accidents?

The most common bicycle accident injuries include:
Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
Fractures to the knee, hip, femur, and pelvis
Spinal cord injuries
Shoulder injuries and clavicle fractures
Wrist and arm fractures
Road rash and lacerations
Facial injuries
Wearing a helmet reduces but doesn’t eliminate the risk of brain trauma.

Will I get income replacement if I can’t work after a bicycle accident?

Yes. Cyclists injured in accidents are entitled to income replacement benefits through insurance at up to $400 per week. However, this may not cover your full income. A bicycle accident lawyer can help you recover additional compensation for lost wages and future earning capacity if you cannot return to work.

What causes most bicycle accidents in Ontario?

The most common causes include:
Left-turn collisions (drivers turning left into oncoming cyclists)
Right-turn accidents (drivers turning right without checking for cyclists)
Dooring accidents
Rear-end collisions at intersections
Distracted or impaired driving
Speeding motorists
Failure to maintain safe passing distance

Can I claim compensation if my child was injured in a bicycle accident?

Yes. Children injured in bicycle accidents face unique challenges due to their developing bodies and potential long-term impacts. You can claim compensation for medical expenses, future care needs, pain and suffering, and potential disruption to growth plates. Pediatric cases require specialized legal expertise to ensure proper funding and long-term care.

What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?

You can still recover compensation through your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage. A bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate these claims and ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to under Ontario’s insurance laws.

How long does a bicycle accident claim take to settle?

Settlement timelines vary significantly based on injury severity. Simple cases may settle in months, while catastrophic injury cases can take 2-5 years or longer. It’s important not to settle before reaching maximum medical recovery (MMR) to ensure full compensation for all current and future damages.

What should I look for when hiring a Hamilton bicycle accident lawyer?

Look for:
Specialization in personal injury and bicycle accident cases
Proven track record with serious injury cases
Experience with catastrophic injuries (brain trauma, spinal injuries)
Contingency fee arrangements (no upfront costs)
Strong client reviews and testimonials
Trial experience and willingness to go to court
Clear communication and accessibility

Are bicycle accident settlements taxable in Ontario?

No. Personal injury settlements in Ontario are generally not taxable. Compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and most other damages are received tax-free. However, portions related to income replacement may have tax implications—your lawyer can advise on specific circumstances.

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