Hit and run accidents are prevalent not just in Ontario and Canada, but around the world as well. There have been many instances of this type of accident covered in the news and on social media, that highlight the injuries and sometimes death to unsuspecting victims, as well as damage to personal property.

The personal injury lawyers at Burn Tucker Lachaîne have seen the devastating and catastrophic injuries that can occur from hit and run accidents. Particularly abhorrent in these cases is that some accident victims may be left injured for some time before being discovered and before emergency medical services are called. The delay in getting treatment can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.  

Motor vehicles are not the only mode of transportation involved in hit and run collisions.  Other types of transportation such as bicycles, are sometimes the offenders in hit and run accidents.

Some argue that cyclists should be held to the same standards as motorists when responsible for an accident. Currently, a bicycle is not required to have any legally identifiable marks, which means in cases where they are the offender, unless the rider stays at the scene or is caught on camera, it would be very difficult to identify the perpetrator.

The recent Making Ontario’s Roads Safer Act (Bill 31) legislation includes amendments to make cyclists more responsible for their safety. One of the changes enacted is an increase in fines for failing to have the proper lights on bikes driven at nighttime, dusk and dawn. However, none of the Bill 31 amendments include licensing of cyclists. There are those who disagree with the proposal to have cyclists licensed and claim that it is just another tax burden on individuals and redundant in many ways. Some critics suggest, sarcastically, that the next step may be to require runners to be licensed as well.

Whatever one’s stance on the issue, people can and do get hurt by cyclists and it is important that we are careful and courteous when sharing roads. In most instances, it is not difficult to take steps to avoid accidents and we should all make it our responsibility to keep ourselves and others safe.

If you are hurt or injured in a hit and run accident by a car, the very first thing you should do is call for emergency services, or go to the hospital or doctor’s office to get medical assitance. Your health and life should be your first priority. The next step for an accident victim is to record any information you may have noticed about the car responsible for the accident. This includes the make, model, colour, license plate and any other identifying marks, no matter how miniscule they may seem. You should also seek out any witnesses that may have seen the accident and record their contact information.

After you have done this, it is advisable that you make a police report. It is against the law to leave the scene of an accident.  Further, reporting the accident will not only increase the chance of apprehending the person responsible for the accident but it may also help with your application for accident benefits from the automobile insurer. Finally, you will be best served if you call an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Our hit and run accident lawyers at Burn Tucker Lachaîne have the experience needed to aptly represent you in a claim against the person responsiblef for the accident and for accident benefits. Our French and English speaking personal injury lawyers are accommodating and are readily available to assess your case and advise you on the options that are best suited to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries. Fill out a free online form or call us today and allow us to help you and your family in this difficult time.