What Are The Benefits Of Having A Camera on Your Motorcycle Helmet? Are They Even Safe?

Posted on by Taylor & Blair LLP Posted in Motor Vehicle Accident, Motorcycle Accident

As the quality improves, helmet cameras are fast becoming a popular addition to motorcycle helmets for evidence in the event of a car accident. There is no law against using a Helmet Cam, but if you choose to use one, it must be secured to a helmet that meets DOT, Snell or ECE safety standards in British Columbia. Failure to meet helmet safety requirements can result in a fine and seizure of any non-compliant helmet. Failure to produce a helmet for inspection is also an offence. Motorcycle helmets standards are subject to the 194 of the Motor Vehicle Act, R.S.B.C. 1996.

Accidents and Videos

Video can be considered evidence in a court of law and there is a presumption of integrity in the absence of evidence to the contrary, according to s.31.3 of the Canada Evidence Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. C-5. The video must accurately depict the … Continue reading

How to Find a Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer in Vancouver B.C.

Posted on by Taylor & Blair LLP Posted in Personal Injury

It can be a difficult time in your life when you are personally injured from an accident caused by someone else. In addition to dealing with physical pain, medical appointments, and personal frustration about being unable to do activities you previously enjoyed, you may have financial difficulties of being unable to work, care for your family and home. Finding a skilled personal injury lawyer in Vancouver who will handle your case can lower your stress so you can focus on recovery.

What is a Skilled Lawyer?

Although all lawyers must go through vigorous training, conduct a year of articling, and pass the bar exam, not all lawyers are the same. A skilled lawyer for a personal injury case is one who focuses on personal injury law for their career instead of being a generalist who practices multiple areas of law. A skilled personal injury lawyer in Vancouver will stay current … Continue reading

Avoid Common Longboarding Accidents and Injuries in Vancouver

Posted on by Taylor & Blair LLP Posted in Personal Injury, Rules of the Road, Brain Injury

Longboarding is one of the hottest ways to get around these days. Calgarian longboarder Brandon Harrison has contributed in popularizing the new sport with his reported cross Canada trek on his longboard to raise awareness and money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation.

While this sport’s growing popularity is a fun way to stay active and is helping Canadians raise money for good causes, the health, safety and legal aspects of longboarding should be taken into consideration before taking part. This blogpost will explain what longboarding is and will outline some of the risks associated with the sport. We will also discuss how B.C. courts have dealt with motor vehicle accidents involving longboards or similar devices in the past.

 What is Longboarding?

Longboarding is often grouped in with other forms of skateboarding, though it has some distinct characteristics. Some of these characteristics … Continue reading

Right Turns and Cyclists: Who Has the Right of Way in Surrey?

Posted on by Taylor & Blair LLP Posted in Bicycle Accidents, Who's at Fault?Tagged ,

When the weather improves we will see more bicycles on the roadways. As the days get warmer and longer, cycling is an efficient, environmentally friendly and healthy alternative to the regular commute.

Vancouver and Surrey BC lawyers hear of many cycling accidents each year. For both cyclists and drivers, sharing the road can be challenging when the lanes are narrow and a cyclist is moving at a slower speed than the automotive traffic. Many drivers are often confused and caught off-guard when a bike appears in the side mirror. Who has the right of way when a cyclist proceeds straight through an intersection while a driver attempts to turn right?

Safety is the Primary Concern

Safety must always be the primary concern by both the car driver and the cyclist. Traffic is often stop-and-go in larger cities and in many situations cyclists will often approach or pass from behind cars … Continue reading

Distracted Driving in Vancouver B.C.

Posted on by Taylor & Blair LLP Posted in Car AccidentTagged

In British Columbia, distracted driving is the second leading cause of car accident fatalities and the cause of one-quarter of all crashes. Driver distraction entails attention being diverted from driving tasks. This can result in significant costs to society, such as: tragic loss of life, serious injuries, health expenses, property damage and insurance rates.

Activities that can impact your ability to focus on the road come in a wide range of forms, from visual distractions inside and outside the vehicle, to cognitive distractions when using electronic devices. ICBC research on distracted driving indicates that drivers fail to process approximately 50 percent of the visual information in their driving environment when they are using electronic communication devices.

While texting on a communications device is often recognized as one of the most common distractions behind the wheel and the riskiest behaviour, distractions like seeking preferred music or personal grooming can significantly divert … Continue reading