Riding a motorcycle in Toronto offers an unparalleled sense of freedom. The open road, the thrill of the ride, the speed and convenience along with the unique connection with your surroundings make motorcycling an incredibly popular choice for many. However, the very nature of motorcycles also makes riders vulnerable to severe injuries when they are hit in an accident. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, understanding your rights and the necessary steps to protect them is crucial. If you’re in or around Toronto and have been seriously hurt in a motorcycle accident, a motorcycle injury lawyer is an invaluable and necessary ally to help you get the compensation and justice you deserve.
Why Do You Need a Motorcycle Injury Lawyer?
Motorcycles are obviously different than cars. Unlike automobiles, motorcycles don’t have airbags and seatbelts, and impact from cars often result in more severe injuries. This presents unique legal challenges, which can make navigating on your own challenging. A motorcycle injury lawyer specializes in these cases, bringing a deep understanding of the intricacies of motorcycle insurance and personal injury law as it applies specifically to motorcyclists.
One of the main reasons you need a motorcycle injury lawyer is to ensure you receive fair compensation. Recovering from an accident is a daunting task; dealing with insurance companies and legal complexities while focusing on your physical and emotional healing only adds to the stress. Your lawyer will handle these burdens, allowing you to focus on your recovery. They will work diligently to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages stemming from missing work due to your recovering from the accident, pain and suffering, and any long-term care you may require due to your injuries.
And most motorcycle injury lawyers get compensated based on contingency payments from your settlements. This means they get paid from a percentage of your settlement, which limits your risk as they only get paid if you win. You can focus on your recovery as your motorcycle injury lawyer focuses on justice.
What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents in Toronto can happen for numerous reasons, many of which are preventable. Understanding these causes can not only help you be more cautious on the road but also aid your lawyer in building a strong case if an accident does happen.
- Distracted Driving: With the rise of smartphones, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of accidents. For motorcyclists, even a moment of quick distraction from a driver can result in life-threatening injuries. Whether it’s cell phone use or changing music, distracted driving can often lead to a serious accident.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time, increasing the likelihood of an accident. For motorcyclists, speeding can be particularly dangerous due to their limited protection. Motorcycle driving is unforgiving, especially when driving faster than the speed limit, often leading to accidents resulting in significant injuries to the motorcycle driver.
- Left-Turn Accidents: Left turn accidents occur when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle, often because the driver fails to see the motorcyclist or misjudges their speed.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, icy roads, uneven surfaces, and debris are far more hazardous for motorcyclists than for drivers in cars or trucks.
- Drug Use: Impaired driving contributes to a significant number of motorcycle injuries. Alcohol, cannabis and other drugs by either the motorcycle driver or the driver of another vehicle can lead to a significant injury to one or multiple parties.
Canadian motorcycle fatalities statistics:
- 1 in 9 involved the deceased riding with at least 1 other person.
- In these, the driver accounted for 84% of motorcycle fatalities, 6% were the passenger of the motorcycle, and 10% were not specified.
- Rate of motorcycle fatalities was 7x higher among male motorcyclists than female riders.
- The rate of motorcycle fatalities was highest among those aged 40 to 59.
- More than half of Canadian motorcycle fatalities involved a collision between two or more vehicles.
- Intersections and highways were the leading locations of motorcycle injuries in Toronto.
- Alcohol, cannabis or other drugs were reported in just under one-third of Canadian motorcycle fatalities.
- Excessive speed was reported in approximately 25% of motorcycle fatalities.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
Knowing what to do immediately after a motorcycle accident can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Seek Medical Attention: After a serious accident, your health is priority one. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional as injuries can be masked by adrenaline. Seek medical attention, regardless of where you are and the extent of the motorcycle accident.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your motorcycle. The more pictures the better, as this evidence will be crucial for your case.
- Collect Information: Get the contact and insurance details of everyone involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses. Their testimony may be critical to you getting the compensation you deserve.
- Report the Accident: In Ontario, any accident with damages exceeding $2,000 must be reported to the police. Ensure you obtain a copy of the police report.
- Contact a Motorcycle Injury Lawyer: The sooner you consult with a Toronto-based personal injury lawyer, the better. They will guide you through the legal process and start building your case immediately. They will also help you get proper medical care and help you move along the road to recovery.
How Can a Motorcycle Injury Lawyer Help?
Navigating the legal landscape after a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries and recovery. A motorcycle injury lawyer provides the expertise needed to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Here’s how they can assist:
- Case Evaluation: A lawyer will assess your case to determine its strength and identify the damages you’re entitled to claim.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement. They often have existing relationships with insurance companies and can help you get the proper compensation you deserve.
- Representation in Court: If your case goes to court, your lawyer will represent you, presenting a compelling argument to support your claim.
- Accident Reconstruction: In more complex cases, your lawyer may collaborate with experts to reconstruct the accident scene, helping to determine fault and strengthen your case.
- Medical Consultation: Your lawyer may work closely with medical professionals to fully understand your injuries and their long-term impact, ensuring that all aspects of your suffering are considered in your claim.
How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Injury Lawyer?
Choosing the right motorcycle injury lawyer is crucial to the success of your case. Look for a lawyer that is local to your area with a proven track record in handling motorcycle injury cases. They should have a thorough understanding of Ontario’s motorcycle laws and be familiar with the tactics that insurance companies use to reduce payouts.
Additionally, opt for a lawyer who offers a free initial consultation. This allows you to discuss your case without any financial commitment and determine whether the lawyer is the right fit for you.
Use Google Reviews to research the lawyer. This way you can see firsthand accounts of past clients’ experiences, giving you a clear understanding of what to expect if you engage with them.
What Compensation Can You Expect from a Motorcycle Injury Claim?
Motorcycle injury claims can cover various types of compensation, depending on the specifics of your case. Common forms of compensation include:
- Medical Expenses: Covers the cost of medical treatment, both immediate and long-term, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the income lost due to your inability to work during recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Future Medical Costs: If your injuries require long-term care, you may be entitled to compensation for future medical expenses.
Every motorcycle accident is unique, and compensation varies. It is proven though that having a reputable motorcycle injury lawyer will greatly improve your chance of success recovering compensation for your accident.
A motorcycle accident can change your life in an instant, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. A skilled motorcycle injury lawyer can be your advocate, working tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life.
Bergel Magence is one of the most trusted personal injury law firms in Ontario. With over 50 years of helping Ontarians when seriously injured in motorcycle accidents, our team of personal injury lawyers will help you get the justice you deserve when you’re seriously injured. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. Contact Bergel Magence, your trusted motorcycle injury lawyers in Toronto, to discuss your case. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Contact Bergel Magence today at www.bergellaw.com or call us at 416-665-2000.
