A motorcycle rider was taken to hospital with serious injuries following a collision in Brampton on Wednesday afternoon.
Peel Regional Police said a motorcycle and another vehicle collided near Mississauga Road and Olivia Marie Road, north of Steeles Avenue West, shortly after 1:30 p.m. Paramedics transported the injured motorcyclist to hospital. The driver of the other vehicle remained at the scene.
Police had not announced the cause of the collision in the initial report. That means it is too early to determine responsibility.
For the injured rider, the focus now turns to treatment and recovery. A serious Brampton motorcycle accident can also raise questions about insurance, Accident Benefits, lost income, and the right to pursue a personal injury claim.
Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Often Cause Serious Injuries?
Motorcycle riders do not have the protection offered by a passenger vehicle.
There is no steel frame surrounding them. There are no airbags or seatbelts. If a rider is thrown from a motorcycle, they may also strike the pavement or another object. A serious motorcycle collision in Ontario can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, internal injuries, severe road rash and permanent mobility problems. Even with a helmet and protective clothing, the force of a crash can cause life-changing injuries.
Who Is at Fault in a Brampton Motorcycle Accident?
One of the first questions after a crash is often: Who caused the motorcycle accident?
That answer must come from evidence.
Investigators may look at the direction each vehicle was travelling, right-of-way, turns, lane changes, speed and visibility. They may also examine vehicle damage and the location of debris. Witnesses and video can be particularly valuable. Dashcam footage, home security cameras and business surveillance systems may capture the moments before impact. Because some recordings are automatically deleted, preserving video quickly can be important.
In this Brampton collision, police have not publicly identified a cause.
Can You Make a Personal Injury Claim After a Motorcycle Accident?
Potentially.
If another driver’s negligence caused or contributed to the collision, an injured motorcyclist may be able to pursue an Ontario personal injury claim, subject to applicable law.
A serious claim should look beyond the first few days after the accident.
For example, will the rider need surgery? How long will rehabilitation take? Can they return to work? Will they have permanent pain or mobility problems? Will future medical care be required?
These questions can affect the long-term value of a motorcycle accident injury claim.
What Accident Benefits Are Available to Injured Motorcyclists?
An injured motorcycle rider may also have access to Statutory Accident Benefits in Ontario.
These benefits are separate from a lawsuit against an at-fault driver.
Available benefits depend on the rider’s injuries, circumstances and insurance coverage. In a serious case, insurance issues may involve medical treatment, rehabilitation, income replacement and other forms of support.
An experienced Brampton motorcycle accident lawyer can review the applicable insurance policies and explain which benefits may be available.
What Should You Do After a Serious Motorcycle Crash?
The first priority is getting appropriate medical care. After that, start keeping records.
Save hospital reports, medical appointments, prescriptions, rehabilitation plans and receipts. Keep photographs of the motorcycle, helmet and protective equipment. Do not repair or dispose of the motorcycle before considering whether it may be important evidence.
If your injuries prevent you from working, keep employment records showing the time you missed and the income you lost.
How Much Is a Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth in Ontario?
There is no standard settlement amount.
People often search “How much compensation can I get after a motorcycle accident?” or “What is my motorcycle injury claim worth?”
The seriousness of the injuries matters. So does the length of recovery, lost income, future earning ability, rehabilitation needs, permanent impairment and the effect the injuries have on everyday life. Liability and available insurance coverage can also affect a claim.
This is why a serious Ontario motorcycle accident claim should be assessed using the injured person’s actual medical and financial circumstances.
When Should You Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
You may want legal advice if you have been hospitalized, cannot return to work, need ongoing rehabilitation or have injuries that may affect you long term.
People searching “motorcycle accident lawyer Brampton,” “Brampton personal injury lawyer,” “what to do after a motorcycle accident in Ontario,” or “can I sue a driver who hit my motorcycle?” should get advice based on the specific facts of their collision.
Early legal advice can also help preserve video, locate witnesses and secure other evidence before it disappears.
Contact Bergel Magence After a Brampton Motorcycle Accident
If you or someone you love has suffered serious injuries in a Brampton motorcycle accident, Peel Region motorcycle collision, or another Ontario motor vehicle accident, Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers can help.
For more than 50 years, our firm has represented people injured in motorcycle accidents, car accidents, pedestrian collisions, truck accidents and catastrophic injury cases throughout Brampton, Peel Region, Toronto and across Ontario.
Contact Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our Brampton personal injury lawyers can investigate how the crash occurred, preserve important evidence, review available Accident Benefits and insurance coverage, deal with insurance companies, and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to receive.