A fatal Brampton motorcycle accident has claimed the life of a man in his 50s after a collision involving a transit bus.
Peel Regional Police were called to the area of Bovaird Drive East and Great Lakes Drive, near Dixie Road, at approximately 9:26 a.m. on August 19. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. The transit bus driver, a man in his 60s, was taken to hospital.
Police closed eastbound Bovaird Drive while investigators examined the collision. Police said speed may have been a factor, but the investigation was still ongoing. Investigators planned to review witness accounts, CCTV footage, vehicle data, and other evidence before reaching conclusions about how the crash occurred.
A fatal motorcycle collision in Brampton is a tragic reminder of how vulnerable riders can be when sharing the road with buses and other large vehicles. Motorcyclists have little protection in a collision. When a motorcycle and a heavy vehicle collide, the consequences can be devastating.
Anyone who witnessed this Brampton motorcycle accident or has dashcam footage from the area should contact Peel Regional Police. Video or witness information could provide important evidence for the investigation.
Why Are Motorcycle and Bus Accidents So Dangerous?
There is a major difference in size and weight between a motorcycle and a transit bus.
Motorcycles are also smaller and can be harder to see. This can become particularly important near intersections, during turns, and when vehicles are changing lanes.
Factors that can contribute to a serious Ontario motorcycle accident may include:
- Speed
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Unsafe turns
- Following too closely
- Blind spots
- Driver or rider error
- Poor visibility
A motorcyclist has no vehicle frame surrounding them. There are also no airbags or seatbelts to absorb the impact.
As a result, motorcycle accident injuries can be severe. They may include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, internal injuries, severe road rash, permanent disabilities, and fatal injuries.
Drivers should always look carefully for motorcycles before turning or changing lanes. Riders should also leave enough space to react to buses, trucks, and other large vehicles.
How Is a Fatal Brampton Motorcycle Accident Investigated?
Determining what caused a fatal collision can take time.
In this case, police said investigators would reconstruct the crash, speak with witnesses, review CCTV footage, and examine data from the vehicles.
Evidence can help answer important questions. Where were the vehicles before impact? How fast were they travelling? Did either vehicle turn or change lanes? Did the drivers have enough time to react?
A police investigation is also separate from a potential civil claim.
Even if no criminal charge is laid, a family may still have legal options if the evidence shows that another person’s negligence caused or contributed to the collision.
An experienced Brampton motorcycle accident lawyer can conduct a separate investigation, preserve evidence, review available insurance coverage, and help the family understand its rights.
What Rights Do Families Have After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident?
Losing a family member in an Ontario motorcycle accident can create emotional and financial challenges at the same time.
Certain family members may have the right to pursue compensation when another person’s negligence causes a fatal motor vehicle accident. The compensation available will depend on the circumstances of the case and the losses suffered.
A claim may involve eligible financial losses and compensation for the loss of care, guidance, and companionship.
When a transit bus accident is involved, there may also be additional questions about insurance, the vehicle operator, and other potentially responsible parties. These issues should be reviewed carefully based on the evidence.
Families should consider getting legal advice early. CCTV and other video recordings may not be stored forever, and other evidence can become harder to obtain as time passes.
What Should You Do After a Serious Motorcycle Accident in Brampton?
If you are injured in a Brampton motorcycle accident, seek medical attention immediately. Serious injuries are not always obvious at the scene.
If you are able to do so safely, preserve as much information as possible. Get witness contact information. Photograph the motorcycle, other vehicles, roadway, traffic signals, and visible injuries. Save your helmet and damaged riding equipment. Do not delete dashcam or action-camera footage.
You should also keep your medical records, treatment plans, receipts, and documents showing time missed from work.
People injured in an Ontario motor vehicle accident may have access to Accident Benefits. A personal injury lawyer in Brampton can explain what benefits, insurance coverage, and additional compensation may apply to your particular case.
Contact Bergel Magence After a Brampton Motorcycle Accident
If you or someone you love has been affected by a Brampton motorcycle accident, fatal motorcycle crash, Brampton Transit bus collision, or another serious Peel Region motor vehicle accident, Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers can help.
For more than 50 years, our legal team has represented individuals and families affected by motorcycle accidents, bus accidents, car accidents, pedestrian collisions, catastrophic injuries, and fatal motor vehicle crashes throughout Brampton, Peel Region, Toronto, and across Ontario.
A fatal accident can leave a family searching for answers while dealing with grief, insurance issues, and unexpected financial concerns.
Contact Bergel Magence today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our Ontario personal injury lawyers can investigate how the motorcycle accident happened, preserve important evidence, review the available insurance coverage, identify potentially responsible parties, and explain the compensation that may be available to you and your family.