Motorcycle Accidents: Info for Crash Victims
Riding a Motorcycle: The Thrill… and the Risk
There's nothing quite like the feeling of the open road when you're cruising on a motorcycle. The wind in your face, the roar of the engine, the sense of freedom - it's an experience that can't be beat. But let's be real: riding a motorcycle also comes with danger and risk. For example, in Australia a motorcycle rider is 30 times more likely to be killed in a road collision than the driver of a car. As personal injury lawyers, we've seen firsthand the devastating effects that a motorcycle accident can have on a rider and their family.
Even the most experienced bikers who take all necessary safety precautions can end up in a serious accident due to another driver's negligence. Looked but failed to see (LBFTS) cases are common. These cases occur where drivers approaching a through street look for cross traffic but due to inattentional blindness fail to see the motorcycle. With distracted driving on the rise, the odds are only getting worse. According to the Traffic Research Injury Foundation of Canada, more than one third of Canadian drivers admit to using cell phones while driving. That's a recipe for disaster when you're sharing the road with motorcycles.
As a motorcycle rider, you're vulnerable to injury due to the lack of protection around your body. And the difference in size between your bike and a car means that you're more likely to be seriously injured in a collision. The statistics bear this out: motorcycle riders in Canada are at least 15 times more likely to be involved in a crash than automobile drivers. And one in 10 traffic deaths on the road involves a motorcycle.
Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents
If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident, there are several sources of compensation that may be available to you:
Accident benefits from your own insurer (no-fault benefits)
Lawsuit (tort action) against the at-fault driver
Disability benefits (short-term disability, long-term disability)
Employment Insurance
Canada Pension Plan Benefits
In Ontario, you're entitled to Statutory Accident Benefits through your own insurer, regardless of whether you were at fault for the accident. These benefits can cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, attendant care, and income replacement. You may also be entitled to other benefits like housekeeping and home maintenance, depending on your coverage.
If another driver is at fault for the accident, you may be able to claim damages through a lawsuit. This can cover things like pain and suffering, economic loss, and healthcare expenses. Short-term and long-term disability insurance can also provide you with income if you're unable to work due to your injuries.
Get the Legal Help You Need
If you're dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, you need a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law and knows the ins and outs of motorcycle cases. At Cook Reynolds LLP, we understand how traumatic these accidents can be and how overwhelming the legal process can seem. That's why we offer a free initial consultation and work on a contingency basis - we don't get paid unless you do.
Don't let the stress and complexity of a motorcycle accident case add to your burden. Contact us today and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
Get the Legal Help You Need
If you're dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, you need a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law and knows the ins and outs of motorcycle cases. At Cook Reynolds LLP, we understand how traumatic these accidents can be and how overwhelming the legal process can seem. That's why we offer a free initial consultation and work on a contingency basis - we don't get paid unless you do.
Don't let the stress and complexity of a motorcycle accident case add to your burden.
If you need a Hamilton, Brampton, Burlington, Mississauga, Southern Ontario or Niagara Falls area motorcycle accident lawyer, contact us today and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.