MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT IN TORONTO
By Zayouna Law Firm
Motorcycle accidents are unfortunately common and devastating. It has been estimated that motorcyclists are roughly 13 times more likely to die in a collision than car drivers. The incidence rate of injury from a motorcycle accident is roughly three times higher than in car accidents.
With motorcycle accidents so common and severe it is important to understand what to do after a motorcycle accident and to make sure you have full insurance coverage.
It is also important to know when to reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer and to save the contact information of a law firm that is licensed to serve the Toronto area.
Most Common Motorcycle Accidents in Toronto
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Toronto
In a report from the OPP analyzing motorcycle accident data over a 10-year period, it was found that the motorcyclist was at fault in roughly 60% of fatal collisions.
Every accident will have various factors contributing to its cause. However, as a motorcycle driver, by taking precautions, driving safely, and wearing proper protective equipment, you can significantly reduce your chances of being injured in an accident.
The primary causes of motorcycle accidents are similar to the factors that cause car accidents. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents involve some combination of the following conditions from one or multiple drivers:
- Driving recklessly–making illegal turns, weaving through traffic, failing to properly signal
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Driving distracted
- Driving drowsy
- Driving in poor road/weather conditions
- Less experienced drivers
- Driving a motorcycle without anti-lock brakes–motorcycles with ABS are over 30% less likely to be involved in a fatal collision
As well, the importance of wearing a helmet cannot be understated. In a report from the NHTSA, it was estimated that wearing a helmet is 37% effective at preventing fatalities in motorcycle accidents.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Brampton
Any accident on a motorcycle has the potential to cause severe injury. Something that would be a mere fender bender in a car can cause a complete wipeout on a motorcycle. Some of the most common types of accidents involving motorcycles include:
- Collisions while turning
- Lane changing collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Single driver collisions
What to Do After A Motorcycle Accident in Toronto
After an accident, adrenaline is rushing, tempers can be flaring, and it can be difficult to remember all of the steps you need to take to properly file your insurance claim or to improve your chances of compensation.
That’s why it is so important to have a good insurance policy and a solid understanding of what you have to do after an accident, well before you find yourself in the middle of one.
What to do At the Scene of a Motorcycle Accident
The first thing you should do following a motorcycle accident is to move out of traffic and call 911. It is a good idea to take photos of your motorcycle before you move it if it is safe to do so.
When you call 911, request a police officer on the scene and emergency responders if anyone is injured. You’ll have to file a police report for any collision with property damage over $500 or involving an injury. Having police on the scene will also be useful down the line as you will be able to refer to their report if you need to provide evidence in court.
Make sure to exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. You’ll need their contact information, driver’s license, insurance information, license plate, and details of their vehicle.
Take photos and write down as many details of the events as you can while they are fresh in your memory.
While you are at the scene of the accident, this is also your opportunity to talk to any witnesses. Interview them to get their account of the events and try to record their story on video or voice recording. Get their contact information in case your lawyer needs to question them later.
What to do After a Motorcycle Accident
Once you’ve collected all the evidence and information you need at the scene, it’s time to take care of the damages.
If you are injured, seek medical attention right away.
Then comes the task of contacting your insurer. In Ontario, all insurance claims are made through your insurance, though the driver that has to pay will depend on the fault determination.
You should try to contact your insurer within 24 hours of the accident.
If that’s not possible, definitely make sure to call them within 30 days. You must file the claim within 30 days, but the sooner you can get the claim process started, the better.
When you file an insurance claim, you will need:
- Your insurance policy number
- Make, model, year, registration, and license plate of your motorcycle
- The name, license number, vehicle information, and insurance information of all drivers involved
- Details of the accident
- Number of passengers involved, if any
- The extent of the injuries of all persons involved
- The extent of damage to your vehicle
- Name and badge number of responding police officers
If you were injured in the accident, make sure to hold on to all receipts and records of any treatments you receive. Tell your insurer that you will be seeking medical compensation as well, and they will provide you with the requisite documents to file along with your accident claim.
When to Consult a Toronto Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you throughout the insurance claim process and help you challenge a denied claim.
You will also want to contact a lawyer if you think you have grounds to file a tort claim against the other driver or a third party. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will help you understand your rights, represent you throughout the process of filing a lawsuit, and help you compile a strong case.
In general, if you need any legal guidance while seeking compensation after an accident, don’t hesitate to contact a Toronto motorcycle accident lawyer.