MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT IN BURLINGTON

By Zayouna Law Firm

According to Transport Canada, over 100,000 people were injured in car accidents in 2020. The unfortunate reality is that motorcyclists are at particularly high risk in a collision. Motorcyclists are roughly 13 times more likely to be killed in a collision than car drivers, and the incidence rate of injury from a motorcycle accident is roughly three times higher than in car accidents.

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to know what steps to take to protect your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation to which you are entitled. This includes understanding your insurance coverage, seeking medical treatment for any injuries, and contacting a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer.

Most Common Motorcycle Accidents in Burlington

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Burlington

In a report from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) it was found that the motorcyclist was at fault in approximately 60% of fatal collisions. However, it’s important to note that every accident has a unique set of circumstances and contributing factors.

As a motorcycle rider, you can reduce your risk of being involved in an accident by driving safely, wearing proper protective gear, and being aware of your surroundings. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents are similar to those that cause car accidents, and often involve some combination of the following factors:

• Reckless Driving
• Speeding
• Driving under the influence
• Distracted driving
• Driving tired
• Driving in poor weather conditions
• Less experienced drivers 
• Driving a motorcycle without anti-lock brakes

By following safe driving practices and being aware of potential risks, you can increase your chances of avoiding an accident and arriving at your destination safely.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Burlington

Motorcycle accidents can occur anywhere on the road, but are most common when turning or switching lanes. However, even a tiny ding while changing lanes can put a motorcyclist in serious danger. 

Here are some of the most common types of motorcycle accidents to be aware of:

• Collisions while turning, especially during left turns
• Collisions while switching lanes
• Head-on collisions
• Rear-end collisions
• Single driver collisions

What to Do After A Motorcycle Accident in Burlington

What to do At the Scene of a Motorcycle Accident

After a motorcycle accident, there are some important steps to take while still at the scene. These steps will help to protect your rights and gather the information that you need for your insurance claim, and that may be useful in any legal proceedings. 

Here are some key steps to follow:

• Move out of traffic and call 911. Request a police officer on the scene and emergency responders if anyone is injured. Remember, a police report is required for any collision with property damage over $500 or involving an injury.
• Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident, including 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.
• Talk to witnesses at the scene and get their account of the events. Consider recording their story on video or audio recording, and get their contact information in case your lawyer needs to question them later.

At the scene of the accident, it is important to remember never to admit fault or apologize for your actions. This can harm your case when your insurer is doing their fault investigations, and result in you being deemed more at fault than you were. 

What to do After a Motorcycle Accident

Once you’ve made it home, it is time to start filing your insurance claims and seeking out compensation for the damage to your motorcycle and for any injuries you incurred.

Of course, if you were injured in the accident, seek medical attention. Don’t hesitate. Not only would that be detrimental to your health, but it could impact your insurance claim as well. If you do receive any medical treatments, keep records of any payments you make.

When filing your insurance claim, if you were injured, you’ll want to inform your insurer when you notify them of the accident so you can start filling out the appropriate paperwork. 

Try to contact your insurance company within 24 hours of the accident. The sooner you start the claims process, the better. In Ontario, you must file the insurance claim within 30 days.

When you file your insurance claim, you will need to provide the following information:

• 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

When to Consult a Burlington Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you need help filing your insurance claim, challenging your insurer’s decision, or if you think you have a case to file a tort claim against a third party, you should reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.

A Burlington motorcycle accident lawyer will be familiar with the local policies and agencies and will be licensed to help you work through any of your legal concerns following a collision. If you want to file a legal claim, it is essential to have an experienced lawyer on your side to help you build a strong case. 

Generally, if you need any legal guidance following a collision, you will want to talk to a lawyer right away.