Motorcycle Accident Lawyer London Ontario

After the Crash: Legal options and steps to take after a motorcycle accident.

Legal Services For Motor Cycle Injuries

Motor Cycle Accident Law Firm

Navigate post-accident challenges with confidence. Continue reading to learn about your legal options and practical steps to help you secure the medical and financial support you deserve.

Motorcycle Accidents - Legal Options in Ontario

In Ontario, there are two options available to any motorist who was injured in a collision, including motorcycle riders.

Accident Benefits: any motorcyclist injured in an accident can make a claim for accident benefits under their own insurance policy, regardless of fault, under Ontario’s “no fault” insurance scheme.

Commonly accessed benefits include Income Replacement and Non-Earner Benefits, offering compensation for lost wages or income, and Medical and Rehabilitation/Attendant Care Benefits, covering treatments like physiotherapy, massage therapy, and chiropratic treatment.

Tort Claim (i.e. lawsuit): if a person is injured while operating their motorcycle and those injuries were caused or contributed to by the negligence of another driver (motorcyclist, motorist or otherwise), the motorcyclist may have a viable tort claim.

Lawsuits permit victims of accidents to receive compensation for pain and suffering, as well as for income loss or medical expenses arising from their injuries. To be successful in a lawsuit, a prospective plaintiff must prove that the accident was caused or contributed to by someone else and that the accident caused the injuries and damages which are being claimed.

Motorcycle accident

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

  • The rate of motorcycle fatalities was more than seven times higher among males than among females.
  • The rate of motorcycle fatalities was highest among those aged 40 to 59 years.
  • Representing 2% of road users, motorcyclists account for over 10% of all road user deaths.
  • Intersections (31%) and highways (30%) were the leading locations of fatal motorcycle collisions.

Immediate steps to follow if you have
been in a Motorcycle Accident

If you are in a motorcycle accident you should always do the following:

Step 1

Take photographs of the collision scene. If you are too injured to take pictures, consider having a friend or family member attend the scene to take pictures on your behalf.

Step 2

Obtain names and contact information of all witnesses.

Step 3

Report the accident to the police. If you are too injured to report the accident immediately, report your recollection of the collision to the police when you are able, even if a Motor Vehicle Collision Report has already been completed by another driver.

Step 4

Seek medical attention for your injuries and report the details of the accident to your treating medical professional.

Step 5

If you receive a traffic ticket in relation to the accident, consider disputing the charges.

Step 6

Consult a lawyer before communicating with any insurance companies about the accident.

Safety Measures

In addition to wearing a full-face shield motorcycle helmet, riders should always do everything to make their motorcycle as visible as possible to all other users of the road, including but not limited to: wearing reflective or bright clothing, wearing a bright or white helmet (rather than black) and turning your headlight on during the day. These safety measures not only increase your chances of survival in a motorcycle accident, but they may also reduce the chance that you will be found to be partially liable (i.e. responsible) for the crash and resulting injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

After a motorcycle accident, your health and safety should come first. Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor, since conditions such as concussions, internal injuries, and soft tissue damage may not appear right away. If possible, gather photos of the scene, damage to the motorcycle, road conditions, and contact information for witnesses. It is also important to avoid discussing fault at the scene and to keep records of medical treatment, missed work, and insurance communications. Speaking with a motorcycle accident lawyer in London Ontario can help you better understand your legal options following the collision.

Motorcyclists have far less physical protection than drivers and passengers in enclosed vehicles, which often leads to more severe injuries during a collision. Motorcycle accidents commonly result in fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, road rash, and long-term rehabilitation needs. Even when proper safety gear is worn, riders remain vulnerable to significant physical and psychological trauma. These injuries can affect a person’s ability to work, maintain independence, and return to normal daily activities.

Yes. Ontario follows a system known as contributory negligence, which means you may still be eligible for compensation even if you were partially responsible for the collision. Liability is often shared between multiple parties depending on the circumstances of the accident. For example, another driver may have failed to yield, changed lanes improperly, or failed to notice a motorcycle in traffic. A detailed investigation can help determine how fault should be divided and how compensation may be affected.

Motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses resulting from their injuries. Depending on the circumstances, this can include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, future loss of income, pain and suffering, and the cost of ongoing care or home assistance. Compensation may also be available for emotional trauma and reduced quality of life caused by serious or permanent injuries. Every motorcycle accident claim is unique and depends on the severity of the injuries and their long-term impact.

Fault in a motorcycle accident is determined by examining the evidence surrounding the collision. This may include police reports, witness statements, medical records, traffic camera footage, vehicle damage, and accident reconstruction analysis. Insurance companies and courts will assess whether drivers followed traffic laws and acted reasonably under the circumstances. Because motorcyclists are sometimes unfairly stereotyped as reckless, it is important to have strong evidence and legal representation when pursuing a motorcycle accident claim.

A motorcycle accident lawyer can help protect your rights while managing the legal and insurance aspects of your case. This may include gathering evidence, communicating with insurance companies, arranging medical assessments, calculating damages, and negotiating a settlement. At Beckett Personal Injury Lawyers, we assist injured riders throughout London Ontario and Southwestern Ontario in pursuing compensation after serious motorcycle accidents. Legal guidance can be especially important when injuries are severe or when liability is disputed.

Contact Us

Our office is in the heart of the trendy downtown district on Richmond Row. It is in close proximity to shops, restaurants, Victoria Park, City Hall and, of course, the Court. Our office is accessible and barrier-free. We provide free, covered parking within the building for clients. We have office space available to meet with clients in Windsor and other cities throughout Southwestern Ontario. We also make hospital and home visits.