Are There More Motorcycle Or Car Accidents?

There are significantly more car accidents in Ontario than motorcycle accidents. However, looking at raw numbers alone does not tell the full story. In 2018, 1,341 motorcycle accidents were serious enough to cause injuries or a fatality, according to the Preliminary 2018 Ontario Road Safety Annual Report. During that same period, there were 50,651 car accidents of the same severity.

However, while motorcyclists comprised only 2% of all fatal or personal injury accidents in 2018, they made up nearly 10% of Ontario’s traffic accident-related fatalities and almost 12% of major injuries. This shows that, while there are far fewer motorcycles on the road involved in far fewer accidents, the injuries from motorcycle accidents may be more likely to be life-altering or deadly.

Considering the Statistics Per 100,000 Registered Vehicles

According to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), Ontario motorcycle accident injuries occurred at a rate of about 2,194 per 100,000 registered motorcycles during the study period. This rate was almost triple the rate of injuries attributable to automobile crashes.

At the same time, the injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents were also much more likely to be severe or deadly. Motorcyclists involved in an accident are more likely to be hospitalized and more likely to require intensive care or other specialized care than those who suffered injuries in a passenger car. This includes:

• 125 severe injuries each year per 100,000 registered motorcycles vs. 12 per 100,000 registered cars.
• 14 fatalities each year per 100,000 motorcycles vs. three fatalities per 100,000 cars.

You may be able to get a better idea of how dangerous traffic accidents can be for motorcyclists in and around Toronto when you consider the number of cars on Ontario’s roads versus the number of motorcycles.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries May Be More Severe

In addition to not having the protection of the car’s body itself, motorcycles lack many other safety features meant to protect the occupants of passenger cars. This includes seatbelts, front and side airbags, and specially designed seats.

The CMAJ study found that motorcyclists may be more likely to suffer severe injuries to almost every part of their body than someone in a passenger car accident. These injuries may include:

• Head injuries
• Chest injuries
• Injuries to the limbs
• Abdominal injuries

These injuries may be life-threatening or even life-altering. Those who survive may require lifelong caregiving support or never return to their job.

Injured Motorcyclists May Be Able to Hold the At-Fault Driver Liable

If you or a loved one sustained injuries in an Ontario motorcycle accident, you may be able to speak to a member of the Preszler Injury Lawyers team about your case today. Our team may be able to assess your accident case and explain your rights as they relate to liability and insurance claims.

We may be able to help you put a plan in place for seeking the compensation you need to cover your expenses and losses if you qualify. We may be able to navigate the motorcycle accident claims process on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your medical treatment and care.

We understand what it takes to prove the other driver acted negligently and caused your injuries, as well as how to prove the value of those injuries, if you qualify to pursue this type of compensation. However, there may be strict deadlines we must meet under Ontario’s Insurance Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter I.8 and Limitations Act of 2002, S.O. 2002, Chapter 24. These deadlines may include:

• 120 days to notify the at-fault driver of our intent to take legal action.
• Two years to file suit if necessary, subject to discoverability and if you qualify.

If you miss any of these deadlines, you could lose your right to file suit and hold the driver liable. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we may be able to begin protecting your rights. If you are eligible to take action against the driver who caused your Ontario motorcycle accident, we may be able to put a plan in place to pursue compensation for your outstanding care costs, rehabilitation, lost wages, and more.

We may also be able to help if a member of your family passed away because of their Ontario motorcycle accident injuries.

Talk to a Member of the Preszler Injury Lawyers Motorcycle Accident Team

Unfortunately, more than 1,000 motorcyclists sustain injuries in Ontario motorcycle accidents each year. If this happened to you, Preszler Injury Lawyers may be able to help. We serve injured motorcyclists and their families in the Toronto area. We may be able to meet with you in our office or may come to you if your injuries prevent you from travelling.

Call 1-800-JUSTICE now to speak with a member of the Preszler Injury Lawyers team about your options after a Toronto-area motorcycle accident.