Your Personal Injury Lawyers
Oshawa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle accidents have a much greater chance of fatality than any other type of vehicle accident. The Traffic Injury Foundation states that when a motorcyclist is in an accident, they are 14 times more likely to suffer fatality from it than someone in an accident in any other type of vehicle.
Most often, it is a head injury that causes the fatality but unfortunately, there are many more types of injuries that can result. When they do, and the accident was due to the negligence of another person, an Oshawa motorcycle accident lawyer can help victims claim compensation. Contact an experienced accident lawyer today to begin your case.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
The main cause of motorcycle accidents is that other motorists simply did not see the motorcycle before crashing into them. This is largely due to the fact that motorcycles are much smaller than other vehicles and therefore, more difficult to see.
This is especially true when motorcycles are behind other vehicles, or when there are conditions such as glare that can prevent other motorists from seeing properly. The difficulty in detecting motorcycles is most problematic when a vehicle turns into the motorcycle when they are making a left-hand or right-hand turn.
Motorcyclists should know that it can be very difficult to bring a personal injury claim against any government entity and therefore should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Oshawa to help them when this is the case as the notice provisions are onerous.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is another common cause of motorcycle accidents. Lane splitting is when a motorcycle does not stay in the right or left lane, but rather rides in between cars in two different lanes. Sometimes a motorcycle will even use lane splitting to help them weave in and out of traffic.
In many areas, especially the United States, lane splitting is considered to be illegal for the most part, and that is true in Canada as well. However, when it comes to Ontario specifically, there are no definite laws on record.
While the Ontario Ministry of Transportation does indicate that lane splitting can be very dangerous, they do not strictly permit or prohibit the practice. Because of this, the fact that a motorcyclist was lane splitting at the time of an accident cannot typically be used as a defense.
Poor Road Conditions
Other than lane splitting and not being seen by other motorists, another very common cause of motorcycle accidents is poor road conditions. Because motorcycles are not as stable as other vehicles and do not have as much equipment, such as four wheels on the road, they are more susceptible to things like potholes and icy roads.
When a motorcycle accident occurs due to poor road conditions, whether the accident involved another vehicle or not, the city or province may be liable.
Compensation in Motorcycle Accidents
Like other personal injury cases, victims that have been injured in a motorcycle accident can sue a negligent party for any injuries they have sustained.
It is important to note, however, that the Supreme Court of Canada has placed caps on compensation for pain and suffering at approximately $370,000. But this does not mean that this amount is all that victims will be eligible for.
Economic damages, or the expenses that have an actual amount, do not have any cap in Canada. These damages include any expense that has an actual financial amount attached to it, such as medical expenses or loss of income from being unable to work.
Contacting an Oshawa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to speak to an Oshawa motorcycle accident lawyer that can help with your case.
Depending on the circumstances, these cases can become very complicated and a qualified lawyer can help victims obtain the maximum amount of compensation they may be eligible for.
