Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Hamilton, Ontario

For avid motorcyclists, there are few activities as pleasurable as going for a ride, but an enjoyable run can turn into a costly tragedy in seconds. Motorcycle accidents are increasingly common, and they can cause serious injuries and damages. According to one article, 2020 marked one of the worst riding seasons in more than 10 years, with 42 motorcyclists killed on roads patrolled by the Ontario Provincial Police, as opposed to 27 motorcycle fatalities in 2019. 

How Do Motorcycle Accidents Commonly Occur, and What Types of Injuries Do They Tend to Cause?

There are many different types of motorcycle accidents. Some examples include:

• Head-on collisions, often involving a car and sometimes even a larger vehicle, such as a truck;
• Accidents resulting from excessive speed;
• Collisions caused by a turning vehicle — in particular, another vehicle striking your motorcycle while turning left;
• Collisions resulting from lane changes, particularly as a result of another driver not checking their blind spot properly;
• Accidents caused by striking a fixed object, such as a concrete divider;
• Collisions involving driver error or fatigue, distracted driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol or substances
• Collisions caused by dangerous road conditions, poor visibility, or bad weather.

Some collision investigators say excessive speed and failing to yield right-of-way were leading contributing factors to motorcycle deaths in 2020, according to the article referenced above. Another article quotes police urging riders to wear highly visible clothes and equipment, and use proper lane positioning to increase their chances of being seen.

The injuries that result from motorcycle accidents can be quite severe. Head injuries, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries can result, as can back and spinal injuries. Riders also often suffer road burn and other skin injuries, broken bones, and abrasions. In the most severe cases, a rider can end up with paralysis, internal injuries, loss of limbs or digits, severe brain damage — or even wrongful death. 

Why is it a good idea to seek legal counsel after being in a motorcycle accident?

After an accident, you will want to make sure you have a lawyer on your side to help you build your claim against the responsible parties. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you establish liability against the parties who are at fault. In a motorcycle accident case, you will generally need to prove a claim for negligence, showing that the other party was at fault and breached a duty of reasonable care to you on the road. This can be a complex process, not only because liability is usually not clear-cut, but also because generally there are multiple parties involved, including insurance companies. Negotiating with an insurance company can be difficult without the help of a lawyer, as insurers typically have significant legal and financial resources at their disposal.

Moreover, an experienced Ontario motorcycle lawyer can help you ascertain and prove your damages. The severity of injuries in a motorcycle accident can make for significant damages. For instance, there may be serious damage to your motorcycle or even a total loss. More importantly, you may experience hefty bills as a result of medical treatments, hospital stays, doctor’s visits, and prescription costs. You may also have a loss of income or wages as a result of being out of work after your accident. A knowledgeable motorcycle lawyer can help ascertain the total value of your damages and fight for a fair and reasonable settlement so that you are reimbursed for those damages.

In hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer in Hamilton, you should look for someone who is well-versed in personal injury law, with experience negotiating and handling motorcycle accident cases. You will want to hire a lawyer who is a skilled negotiator and will represent your interests against large insurance companies, whose goal, of course, will be to minimize any settlement amounts. Look for an Ontario motorcycle accident lawyer who understands the process and procedures involved in your case, particularly if settlement negotiations stall and you need to go to court in order to obtain a jury verdict. Moreover, look for a lawyer who makes you feel comfortable with the process, communicates with you periodically, and answers your pressing questions. 

What’s The Process Once You’ve Retained a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer to Represent You? 

Once you’ve retained your lawyer, you will typically meet to go over the details of your case. It is important to establish the facts of your claim from the get-go, as well as to collect and assemble any evidence that can help advance your claim. Your lawyer will likely request from you or others important documentation of the accident, such as any photographs from the scene, police reports, and witness statements. They will also continue to investigate the facts and interview witnesses. Your lawyer will also work with you to document and prove the extent of your injuries, obtaining medical paperwork, bills, and invoices. They will perform legal research and put together a case based on both the law and its application to your unique facts. 

A personal injury case begins when your lawyer officially files an action in the appropriate court, setting out the basis of your claim and your damages. Your lawyer will work with you to obtain information from the other party during this process, as well as respond to the other side’s requests for information from you. The parties will attempt to negotiate a settlement, during which your lawyer will communicate with the other party and their insurance company frequently. If those negotiations do not produce a fair and reasonable settlement, then your lawyer will represent you in court, working on your behalf for a verdict.

How Can Derek Wilson Help?

Being in a motorcycle accident can seriously derail your life, but a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer can help you seek the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. For a free consultation with Hamilton motorcycle accident lawyer Derek Wilson, call us at 855-769-0418 or fill out a request form. We are dedicated to helping you and your family recover fair compensation and will always have your best interests in mind. We will respond in a timely manner, so you and your family can receive the help you need.