By Matt Lalande in Hamilton Personal Injury Lawyer, Motorcycle Accidents on September 13, 2022
A serious motorcycle accident can result in significant, life-threatening injuries. Even when riders are wearing protective gear, the sheer force of the impact can cause catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and limb loss. Motorcycles provide very little protection in the event of a collision, and motorcyclists are often thrown off their bikes. This can also result in issues such as severe road rash, as well as broken bones and internal bleeding. In the most serious cases, motorcycle accidents can even be fatal.
In Canada, motorcycle accidents are a leading cause of death and injury. In fact, motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die in a motorcycle accident than occupants of a car. While motorcyclists represent only 1% of road users, they account for 10% of all road user deaths. Moreover, motorcyclists aged 25 and under have the highest rates of motorcycle accident death and serious injury. There are a number of factors that contribute to motorcycle accident statistics, including driver error, speeding, alcohol use, and motorcycle defects. To help reduce the number of motorcycle accidents in Canada, motorcyclists need to be properly trained and licensed, and all motorcycles should be regularly inspected for defects.
Below are 7 of the most common motorcycle crashes that our Hamilton personal injury lawyers have seen over the years which have resulted in severe injuries:
A motorcycle accident can occur when a motorcycle collides with an open door. This can happen when a car is parked on the side of the road and a passenger opens the door without looking, or when a driver opens their door to exit the vehicle. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to this type of accident, as they can be thrown from their bike and sustain serious injuries. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident that was caused by an open door, you may be able to recover damages from the responsible party. An experienced personal injury lawyer can assess your motorcycle accident case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
A motorcycle accident can occur when a motorcyclist attempts to take a turn at high speed. When cornering, bike riders lean the motorcycle into the turn. If the motorcycle is turning too quickly, the bike can lose traction and slide out from underneath the rider. This type of motorcycle accident can be particularly dangerous, as it often leads to the rider being ejected from the motorcycle. In order to avoid this type of accident, motorcycle riders should always slow down when approaching a turn. Additionally, riders should be sure to keep their body weight balanced in order to maintain control of the motorcycle.
Another common type of motorcycle accident is the left turn accident, where a motorcycle is cut off by a car making a left turn. These accidents often occur when the motorcycle is traveling straight through an intersection, while the car making the turn is coming from the opposite direction. The car fails to yield to the motorcycle and cuts it off. This can cause the motorcycle to collide with the car, or to swerve into oncoming traffic. In some cases, the motorcycle may even be thrown off of the road entirely. Left turn are often caused by drivers who are simply not paying attention to motorcycles. They may not see the motorcycle until it is too late, or they may misjudge its speed and distance. As a result, it is important for motorcycle riders to be extra vigilant when approaching intersections, and to be prepared to take evasive action if necessary.
Motorcycle lane splitting, also known as motorcycle lane filtering, is the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. A motorcycle’s narrow width can allow it to navigate between lanes of stopped or slow-moving cars on roadways, where the lanes are wide enough to offer an adequate gap. Although motorcycle lane splitting is legal in some countries, it illegal in Canada.
When a motorcycle rider splits lanes, they are more likely to collide with other vehicles or objects. Additionally, motorcycle lane splitting can cause motorists to swerve into oncoming traffic, putting both riders and drivers at risk. Cars simply aren’t expecting a vehicle to pass them in slowed or stopped traffic, and there is very little room for motorcycles to maneuver when they weave between cars.
The biggest issue is that if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident while lane splitting is that you are likely to be found at fault in the accident. That’s because lane-splitting is illegal in Ontario and since you broke that law there will be a presumption that you were at fault in causing the motorcycle accident.
Distracted driving is considered any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system—anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving. Texting is by far the most dangerous distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 90 km/hr, this is comparable to driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention.
According to distracted driving statistics from Transport Canada, distracted driving is a leading cause of car and motorcycle accidents in Canada. In 2019, distracted driving was a factor in nearly one-third of all accidents in the country. And the problem is only getting worse: over the last five years, the number of distracted driving accidents has increased by 19%.
Three main types of distractions have been attributed to increasing motorcycle accidents and seriously injured victims. These distractions are visual, manual and cognitive.
Visual Distractions – distracted driving can be caused by many factors, but one of the most common visual distractions. Visual distraction occurs when a driver takes his or her eyes off the road to look at something else. This can be anything from looking at a GPS device to checking a text message. Even a momentary glance can be enough to cause an accident. That’s why it’s important to keep your eyes on the road at all times while driving. If you need to look at something else, pull over to a safe location first. By being aware of the dangers of visual distraction, you can help make our roads safer for everyone.
Manual Distractions – the most common type of distracted driving is manual distraction, which occurs when a driver takes his or her hands off the wheel to do something else. Common manual distractions include fidgeting with controls, eating, drinking, smoking, and using a cell phone. distracted driving is dangerous because it increases the risk of accidents.
When drivers take their eyes off the road, they are more likely to miss important cues that could help them avoid an accident. distracted driving is especially dangerous in areas with high traffic volume or pedestrians. If you are caught distracted driving, you may be subject to a traffic ticket or other penalties. To avoid distracted driving, always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. If you must do something that takes your attention away from driving, pull over to a safe location before distracted driving becomes dangerous.
Cognitive Distractions – cognitive distracted driving occurs when a driver takes their mind off of the task of driving – or when the ability of the driver to focus while on the road is limited. All three types of distracted driving are dangerous, but cognitive distractions are particularly insidious because they can occur even when a driver’s hands are on the steering wheel and their eyes are on the road.
When a driver is cognitively distracted, they are not fully focused on the task of driving, and this can lead to accidents. If you are going to use your phone while driving, or do anything else that might distract you from the task of driving, pull over to a safe location first. It’s not worth risking your life or the lives of others by being distracted behind the wheel.
Motorcycles and cars may share the same road, but they don’t always see eye-to-eye. It’s important that motorists do not pull out in front of approaching motorcyclists when turning onto roads or driveways unless they are certain they have enough space and time to accelerate to a proper speed.
Unfortunately, sometimes motorists neglect this responsibility. It’s also not uncommon for motorists to mistakenly think they have accurately estimated the speed of an approaching motorcyclist. They may genuinely think there is enough space between them to justify pulling out in front of the motorcycle, when in fact the motorcyclist was traveling much faster than they assumed – which in the end, can lead to a terrible motorcycle accident.
Both motorists and motorcyclists have blind spots which require constant attention. Motorcycle blind spots can be a major factor in motorcycle accidents. A blind spot is an area around the motorcycle where the rider cannot see other vehicles. These blind spots can be created by the position of the motorcycle, the rider’s helmet, or the angle of the mirrors.
When changing lanes or making turns, it is important to check for blind spots to avoid hitting another vehicle. Unfortunately, many riders fail to do this, resulting in serious accidents. To help prevent blind spots from causing accidents, riders should periodically check their mirrors and be aware of their surroundings. By taking these simple precautions, riders can help reduce the risk of a blind spot-related motorcycle accident.
Similarly, blind spots around a car are areas where the driver has limited visibility. These blind spots can be dangerous because they make it difficult for the driver to see other cars, pedestrians, or motorcyclists. Unfortunately, blind spots are a common cause of accidents with motorcycles.
To avoid an accident, drivers should be aware of their blind spots and take precautions to avoid them. For example, drivers can use their mirrors to check for traffic in their blind spots before changing lanes. Additionally, drivers can stay alert and be aware of other cars on the road so that they can avoid blind spots altogether. By taking these measures, drivers can help to prevent a serious motorcycle crash and keep themselves and others safe on the road.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: A TBI is a type of brain injury that occurs when the head is suddenly and violently shaken.TBI’s are unfortunately common for motorcycle crash victims. TBIs can range from mild to severe. Symptoms of a mild TBI may include headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. More severe TBI symptoms may include seizures, paralysis, and coma. If you or someone you know has been in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Serious traumatic brain injuries can be difficult to diagnose, but early diagnosis and treatment are essential for a full recovery.
One of the most common catastrophic brain injuries suffered by motorcycle accident victims is called diffuse axonal injury. A diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a type of brain injury that occurs when the brain is damaged by shearing forces. DAI is often referred to as a “diffuse” brain injury because it can cause damage to many different areas of the brain. Symptoms of DAI can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the damage.
Mild symptoms may include headache, dizziness, and memory problems. More severe symptoms may include coma, paralysis, and even death. diffuse axonal injuries are often seen in people who have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, DAI can also occur in people who have not suffered a TBI. This is because diffuse axonal injuries can be caused by any type of brain injury that results in shearing forces.
Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries: A traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is a sudden, traumatic injury to the spinal cord that results in damage to the nerve fibers. This damage can lead to loss of feeling and/or movement in the affected area. TSCIs can occur as a result of motorcycle accidents, car accident, falls, or violence. In Canada, TSCIs are relatively rare, occurring in about 1,000 people each year.
The majority of TSCIs (75%) are caused by motorcycle and car accidents, while falls and violence account for the remaining 25%. depending on the location and severity of the injury, a TSCI can result in quadriplegia ( paralysis of all four limbs), tetraplegia (paralysis of both arms and legs), or paraplegia (paralysis of the legs).
While there is no cure for traumatic spinal cord injuries, advances in medical technology have led to improved outcomes for many people living with this condition. With proper treatment and rehabilitation, motorcycle accident victims with TSCI can regain some degree of function and live fulfilling lives. If you’ve suffered serious or catastrophic injuries, such as a spinal cord injury – it’s important that you seek legal advice from a motorcycle accident lawyer with the experience you need to advance your motorcycle accident claim successfully – as the lifetime future cost of care for a spinal cord injury victims can range in the tens of millions, depending on the severity of the spinal cord injury (location of lesion) and the age of the victim.
Traumatic Amputation: a limb amputation is the removal of a limb by surgery. Amputations can be performed on an arm or leg. They are considered catastrophic injuries in Canada and often lead to a need for lifelong prosthetic care.
In addition to obvious physical challenges, limb amputations can also cause psychological trauma. Many people struggle to adjust to their new body image and the loss of independence. limb amputations are most often caused by accidents, such as car or motorcycle accidents. They can also be caused by diseases, such as cancer, or by complications from diabetes. Treatment for limb amputations typically includes physical and occupational therapy, as well as counseling to help manage the psychological effects.
Prosthetic devices are also available to help people regain some level of mobility. With proper care, motorcycle accident victims who have had limb amputations can often lead full and active lives – but will require a significant amount of future health care expenses to assist them throughout the remainder of their lives.
Pelvic Fractures: A hip or pelvic fracture is a break in the bones that make up your pelvis. Pelvic fractures are muskuloskeletal injuries that can be caused by falls, car accidents, and other high-impact collisions. A hip fracture is a break in the upper part of the thighbone (femur) that connects to the pelvis.
A hip fracture can be a serious injury, and may require surgery to heal properly. In some cases, a hip replacement may be necessary. Motorcycle accidents are a common cause of hip and pelvic fractures. The majority of motorcycle riders who are involved in accidents suffer from orthopedic injuries, including fractures. Riders who are not wearing helmets are at an increased risk for skull fractures and brain injuries. Wearing proper protective gear, such as a helmet, can help to reduce the risk of orthopedic injuries.
Tibial Plateau Fracture (knee): A tibial plateau fracture is an orthopedic injury that occurs when the upper portion of the tibia, or shinbone, is broken. This type of fracture can occur as a result of a high-energy trauma, such as a motorcycle accident, or from a low-energy force, such as a fall. Treatment for a tibial plateau fracture typically involves surgery to restore the alignment of the bone and to stabilize the joint.
In some cases, a knee replacement may be necessary. Extensive rehabilitation following surgery is essential in order to regain full range of motion and strength. If you’ve suffered serious injuries such as a tibial plateau fracture, it is important to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer that can assist you in obtaining maximum compensation against the at-fault driver and making sure you receive the accident benefits you deserve.
Disfigurement: Disfigurement is the marring of the human face or body, which can be caused by burns, diseases, accidents, or congenital defects. The disfigurement may be minor, such as a small scar, or it may be severe, such as those caused by a motorcycle accident. While disfigurement can have a profound impact on a person’s physical appearance, it can also lead to social isolation and psychological distress. In many cases, people with disfigurements go to great lengths to conceal their appearance, either through surgery or by wearing clothes or make-up.
In recent years, there has been an increased awareness of the challenges faced by people with disfigurements, and there is now a growing movement of people who are choosing to embrace their appearance.
Road Rash: Road rash is a term used to describe the injuries that can occur when someone is thrown from a moving vehicle and comes into contact with the road surface. In most cases, road rash affects the face, limbs, and other exposed areas of the body, and can range from minor scrapes to deep lacerations.
In severe cases, road rash can lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement. Road rash is most commonly associated with a serious motorcycle crash, but can also occur in car accidents and other types of collisions. Treatment for road rash depends on the severity of the injuries, but may include cleaning and bandaging the wound, taking antibiotics to prevent infection, and pain medication. In some cases, road rash may require surgery to repair damage to the skin or underlying tissue. If you’ve suffered a serious road rash motorcycle injury, it’s important that you speak to a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer who can help pursue compensation that can assist with future health care and cosmetic rehabilitation benefits that OHIP will not cover.
Facial injuries: Motorcycle accidents often result in facial injuries – commonly caused because of open-faced helmest, which offers little protection to the face in the event of an accident. As a result, riders who wear open-faced helmets are at risk of sustaining facial fractures, dislocations, and lacerations. In severe cases, they may require surgery to repair the damage. This can involve grafting skin from another area of the body to rebuild the face, as well as correcting bone fractures and setting dislocated joints. In addition, patients may require dental work to repair chipped or missing teeth. Jaw fractures can also be common in motorcycle accidents, and may require surgery to wire the jaw shut in order to allow it to heal properly. While facial injuries from motorcycle accidents can be severe, most patients will eventually make a full recovery. However, they may be left with scars or other serioous and permanent physical injuries.
In Ontario, all drivers are required to have statutory accident benefits coverage. This coverage provides benefits for injuries sustained in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault .Benefits can include medical and rehabilitation expenses, income replacement, and death and funeral benefits. The amount of coverage you are entitled to depends on the severity of your injuries and other factors. If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to speak to a qualified lawyer to ensure that you are receiving all of the benefits you are entitled to.
Motorcycle accidents can be extremely serious, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or even death. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident and have suffered serious injuries, it is important to seek the help of a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer.
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you obtain the compensation that you deserve for your injuries, as well as help you navigate your accident benefits and the complex legal process. In addition, by hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer and filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver, you may be able to cover your medical bills that are not covered by OHIP, lost wages, past/future costs of care, and compensation for your pain and suffering. In addition, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can provide valuable guidance and support to you, as a motorcycle accident victim, during what is often a very difficult time.
Although we can’t undo the damage you face, a Hamilton motorcycle accident lawyer from Lalande Personal Injury Lawyers can fight to provide you with the compensation you need to begin healing and help go on with your life in the best matter possible.
Lalande Personal Injury Lawyers are motorcycle accident lawyers that can help you and your family recover compensation for present or future medical expenses that OHIP will not cover, lost wages and lost income, and other associated costs to help protect you and significantly improve your ability to reach maximum recovery.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious motorcycle accident, call our law firm today, toll-free, no matter where you are in Ontario at 1-844-LALANDE or local in the Hamilton / Burlington area at 905-333-8888 or fill in a contact form on our website today. Our motorcycle accident lawyers would be more than happy to provide you and your family a free consultation and free case evaluation regarding your pain and suffering, insurance coverage, inform you of your legal rights as a motorcycle accident victim and your options concerning your motorcycle accident related injuries and losses. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that if we don’t win, you don’t pay.
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*Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as legal advice or a substitute for professional legal advice. Also, by reading this article you are not securing legal representation. For more information, please contact Lalande Personal Injury Lawyers.
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I lost my leg in a terrible motorcycle accident and Matt help me recover compensation I need because I could not work and the cost of prosthetics and rehab are out of this world. I don’t know what I would have done without him.
My brother ended up paralyzed after a car accident and Lalande did SO MUCH to help get things straight from him getting out of the hospital to all his care for life. We are so grateful for Matt & Heather. I don’t know how my family could have done this without them.
