Fall is a popular time for motorcycle rides in Hamilton, but it also brings increased risks. Understand the seven common causes of Hamilton motorcycle accidents and how to reduce your risk on the road.
The sun is still shining; the autumn colours are vibrant. Fall is a popular time of year for joy rides, day trips and longer motorcycle road trips. Sadly, motorcycle accidents are all too common in the fall, and if you’ve ever seen the aftermath of an accident involving a motorcycle or been involved in one, you know firsthand how horrific they can be. The trauma, injuries and fatalities caused by motorcycle accidents are difficult to imagine.
The very thing that attracts motorcycle enthusiasts to ride is the very thing that can be detrimental. Motorcyclists and their passengers are exposed to the elements without the protection of a metal box surrounding them. So, when a motorcyclist is hit by another vehicle, injuries can be catastrophic.
Motorcyclists who are hit by other vehicles or involved in single-bike collisions often suffer from injuries such as:
- spinal cord injuries
- paraplegia
- quadriplegia
- head injuries
- brain injuries
- broken bones
- back injuries
- disc herniation
- rotator cuff injuries
Here in Hamilton Ontario, and throughout the golden horseshoe, fall is a popular time for motorcycle enthusiasts to get out on their bikes to enjoy the crisp air. While it is true your motorbike offers less protection than a car, you can reduce your risk of accident by obeying traffic laws, doing your best to be a safe rider and by understanding the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Hamilton at this time of year.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
Contact Us Today!Speeding
When a motorcyclist is struck by a speeding vehicle, the sad and incomprehensible result is often death or catastrophic injury. While a motorcyclist cannot prevent another driver from driving at an unsafe high speed, it is important for a motorcyclist or driver of any vehicle to be aware of other drivers who are operating their vehicles unsafely.
Failure to Use Turn Signals
Lives could be spared if all drivers used their turn signals when turning or changing lanes. Proper and timely signalling is vital to road safety. Failure to do so puts other motorists at risk. Unfortunately, due to the smaller profile, motorcycles are harder to see. While a motorcyclist is trained to be aware of other drivers, if a driver fails to signal the result can be tragic.
Dangerous Intersections
Motorcycle accidents are very common at intersections. Again, due to the smaller profile of a motorbike, drivers may overlook or fail to see the motorcyclist.
Intoxicated Drivers
When motorists drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their response time is lower, and their vision can be blurry. Intoxicated drivers put everyone on the road at risk.
Distracted Driving
Talking, texting, etc., can be lethal on the road. For drivers who look down at their phone while driving or while stopped at a red light or stop sign, they may fail to see a motorcycle and the resulting accident could be devastating.
Road Hazards
Potholes, overbearing leaves, slick roads, weather and other road hazards can be the cause of motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycle Stunt Driving
This type of accident is entirely preventable. Don’t stunt drive. Unfortunately, in Ontario, there are many serious motorcycle accidents each year as a result of motorcycle stunt driving gone wrong.
Despite all these risks, come motorcycle season, the call of the open road draws many motorcycle enthusiasts to grab their helmet and go for a ride. Our aim is to ensure motorcyclists understand what causes most accidents so they can be more aware to help reduce their risk. When motorcycle accidents do happen – we are here to help put the proper insurance in place.
It is unfortunate that motorists cannot always enjoy driving without having to worry about other drivers on the road. But, sadly, when you decide it’s time to go for a fall motorbike ride or trip, it is essential you are aware that not all drivers are as concerned about you as you might be about them. According to a recent study, motorcycles account for five times the fatalities, six times the medical costs and ten times the severe injuries compared to cars.
Motorcycles are smaller vehicles, and it can be more difficult to see if a driver is inattentive or driving too fast. In the fall, it gets darker earlier, which can further add to the difficulty of spotting a motorcycle, especially if a driver is intoxicated, speeding or driving without due care.
Due to the impact of the injuries, motorcycle accidents are devastating. It is common for the injuries sustained to be so severe that the riders are suffering ongoing pain and such serious injuries that they may be unable to work and support themselves and their families. For many motorcycle accident victims, their lives are, unfortunately, forever changed.
Sarah was very responsive when I made contact through the website. Consultation was arranged a few days later. Met virtually with Matt and he is extremely personable and calming. He offered excellent advice and reassurance. I would highly recommend Matt as an LTD lawyer. – Swert Hogg
If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you are dealing with serious injuries, grief, stress and suffering. We understand how devastating and overwhelming this time is. That’s why we want to help. The last thing you need to think about is how to handle a complicated insurance case for an accident that is usually not the fault of the motorcyclist.
Lalande Personal Injury Lawyers are Hamilton personal injury lawyers who are experienced working with motorcycle accident victims. Our lawyers serve victims Province-wide, and we have a goal to help you recover your lost income and wages, medical costs and other associated costs. We offer a complimentary consultation, and we do not charge upfront costs. Call us today at (905) 333-8888 or fill in our contact form to schedule an appointment. It’s important you have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side, to inform you of your legal rights and to help protect you and your family.
Article FAQs
Common causes include speeding, failure to use turn signals, dangerous intersections, intoxicated driving, distracted driving, road hazards, and motorcycle stunt driving.
Speeding increases the severity of accidents, making them more likely to result in serious injuries or fatalities, especially for motorcyclists who lack the protection of a car.
Motorcycles are smaller than cars, making them less visible to other drivers, especially when distracted or driving at high speeds. Poor weather conditions and early darkness in the fall also reduce visibility.
Hazards such as potholes, wet leaves, or slick roads can cause motorcyclists to lose control, leading to accidents. Riders should be extra cautious during the fall when these hazards are more prevalent.
Seek medical attention immediately, document the scene, and contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you with your case and ensure you receive proper compensation.