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If you’re reading this, you or a loved one has likely been involved in a serious motorcycle accident and are seeking information about what to do or where to turn. Our Hamilton legal team understands that life after a significant crash can be overwhelming, especially when navigating the complex insurance and claims process. You probably have many questions about what steps to take and who to hire. This journey often begins by searching for a Hamilton motorcycle accident lawyer.
Motorcycle accidents can be life-altering, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or even fatalities. Due to the lack of structural protection and minimal safety features compared to cars, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable in collisions. The most serious injuries sustained in these accidents include traumatic brain injuries, which can result in cognitive impairment, memory loss, or permanent disability. Spinal cord injuries are another grave consequence, often leading to partial or complete paralysis and significantly impacting quality of life.
Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me
This is a common question. Suffering a motorcycle accident can be a life-altering, devastating experience that leaves you feeling shattered, confused, and unsure of where to turn. The physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial toll can be overwhelming, especially when you’re also facing the daunting and complex task of navigating the legal system to seek the compensation you deserve. The impact of a motorcycle accident is not just physical; it affects every aspect of your life, including your ability to work, your emotional well-being, and your financial stability. In the aftermath of an accident, it’s common to feel lost, isolated, and overwhelmed, wondering how you’ll ever recover and put your life back together.
Motorcycle accident injuries, ranging from minor to catastrophic, can leave victims dealing with extensive medical bills, ongoing medical treatment, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Whether you’re dealing with a serious injury like a brain injury, spinal cord injury, or a severe road rash, or you’ve lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident, the road to recovery may seem long and uncertain. The risk factors involved in motorcycle accidents, such as reckless driving, poor road conditions, or even negligent drivers, can leave victims feeling helpless as they struggle to prove liability and claim the compensation they deserve.
At this critical time, a skilled and experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can provide the unwavering advocacy you need to navigate this complex and stressful situation. An attorney can assist you in filing your claim, documenting evidence, gathering witness testimony, and negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that your rights are protected. Whether your case requires a strategic approach to settle or the aggressive pursuit of a trial, a dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer will be there to guide you every step of the way.
By taking the proactive step of hiring a trusted motorcycle accident lawyer, you can regain control over your life and ensure that you’re fully compensated for your injuries. With their knowledge of traffic laws, motorcycle-specific safety regulations, and experience handling complex injury cases, your lawyer will work tirelessly to assess your damages, prove negligence, and secure a fair settlement. When you feel lost and uncertain, the right legal representation can provide the reassurance, support, and expertise you need to rebuild your life and recover from your injuries. You don’t have to face this journey alone—an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will stand by your side and fight for your future.
Here are 8 ideas to help get started and find a motorcycle accident lawyer near you to assist with your case:
- Ask for referrals from friends, family, or acquaintances who have been in a similar situation. Personal recommendations can be valuable in finding a trustworthy and experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.
- Search online for motorcycle accident lawyers in your area. Look for lawyers with a strong online presence, positive reviews, and a proven track record of success in handling motorcycle accident cases.
- Check with your local bar association for a list of lawyers specializing in motorcycle accident cases. Many bar associations offer referral services that can connect you with qualified lawyers in your area.
- Look for lawyers who specialize in motorcycle accidents, as they have a better understanding of the unique issues that come with these cases, such as proving negligence or liability.
- Schedule consultations with a few different lawyers to discuss your case and get a sense of their experience, communication style, and approach. Many offer free initial consultations.
- Ask about the lawyer’s fee structure and ensure you understand how they will be compensated. Contingency‑based fees mean they only get paid if you win your case.
- Consider the lawyer’s availability and responsiveness. You want someone who will be accessible when you need them and keep you informed throughout the process.
- Trust your instincts. Choose a lawyer who makes you feel comfortable and who you believe will be a strong advocate for your rights and interests.
Remember, you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. With the right motorcycle accident lawyer by your side, you can focus on your recovery while your lawyer works tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
When Should I Hire a Hamilton Motorcycle Lawyer?
If you or someone you love has sustained a life-altering injury in a motorcycle crash — such as a spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures, or other catastrophic trauma — the timing of legal help matters. In cases this serious, hiring a lawyer as soon as possible is critical to protect long-term health, financial stability, and access to necessary care.
Motorcycle crash victims with catastrophic injuries often face emergency surgeries, prolonged hospital stays, rehabilitation, mobility challenges, and long-term uncertainty. In those early days, decisions made by insurers and healthcare providers can directly affect recovery and future independence. That is why timing is not just important — it is essential.
Hire a motorcycle lawyer immediately after a serious injury when:
• The injuries are catastrophic or life-changing (e.g., spinal cord injury, paralysis, severe brain trauma)
• The accident will require surgery, long-term rehabilitation, or attendant care
• Family members are managing medical decisions, hospital communication, or discharge planning
• There is concern about future medical needs, mobility equipment, home modifications, or income replacement
• Insurance companies begin contacting you or pressuring you to make statements or sign forms
• There is uncertainty about who will pay for hospital bills, rehabilitation, or ongoing therapy
Waiting can jeopardize access to timely benefits, rehabilitation services, and critical evidence that supports long-term recovery. Early legal support ensures the accident is properly investigated, benefits are secured without delay, and you receive advocacy during hospital care, transfer to rehabilitation, and return-home planning.
In catastrophic injury cases, a lawyer should be involved from the beginning to help:
• Protect access to medical and rehabilitation benefits
• Coordinate with hospitals, trauma teams, and rehab facilities
• Ensure proper paperwork and benefit applications are submitted correctly and on time
• Preserve crucial evidence and witness information before it is lost
• Support families who are overwhelmed by sudden life changes
• Plan for long-term needs such as wheelchairs, mobility aids, home and vehicle modifications, PSW support, future income losses, and medical follow-up
In short, if the injury is severe, do not wait. Early involvement ensures you are not navigating a catastrophic injury alone and that your recovery, future care, and financial security are protected from day one.
Matt and his team were extremely helpful with my case. I was t-boned while on a motorcycle trip and had to be airlifted. Broke so many bones and still live in brutal pain. Matt helped recover the insurance limits, thankfully. It took while but it was worth it. I am forever grateful to him. Dan.
What is my Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
Determining the value of a motorcycle accident case is a complex process that requires a thorough assessment of your medical condition and future prognosis. It is crucial to understand that an accurate valuation cannot be provided until you have reached Maximum Medical Recovery (MMR), also known as medical plateauing.
MMR is the point at which your treating physicians conclude that your condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improve further with additional medical intervention. Once you have attained MMR, our legal team will engage the services of qualified medical experts to evaluate your case and provide detailed opinions regarding your long-term prognosis, including any potential future medical needs or permanent limitations.
Furthermore, to ensure that you receive full compensation and are restored to your pre-accident financial position, we will meticulously calculate your lost wages, accounting for every dollar lost due to your inability to work as a result of the injuries sustained in the motorcycle accident.
This comprehensive approach, combining expert medical opinions and precise financial documentation, is essential to building a strong case on your behalf and securing the compensation you rightfully deserve under Canadian law.
We understand that no amount of money can turn back the clock to how things were, but we can help you recover money from insurance companies to compensate for your losses. Job loss is a big part of this, but so is the general quality of life. By working with our experienced Hamilton motorcycle accident lawyers, you can ensure that your financial future is protected.
We will assemble the right team of medical experts, occupational therapists, life care planners and accountants. These professionals can help figure out exactly how much money you have lost financially and how much money it will take to get your life back on track.
In most cases, a motorcycle accident victim will seek significant compensation for pain and suffering, past lost income, future lost income, and any difference in lost income, as well as all accident benefits they are entitled to.
What are the Main Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Ontario?
Motorcycle accidents are often caused by other drivers who fail to see or recognize motorcyclists in traffic. According to Ontario driving statistics, there are still fewer motorcyclists hurt or killed than pedestrians or bicyclists, but the number of injuries and fatalities caused by motorcycle crashes is still staggering. Some of the major factors in bike wrecks that are “non-traffic maneuvers” are distracted driving, alcohol, and speed-related causes.
Some common driver-related causes are speed, entering a corner too fast, loss of control, locking the front brake, not judging the slipperiness of the road, and overall biker inexperience. Many types of motorcycle accidents occur on Ontario’s roads and highways regularly, resulting in significant injuries and fatalities for those involved. Some of the more common types of accidents include:
Motorcycle Accident Caused by a Distracted Driver
Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of motorcycle collisions. Even momentary inattention can place motorcyclists at serious risk, particularly because riders are already harder to see and have far less protection than occupants of passenger vehicles. Distracted driving refers to any behaviour that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind away from the task of operating their vehicle. Common distractions include texting or talking on a phone, eating or drinking, interacting with passengers, grooming, entering information into a navigation system, reaching for items inside the vehicle, adjusting climate controls or music devices, and smoking. These behaviours, whether visual, manual, or cognitive, significantly increase the likelihood of a driver failing to notice a motorcyclist until it is too late.
Despite Ontario’s strict distracted driving laws, many drivers continue to engage in these dangerous actions, putting motorcyclists at an unacceptable risk of catastrophic injury. If a distracted driver caused your motorcycle crash, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Our Hamilton motorcycle accident lawyer understands that there is no justification for distracted driving, especially when it harms vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists. Lalande Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience holding negligent drivers accountable and protecting the rights of injured riders. We are committed to pursuing justice on your behalf.
Motorcycle Accident Caused by Speeding Drivers not Paying Attention
Speeding by drivers is an often-cited factor in motorcycle accidents. Another driver’s excessive speed may make it difficult for a motorcyclist to maneuver out of the way in time or force them to switch lanes into oncoming traffic to get out of the way. Speeding also leads drivers to hit motorcycles from behind because they can’t stop in time.
Speeding is dangerous for everyone on Hamilton roads, but motorcyclists are at particular risk of speed-related crashes. Some drivers not only speed but engage in reckless stunt driving or speed racing, which involves driving more than 50 km over the posted speed limit.
Ontario recently passed stricter laws regarding excessive speeding to reduce speed-related crashes. The Moving Ontarians More Safely Act (MOMS Act) took effect on July 1, 2021, and it allows for a 14-day vehicle impoundment and a 30-day license suspension for those who recklessly speed.
While the new law might not eliminate speeding entirely, it can help eliminate more severe crashes with motorcycles due to stunt driving. Motorcyclists should stay aware of the danger of cars speeding around them, causing hazardous conditions when operating their motorbikes. However, even the most vigilant motorcyclist cannot control the actions of other drivers and might find themselves with injuries from a speed-related crash.
Motorcycle Accident caused by an Impaired/Drunk Driver
Impaired drivers pose a significant and preventable risk to motorcyclists. Ontario law prohibits operating a vehicle while abilities are compromised by alcohol or drugs, including driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher for fully licensed drivers, or any alcohol at all for underage, novice, or commercial drivers. Alcohol impairs vision, reaction time, judgment, and attention—factors already critical given the smaller profile of motorcycles on the road. Intoxicated drivers frequently fail to notice motorcycles, disregard traffic signals, speed, make unsafe turns or lane changes, or even travel the wrong way, all of which create an extreme hazard for motorcyclists. When a drunk driver strikes a motorcycle, the impact is often more severe because impaired drivers tend to slow down less before a collision. Both riders and passengers face a heightened risk of catastrophic injury or fatality, and intoxication by a motorcycle operator or passenger can further increase the danger.
Our Hamilton motorcycle accident lawyer assists injured riders in gathering the necessary records, proving impairment, and holding negligent drivers accountable. Lalande Personal Injury Lawyers believes there is never an excuse for impaired operation of any vehicle. We are committed to protecting injured motorcyclists and their families and ensuring they receive the financial recovery they need to rebuild.
Motorcycle Accident caused by Sudden Stop
Abrupt stopping without warning can overwhelm a motorcyclist’s ability to brake safely. Sudden stops by vehicles ahead can cause rear-end collisions or force motorcyclists to take evasive actions that result in loss of control or crashes.
Motorcycle Accident caused an Inexperienced or Unlicensed Driver
Drivers without sufficient experience may lack the judgment and skill needed to safely share the road with motorcyclists. Inexperience can lead to improper lane positioning, misjudging distances, or failing to recognize a rider’s vulnerability.
Motorcycle Accident caused by a Fatigued or Tired Driver
Drowsy drivers experience slower reaction times and impaired decision-making similar to impaired driving. Fatigue can cause a driver to drift into another lane or fail to notice a motorcycle until it is too late.
Motocycle Accident caused by an Aggressive Driver
Aggressive driving also poses a significant danger to motorcyclists. Aggression can arise when a driver becomes impatient with traffic or otherwise frustrated while on the road. When someone allows their impatience or frustration to spill over into their driving behaviours, it puts everyone at risk, including motorcyclists.
Some aggressive drivers can primarily target motorcyclists for different reasons. Drivers might watch motorcyclists maneuver more easily through traffic, which might fuel their frustration. Aggressive driving often puts motorcyclists at a greater risk of crashes. Some common aggressive driving acts include:
- Tailgating, which could lead a driver to rear-end a motorcyclist
- Quick or careless lane changes, which can sideswipe a motorcycle or run it off the road
- Failing to use a turn signal for lane changes which can require a motorcyclist to swerve and crash
- Excessive speeding, which can prevent a driver from slowing down before hitting a motorcycle
- Excessively or unnecessarily honking a horn or flashing lights which can distract and even frighten a motorcyclist
Because aggressive driving and road rage often involve intentionally driving in a risky manner, many drivers end up with this offence on their records. Motorcyclists who suffered injuries can use criminal accusations and evidence to help prove their injury claims. An experienced Hamilton motorcycle lawyer can help you gather the necessary records and evidence.
Left Turn Collision Motorcycle Accident
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is left-turn collisions. A typical scenario involves a motorcyclist traveling straight through an intersection, while another driver attempts to turn left across their path. In Ontario, the law places a heavy burden on drivers turning left, requiring them to yield to oncoming traffic and ensure it is safe to make the turn. If a driver fails to do so and collides with a motorcyclist, they may be deemed entirely at fault.
For example, if a motorcyclist is traveling northbound on a highway and a driver turns left across their path to enter a parking lot, the driver may be liable for any resulting damages or injuries. In such cases, the motorcyclist may be entitled to compensation for their losses, and the at-fault driver may face significant consequences for their negligence.
Matt and his team were extremely helpful with my case. I was t-boned while on a motorcycle trip and had to be airlifted. Broke so many bones and still live in brutal pain. Matt helped recover the insurance limits, thankfully. It took while but it was worth it. I am forever grateful to him. Dan.
Motorcycle Accident caused by Driver Failing to Yield
Many motorcycle crashes occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way at intersections, driveways, and merges. Motorcycles are less visible than passenger vehicles, and drivers who do not carefully scan the roadway can enter a rider’s path without warning.
Motorcycle Accident Caused by a Driver Following too closely
Tailgating is especially hazardous for motorcyclists because bikes can stop more quickly than larger vehicles. A driver who follows too closely may not have adequate time to brake, often resulting in rear-end impacts that eject riders and cause severe injuries.
Motorcycle Accident caused by a Driver making an Unsafe Lane Change
Drivers who switch lanes without properly checking mirrors and blind spots frequently miss motorcycles. A sudden lane change into a rider’s path can cause direct impact or force the motorcyclist into a collision while attempting to avoid the vehicle.
Motorcycle Caught in Blind-Spot
Motorcycles can easily fall into a vehicle’s blind spots. When drivers rely solely on mirrors and fail to shoulder-check, they risk sideswiping or merging into a motorcyclist, particularly on highways and multi-lane roads.
Intersection Errors Can Cause a Motorcycle Crash
25% of all motorcycle accidents occur when a motorcyclist chooses to turn left at an intersection, and an oncoming car does not see the rider. Some more traffic-related factors are at-fault drivers running amber lights and making careless left-hand turns. A car or truck might not see a rider approaching from the opposite direction because the driver was distracted and not paying attention.
Crossing through traffic is dangerous for anyone, no matter what type of vehicle they are driving, but the risk is significantly higher for motorcyclists.
Motorcycle Accident Caused by Driver Running an Amber or Red Light
When a driver runs an amber or red light, the results can be devastating for motorcyclists. Unlike drivers in enclosed vehicles, motorcyclists have no protective barrier, leaving them highly exposed to the full force of an impact. These collisions often occur at intersections, where a driver’s attempt to beat the light or misjudge its timing places riders directly in harm’s way. The motorcyclist may have the right of way and little time to react before being struck by a vehicle entering the intersection against the signal. Such crashes frequently cause severe injuries, including fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal damage, and they are almost always preventable through basic adherence to traffic signals and responsible driving.
What if the Motorcycle Accident Was Partly My Fault?
Liability in motorcycle accidents isn’t always easy to determine. Even if you believe you were partly at fault, you may still have the right to pursue a claim for your injuries and losses. In Ontario, fault is assessed based on the concept of contributory negligence—meaning your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you, but it does not eliminate your ability to recover damages.
The first step is to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our Hamilton motorcycle accident lawyers. We will investigate the circumstances of your crash, gather evidence, and determine who is truly responsible. Early legal guidance is critical—it prevents the insurance company from taking advantage of you and ensures that vital evidence is preserved. Talk to a Hamilton motorcycle accident lawyer today to learn how we can help protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Life-Changing Injuries Riders Face After a Crash
Motorcyclists regularly suffer serious injuries because they lack protection and safety equipment. With full exposure to the elements while riding, motorcyclists lack the airbags, seat belts, and other safety equipment found in cars that mitigate the damage and injuries from an accident.
According to a recent study published in the Journal of Injury Prevention (2020), motorcycle accidents result in disproportionately severe injuries and fatalities compared to other types of motor vehicle crashes. The study analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and found that:
- Motorcyclists are approximately 28 times more likely to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled compared to passenger car occupants. (Source: NHTSA, 2020)
- In 2019, motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities in the United States, despite representing only 3% of registered vehicles. (Source: NHTSA, 2020)
- The most common motorcycle injuries sustained in crashes include:
- Head injuries (69.4%)
- Facial injuries (46.5%)
- Rib and thoracic injuries (34.5%)
- Abdominal injuries (22.1%)
- Spinal cord injuries (15.1%) (Source: Journal of Injury Prevention, 2020)
These statistics highlight the devastating consequences of motorcycle accidents and the importance of prioritizing road safety and injury prevention measures.
Motorcyclists are more likely to suffer traumatic injuries from the sheer impact of the crash because they have nothing guarding them against the other vehicle or the pavement. Cars are enclosed, and the walls of the car shield drivers from some of the force of an impact. Motorcyclists have no barriers from the ground and everything else around them, subjecting them to the potential for more serious harm in an accident.
Besides a safety helmet, motorcyclists don’t have much protection to mitigate injuries from an accident. The sheer physics of a larger, heavier car hitting a smaller motorcycle is another reason why motorcyclists are more likely to suffer more severe injuries. Motorcyclists often fly from their bikes in a crash, and such ejections infrequently occur in car accidents. This can lead to more severe injuries from the impact of forcefully hitting the ground or another obstacle.
Our Hamilton motorcycle accident lawyers know how to evaluate the costs and losses associated with serious motorcycle accident injuries. We know that different injury types will require different medical care and affect your life differently. Our law firm specializes in representing motorcycle accident victims who have suffered severe life-changing common motorcycle injuries such as:
Broken Bones and Fractures
Motorcycle accidents frequently result in serious orthopedic injuries that can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life. Common injuries include fractured legs, pelvis, arms, shoulders, and ankles, along with other bone fractures that may require extensive medical intervention.
These orthopedic injuries often necessitate surgical procedures, prolonged rehabilitation, and multiple follow-up treatments. Recovery can take months or even years, during which time you may be unable to work, perform daily activities, or enjoy the activities you once loved. Some fractures, particularly pelvic and complex joint injuries, can result in permanent limitations or chronic pain that affects your independence and future earning capacity.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers understand the full scope of these injuries and their long-term consequences. We work to secure comprehensive compensation that accounts for your immediate medical expenses, ongoing treatment needs, lost income, reduced earning potential, and the physical and emotional toll these injuries have taken on your life. Our goal is to ensure you receive the financial resources necessary for your recovery and to rebuild your future after a devastating accident.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries represent some of the most profound and life-changing consequences of serious accidents in Ontario. Whether classified as complete or incomplete, these injuries fundamentally alter the trajectory of a person’s life, affecting not only the injured individual but also their family members and support network who must navigate this challenging transition together.
A spinal cord injury can result in varying degrees of paralysis, with some individuals experiencing partial loss of function while others face complete paralysis requiring full-time wheelchair use and extensive care. Beyond the physical limitations, these injuries carry profound psychological and emotional weight as individuals work to redefine their identity, independence, and future plans in light of dramatically changed circumstances.
The ripple effects extend into every aspect of daily life—from the need for home modifications and specialized equipment to changes in employment, relationships, and long-term care requirements. Families often become full-time caregivers, managing complex medical needs while processing their own emotional response to their loved one’s injury. The financial burden can be staggering, with costs for adaptive technology, ongoing medical care, therapy, and personal support services accumulating over a lifetime.
No one anticipates or prepares for a spinal cord injury. When these catastrophic injuries occur due to someone else’s negligence, our legal team works to secure the comprehensive compensation needed to address both immediate and lifelong needs, ensuring access to quality care, rehabilitation, and the resources necessary to maximize independence and quality of life.
Head and Brain Injuries
Traumatic and acquired brain injuries rank among the most serious consequences of motorcycle accidents, occurring when external forces during a collision cause damage to the brain. Closed head injuries—where the skull remains intact but the brain sustains internal damage—are particularly common in motorcycle crashes, often resulting from the rapid acceleration and deceleration forces or impact with roadways, vehicles, or other objects.
The severity of brain injuries exists on a spectrum, ranging from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries with lasting neurological effects. Even injuries initially classified as “mild” can produce significant and persistent symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. Common effects include cognitive difficulties such as problems with memory, concentration, and processing information, as well as physical symptoms like chronic headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and balance issues.
Many brain injury survivors also experience changes in speech and language abilities, including difficulty finding words, slowed speech patterns, or challenges with comprehension. Perhaps most challenging are the often-overlooked emotional and behavioral changes—mood instability, increased irritability, anxiety, depression, and alterations in personality that can strain relationships and affect one’s sense of self.
These cognitive and neurological symptoms can profoundly impact your ability to work, maintain relationships, and perform routine daily activities. Brain injuries often require extensive rehabilitation involving neurologists, neuropsychologists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists. Recovery timelines vary significantly, and some individuals face permanent limitations that require lifelong support and accommodations.
Our firm understands the complex nature of brain injuries and works with medical experts to fully document the extent of your injury and its impact on every aspect of your life. We pursue comprehensive compensation that addresses your medical treatment, rehabilitation needs, lost earning capacity, and the profound ways this injury has altered your future.
Facial Injuries
Facial injuries represent a significant risk for motorcycle riders, particularly those who wear open-face or half helmets that leave portions of the face exposed. While these helmet styles offer some protection, they cannot shield riders from the severe facial trauma that can occur during a collision or fall. The face and jaw are especially vulnerable to direct impact with roadways, vehicles, or debris, and the resulting injuries can be both physically devastating and emotionally challenging.
Common facial injuries from motorcycle accidents include fractured cheekbones, eye socket (orbital) fractures, broken jaws, nasal fractures, and damage to teeth. These injuries often involve multiple facial bones and may affect critical structures responsible for vision, breathing, chewing, and speech. Road rash and deep abrasions to facial skin are also common, particularly in sliding impacts, where unprotected skin contacts pavement at high speed.
Treatment for serious facial injuries typically requires immediate emergency care followed by specialized intervention from oral and maxillofacial surgeons, plastic surgeons, and sometimes ophthalmologists or dental specialists. Surgical procedures may involve setting and plating fractured bones, reconstructing damaged facial structures, and performing skin grafts to repair severe abrasions or lacerations. Recovery often includes multiple surgeries staged over months or years to restore both function and appearance.
Beyond the physical healing process, facial injuries carry significant psychological and social implications. Visible scarring, permanent disfigurement, or changes to facial structure can affect self-esteem, social interactions, and professional opportunities. Many individuals require counseling or therapy to cope with these changes to their appearance and identity.
Our Hamilton motorcycle accident lawyers have extensive experience representing riders who have sustained serious facial injuries. We work closely with medical specialists to understand the full extent of your injuries and pursue compensation that addresses all aspects of your recovery—including reconstructive procedures, scar revision treatments, psychological support, and the personal impact these injuries have had on your life and relationships.
Amputation Injuries
Amputation Injuries Amputation represents one of the most catastrophic outcomes of severe motorcycle accidents. These life-altering injuries can occur at the scene of the accident due to the traumatic force of impact, or may become medically necessary afterward when limbs sustain such extensive damage—from crushing injuries, severe fractures, or compromised blood supply—that they cannot be saved. Whether involving fingers, hands, arms, feet, legs, or multiple limbs, amputations permanently change how individuals navigate the world and perform even the most basic daily tasks.
The physical challenges extend far beyond the initial loss of the limb. Many motorcycle accident amputees experience phantom limb pain—persistent sensations or pain perceived in the missing body part—which can range from occasional discomfort to severe, chronic pain that resists treatment. Pain at the residual limb site, particularly during the healing process and prosthetic fitting, is also common. Skin breakdown, nerve damage, and complications with prosthetic devices can create ongoing medical issues requiring continuous management.
Learning to use prosthetic limbs involves extensive rehabilitation with prosthetists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. While modern prosthetics have advanced significantly, they cannot fully replicate the functionality, sensation, and ease of natural limbs. Simple activities like dressing, cooking, bathing, or moving through spaces require relearning and adaptation. More complex physical activities, hobbies, and sports may become impossible or require significant modification.
The psychological and emotional impact of amputation is profound. Many individuals experience grief over the loss of their body integrity, struggles with changed self-image and identity, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress related to both the accident and the amputation itself. The visible nature of limb loss can affect social interactions and relationships, while the loss of independence—even temporary—can be deeply distressing.
Professionally, amputations often end careers or severely limit employment options, particularly for those in physically demanding occupations or jobs requiring fine motor skills. Even with accommodations and retraining, many amputees face reduced earning capacity for the remainder of their working lives. The financial burden is substantial, encompassing not only lost income but also costs for prosthetics (which require replacement every few years), ongoing medical care, home and vehicle modifications, and long-term personal care assistance.
Our firm recognizes that amputation injuries demand comprehensive legal representation that accounts for a lifetime of needs. We work with medical experts, life care planners, and vocational specialists to fully document the extensive physical, emotional, and financial impact of your amputation, pursuing compensation that provides for prosthetic devices, rehabilitation, psychological support, home modifications, lost earning capacity, and the profound ways this injury has transformed your life.
Rotator Cuff Tears, Muscle Tears, Ligament, and Tendon Tears
Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of pain and disability among motorcycle accident victims. Torn rotator cuff tendons can be partial or full-thickness tears. Although tears can be degenerative, accidents are often the cause of acute tears, which often require surgery and lengthy recovery. Ligaments and tendons in other joints like the wrist or knees can necessitate surgery, reconstruction, or even joint replacement. One of the most common knee injuries in motorcycle accidents is anterior cruciate ligament sprain or tears.
Severe Road Rash and Degloving
Degloving injuries represent some of the most severe and disturbing traumatic wounds that can result from motorcycle accidents. These injuries occur when the skin and underlying soft tissue are forcibly torn away from the body, essentially being “peeled off” from the muscle, bone, or connective tissue beneath—similar to removing a glove from a hand. In motorcycle crashes, degloving most commonly affects the limbs, hands, feet, or scalp when a rider’s body slides across pavement or becomes caught between surfaces.
The severity can range from partial degloving affecting the top layers of skin to complete degloving where large sections of skin and tissue are entirely separated from the underlying structures. These injuries are surgical emergencies requiring immediate intervention to preserve tissue viability and prevent life-threatening complications such as severe blood loss, shock, and infection.
My Loved One Died in a Motocycle Accident. I Don’t Know What To Do
This situation is a tragedy which, unfortunately, in most cases, causes incredible disruption and complications to emotions and finances.
Many scenarios can lead to wrongful death motorcycle accidents, some being more common than others. One thing we know for sure is that motorcyclists are up to 27 times more likely to die in a motorcycle accident than those travelling in cars or trucks.
The primary cause of motorcycle fatalities is head injuries – or those riders that suffer such trauma to the head that, medically, there would be no chance of clinical recovery. Wrongful death claims after a fatal motorcycle crash can be complicated, depending on the scenario and the people involved.
There will be so many things to think about – and so many questions – the most often we see are questions such as:
- I don’t want to hire a lawyer now. But should I?
- I have no idea where to find a wrongful death lawyer near me. Where do I start?
- How will I cope with the emotional trauma and grief of losing my spouse?
- What legal steps should I take to seek justice for my spouse’s wrongful death?
- How do I file a wrongful death claim in Ontario, and what is the process involved?
- What types of damages can I recover through a wrongful death claim?
- How will I support myself and my family financially without my spouse’s income?
- Can I receive compensation for the loss of my spouse’s future earnings?
- How will I pay for the medical bills and funeral expenses related to my spouse’s accident?
- What happens if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured?
- How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Ontario?
- Will I need to go to court, or can I settle the case out of court?
- Who is going to pay the bills?
- How am I going to do this on my own?
- Who is going to pay the insurance, the kid’s activities, the mortgage?
- How can I prove that the other driver was at fault for the motorcycle crash?
- What role does my spouse’s motorcycle insurance play in the claims process?
- Can I recover damages for my own emotional distress and loss of companionship?
- How do I access my spouse’s life insurance or pension benefits?
- What happens to my spouse’s debts and assets after their death?
- How will I manage the day-to-day responsibilities that my spouse used to handle?
- What legal rights do I have as a surviving spouse in Ontario?
- Can I recover punitive damages if the at-fault driver was impaired, grossly negligent or reckless?
- How do I find a reputable wrongful death lawyer near me?
- What can I do to honor my spouse’s memory and find closure after the accident?
Losing a loved one in a wrongful death motorcycle accident is a devastating tragedy that can leave you reeling with grief, emotional trauma, and financial uncertainty. The numerous questions and concerns that arise can be overwhelming, making it difficult to know where to turn.
Reaching out to a compassionate and experienced wrongful death lawyer can provide you with the guidance, support, and advocacy you need to seek justice and secure the compensation you deserve. A successful wrongful death claim can help alleviate financial burdens, including medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and future earnings.
Prioritizing your own well-being and seeking support from loved ones, support groups, or professional counseling services is crucial. Honoring your spouse’s memory and finding closure will take time, patience, and self-care. Remember, you don’t have to bear the weight of this tragedy alone. By seeking help and guidance, you can begin to rebuild your life and work towards a brighter future for yourself and your family.
Hamilton Motorcycle Accident Free Consultation
Yes, there is never any cost to speak to Lalande Personal Injury Lawyers and obtain the legal advice you deserve. We are happy to explain your rights as a motorcycle accident victim in Ontario. A free consultation with one of our Hamilton motorcycle accident lawyers can provide invaluable guidance and support for accident victims and their families.
During this initial meeting, we will evaluate the circumstances of your accident, assess the potential for a successful claim, and provide tailored advice on the course of action.
A free consultation is the perfect opportunity for you, as the motorcycle accident victim, to understand your legal rights and options. It also lets you determine if our Hamilton motorcycle accident lawyer is a good fit for you and your case.
By offering our expertise without any upfront cost, our Hamilton motorcycle accident lawyers can explain how we can help you and your family navigate the complexities of the legal system with no pressure. We want to alleviate your burden and work towards securing fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Our Hamilton Lawyers Fight for Maximum Motorcycle Injury Compensation
Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be traumatic, overwhelming, and potentially life-changing. While some motorcycle accidents are minor and don’t require a lawyer, most bike accidents involve complicated insurance issues. The consequences are usually not the biker’s fault, and the legal issues are too stressful for an injured party to handle as they recover.
Injuries caused by motorcycle accidents make up a significant portion of serious traffic accidents and are a major cause of increased morbidity and mortality, especially among young men and women. Today, many motorcycle accidents in Hamilton and across Ontario are caused by drivers not paying attention or because they’re talking or texting on their smartphones. Because riders are unprotected, they often suffer brutal injuries that can cause a lifetime of disability and interruption to their work and career.
Matt Lalande is a Hamilton motorcycle accident lawyer who has been representing motorcycle accident victims throughout Ontario since 2003. Our firm understands the impact that being injured can have on the lives of victims, their families and loved ones. The losses can be profound and, for victims, often insurmountable without proper legal help. We always work to pursue the maximum compensation for our clients.
This ensures their futures are protected financially, vocationally, and in terms of care needs. Since 2003, we have recovered millions for motorcyclists in Hamilton and throughout Southern Ontario – and we are prepared to fight for you, too.
Contact our Hamilton Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
If you have suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against those responsible. Although we can’t undo the devastating damage you and your loved ones have faced, we can fight to provide you with the financial security you need to begin healing and help you go on with your life in the best manner possible.
Our Hamilton motorcycle accident lawyers believe that everyone should have access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That is why we offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your rights and explore your options. Call us today at 905-333-8888 or send us a confidential message through our website. Our dedicated team is ready to listen, advise, and advocate on your behalf.
Article FAQ
What are the most serious motorcycle accident injuries?
The most serious motorcycle accident injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries and paralysis, amputations and loss of limbs, severe fractures and broken bones, internal organ damage and bleeding, and disfigurement. These injuries can lead to long-term disabilities, permanent impairments, and significant changes in the victim’s quality of life, often requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
I’ve been in a motorcycle accident – what do I do?
If you have suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident, you need to speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer without delay. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help put the insurance funding and occupational therapist in place to help with your bills, hospital discharge, home modifications, support workers, and rehabilitation. Once this is in place and you are comfortable, then your motorcycle accident lawyers will seek justice and the compensation you deserve from the other motorist who caused your injuries.
What is the most common type of motorcycle accident?
By far, the most common type of motorcycle accident occurs when a car makes a left-hand turn in front of the motorcyclist, cutting the motorcyclist off. This is the most dangerous position for a motorcyclist to be in, and it accounts for nearly half of all motorcycle accidents in Canada.
Should I hire a local motorcycle accident lawyer?
Absolutely. It is better to hire a local motorcycle accident lawyer that you can visit and speak with at any time you wish. You need to make sure that your file is not a number – and that you are actually represented by the motorcycle accident lawyer that you hire, and not a team of paralegals. You only get one shot at obtaining compensation, so it is absolutely important to hire the right local motorcycle accident you are comfortable with. We serve clients throughout the Golden Horseshoe, from Hamilton to Niagara.
Should I wait to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer until I am out of the hospital?
Absolutely not – it is MUCH easier for your motorcycle accident lawyers to put together a team of therapists, life care planners, and rehab specialists and make sure the insurance funding is in place. It is much more difficult to undo the insurance difficulties that will happen if you wait too long to hire motorcycle accident experts. We cannot stress enough how difficult things will be if you wait too long to hire your motorcycle accident lawyer.
What is a good settlement for a motorcycle accident?
It is not really possible to estimate a good settlement until you reach maximum medical improvement or maximum medical recovery. This means that your physical and psychological condition cannot be improved any further or when a treatment plateau in your healing process is reached. Then, at this point, your motorcycle accident lawyers will retain the proper experts to calculate your lost wages, housekeeping and maintenance losses, future health care expenses, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of amenities, among other things.
Is there a cap on motorcycle accident compensation?
Yes, as of September 2025, the cap on damages for pain and suffering is $469,801.
Why should I hire your Hamilton motorcycle accident law firm?
Hamilton Trial lawyer Matt Lalande has represented bikers and motorcyclists in Hamilton and all over Southern Ontario since 2003. He has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for motorcycle accident victims and their families. Remember, the sooner you call our office, the sooner we can help evaluate your situation and begin protecting your rights as an accident victim.
Is it free to talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer?
Absolutely. Talking to our Hamilton motorcycle accident lawyers is free, and there is no obligation to retain our firm after we talk. We also never ask our clients for money upfront.
Can I change Lawyers?
If you have a lawyer that you feel is not representing you properly in your case, you have the right to obtain a second opinion. We are always happy to help in any way we can.
Do I need to physically attend your office?
No, you do not. In fact, many of our clients cannot come into the office because of their physical disabilities. In that case, we can always set up a talk through Zoom, Google Meet, or Facetime—whatever you prefer.
Should I contact a motorcycle accident lawyer?
Yes absolutely, if you are a loved one have suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident it’s very important that you get legal advice early on to obtain your legal rights and what compensation you may be entitled to. For example, if you are a loved one suffered serious injuries and are unable to work, it’s important to get the income replacement process and wage loss claims setup to compensate you for your losses. You need to inform yourself about your legal rights as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident.
What happens if the person that hit me does not have insurance?
In Ontario, your own insurance policy will respond and protect you in the event that the person who caused your injuries does not have insurance – or enough insurance – to cover your compensation claim. Although the process is vastly different in regard to underinsured and uninsured coverage, rest assured that you are most likely able to obtain compensation.
What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents?
Texting and driving is a major cause of motorcycle wrecks in Ontario. You can read more about motorcycle accidents and texting and driving here. Other common reasons for motorcycle crashes are the failure to use turn signals, left and turns, dangerous intersections, lane changing, rear-end crashes and overall driver and experience.
When should I hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
If you suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident, it’s better that you hire a personal injury lawyer prior to your discharge from the hospital. This way, your lawyers can hire the appropriate occupational therapists, ensure that your insurance is put in place, your income is replaced, your rehabilitation is put in place, any home modifications are put in place and make sure that your discharge back home is seamless and that you have appropriate attendant care to assist you during your recovery.
What are the chances of getting into a motorcycle accident?
It’s estimated that motorcyclists are 15 times more likely to be involved in a crash then drivers of automobiles. Motorcyclists are also 13.5 times more likely to die traffic collisions when compared to victims in car crashes. In 2018, motorcycles represented approximately 3.1% of all registered motor vehicles in Ontario, but accounted for more than 12% of motor vehicle fatalities and 12% of serious injuries.
Does wearing a helmet reduce the likelihood of death in a motorcycle accident?
Yes, absolutely, the NHTSA reported in 2018 that wearing a helmet reduce the likelihood of death by 37%. To the passenger, wearing a helmet was shown to reduce the likelihood of death by 41%.
What compensation am I entitled to if I was hurt in a motorcycle accident?
It depends. You may be entitled to compensation for your physical pain and suffering, psychological pain and suffering, past wage losses, future wage losses, healthcare expenses, out-of-pocket expenses etc. You need to speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer and obtain proper legal advice as soon as possible if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident. One thing’s for certain, you only have one shot, so you need to hire the right motorcycle accident lawyer to be able to obtain the most compensation possible.
Who pays for my rehab if I’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident?
No matter whose faulty accident is, you will have access to your own insurance policy’s statutory accident benefits which will entitle you to access up to $65,000, or $1 million in medical and rehabilitation benefits, depending on the severity of your injury. However, if you have a group benefit policy, that policy will pay the rehabilitation first. Your motorcycle accident insurance will pay the difference, or the excess.
What is the average settlement in a motorcycle accident in Ontario?
In Ontario there is no simple ‘average’ dollar value for motorcycle-accident settlements because each case turns on unique facts. For a rider with relatively minor injuries and full insurance coverage on the other side you might see settlements in the tens to low hundreds of thousands of dollars. On the other hand, in a case involving catastrophic injury, permanent disability, significant income loss and high-limit policies it is not unusual to see settlements well into the half-million or multi-million-dollar range. The policies at issue and the nature of the loss are critical. We will evaluate your medical records, rehabilitation prognosis, income history and policy limits before providing a tailored estimate.
What is a “lane switching” motorcycle accident?
A lane switching motorcycle accident is quite common. This is when a car that’s next to a motorcyclist begins to merge into his or her lane. This happens because motorcyclists are not often seen in blind spots.
What percentage of motorcycle riders die in motorcycle accidents?
Motorcyclists in Canada are 13.5 times more likely to die in traffic collisions when compared to victims in car crashes.
Has your firm handled a lot of motorcycle accident cases?
Matt Lalande has been representing motorcycle victim since 2003. Not only does he ride motorcycles, but he vigorously pursues justice on the behalf of injured motorcyclists in Ontario.
What are the 4 R’s with motorcycle riding?
Read the road ahead, drive to the Right, ride off the road and Reduce your speed.
What are my rights after a motorcycle accident?
You have the right to get proper legal advice. You have the right to pursue compensation from the wrongdoer that caused your accident, or the motorcycle accident of your loved one. You have the right to a protected future. You have the right to seek accident benefits from your own insurance company to help rehabilitate you back into society. You have the right to income replacement. You have the right to wage losses, compensation for pain and suffering and if your injuries are devastating, you have the right to lifelong healthcare costs outside of what OHIP would provide you.
How can a Hamilton motorcycle accident lawyer help me?
A Hamilton motorcycle accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance by investigating your accident, gathering evidence, dealing with insurance companies, and representing your interests in court if necessary. They can help you understand your legal rights, assess the value of your claim, and fight to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. The result is confidence and peace of mind on your part, allowing you to focus all your energy on healing and recovering.
